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Silkstone Holy Grails–Addendum

A friend has just reminded me (Thank you Jim!!) of a limited “holy grail” Silky that I forgot to mention in my previous post. She is the Raven Debut Silkstone given to attendees of The Paris Fashion Doll Festival in 2009. So… there actually was another Silkstone given at a convention .

Barbie Debut Brunette ( although she is more commonly referred to as the raven haired debut.)

Edition size: 354 ( source: http://www.dollexpo.fr/dollexpo/archivesfestivals.htm)

Isn’t she lovely! Lucky convention attendees too…they were in Paris AND have this lovely keepsake from the event.

Posted by raberry65 | April 13, 2012 | Categories: Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Holy Grails of Silkstone Barbie Collecting

I wrote a few days ago about Integrity Toys and the limited editions of their upcoming collection. It got me to thinking about edition sizes in general and the impact it can have on collecting. When you begin collecting anything, especially fashion dolls, you usually run into the availability issue fairly quickly. You learn that limited availability means higher price and, in some cases, a treasure hunt of epic proportions. These rare and limited items become known as “collector holy grails” and the fervor with which one pursues acquirement can be intense. It depends on the collector.

I have to say I have acquired a couple “holy grails” in my time as a collector. The funny thing is..I never really pursued them strongly…it was more a matter of being at the right place at the right time. I know that I had done my homework and knew what a fair price was for these items and I always had my antennae up for information about things on my “holy grail” list …perhaps that just means I was always in pursuit. Man I need therapy. Anywhoo…the point is an opportunity would come up to acquire a “holy grail” and I would either act or let it go by. If you are plugged into the doll community ( read and contribute to doll boards, doll manufacturer websites and collector blogs) it can make the hunt easier and a whole lot of fun. I have met some of the most generous and lovely people in my pursuit for the holy grails of my collection..or…come out of it with some of the best stories involving my collection. Wow!… aren’t you curious now?!

When I began collecting Silkstone Barbies years ago, I soon learned that there were a number of dolls that were held above others. Mostly, these dolls were revered because they had a very small edition size and that of course improved their resale value and their collectability. Most highly collectible Silkstone Barbies are the platinum editions ( limit to 1,000 or less edition size). Many of them were offered through F.A.O Schwarz and were different hair color variations of another doll.

All Edition size information is from The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie 2008 edition by Michael Augustyniak

1.Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Chataine Barbie

Edition size: 600

2. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Joyeux Barbie –redhead

Edition size: 999

3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2005 Trace of Lace Barbie – blonde

Edition size: 500 ( designed exclusively for the Japanese Collector)

4. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Dahlia

Edition size: 999

5. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Violette

Edition size: 999

6. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2007 The Soiree – blonde

Edition size: 999

7. NBDCC Golden Gala

Edition Size: Unknown by skin type..but considered less than 1,000 total for both skin types

** note** This was the only Silkstone ever given as a convention gift. Given to 2009 National Barbie Doll Collector Convention attendees to commemorate Barbie’s 50’s anniversary. Each attendee received either a Caucasian skin tone or African American skin tone depending on what they selected with their registration packet**

If you are a Silkstone Barbie collector, you may have noticed I have left out a few…read on.

Within these platinum edition Silkstones, there are a few items that have such a limited edition size that it classifies them as the holiest of holy grails.

1. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2000 Display Case – Retail Version

Edition Size: Couldn’t find a substantiated number but let’s just say much less than 175

“This case was provided to select dealers selling the 2000 Barbie Fashion Model Collection. Both the blue sign atop the case and the front panels of the case say “Limited Edition.” The front middle panel is hinged for ease in arranging the two fashion mannequins and the easel with sign in front of the glamorous ballroom backdrop. A plastic holder containing 50 Barbie Fashion Model Collection booklets could be placed beside the case. Note the lower middle panel of the case which introduces customers to the features of the new Silkstone Lingerie Barbie dolls. “ –from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak

2. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2001 Limited Edition Display Case

Edition Size: 175

“Was offered through a Barbie Collectibles by Mail catalog in an edition of 175 for $250.00. This display case is very similar to the 2000 retailer display case except that the words “ Limited Edition” have been deleted from both the blue sign atop the display case as well as the lower front base itself. Also, below the “Barbie” name on the case’s , lower front middle panel, this case has no words, whereas the case provided to dealers in 2000 lists the features of the new Silkstone dolls.” -from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak

3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 City Smart Barbie

Edition size: 600 ( 400 were sold on the Japanese market and 200 were sold to members of the Official Barbie Collector’s Club in the U.S.)

Posted by raberry65 | April 13, 2012 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone | Tags: Barbie, Chataine, City Smart, Dahlia, golden gala, Joyeux redhead, Pink Soiree, Silkstone, Silkstone Barbie, Silkstone Barbie holy grail, Silkstone display case, Trace of lace blonde, violette | 9 Comments

Integrity Toys 2012 Reveal….the aftermath

Well, a week has gone by and those in the Fashion Royalty collecting world are still absorbing the massive amount of new eye candy that was displayed at the Integrity Toys webinar. I think it is safe to say that Integrity blew many collectors socks off with their new offerings for 2012. Evidence of that is clear…dealers have sold out preorders on many products already. Another factor in the early sold out status this year were lower edition sizes and smaller allotments to a growing number of dealers. This resulted in many collectors being told “ sorry, we are sold out of the doll you ordered.” Very frustrating! I would imagine it is a tough road to walk for Integrity and its dealers. A business would want to keep edition sizes low to decrease excessive inventory for their dealers while helping to maintain value for their customers. It’s that low supply/ high demand economics 101 again. A business also has to satisfy its customer and it would appear that many of Integrity’s loyal customers were left wanting in this last round of preorders. Finding the right edition size is not an exact science and I do believe there is something to be said for leaving your customers always wanting for more….but you don’t want to starve them right? I just can’t help but wonder if perhaps they guessed a little low with their numbers this time around. I managed to procure everything that I wanted through my amazing dealer ( Love ya Barb!)…but I really feel for those who were not able to get what they wanted and I feel for the dealers who had to disappoint many of their loyal customers because they simply did not have the allotments to satisfy demand. Where is the happy medium??

Yes Integrity…you have that good of a collection for 2012….hope you have not lost some collectors with the stingy edition sizes this year.

Here were my favorites for this latest 2012 reveal.

I am not saying I ordered all of these….but I’m not saying I didn’t either Winking smile

The Kyori gift set was the definite winner if current doll board feedback and the speed with which it sold out is any indication.

Some other early preorder sellouts were the Nu.Face Lillith and Eden gift set and Giselle, Fashion Royalty’s Adele and FR2’s Tatyana. The Mod Poppy Parker line sold out on preorders in …I swear….nano seconds.

After a new collection comes out, I always find it fascinating to research and see comments from others on fashions that may have inspired the collection designs. Obviously Jason Wu’s designs will be an inspiration but I am pleased to see that other designers works are favored as well. I wish I could take credit for the sleuthing on these and finding all of them but I cannot. I found a number of these from the very observant and talented members of the WClub forum.

First up is Kyori pictured above….it looks like the skirt portion of her evening gown was inspired by Zac Posen’s Spring 2012 RTW

Another of Zac Posen’s designs may have inspired FR2’s Ayumi as well…

The collection Adele may have gotten inspiration from Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 RTW

Adele’s accessories were definitely inspired….

by McQueen 2012 Spring RTW and Louis Vuitton Spring 2012

Lilith and Eden Giftset clearly took some direction from Gucci’s 2012 Spring RTW

Dania looks to have been inspired by Integrity’s design captain Jason Wu – Spring 2012 RTW

**Photos used in the post were from www.style.com and Integrity Toys, Inc.**

Posted by raberry65 | April 10, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty | Tags: Fashion Inspiration, Fashion Royalty, Fashion Royalty Squared, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2012 Product Reveal, Nu.Face | 12 Comments

Integrity Toys Reveal–Dynamite Girls

It look longer than I thought to get back to the computer for this post. Sorry. Here are the remaining photos from Integrity Toys webinar on Saturday.

