BFMC Blush and Gold Arrives
This morning the Barbie Collector website was updated to release images of this new addition to the Silkstone BFMC 2017 collection. Now..here is where I would say “BFC members were given a sneak peak of this one a month ago” but…I can’t say that as there is no official Barbie Fan Club as of the posting of this blog report. Let’s face the facts folks…the BFC may not be coming back. This makes me sad but I can’t pretend I and many others didn’t see the writing on the wall a long time ago. With all the troubles on their website, crazy no win treasure hunts, questionable business practices ( {cough}, camel coat, {cough}) the demise of the BFC doesn’t surprise me at all. Oh and there is also this little factoid. Mattel stock fell off a cliff a couple weeks ago due to abysmal earnings. Way worse than what was expected…never a good thing for a publically traded stock.
This is just me speculating here but..all of these bits and pieces point to bad news for the Barbie Fan Club and the future of Barbie Collector. How much longer before the current Barbie Collection website is rolled into the new Mattel website? Bye Bye collector forums.
So, with that “Debbie Downer” opener, lets talk about the latest release Mattel DID in fact give collectors today.
Blush & Gold Cocktail Dress Barbie® Doll
Designer: Robert Best
Release Date: 5/08/2017
Retail: $100.00 !!! yes, you saw it correctly
That is one hefty price tag for a shorter dress and basic accessories ( no jewelry folks and a plastic purse). I am also not wowed by the facial screening in these images. I do realize however that she may look a lot better IRL so there is always that hope. But..as they say….a picture tells a thousand words. Do these images sell a $100 dollar doll? Not too sure about that. I think more than anything, my question for Mattel’s Barbie Collector BFMC personnel is “ Does your lack of communication, perks for your customers(BFC), and general disorganized product roll out encourage collectors to want to buy?”
Debbie Downer out….
More Silkstone News!!
So right after I posted yesterday, Mattel posted new images of the BFC exclusive Silkstone for 2016. We have all had a gander at the sketch for many months and many of us had a chance to see the doll in person at the NBDCC 2016. Here are a few images I took of her at NBDCC
And here is the information and official pictures
Designer: Robert Best
Release Date: 10/12/2016
Retail: $100.00
- Body Type: Posable Silkstone®
- Facial sculpt:
- Fashion Sewn On: No
- Fashion: Pink satin gown with flowing organza train
- Accessories: Black satin opera gloves, chandelier earrings
She is a BFC exclusive which means you need to be a BFC member to purchase.
Things to take note of….The IRL doll at NBDCC was sporting pink shoes not black and the fabric on the IRL doll did not show the same kind of fabric as the promo shots are indicating. Just trying to keep it real folks and set expectations appropriately. You be the judge but to these eyes, the ruffle material on the promo shots looks like it lays very nicely, whereas the IRL doll at NBDCC did not. The beading also looks very different but there are always differences between the promo shots and the actual production doll. The difference here is that the production doll was actually seen BEFORE the promo shots so, it feels kind of humorous to me. It’s like saying “ Yeah…this is what we could have done…but….we didn’t”
All else being held equal, I’m still buying the doll. She is a platinum updo with a pink gown…of course I’m buying. Whether or not I feel very good about it is another thing. I have a hard time supporting a company who is making some really unfortunate decisions regarding their collector line. I find it hard to plug a product in this blog when I have a very real concern for the direction of this Mattel division.
-Rebecca
Sneaks at Convention
So what were the sneaks at convention.
In the sales room there were 2 new dolls on display. The first one is Madam La Vinia from the Harlem Theater Collection.
The doll has the new articulated Collector curvy body.
The other new doll on display in the salesroom was the new Silkstone Glam Gown.
She is the BFMC Exclusive from this year. On Instagram Designer Robert Best posted a sketch of this lady.
And the final sneak was given during the Mattel presentation. She is the new 50th Anniversary Francie.
