Silence Auction preview
Tomorrow its time for the Groovy Gallery Opening welcome reception with the silence auction. This year I worked on a piece for this auction with some great friends. Mario and Gianni from Magia2000 asked me to make a set for their silence auction donation. They guys came with the idea to make an Andy Warhol doll with his muse Barbie. And Andy needed a studio.
So after some brainstorming we decided that I would recreate a piece of the famous factory studio. So a silver brick wall and a concrete floor was my starting point. When the dolls and set were ready we had the idea that it would be cool to have this donation shoot by a good photographer. So we were very happy that our dear friend Rebecca Berry from Inside The Fashion Doll Studio was willing to help us out. The dolls and set were put on express to the US were they arrived just in time. Rebecca did an amazing job the days before she was leaving for convention herself.
So here it is our donation for the silence auction.
Look at that face. Now that is the face of a MUSE.
And I love the Marylin patterned fabric the guys used for her spectacular gown.
The set has many mini’s that you can play with like sketches, polaroids, Interview magazines and many of Andy’s famous pieces of art.
And look at the bling on her shoes.
And don’t forget Andy.
I love this famous portrait from him that Rebecca recreated.
I hope this piece will raise some good money for charity.
Mario, Gianni and Rebecca it was an honor to work with you guys !!!
Matt Sutton
An other artist that opened his door yesterday was Matt Sutton. Rebecca send me so many gorgeous pictures from his creations. I just don’t know were to start.
Here a few of my favorites (when I’m typing this I know I probably post them all because they are all favorites)
I love this girl. She remind me of Evie from the BBC serie The House of Eliots.
And this pink with black lace gown is just to die for.
And what do you think of her. A raven in a black and white polkadot gown, can it get any better then this.
2016 is an amazing year for the Matt Sutton fans.
And after the show its tradition that the Matt Sutton fans come together in hotel bar to enjoy each other dolls while drinking cocktails to celebrate.
What a perfect way to end the day.
for more information about Matt Sutton’s creations:
Julia Originals
One of the ooak artists that is selling her creations from out of her room at the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention is Julia Originals. And wow she brought a spectacular collection with her.
I love the vintage signature style and how she use colors.
for more information about Julia’s work:
https://www.facebook.com/julia.lapshova.16?fref=ts
The Silkstone Dream
Ok so maybe this is just my Silkstone Barbie dream but I know a number of other collectors share this one. Have you ever seen one of Robert Best’s sketches and thought to yourself…ohhhhh, I wish they had produced that one. I know I have said that on numerous occasions. For us redressers out here in collector land, many times it’s a “ I wish they had produced that outfit!”
Well collectors, I have what might be a real treat for some…how about the ability to put some of those longed for outfits on Miss Debut Silkstone? Would that be something people are interested in? I know I was!! A huge thanks to Miss Missy and her delightful blog Miss Missy Paper Dolls for adapting this sketched doll and outfits from Mr. Best’s original works.
I made the picture above by combining a number of parts of the paper doll set on Miss Missy’s blog and a Photoshop brush by Elbereth de Lioncour on deviantart. You can find the entire set of paper dolls here or I have posted another link at the bottom of this blog entry. I had so much fun playing around with the combinations in this set. There are 18 different outfits in all! I really liked the outfits that were never produced but that we have enjoyed through Robert Best’s sketches.
I am going to post the link but first…read this! These works are derivatives of Mr. Best’s work but still under his copyright. This means…YOU CAN NOT COPY AND SELL THESE PEOPLE. These paper dolls and all corresponding images are for personal use only!
-Rebecca
Soda Shop Barbie
Bill Greening has given the BFC his next installment in the Willows, WI line that is continuing to pay homage to Midwest Americana nostalgia. This one is only available to BFC members, and a nice perk of membership this year in my opinion. How can you not find this one adorable?!! That face!! Awwwww….makes me want to pull up an upholstered chrome stool and slurp down a milkshake. Nostalgia isn’t cheap though folks…she comes with a hefty price tag of $75. You do get some adorable little extras though. And, it’s pink and there is a poodle involved…enough said, I’m buyin’. Excellent work Mr. Greening!! One question though, where are the saddle shoes?! Guess they really wouldn’t have gone with the look.
Soda Shop Barbie® Doll ( BFC Exclusive)
Designer: Bill Greening
Release Date: 2/10/2016
Retail: $75.00
And…what about that set!!! Me likes.