** Photos are property of Integrity Toys, Inc.**

Item #66079
Jasper™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012

Item #66080
Neve™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012

Item #66081
Gavin™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012

Item # 66082
Auden™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012

Item #66083
Remi™
The Dynamite Girls™
Back to Brooklyn Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Late May 2012

Very hip and youthful collection! Well done Mr. Buttry!

Posted by raberry65 | April 3, 2012 | Categories: Dynamite Girls, Fashion Royalty | Tags: Auden, Dynamite Girls, Dynamite Girls Back To Brooklyn collection, Gavin, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2012, Jasper, Neve, Product Reveal, Remi | 2 Comments

Integrity Toys 2012 Reveal…AMAZING!!!

The word in the headline says it all….AMAZING!! One of the many reasons I enjoy being part of Integrity Toys WClub is the opportunity to join their webinar each year to see a presentation of what is to come for the entire year. They do not have a booth at toy fair. Instead they do a presentation for their dealers and collectors via the internet and I absolutely love that. Integrity have done this webinar for the past two years and I think it is a brilliant move. You don’t have to spend time and money to travel anywhere thus saving that money to instead buy product….smart business. You can sit in the privacy of your own home, in your PJ’s if you want, and see all the wonderful products lined up for the year and hear about the inspiration that went into them from the designers. You have to be a WClub member to attend . I know…I know…you don’t want to hear about it…you want to see it. Smile

If you want to see a jazzy version of the Fashion Royalty 2012 collection, I did a slideshow of all the photos set to music. Here it is

If you want to see a jazzy version of the Poppy Parker 2012 collection, click below

*** All Photos are property of Integrity Toys***

Fashion Royalty®: The Style Directive Collection

Item #91296
Always On Her Mind
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012

Item #91297
Trust Your Instincts
Jordan™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012

Item #91298
Your Kind Of Model
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012

Item #91299
World On A String
Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid August 2012

Item #91300
Main Attitude
Adèle Makéda® Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid August 2012

Item #91301
The Sweet Smell Of Success
Véronique Perrin® Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early August 2012

Item #91303
…And Another Thing!
Kyori Sato™ Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Gift Sets Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early August 2012

Nu.Face

Item #82043
Lead Singles
Lillith and Eden™ Two Doll Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $199.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Gift Sets Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early July 2012

Item #82044
Live, Work, Play!
Giselle Diefendorf™ Mini Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $125.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600 Mini Gift Sets Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Early August 2012

Item #82046
Pop of Color
Annik™ Mini Gift Set
Suggested Retail Price: $125.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300 Mini Gift Sets Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid August 2012

FR. Homme

Item #91294
Strings Attached
Perry Marino™ Dressed Fashion Figure
FR:Homme™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $110.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery Date: Early August 2012

Fashion Royalty Squared

Item #57016
Nouveau Régime
Tatyana Alexandrova™ Dressed Doll
FR: Squared™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid June 2012

Item #57017
Opium
Ayumi N.™ Dressed Doll
FR: Squared™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

Item#57018
Strict Elegance LuchiaZ.™Dressed Doll
FR: Squared™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price:$175.00US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

Poppy Parker

Item #PP036
Sunshine Games
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $79.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

Item #PP037
She’s Not There
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid June 2012

Item #PP038
Day Tripper
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

Item #PP039
The Happening
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

Item #PP040
Colour My World
Darla Daley™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid June 2012

Item #PP041
Bus Stop Darla Daley™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $89.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

Item #PP042
My Generation Chip Farnsworth III™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $99.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 450 Dolls Worldwide