Barbie™ Fan Club members have the opportunity to get her beginning 8/3/16 at 9am PT* for $50. No more than 4,000 of these dolls will be available for sale.
information about this doll from TheBarbieCollection.com:
This timeless teenager first captured America’s hearts in 1966 with a youthful, kicky style that embodied the hip looks of London’s Carnaby Street and the booming mod movement in the States. “She was where pop culture was heading,” designer Bill Greening says, “as reflected in the teenage fashion trends of the mid to late ’60s.”
Fifty years later, Francie® doll continues to delight collectors and win new fans because, as Greening explains, “She has a personality all her own and a style that can be sweet and girly or mod and wild.”
To mark her golden anniversary, Greening and his team have recreated Francie Fairchild’s crowning achievement from 1967 as Miss Teenage Beauty, a look that’s highly coveted by collectors. “It’s so hard to find a vintage sample, mint and complete,” Greening says. “The fashion feels very celebratory and appropriate to commemorate Francie’s 50th.”
Francie® doll is poised to take the pageant prize in her pink ruffled A-line skirt paired with a sleeveless lace top adorned with floral appliqués. She earns extra applause for her marvey accessories, including elbow-length gloves, pale-blue pumps, red beauty sash, and loving cup. Plus, she tops off her winning look with a tiara and signature flip hairdo — the perfect complement to the sweet expression on her face.
Please to be part of this anniversary tribute, Greening points out other distinctive features of the faithful reproduction. “This is the first time we’ve reproduced what collectors call the ‘straight leg’ Francie doll, which debuted in 1966 along with the bendable leg version. She looks really cute both in the box or removed, and her doll stand even has the vintage Francie logo.”
Great for play or display, 50th Anniversary Francie® Doll is a neato way to honor this treasured teen’s lasting appeal, and you’ll dig adding her to your collection — with just a click at our online shop beginning Wednesday, 8/3/16 at 9am PT!
Enjoy a blast from the past and watch these two vintage Francie commercials from our archives!
During the presentation there was a ooak color variation of this doll.
She was raffled under the conventioneers that attended the presentation. So one lucky collector went home with this beauty.
Agnes at the Palazzo
For those of you following my Instagram, you have seen a little taste of this shoot. If you don’t follow, here is a little backstory. It all started with this amazing dress which I found on Etsy by the talented duo AquatalisBoutique . You may have seen some of their work over on Rogier’s Blog this week. It took a while for this gown to get to me because the first one was lost in the vast quagmire of postal services between Vietnam and my home. Aquatalis was great about it and after we waited a reasonable time without the dress showing up, they promptly made and mailed another one. Excellent customer service and kept me informed the whole time. When I saw this gown I immediately thought of Dolce & Gabbana and their 2012 and 2013 collections. Such vibrant color and opulence. I needed an appropriate backdrop. Nothing I had was doing it for me. So….time for a new one and I went to the Dutch still life masters to find inspiration. I had seen a wall covering recently that I was obsessed with and wanted to do something similar…this set was what came from all that brainstorming.
Inspiration room photo…
source: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/flower-mural/
The beginnings of a new background
The headdress is the necklace from Fiorella Silkstone Barbie. The flowers have been digitally altered to match the dress.
The detail on this dress is really something!
The minis in these shots are Orcara miniatures. These items are from their red wine set. Above are miniature paper sunflowers found at local craft store.
And the perfect photo to express the Agnes attitude.
-Rebecca
Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives
My trusted dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls sent one of these lovelies out as soon as she received them. She isn’t even up on the BC website yet. It looks like she will retail for $100.00
So what am I thinking?? Hmmmm. Well, I like the gown and the little pearl embellishments are delightful. Her face is sweet and I like the silvery lilac eye shadow. The lashes seem a bit spikey to me but not a huge problem. I love the little pearl drop earrings. The hair on mine was a bit of a fixer upper. The curls on top are soft so when you remove the hairnet, you will get some flyaway hair. Not super crisp curls but not a deal breaker in my opinion.
