Della Dazzles
Well it’s a new month and I have a new muse. Rather..I have a couple of new muses. First off, I received the new East 59th ladies from Integrity Toys designed by Chris Stoeckel a couple weeks back and finally had a chance to debox them. Beautifully tailored clothing as one would expect from Mr Stoeckel. He never disappoints. My must have from this particular capsule collection was Miss Della Roux. Here are the promotional photos.
Merry & Bright
Della Roux™ Dressed Doll
The East 59th® Collection
Limited Edition: 550 Dolls
Expected Ship Date: Late Winter/ Early Spring 2021
Suggested Retail Pricing: $160.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS
Head Sculpt: Victoire Roux 2.0
Body Type: E59 1.0
Foot Sculpt: High-heeled
Skin Tone: FR Black
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
The original gown pictured is based, I believe, on a 1954 Dior gown.
And I had seen another rendition in a paler color that I was inspired by…
I adored the fur cuffs on this one so I set about making some for Miss Della. I had some trim I had acquired years ago when in NYC with friends. We spent an afternoon shopping for embellishments and trim. Such great memories so I was happy to be able to use this recycled fur trim I found on something.
Hope this blog post finds you all healthy and fully vaccinated or soon to be vaccinated.
-Rebecca
Siren Silhouette Korrine
Last year Integrity Toys released a small Fashion Royalty capsule collection called FR Maison Paris. It consisted of two dolls and I received the second doll in the collection not too long ago. Everything about this small collection had huge glamour factor. Jessy Ayala indulged his creativity towards elegant pastels and classic lines for this capsule. The results were big hits with collectors including this one. Thanks to my trusty dealer, I managed to secure both dolls.
Siren Silhouette
Korinne Dimas™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection:
Maison FR
Limited Edition: 1100 Dolls
Expected Ship Date: Early Winter 2020
Suggested Retail Pricing: $175.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS
Head Sculpt: Korinne Dimas
Body Type: FR 6.0
Foot Sculpt: High-heeled
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair Color: Dark Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
I think she is exceptional! I adore the intricate details of this gown…beads down the seams of the skirt people!! All of them!!. This gown is pure confection . The accessories start off with a statement cocktail ring paired with the over the top chandelier earrings and delicate clutch with butterfly clasp. The shoes are a lovely iridescent silvery pair of stillettos with ornate metal heel (à la Ralph and Russo).
Here is how this beauty translated through my camera lens. I am very happy.
And sometimes…when taking images…the light reflects at just the right moment and in the exact right spot. I realize that this effect can be done using lightroom but it is always a little bit of magic when it happens organically. Here is the Siren herself…
For those of you interested in the behind the scenes set-up for these images, this one is for you. I had a reflector bouncing light from the left and partly cloudy afternoon diffused light coming in from the right. Here I am using two Replica Surface background boards in “Smoke”.
-Rebecca
Poppy Meets the Barbie® Pink Collection
The BFMC has officially closed up shop at Mattel but there is a small glimmer of former glory. Mattel has announced the Barbie® Pink Collection™. According to the press release this series will be “Classic Barbie® glamour meets on-trend style”. The first doll of the series is designed by Robert Best and is on a Silkstone model muse body.
Barbie®Pink Collection™ Doll
- Label: Gold Label®
- Designer: Robert Best
- Release Date: 1/25/2021
- Included with doll: Dress, earrings, shoes, doll stand
- Eyelashes: Painted
- Fashion:Off-the-shoulder high-low gown with bow accents and a dramatic train of cascading tulle
- Fashion Sewn On?: No
- Body Type:Model Muse (Silkstone)
- Doll Stand: Yes
- Facial sculpt: Millie Cl Mouth Collector Size (Silkstone)
- Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 14" x 4" x 10"
- Limit 3 per person
SKU #: GTJ76
Price: Wait for it…$100.00 If you are a Barbie Collector member at platinum level you get a discount. I might wait for a sale on this one folks.
The box is very pretty and suitable for a display piece. The dress is well made and is removable..that is a nice plus. The shoes are plastic…meh…but the earrings are metal. That is an improvement from past offerings. The facial screening is pretty but I would have preferred that the hairband was done with actual hair and not fuchsia material. To be honest it makes it look like a 1980’s scrunchie and detracts from the elegance of the gown.