Estimated Delivery date: Mid July 2012

WClub Exclusive Event Doll

Item #91302
Truly Madly Deeply
Baroness Agnes Von Weiss™ Mini Gift Set
2012 Online Unveiling Event Exclusive
Limited Edition: TBA
Estimated Arrival: Early Summer 2012

Suggested Retail: $150.00 US

Dynamite Girls will be in a post later in the day….Man are my fingers tired!!!! What did I order you ask? Too much! This collection literally knocked my socks off. If you are interested in purchasing any of this collection, contact your Integrity Toys dealer. Sooner would be better on later on this collection….some items ( cough* Kyori* cough) will go fast. To find and Integrity Toys dealer…go to www.integritytoys.com

Posted by raberry65 | April 2, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Uncategorized | Tags: ...And another thing Kyori, Always on Her Mind Dania, Annik, Ayumi, Bust Stop Darla, Color My World Darla, Dania Zarr, Day Trippers Poppy Parker, Dynamite Girls, Eugenia, Fashion Royalty, Fashion Royalty Squared, Giselle, Integrity Toys, Integrity Toys 2012 Product Reveal, Jordan, Kesenia, Kyori, Lead Singles Lillith and Eden, Lillith and Eden, Live Work Play Giselle, Luchia, Main Attitude Adele, My Generation Chip, Nu.Face, Perry Marino, Pop of Color Annik, Poppy Parker, She's not There Poppy Parker, Strings Attached Perry Marino, Sunshine Games Poppy Paker, Tatyana, The Happening Poppy Parker, The Sweet smell of success Veronique, Trust Your Instincts Jordan, Veronique, World on a String Eugenia, Your Kind of Model Kesenia | 2 Comments

The Upper Echelon of Integrity Toy’s Monograms

** photo property of Integrity Toys, Inc. **

I have to admit….the original outfit on this one just didn’t do it for me personally. I know what a bubble skirt looks like on me ( NOT PRETTY!) and I just could not get past it on this doll. I love the black top, shoes and bag…the rest…. well…time to repurpose. On to the positives…. Love the face of soft color and the hair was a different style. I typically like most variations on an updo so the little curl this girl has in the back was just too adorable. Yes, the hair bump has been overused ,in my opinion, at Integrity this year but on this doll, I like it. Since the outfit wasn’t doing it for me, I had to find an appropriate replacement and inspiration struck while I was perusing the latest edition of Vogue. There is a wonderful spread highlighting the Ritz in Paris. I would absolutely die to have a backdrop of some of these rooms for my dolls. It’s the ultimate in style, I mean come on…Coco Chanel lived there! I saw one photo in this spread and it inspired me to do this shoot. Hope you like it.

< Let them eat Cake… >

Model: Fashion Royalty Monogram “ Echelon”

Coat, skirt and gloves: F.R. Power Play

Shoes: F.R. Monogram

Fur: Dimitha

Fascinator Hat: made by me

The details of “Let them eat Cake”

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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Posted by raberry65 | March 31, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Monogram, Uncategorized | Tags: Doll Diorama, Doll Photography, Fashion Royalty, Fashion Royalty Monogram, Fashion Royalty Monogram "Echelon", Fashion Royalty Power Play, Integrity Toys, Rebecca Berry Photography | 9 Comments

Here She Is! Mattel Releases Photos of New Silkstone Barbie

Mattel has finally released promotional photos for the final Silkstone offering of 2012. She is indeed the yellow gowned lady whose sketch was floated around the doll boards about a month ago. She doesn’t have a name or price yet….hold on to your pocketbooks folks….I suspect she will be pricey. They are saying she will be available in the fall of 2012. This one is a complete no brainer for me. A redhead in yellow?! I die. Fall can’t get here soon enough!

**edit** Just heard from my dealer that her name is “Gala Gown” and price is $150.00. To preorder, feel free to visit Windy City Dolls http://www.windycitydolls.com/bfmcgalagown.htm

**note** photo is property of Mattel Inc.

If you are a Barbie Fan Club Member, you can see more photos under their “sneak peak” folder in the forums.