The dress is a strapless gown with a little crop top overlay that snaps in the back. She comes with a white slip underneath too. Considering the quality of some of the other outfits we have seen from BFMC lately, this one is pretty good. I mean we get earrings, pantyhose, a slip and a fairly well constructed dress. It’s up to you as collectors to decide if that is worth the price. I have to be honest and say, I am not a fan of this new body. The flexibility ( or lack thereof) in the wrist joint is a major problem. I do, however, love the elegant pose of the hand. I just wish it bent so I could comfortably put her hand on her waist. My other issue with this doll are the very flimsy shoes. The heal is very pliable so it bends under the weight of the doll when she is on her stand.
Is Miss Classic Cocktail Dress a keeper at ITFDS? Time will tell. I am anxious to see how she redresses then I will make my final decision.
-Rebecca
The Quick Switch
So….yesterday I posted photos of what was believed at that time to be images of the 2016 BFMC exclusive doll. It was was advertised in the BFC ad posted on the Barbie Collection website. Here is/was the entire Ad.
As of today….this ad has been changed. To this…
Notice anything different? Yeah…me too.
Not that I’m complaining mind you about the opportunity to get a better doll than the badly done blue suited City Chic Suit, but how do we feel about this quick switch without any notice or explanation? I’m not sure I like that. It kind of makes me feel that when I sign up for the BFC and give them my membership fee, I’m not really 100% sure what I’m going to get because they have shown they can and will change what they advertised when I bought my membership. Holy cow!! My consumer red flags are at full mast. Is it ok to substitute? Is it ok to substitute without any warning or explanation? I think not. This feels like another black and white vs. grey area in advertising to me. This is certainly NOT the way to build trust with your customers. Yikes! What is happening to our beloved BFMC??? Sound off people….what do we think?
-Rebecca
Barbie and Oscar
No, Barbie isn’t stepping out on Ken but she has been spending a whole lot of time with Oscar de la Renta recently. In the past week, Mattel released the ODLR Bride Barbie through dealers and their Barbie collection website.
Oscar de la Renta Barbie® Doll
©2016 Mattel
This past week, Barbie has also been exhibiting an definite Oscar de la Renta affinity. If you are a fan of the @Barbiestyle Instagram account, you may have noticed quite a few ODLR designs making an appearance.
This one is my favorite….
Wish we could get this suit produced!! Here is the inspiration I think.. Oscar de la Renta PreFall 2016 collection
As Barbie enjoyed the Tribeca Film Festival this pastt week….
And from the Oscar de la Renta Pre Fall 2016 collection
Barbie also enjoyed some time in New York City prior to the the film festival…
And another look straight off the catwalk, from the ODLR spring 2016 runway.
Last but certainly not least…this weekend at Grant a Wish Convention, the 2016 Silkstone BFMC exclusive was debuted. Her name is City Chic Suit. Here she is… A big Thanks to Aleshia Hunley for letting me use her photos {Hugs}. No information on when she will be available or what her price will be.
Hmmmmmm….not sure about this one folks. The drawing is divine. The production…not so much. I guess it will depend on the price point but I’m thinking…..Pass. The inspiration for this one also seems to also be Oscar de la Renta. This time we go to the 2016 Resort collection of ODLR.
-Rebecca
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
Day at the Museum
Some of you already know this but in case you don’t, I am guest blogging for the next couple of days for my good friend Rogier of Dutch Barbie World. He is currently attending the Paris Fashion Doll Festival and is sending photos on to me so I can report for him. He will return the favor for me while I attend NBDCC and Integrity Toys conventions. When you attend conventions like these it is simply too much most of the time to experience the event and then turn it around and blog about it within a timely manner. So…Rogier and I came up with a solution….one person experiences and reports while the other writes, edits and publishes. Win, win.
