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Afternoon Suit Silkstone–Dior’s “New Look” reimagined in 1/6 scale

The year was 1947 and a new designer Christian Dior seemed to be thumbing his nose at the still lingering austerity measures of post WWII and put yards and yards of fabric into the silhouettes of his “New Look”.  If you look it up in the dictionary, the “New Look” was defined by a narrow waist and full pleated skirt.  If you are a fan of fashion at all, you have seen this iconic photo.

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Or have seen it on display at a museum…..

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John Galliano paid homage to the house that employed him and reimagined this famous look for Dior in his Fall/Winter 2009 Haute Couture Collection.

It is a completely timeless look and it would not surprise me if  Robert Best was inspired by it for his Atelier Silkstone collection.

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***Photo is property of Mattel, Inc.***

Model:  Afternoon Suit Silkstone Barbie

Edition size: No more than 4300 Worldwide

Gold label and BFC exclusive…you must be a member to get this lovely lady.

Mannequin: BFC gift with 2012 membership

Backdrop:  Made by the lovely Sheree ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fabulous-White-Silkstone-Photo-Display-OOAK-Set-LAST-ONE-FOR-NOW-/170800865221?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c4865fc5)

20120317-IMG_8446-EditwmsizedYou can even backlight the backdrop…cool effect!

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Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie

People are running not walking to get their hands on this beauty and I can’t say as I blame them.  She is a stunner!  Classic Silkstone design and Robert Best’s 1950’s inspired couture have combined for a home run of a collector doll.  At the time of this blog post, she is already sold out at Barbie Collector and is flying off the shelves at retailers.  If you want this lady, I would suggest sooner rather than later.  She won’t last long. 

Her hair is beautifully styled and crisp.  The hat takes some finessing to get it to sit correctly but not too bad.  I did end up pinning mine onto the head to get it to sit the way I wanted.  I love the little ornate gloves on this lady.  Those were an unexpected surprise.  This lady will be a model for many re-dressings for sure.  Love the dramatic face paint on her!  Can’t wait to try this trim little suit on some of my Fashion Royalty ladies too.

 

Model:  Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie

Edition size: no more than 6600 worldwide

Gold label

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What’s on Deck ?

No I did not fall into a hole.  Well I kind of did and it was called the “Suessical” hole.  I was stage manager for my daughter’s school musical so I have been busy coming up with last minute costume additions and teaching tech cues to a bunch of sixth graders…FUN.  The shows went off without a hitch and kids and families had a great time.  Finally had some time with my beloved Canon today and here is a sneak peak of what is coming to the fashion studio.

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Happy Birthday Barbie!!

To celebrate, Barbiecollector.com is having a sale. 

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Giselle is a Glam Addict

I was so excited to win the opportunity to buy this lovely, lovely lady.  She really has exceeded my expectations in every way.  I love the sleek hairstyle, pale skin tone, red lips with the raven black hair and green eyes.  Absolutely gorgeous.  The black and white print sheath fits well and I like it paired with the red accent belt.  The set comes with three pairs of shoes, an extra belt, two purses, fur stole, jewelry set and hat. 

The black shoes are a bit big for her feet but I made them work for the photos.  I have yet to try the red or the pink shoes on but look forward to trying those out.  I love the hammered silver bracelet.  It is exactly like Luminous Kyori’s but in silver tone instead of gold.  The pink/black and cream toned purse is TO DIE FOR. 

LE 300 Fashion Royalty “Glam Addict” Giselle

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Glam Addict Giselle collage

Here Comes the Bride–Poppy Parker Part 2

Yep…not done with the wedding theme yet.  I just love the Silkstone Barbie Wedding dress.  It has graced a good chunk of my collection over time and I swear it looks amazing on every single doll I have put it on.  I also added something I don’t usually have in my wedding shots…a groom.