Posted by raberry65 | March 29, 2012 | Categories: Barbie, Silkstone, Uncategorized | Tags: 2012 BFMC, Barbie, BFMC, Gala Gown Silkstone Barbie, Mattel, Silkstone | 6 Comments

The Monogram Exaggeration

Right off the bat, I have to say that the color palette on this offering from Integrity Toys is beautiful. The coral in the skirt and hat and the insane green of the gloves, shoes and bag are just way out cool. These”exaggerated” colors are not typically ones that are going to excite me and certainly not together but I love them on this doll. I like the fact that we have a soft color block dress paired with a solid navy structured jacket. I love that the outfit is punctuated with the frilly hat like an exclamation point at the end of this fashion sentence. The hat/feather fascinator looks different here than in the promos….I did some restyling and had to curl some feathers. I like the fuller look but it may not appeal to everyone. The whole package screams refinement and fun energy to me. This lady looks like she is stylish and strong. Let’s face it…it takes a strong fashionista to wear coral and acid green together…….

Exaggeration

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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Posted by raberry65 | March 27, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Monogram | Tags: Doll Photography, Fashion Royalty, Fashion Royalty Monogram, Fashion Royalty Monogram "Exaggeration", Integrity Toys, Rebecca Berry Photography | 4 Comments

The “Allure” of Fashion Royalty Monograms

Allure….as a noun it means “ a highly attractive quality”. As a verb it means to “ attract powerfully”.

I have to admit….when I first saw this beautiful lady at the IDEX reveal….I was going to pass. The promo shots just did not do it for me. I felt the Marilyn Monroe vibe but the big cape was not something I was looking for. I decided to go ahead and buy her because I thought I could sell her if I didn’t like her when I got her. I am so glad I purchased her because she is one of those in real life ladies that blew the promo shots out of the water. As I was photographing this lady, I could not believe how well she translates on to film so I was even more surprised that the promo shots did not do this lady justice. She is fire and ice all the way. LOVE HER!

I feel honor bound to state that I was completely enabled and inspired by JennFL’s photos on Flickr of this lovely lady so please check out her photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennfl/with/6865483260/

Revlon did a campaign in the 1950’s and I and others believe it was the inspiration behind this gorgeous lady and gown.

** picture obtained at http://coutureallure.blogspot.com/**

Model, gown and jewelry: Fashion Royalty Monogram “Allure”

Note** she does not come with the diamonds pictured ….bummer!

The details of Allure

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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Posted by raberry65 | March 24, 2012 | Categories: Fashion Royalty, Monogram | Tags: Doll Photography, Fashion Royalty, Fashion Royalty Monogram, Fashion Royalty Monogram "Allure", Integrity Toys, Queen of Diamonds, Rebecca Berry Photography | 12 Comments

“Inspiration” for the First Day of Spring

When I saw the promo shots for this lady, I immediately emailed Barb of Windy City Dolls and said “Sign me up!” I don’t know if it was the updo or the frothy blue confection she was wearing that caught me but this was a no brainer for me. I love the ice cold silver and crystal jewelry she comes with. The dress is gorgeous and full and the shoes are so different…kind of like ballet shoes on wedges….if that makes any sense LOL!

My anticipation of this lovely lady fueled the photographer in me and I have been thinking….”How should I photograph this stunner?!” In the end, the time of year gave me inspiration and I decided the soft dress needed some springtime flora to accompany it and if I was going with the flora…I wanted dramatic reflection of the gown and flowers. So, to my trusty black acrylic floor I went. I decided to add a couple of my portable LED lights to my lighting set up and was very, very happy with the result. I hope you guys are too.

Winking smile

Model : Inspiration Fashion Royalty Monogram wearing what she originally came in.

Set: Gold urns filled with artificial cherry blossoms and finished with apple green moss. Miniature paper roses from craft store have been thrown randomly on the flooring.