**NOTE!! Republishing these photos without consent is prohibited!! They are property of Dutch Barbie World. If you want to post these photos, you need to post the link to either Rogier’s blog or mine. It’s that simple.**
Day 1: The Barbie Exhibit at Musée des Arts décoratifs
This is a much anticipated exhibit going on currently at Les Arts Décoratifs. Rogier was able to go today and snuck some photos for all of us. We are posting only a few of the images from this exhibit as photography was “frowned upon”. According to Rogier, the exhibit was beautifully done and very thoughtfully curated. It is not a huge collection of Barbie but is of very high quality. It was a “good for all ages” exhibit that “Brings across the magic of Barbie”. If you have a chance to see it…a must for any Barbie lover.
For most of the Silkstone collectors, the pièce de résistance of this exhibit were the elaborate BFMC sets designed and built by Lars Auvinen that Mattel loaned to the museum for this exhibit. Unbelievable!!
Information from the Sybarite party will be coming up later this evening. 
Articulated Silkstone Now Available to Order
But she won’t be shipping until March 1st folks. If you want her sooner, look to the dealers, they appear to be getting them first. I like this idea of giving the dealers first dibs on shipment. It makes sense to me and it helps support those dealers that have been loyally selling Mattel’s collector products for all these years. I called my trusty dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls the moment I saw these ladies showing up on Ebay ( not happy that this is where the first ones showed up but not surprised either). She sent one over as soon as they arrived at her shop.
Classic Black Dress Barbie® Doll
Designer: Robert Best
Release Date: 2/1/2016…hmmm…this is what the site says but they also clearly state that shipping won’t start until 3/1/2016.
Retail: $40.00 at The Barbie Collection
So…what do I think? I think the face on this first Silkstone of 2016 is a winner. It is one of the best facial screenings I have seen in a while from the BFMC. Very soft, and pretty. The black dress is basic. The material is nice and of a good weight…but basic. The boots are…basic. They are plastic people and almost impossible to get off unless you use the hot water trick **see below. No jewelry, purse with this one nor undergarments..yep that’s right…Barbie is going full commando.
The bigger question I think is what do I think of the body of this doll. First and foremost, the dimensions are NOT the same as previous BFMC Silkstone bodies. The bust is most definitely smaller. Clothing does not fit exactly the same which surprises me as I believe Mr. Best said that the body was going to be the same proportions in the video announcing the articulated bodies. I am not saying the body is bad…just different dimensions and for us redressers, that will be an issue. The material feels weighty and solid which is nice and the joints appear to be solid and stay where you position them. It is basically ok…but not great. Here is why: 1) The articulation on the joints is minimal except for the legs. This girl can do the splits if she wants but she cant rotate her hand enough to fully bend it one way or the other…it only goes a little bit one way or the other. She can just barely put her hands on her hips. Compare the functionality with Integrity Toys dolls and you will find that IT bodies are loads ahead as far as flexibility. The new Silkstone body can however, do the splits whereas IT dolls cannot. Not sure how that is something I will utilize unless I get the letch to do Gymnast Barbie, or Pole Dancing Barbie or perhaps contortionist Barbie. You never know…it could happen. I am hopeful that the next iterations of this body will beef up the bust size and include some additional rotation in the joints. My other big concern with these new bodies are the rough edges and seams that show. The knee joint on the one I received had a big ugly rough edge at the seam right above the knew joint. Some may argue that you will hardly ever see that…maybe but in the dress she came in, it was VERY evident. It’s not worthy of sending back, it’s just sloppy work on the part of the factory. Am I expected now to file down the seams of Silkstone dolls that I receive?
On the very positive side however, the doll is only $40. That is an extremely low price point for a Silkstone Barbie doll. So…messy seams and all, this doll photographs beautifully. I admit, I had to pin the gown on her so it fit more securing up top. It was made to be worn by the older body. She does look good though and I guess each collector will have to decide for themselves if she is a good fit for their collection. I am keeping mine for the present and still hopeful for the year ahead for the BFMC. I think it will be a very much paired down year but time will just have to tell on that one.