-Rebecca
Homecoming and The Wizard of OZ
The title sounds like an interesting Indie movie doesn’t it? Mattel finally released photos for two new offerings coming soon to Barbiecollector. First up is the 2nd edition to Bill Greening’s popular Willows, WI. collection….a frothy homecoming queen.
Homecoming Queen™ Barbie® Doll
Designed by: Bill Greening
Release Date: 7/8/2015
Product Code: CJF57
No more than 5500 units produced worldwide.
Retail: $75.00
BFC exclusive! This means you have to be in the BFC to get one. You can join the BFC here.
She is cute! Love the Silkie face on this collection as well. Beautifully done Mr. Greening.
Next up is the annual installment of Mattel’s Wizard of Oz obsession. I never thought of WOZ dolls as “cash cows” but apparently they are. If you ever missed out on these no worries, just wait until next year’s installment. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Wizard of OZ….just not THIS much. That being said, this one I would put in the higher end as far as concept and design. She is very nice.
THE WIZARD OF OZ™ Fantasy Glamour GLINDA™ Doll
Release Date: 6/11/2015
Product Code: CJF31
No more than 5500 units produced worldwide.
Retail: Wait for it….$100.00
You can buy her now but she won’t ship until 8/6/2015. This one is a direct exclusive which means she is only available through www.barbiecollector.com
She is pretty…just don’t know if she is $100 pretty. If I collected fantasy dolls…I might be considering this one.
BFMC 2015 Video Shared to All
It looks like the BFMC released the video for public consumption. Yipee!! That means I can share some still shots here.
You can find the full length video here
http://www.barbiecollector.com/news/2015-bfmc-collection-debut
The lineup for 2015 looks like this:
From left to right is Boucle Beauty, Blush Beauty, Fabulously Floral, Lavender Luxe and Little Red Dress.
Boucle Beauty:
The hair is quite a departure from the original photos released of her. I wonder what the actual production doll will look like. Time will tell but I am guessing it will be more like this than the previously released photos.
Lavender Luxe:
Be still my heart and open up my wallet!!! { moment of silence as I send silent meditative thanks and praise to Robert Best for this little piece of heaven}. The scene from the old Mervin’s commercial comes to mind where the woman is glued to the store door chanting “Open, Open, Open”.
Yes…me likey and me buying.
Blush Beauty:
Perfection!
Little Red Dress:
May need multiples of this one for redressing 
It looks like the BFMC team is really feeling the Dior vibe both with clothing and set design. Too cool.
The Art of Redressing
I look at this process as an art form. Others may not but I do. One of the many meanings of the word “redressing” is to set right; remedy or rectify. However you view it, most of us at some point as collectors participate in it…the redress. The sometimes exhaustive process of finding the perfect dress for the perfect doll gives me mental hives at times. I have some definite preferences when it comes to redressing, displaying and photographing a doll. I may get a doll in and while I love the face, the dress does not speak to me…as in the case of my latest acquisition Principessa. It is not that I think the dress is bad. I just didn’t feel it on this doll. Many times the disappointment with a fashion is tempered when I see it displayed on another doll. This happened to me just last night when I saw the Principessa wedding gown displayed, slightly altered, on a different doll. The dress had a whole new life for me.
These next two photos are from the collector and photographer Julia Castro Fuentes whose photos I have followed for years. I love her eye for color, lighting and styling in her doll photography. She has an enviable collection and an even more enviable talent behind the lens. To see more of her fantastic work, feel free to visit her Flickr photostream at https://www.flickr.com/photos/castrojulia/. The two photos below are under Julia’s copyright and are being used on ITFDS with her permission.
© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography
© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography
I realized when looking at Julia’s photos, that this dress had a whole lot of potential. I also realized…it looked WAY better on a brunette..in my opinion. With that revelation in mind, I searched the doll room for a better model for this dress.
And…the sunny window setup. Many times one of my kids holds the reflector for me ( a job that they crankily do for their dear old Mom) but, I also find an extra music stand works really well too. My trusty tripod is never far but many of the shots in this set were free handed…that lovely sunshine makes things easier with that. I used a Canon Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens with these shots.
-Rebecca
The Doll Room Goes On Display
At the end of August of this year, just as my family and I were home from a long vacation abroad, I was approached by the fabulous ladies of the Assistance League of the Eastside. They hold a holiday home tour fundraiser every year that raises money to fund programs that support families in need in our community. They typically have 5- 6 homes on the tour every year and these homes open their doors to roughly 1200 visitors for a day to show off their holiday décor. The tour runs from 10AM in the morning until 7PM at night. This year, they had a house that had to pull out of the tour and the Assistance League approached me to help out. The main reason they came to me…..the doll room.