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Models:  Sweet Confection Poppy Parker and Most Beautiful Boy Auden

Bridal gown , veil and bouquet:  Marie Therese Silkstone Barbie

Groom’s tuxedo:  Twilight Breaking Dawn Pt 1 Edward

Set:  My new favorite…the cake candelabra painted silver on a candle holder.  Buyers Choice fence. The floral arrangement is a greenery ball on a candlestick with some paper roses thrown in.  Literally..that’s what it is.

 

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Elise Jolie Styled in the Roaring 20’s

I was so looking forward to the Hope Diamond Barbie.  I loved the promo pictures of the red haired siren with the gorgeous 20’s inspired gown and jewelry.  I received her a couple of weeks ago and must say..I was underwhelmed.  I adore the gown and jewelry.  The doll…Meh.  I guess the biggest disappointment was her hair.  It was nothing like the promo’s .  In reality..it was a big hot mess.  I am fairly confident with fixing doll hair.  This…was beyond my expertise.  I am hoping that it was just my doll who had bad hair and that others received dolls with better hair.  Pictures from toy fair showed this lady with promo prefect hair.  I did not receive one of those.  So, time to make some lemonade out of this lemon.  I chose to repurpose the gown and jewelry right away.  The gown was a tight fit on an FR2 body but I managed to make it work….just barely.

Model:  FR2 “Dark Swan” Elise Jolie

Gown and jewelry: Hope Diamond Barbie

Set:  My white shelves set at an angle.  Statues I found at a small shop in Snohomish ( my favorite place to find props!).   Background is a graduated black to white background and I added a black acrylic floor.  I use this floor a lot because I adore the dramatic reflection it gives. There is a blue spot on the black background.  It is a small portable LED light that produced a white/blue light so it has colored the black background blue.

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Here Comes The Bride….Poppy Parker–Part 1

About this time of year I seem to always have a letch to do a wedding photo shoot.  Last year it was Dark Swan Elise who became my muse.

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This year Sweet Confection Poppy Parker continues to be my inspiration.

Model:  Sweet Confection Poppy Parker

Gown and Veil:  Grace Kelly Silkstone Bride Barbie

Bouquet:  Marie Therese Silkstone Bride Barbie

Set:  Cake Candelabra repainted in silver.  Both have been set upon candlesticks of varying heights.  Greenery found at local craft store with miniature paper roses added.

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For the Vintage Barbie Collector…Let’s Play Barbie

I am not a vintage Barbie collector but I certainly admire those who are.  You will not meet a more Barbie knowledgeable group than vintage Barbie collectors.  Mattel announced at Barbiecon that they would be releasing a Barbie reproduction set that would give you a choice of three different hair colors of a vintage reproduction Barbie and you would get 4 vintage reproduction outfits with it.  This set was a huge crowd favorite at the Mattel preview at convention and now it is finally available to order.  This set was designed by the very talented and fellow collector..Mattel’s Bill Greening.  The set retails for….ready for it….$175.00.  I guess you have to look at the fact you are getting 4 outfits and the doll in vintage reproduced packaging.   This price may put it out of many collectors price range but it sure does look like a fabulous set and a must have for any vintage reproduction collector.  I am considering this set. 

**Photos are property of Mattel, Inc. ***

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  Spring                                                     Summer

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Fall                                                          Winter

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If you are a collector of or just a lover of vintage Barbie….it’s time to play.  For more information on this product and how to order please visit Barbiecollector.com at  http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/lets-play-barbie-doll-w3505

Ayumi Arrives

This lovely lady was an Integrity Toys IDEX and WClub lottery exclusive and thanks to one of the best doll buddies a girl can have, I was able to purchase one.  Her face is porcelain delicate and the hairdo is unbelievably intricate.  There are a number of peach ribbons running through the braided chignon.  Beautiful!  Her gown is pure Jason Wu.  Yummy!

Luminous
Ayumi™ FR2 Dressed Doll
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 350 Dolls Worldwide

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Here are some natural light shots

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