Beatuiful dress was made by Hilda of Bellissima Couture.
Oh..and as an added not to my loyal readers…After filing multiple DCMA claims with various accounts on Pinterest and Instagram all of which were cutting the watermark off my photos and passing them off as their own, I will have to start putting even larger and more intrusive watermarks on my photos. Not my choice people but there you have it. Sometimes…I just don’t understand some people.
**Hot Water Boot Trick** To help get those pesky black boots off, I heated up a cup of water to almost boiling then stuck the legs and boots in for about 30-35 seconds. Using a towel because they will be hot, boots should slid right off. If not, put the legs with boots back in the water for a bit more.
Articulated Silkstones!
The speculation has finally ended for many collectors and has become fact. Mattel has formally announced ,beginning with the 2016 BFMC collection, Silkstone Barbie’s will be on articulated bodies. According to the new BC holiday catalogue, there will be articulation at knees, wrists, elbows and torso.
There is no information about what material is being used for these bodies. I am hoping that the quality will still be there for these bodies. I am all for articulation…as long as it is done correctly. I am excited for this new phase in Silkstone collecting. I am also hopeful that they will make bodies available so that collectors can re-body some of the older dolls. I am also wondering if the hands will be removable like the Integrity Toys dolls. This makes it very easy to redress. We will just have to wait and see.
I don’t know about you guys but I am loving the chic modern look of this new line for 2016. The black purse alone in the picture above is making me excited to see our first sneak peeks of the 2016 lineup. I am also loving the cateye liner of Miss Silkie. Looking forward to new reveals Mr. Best!
Also interesting to note…there is a new video available to BFC members where Robert Best talks about the 2015 collection. In that video both the photographer and the set builder for BFMC make very pointed comments about the gilt chairs. Something to the effect that “you can never have enough gilt chairs”. Is this a clue?!! Will we finally, after years of begging, be able to buy these chairs?!! Or…will they be a gift when signing up for the BFC next year. If I were putting things on my Christmas list, that would be at the very, very top.
Dear Santa,
I have been good. I would really, really like a pair of Barbie gilt chairs for Christmas. Thank you
–Rebecca
Never hurts to try right 
Little Red Dress
My fabulous dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls sent this lovely lady to me last week and I finally had a moment to get her out of the box and in front of the camera. She does not disappoint. The fabric of the dress is nice and soft. Very feminine.
I had heard some concerns from other collectors regarding her hair. The promo shots showed an elaborate updo. The question was…how will this translate to actual production ? Will the hair look like the promo shot or will it be “one hot mess” when it arrives? I opened the box and am happy to report that the hair does in fact closely mimic the promo shot, or at least mine does. I also love the honey highlights in this hair.
And really the best side of this coiffure…
I am not going to lie, I had to make one little adjustment to the hair. One of the curls in the back was not as tight as it could have been and it stood up too high for me. I solved it with some hair gel and a pin. If I were braver, I would give her a little bit of a bang trim too. There are visible rubber bands in this coiffure …not a particular favorite of mine… but given the ornateness of the design, I am willing to live with it.
The grey eyes with a hint of yellow are fabulous! The smoky eye liner goes very well with the red lipstick, hat and gown. I ADORE the fact that there are earrings with this one. Perhaps the last set of earrings we will see on a Silkstone ( or so it would seem by the promo shots)
I am very pleased with this latest BFMC effort by Robert Best. I mean come on…how can I not love a Silkstone in a Dior inspired dress . Photos below are both 1950’s Dior dresses. 
source: http://hellomydearblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/j-dior.html
source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/110197522106507198/
-Rebecca
New Silkstones Available at Barbiecollector
Finally Mattel has released these beauties for purchase. They are available at your local dealers and at Barbiecollector.
Designed by: Robert Best
Release Date: 4/15/2015
Product Code: CGT26
No more than 9100 units produced worldwide.
Retail: $75.00
And….this one has earrings!!! It will be interesting to see how the hairstyle stacks up with the promo shots on this one. Will report on that once I have one in hand.