Apparently news of the doll room is out and about in my local community. I have to admit, I am always a little nervous talking to non collectors about having a doll room. You get the gamut of responses from people when you tell them that you…as an adult…collect Barbie. Some will take an uncomfortable step back and look at you as if you just said you were schizophrenic…and off meds. Some will immediately downgrade their opinion of you and lump you in with the sad individuals they recently saw on a “Hoarders” episode. You can understand that making the decision to open up the doll room for viewing did not come without a great deal of anxiety. I wondered what people would think. I know that my fellow collectors love the doll room but I was really unsure about what a non collector would think of it. Then I had a moment of clarity….I came back to the reason why I collect in the first place….because I enjoy it. When anyone collects anything, it typically is because they enjoy doing it. If they like it enough to hook into a group of other collectors who enjoy collecting the same thing, they REALLY enjoy it. I decided I was not going to be worried about possibly being labeled the crazy “Barbie” lady and just enjoy showing off something that I truly love to collect. There would be people who get it…and people who didn’t…and that was okay.
To me, and I am finding to many many others, Barbie is a touchstone of sorts. Most woman you talk with today have a Barbie experience to share. I have found that when you put a group of woman together and give them this touchstone, it creates an amazing bonding experience. You can have a group of woman from all different backgrounds, ages, professions and all of the sudden you are all connected through this one toy. You all have an experience to share and that connects you. There are multiple points of connection too. Sometimes it isn’t about the doll but about the fashion and the discussion that promotes. My greatest joys in sharing this doll room through the blog and with friends and family are the sharing of those stories and memories and the connection it creates. It is just plain fun.
If I was going to do this, open up the doll room to roughly 1200 people, I decided I needed to call in some fellow doll experts for the event. I enlisted the help of my dear friends Hilda and Deanna. They graciously agreed to donate their time and expertise to help me show off the collection. I could not have done this without them…from the bottom of my heart “Thank You!” We had told the Assistance League that we would proctor the doll room and landing during the evening hours of the holiday tour. If people had questions, they could come back during those hours and “ask the experts” so to speak.
So…what was the response?? Tune in tomorrow for more pictures and The Doll Room Goes On Display: Part II.
IDC Mattel Presentation Gives a Sneak Peak.
My dear friend and fellow blogger Rogier ( http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/) attended the Italian Doll Convention this past weekend in Milan. He has some fabulous write-ups on the festivities so please visit his most wonderful blog for the full scoop.
As is custom at the IDC, Mattel gave a presentation and included some sneaks. What did we learn?
1. J.Lo Barbie is in the works and sporting a replica of this Zuhair Murad gown.
2. There is a Herve Leger giftset doll in the works this year.
3. Audrey Hepburn Sabrina and Roman Holiday dolls are coming this year ( but then we knew that already 
)
4. Promo photos of a Coach Barbie were shared. She kind of reminded me Burberry Barbie from a couple years ago.
5. And…..they shared promo photos of the upcoming AA Silkstone!! This one, in my opinion, is a STUNNER! Okay, so I can’t share photos here but if you are a BFC member head over to the BFC forums and take a look at Rogier’s posts. He put photos there. For those of you who are not BFC members, we can see a sliver of the doll in the promotional shot of Mermaid Gown ( those sneaky, sneaky Mattel people!)
6. Lastly, Robert Best shared that next years Silkstone theme would be Italian Haute Couture also explained as The Grand Alta Moda . Rogier has a nice description of what that means here http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/italian-doll-convention-part-3/. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Best has in store for us next year. Count me in!
Get Your Valium Ready….
…There is a platinum release Barbie available for purchase to BFC members next week.
** Photo credit: Mattel Inc. **
Her name is Beaded Gown Barbie® Doll and she is the first in a new series of black and white themed Barbies®. Linda Kyaw is taking over the drivers seat for the platinum editions and I would say she did a beautiful job with her first in a series design. This elegant lady was designed exclusively for the BFC and at $85 she will go on sale online Wednesday, May 22nd, at 9:00am Pacific Time. BFC exclusive means you have to be a member of the BFC to purchase her and platinum edition means there will only be 999 available for purchase. Typically these are extremely hot sellers and they have been known to sell out within minutes.