Designed by: Robert Best
Release Date: 4/15/2015
Product Code: CGT25
No more than 9700 units produced worldwide.
Retail: $100.00
Ok…looks like we sacrifice earrings for bows on the shoes ( which are really cute), necklace and gloves. No Chanel inspired purse or earrings. Now you tell me people…what Chanel fashionista is going out without a pair of earrings in this outfit. If you are going to spend the time emulating Chanel, a pair of pearl studs is MANDETORY in my opinion. Just my humble opinion. No pearl studs with this is a CRIME and charging $100 for this without the pearl stud earrings is crime with malice. Ok, maybe over the top but Chanel and pearls are synonymous in my book. We did get pearl buttons with this outfit though, nice touch, and perhaps we can snip those off and put them in her ears {Snort!} {rant over…well for now anyway} I’m going to find an extra pair of pearl studs now so this lady can be completed when she arrives. Yes, pearl studs aside, I am still buying.
The other concern here is nobody is quite sure what her hair is going to look like. These promo shots show curl in her hair whereas the 360 degree feature at BC.com and earlier promo shots show her with no curl, just straight hair. My bet is on the curl. We will just have to see.
-Rebecca
**photos used in this post are © Mattel**
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.
2015 BFMC Revealed to BFC
Wow!!! Today the Barbie Fan Club released a video of the 2015 Barbie Fashion Model Collection. Real life photos of 5 dolls are shown. If you are a BFC member, sign in and go to link below to get access to the video. You have to be a BFC member to see this. If you are not a member, you will not be asked to join to see content. Note**If you are a BFC member, please do not share the Youtube link with non members as it is disrespectful to the paying members of the club and in violation of your contract to do so.**
http://www.barbiecollector.com/news/2015-bfmc-collection-debut
Fashionably Floral and Boucle Beauty photos have been released.
source: www.barbiecollector.com
source: www.barbiecollector.com
The remaining dolls in the collection are a ball gown, an AA doll and the pink beauty we saw in a sketch with BFC membership signup.
source: www.barbiecollector.com
Now…all I need are some release dates, some Mattel sanctioned photos and some prices and I can start budgeting. 
Oscar Night Glamour
For the past couple of years, I have shared an elaborately styled diorama photo in honor of the academy awards season. There was the “Getting Ready for the Oscars” post. Then there was the “Presenting at the Oscar’s” post. This year, I decided to go back to simple glamour and use the newest addition to the BFMC Silkstone Barbie line. She redresses incredibly well.
This is such a Hollywood glamour shot!
For those who wanted a better look at her hair, here you go. 
Fashionably Floral in February
Mattel’s first BFMC offering will be available at BFC starting February 2nd. What a perfect way to welcome Valentine’s Day.
Fashionably Floral™ Barbie® Doll
Gold Label®
Designed by: Robert Best
Release Date: 2/2/2015
Product Code: CGK91
No more than 10000 units produced worldwide
Retail: $50.00
source: www.barbiecollector.com
It looks like Mr. Best and Lars(set designer for Mattel) are channeling their inner Dior with this set. How Fabulous!! I ask again…can we please, please, please get these little chairs in production for purchase?!!
source: www.barbiecollector.com
Ahhhh….so very Dior. I want to see the sketches on the table. Any clues to what is coming out this year??
source: www.barbiecollector.com
{SWOON} You had me at the hat people…at the hat. I have to admit though, the little side chignon is making me do the happy dance too. Here is another thing making me do the happy dance, the new box design.
source: www..amazon.co.uk
Rogier over at one of my favorite doll blogs, Dutch Barbie World, reported this morning with these pictures from European Amazon sites. If you want information on the Silkstone world first…sign up for his blog posts. I have to say…I like the IRL photos even better. And that pale pink liner?!!! {Swoon…again} Now how am I supposed to debox that?! Rogier laughed and said “Easy, get two” Wise words Mr. Corbeau.
The new logo is very reminiscent of the vintage Dior logo.
source: www.etsy.com
Owning a Silkstone has never been more affordable with this $50.00 price tag. What are you waiting for collectors? I will be running to get this one…may even get two 
-Rebecca
A Dulcissima Bride
If you look up the translation for Dulcissima it says “Sweet” or “Sweetest”. I think this recent addition to the BFMC Alta Moda collection comes off as more sultry than sweet. However you see this one..sweet or sultry, she is a beauty. While her original Dolce and Gabbana inspired outfit may have not been my thing, dressing her in this Joe Tai bridal fashion definitely suited me and my collection.
-Rebecca
Redressed Principessa
I am happy to have received this one and shared some much needed photographs. I love the fact that when Mattel fails to come through with information or images, the collector community steps forward and supplies what it can. Case in point, it looks like those of us who have received this doll first, are posting photos for those who are hungry for more information. Kudo’s to the collector community for “marketing” this doll.
For those of you interested in what this lady looks like redressed and what is happening under that veil…here you go.
Model: Principessa™ Barbie®
dress: Bogue’s Vogues
The braid is not too bad. I am not real happy with how it is left on the side of her face without being tucked in somewhere. I wish it went all the way over and under the other side. That would have been a cleaner look in my opinion. As it stands though it is not horrific…just could be better. You can tuck the little end of the braid into the surrounding hair but you will still see the bulky rubber band that secures the braid at the end. Solution….photograph from the left….or..you could just do away with the braid all together. I think I might do that at some point in the future. For today, however, I just put on my big girl pants and dealt with it.
I thought the hairstyle of this one was perfect for a 1950’s shirtwaist from Mr Bogue. I put holes in her ears ( nope..she does not come with predrilled holes) and inserted some pearl studs. Now she looks finished.
New 2014 Silkstone Barbie Sneak!
Pictures are starting to show up on retail sites without the watermark so I can finally show them here. As I hinted at in my last post, another of the Silkstone offerings for this year is, I believe, inspired by a look strait off the D&G runway.
Dolce and Gabbana 2012 Fall RTW
source: www.style.com
Here name is Dulcissima and she is due out later in 2014. I have heard many different price points for this one. The average guesses put her around $75. Mattel does not have her formally listed on their site yet so until they do, we won’t know for sure. She is designed by Robert Best and the name means “sweet” in Latin.
source: www.amazon.de
Dulcissima e Bellisima….sweet and beautiful. I like the look of this one better than Fiorella. Come on….the boots alone are worth a second look. 
Many Silkstone collectors are thinking this one will display nicely next to the Russian collection, Alexander McQueen inspired Darya. I agree with them. These two will display very nicely next to eachother.
BFC also gifted collectors with a spotlight video about the first installment in the Alta Moda inspired Silkstone collection this year. The set is sublime and the video is adorable. Nice work Lars and Zlatan!!
Sneaks for 2014!
Finally Mattel ( or apparently Mattel marketing) has given us a look at upcoming dolls from 2014. A number of items were sneaked to the BFC members a couple of days ago. Here are the public images ready for our greedy collector consumption.
Designed by: Bill Greening
Release Date: 2/13/2014
Retailing for $29.95
source:www.barbiecollector.com
Adorable right?!! Shug…if it’s a girl…I am sending you one of these 
The Wizard of Oz™ Fantasy Glamour Wicked Witch of the West™ Doll
Designed by: Linda Kyaw
Release Date: 2/13/2014
Retailing for $100.00
Direct Exclusive from Barbiecollector.com
source:www.Barbie collector.com
Wow!! I thought WOZ dolls were totally overdone…until I saw this one. Linda, I salute you. She is a beauty!
Bob Mackie® Princess Stargazer™ Barbie® Doll
Designed by: Robert Best
Release Date: 2/13/2014
Retailing for $100.00
Directly Exclusive from Barbiecollector.com
source: www.barbiecollector.com
Ummm…..I could be diplomatic and say this doll is unique. I have to be honest though and say this doll creeps me out. No disrespect to the amazing talents of Robert Best but…I find nothing compelling about this doll. No stargazing for this collector.