I swore that Pinch of Platinum was my last platinum purchase because I needed a bucket o’ valium after fighting to purchase her online. I am hoping that for those who are going to try for this beauty the phrase o’ the day won’t be “SERVER ERROR”.
Have the tums and the valium ready for this one folks…it’s going to be crazy at 9AM on May 22nd.
Hope everyone’s experience is this…
rather than this….
The Iconography of Fashion Dolls
Iconography by definition is: (source Bing Dictionary)
i·co·nog·ra·phy
[ kə nóggrəfee ]
- set of recognized images: the set of symbols or images used in a particular field of activity such as music or the movies and recognized by people as having a particular meaning
- symbols in painting: the symbols and images used conventionally in a genre of painting, or the study and interpretation of these symbols and images
- images of somebody or something specific: the collection, description, or study of images of somebody or something specific
For many of us, the last time we heard or thought about the word iconography was while studying for that art history final in college. Since man invented the paintbrush, and more currently since the camera entered the scene, we as a society have been adding more and more data points to an ever expanding “iconography” on a variety of different subjects. In todays culture, with the rise of social media and the resulting wave of images we are bathed in every day, iconography is perhaps entering our daily lives more often than one may think. The fashion doll iconography time line, one can argue, began in March of 1959 when Ms. Barbie entered our cultural consciousness… and lets face it….she has owned the fashion doll genre since. As a blogger, I wonder, “What data points am I adding to that time line?”. My hope is that the images I contribute give a positive and supportive view of the community I enjoy being a part of.
As many of you know, I enjoy doing slideshows set to music of my photos so I used this idea of iconography to present my next YouTube installment. Enjoy!
Barbie’s Malibu Dream House up for sale!
Say it aint so!! Is Barbie in financial difficulty?! According to Mattel, Barbie sales declined 4% in the 4th quarter marking the third strait quarterly decline in 2012 (source). Mattel has announced that there will be a new Barbie abode for 2013. Now…why am I spouting financials on this otherwise fun and oft times irreverent doll blog? Because I want to talk about the listing. YES! In a fresh PR move by Mattel, there is an honest to goodness listing for Barbie’s Malibu Dream House.
** Photo is courtesy of Mattel**
** Listing is courtesy of Trulia, **
Let’s take a look shall we:
1) $25 Million! Wow! Well…it is Malibu and it is beach front. That three wall thing could be a problem though.
2) I don’t know about you guys but…for that price, I would need more than one bedroom and 1 bath.
3) 8,500 sqft. Is that in Hobbit alter dimensional measurement? How come it only takes up three feet in my play room?
4) Diamond encrusted accents?! Okay…that explains the $25 million price tag.
5) Barbie signature silo head???? I thought I had heard every Barbie related term…apparently not. What is it?
6) Sorry…I love pink but…the pink granite countertops would be a deal breaker for me.
I have to give it to Mattel. This one is just plain fun! 
Barbie Models Designer Clutches
I am always on the lookout for Barbie photos being used in the fashion world. It came as a complete surprise to run across these photos while researching another project so of course I had to share them here. Did I miss these?? My apologies if everyone has already seen the photos.
Apparently Interview Magazine did a piece on spring designer clutch purses back in April and Ms. Barbie modeled the cream of the crop for Spring of 2012.
** Photos are by Robie Fimmano for Interview Magazine**
Happy Birthday®, Ken® Barbie® Doll models Stella McCartney
Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® Doll models Alexander McQueen
Elvis® Barbie® Doll models Lanvin
Anemone Barbie® by Christian Louboutin models Bottega Veneta
Bob Mackie Circus Barbie® Doll models Bulgari
80’s Cher Bob Mackie Doll models Emilio Pucci
Barbie® by Christian Louboutin Doll models Gucci
AA 2011 Holiday Barbie™ Doll models Chanel
Dolly Forever Barbie® Doll by Christian Louboutin models Christian Dior
Fun photo shoot!
Haunted Beauty Ghost™ Barbie® Doll
I may not be in the market for this one but it does not stop me from admiring her. Many, many collectors have been greatly anticipating this beauty and the pictures will show you why. Here is the write up from Mattel on this ghost….
“An ancient mansion sits beneath ink black skies. Midnight winds whisper through deserted rooms. Softly, the sound of clanging chains and supernatural murmurs rises and grows. From the darkness, an apparition appears, sheer and barely visible. Frightfully beautiful, she lives between this earthly life and an unknown world beyond. You are indeed fortunate that this sublime spirit has revealed herself to you!