Designed by: Linda Kyaw
Release Date: 2/13/2014
Retailing for $75.00
source: www.barbiecollector.com
Well Linda, you have given us another home run! I adore this doll. I love the gown, the facial screening and the elegant updo. She will be joining the collection for sure. Thanks to the super sleuthing of fellow blogger Rogier of Dutch Barbie World, we have the inspiration for this fashion
Zuhair Murad Spring Summer Couture 2012
source: www.wwd.com
And last but not least….we have a look at the Alta Moda theme for this years BFMC Silkstone line.
Designed by: Robert Best
Release Date: 2/13/2014
Retailing for $50.00
source: www.barbiecollector.com
It pains me to say this but…I am not a fan. First of all, I don’t care for this particular facial screening. I think it is the big spiky bottom lashes. Secondly, the black bows have GOT to go. Are we going for the school girl look with the knee socks and hair bows? Thirdly, I am not a big fan of large floral jewelry. As a rule, I am not a big floral person period so perhaps that is what is coloring my whole dislike of this look. I have to say though that the $50 price tag is very reasonable for a dressed Silkstone. Thanks again to our super fashion sleuth Rogier, we perhaps have a look into the inspiration for this look.
Dolce and Gabbana 2012 Fall RTW
source: www.Style.com
BFC members were also given a sneak of the second Silkstone in the 2014 lineup but those photos are not yet public. The look however is taken almost directly from this same D&G fashion show above. I confess, when Robert Best announced that the 2014 Silkstone theme was going to be Alta Moda, my mind went to the beautiful couture of Eliza Schiaparelli or vintage Valentino so I was eagerly anticipating something like these
I am thinking….we are not going to see that. {Rebecca heaves a big sign of sadness}. I seriously would die if that pink striped number were produced.
Ball Gown Silkstone Official Photos
Finally released! Geez…took long enough. I think many people have already received theirs but here are the official photos of this one. I wont have mine in hand for a bit but I am excited to see her up close.
Retails for $100 and is available now
(Photo source: Mattel, Inc)
Imogene Gets a Boater Ensemble
It was no surprise that when Integrity Toys released their Funny Face line of dolls, I was all over them. My particular favorite was “Think Pink!”. I also have a particular fondness for suits so it was time to put these two favorites together for a photo shoot. Also, as Imogene dons her “boater ensemble” and takes some time to perhaps jet off to some glamorous destination, Inside The Fashion Doll Studio will be posting a little less for a bit as this blogger/photographer takes some time to do a few other things. Doll posts should continue every Friday but don’t expect much more than that. 
Model: Funny Face “Think Pink!” Imogene
Suit, hat and shoes: Boater Ensemble Barbie® Doll
AA Ball Gown Silkstone-First Look
Okay Mattel…I get it…you want to save the first look of this beauty for the Barbie Convention goers. But, if you are going to do this, why ship the dolls off to Asia for retail BEFORE convention??!! I’m left scratching my head and asking myself, “ And I spent how much on a BFC membership so I could get the first look at product?” {grumble, grumble, grumble}. I am assuming that the lucky dogs going to convention in New Orleans will get to see this fabulous lady up close and personal. I am assuming she will be displayed in the sales room just like Gala Gown was last year. Make sure you take some stellar photos attendees. Just a reminder, I won’t be at convention this year but will point people to some Flickr accounts that will be covering the festivities as we get closer to the event.
Here is the first look!
source: http://www.toywizard.net
It looks like someone has pirated the video shown at the Italian Doll Convention and added their own music. You can find it by searching for “Barbie Fashion Model Collection” but I wont post the link here because it’s not authorized through Mattel and frankly…its PIRATED so not my thing.
Can’t wait for this beauty to join my collection!
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 