Haunted Beauty Ghost™ Barbie® wears an ethereal, off-white gown featuring fitted bodice, bell sleeves, and full skirt with tattered hem. A silvery earthly chain wraps around her body. Her long, pale platinum hair and dramatic face paint take her far beyond the paranormal to extraordinary!” —From Barbiecollector.com
Oh my! She was designed by Mr. Bill Greening and is available only from Barbiecollector.com….just in time for Halloween too. Cool! Just click on her picture if you want to go to Barbiecollector.com to take a look at her.
** Photos are property of Mattel Inc**
If interest on the doll boards is a good gauge ( and I believe it is 
), then this is another one that may sell out sooner rather than later. Just an FYI.
Gala Gown…The Studio Shots
Gala Gown Silkstone Barbie: No more than 6500 worldwide. She retails for a whopping $150.00….and I paid it with gladness in my heart because I LOVE THIS DOLL.
The detail on the gown ( as you will see in the detail shots) are fabulous. The gown is a soft butter yellow and is so frothy every ‘girly’ tendency you have in your body will stand up and cheer. Her hair is a deep red like the platinum ‘Joyeux’ or ‘The Siren’. Her skin tone is pale like CC Debut. The outfit is completed with a pair of silver star rhinestone studded drop earrings , grey chiffon ruched gloves and soft grey strappy slingbacks. There is a hint of grey tulle under the butter yellow gown so it is full and flowing. The fabric on the gown is incredibly soft…LOVE!
Mr Best ……. 
The hair is set but not crusty clumped and caked. This is good because the hair is soft…the bad part is the hair can be messed up easily so take care with it.
Detail
And….Rebecca having fun with her macro lens AGAIN.
And some fun with photoshop and Mattel’s promo shot. I think she is even better than Mattel’s promo shot and that just doesn’t happen that often. Please don’t reproduce this photo as It’s Mattel’s image on another background.
Gala Gown is Here!!!
It feels like I have been waiting for this lady for a year…it has been since February when sketches started to circulate within the collector crowd of a redhead in a divine yellow ball gown. Now she is “in da house!” and I could not be happier. She is better than the promo shots in my opinion folks. She feels like a return to the grand ball gowns of “In the Pink” and “Provençale”
Run don’t walk for this one! 
Here is a view inside the reveal. Claudia of Pink Ponytail always wraps your purchase so you feel like you are receiving a birthday present….LOVE IT and her. (www.pinkponytail.com)
Gasp!!
A word of caution when deboxing this lady….the hairstyle is set but moves easily ( doesn’t have hard caked on gel with this one) so be very, very careful removing the hairnet. I ended up carefully cutting the hair net off so as not to disturb the coiffure. She came out perfectly! And these are all taken with my quick point and shoot. Can’t wait to get her into the studio.
Barbie Gets a Tim Gunn Makeover…. Part Two
Ahhhhh! I absolutely adore these ladies and their accessory sets. We sure didn’t have to wait long for these to hit the market. They are all available at www.barbiecollector.com
Tim Gunn Barbie Number 1 is available for $29.95 here http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/barbie-styled-tim-gunn-doll-1-w3470
Tim Gunn Barbie Number 2 is available for $29.95 here http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/barbie-styled-tim-gunn-doll-2-w3478
Accessory packs are both $24.99 and available here http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/barbie-styled-tim-gunn-accessories-2-w3484 and here http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/barbie-styled-tim-gunn-accessories-1-w3464
Let the restyling begin!!
Mattel releases photos of Empress of the Aliens Barbie
I don’t collect Fantasy Dolls but it does not stop me from appreciating their artistry. I know Bill Greening is a very talented guy not to mention one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet from Mattel. I can totally see him and his love for vintage Barbie collecting when I see all of his Barbie reproduction designs. When he comes out with things like this, I see the true artist in him and it continues to amaze me. He has such a range in his designs. Mr. Greening….I tip my hat.
Empress of the Aliens Barbie
release date: 06/21/12
Available at Barbie dealers or Barbie Collector
Price: TBD
**Photos property of Mattel Inc.**
The shoes!! Oh my word the shoes!! 
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.)
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.
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.
Or have seen it on display at a museum…..
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.
***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)
You can even backlight the backdrop…cool effect!
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 