Since I am not the model muse body type collector anymore, I decided that Poppy was going to wear the gown. The color of this gown is INTENSE. It’s the signature pantone Barbie pink color and for the very first time in my career of using Photoshop/Light room on images…I had to actually dial the vibrancy back a bit on the images! I didn’t adjust much but I felt it was fair to say that I did it. Important to note…the little upper arm sleeves are separate so you can use them or not.
This is Shining in the Spotlight Poppy Parker in the Pink Collection gown and earrings with fashion royalty shoes. I have changed Poppy’s original hairstyle slightly from the original by twirling the long braid up and around the crown of her head and securing it with pins. Her green eyes work beautifully with this almost florescent fuchsia gown.
New photo prop alert!!! So I have been trying my hands at making some 1/6 plants mostly for photo props ( and just to see if I could frankly) during our quarantine. I think these court palms turned out good! The little ornate toile urns are from Seda France candles I purchased and have used. They make beautiful planters for 1/6 scale. They are extremely fragrant. My current favorite is Hyacinth 
-Rebecca
Poppy Parker: The Model Traveler Collection
Hello everyone! Coming to you from quarantine in the Pacific Northwest of the United States 
. I hope this blog post finds you in good health and looking forward towards hope and happiness. I know most if not all of us were more than ready for some good doll collecting news so the new release from Integrity Toys and their very popular Poppy Parker line was a long cool drink of water in the middle of this quarantine desert.
David Buttry has given us a treat with this latest collection. He takes us on an aggressive world tour just at the time when we are most thirsty for dreams of travel. The journey is rich in sophistication, details and Jackie O’ styling from the late 60’s and early 70’s. While this time period is probably my least favorite for fashion, David manages to convince me otherwise with these dolls. I want every last one of them including the lottery. Let’s get started with the journey….
We start our travels in New York.
Hello, New York!
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection
Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls
Expected Ship Date: Late May 2020
Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy Parker
Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Strawberry Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
Included:
• 12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;
• Fresh tweed ensemble composed of an overcoat with matching skirt and perfectly
matched mint-colored ruffled blouse;
• Knee length boots;
• Large tote bag;
• Sunglasses;
• Earrings, bracelets and ring;
• Alternate pair of gloved hands;
• Doll stand;
• Certificate of authenticity.
This titian haired beauty exemplifies the style and aesthetic David Buttry was going for. A Jackie O vibe in the late 60’s and 70’s. The travel bag is specially designed and screen printed to emulate vintage luggage of the time. From the tips of her manicured fingers to the bottom of her rounded grey booted feet, She screams cool, calm, sophisticated and stylish. Lots of mix and match pieces to play with here folks and those grey gloved hands are FR white so can be used with so many other dolls too. She is definitely traveling in style.
Next, we board for Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Twilight
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection
Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls
Expected Ship Date: Late May 2020
Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy Parker
Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Platinum
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
Included:
• 12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;
• Totally MOD long sleeved, micro-sequined A-line dress, worn over a sparkling sleeveless micro-
dress;
• Silver “chrome leather” shoes;
• Silver “chrome leather” clutch with chain handle;
• Oversized triangular panel earrings;
• 2 bangle bracelets;
• 2 finger rings;
• Alternate pair of hands with long manicured nails;
• Doll stand;
• Certificate of authenticity.
Love the 1960’s – or possibly Princess Lea vibe going on with this hair!
According to David, this hairstyle was one he had used on a previous OOAK for IT convention and wanted to use it again. I searched through my photo archive and sure enough…voila!
The outfit is an homage per David I believe to a highly sought after Vintage Japanese exclusive Barbie outfit. This one below sold on Ebay in Canada for around $1500 in 2019. If there is an official name for this outfit please let me know. I am woefully ignorant of vintage Barbie and am always happy to be educated.
I love it this doll! I love the multiple parts of this fashion too. You can layer it or not depending on what kind of look you want to go for. The mod jewelry is just the right accompaniment. Her coloring is very reminiscent of “Out of this World Poppy Parker” and she is one of my favorites so no surprise I am drawn to this one as well. She was the one who caught my eye first when IT released images and apparently this one is a favorite of the designer David Buttry as well.
Next on the world wind tour is Milan…
Mad for Milan
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection
Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls
Expected Ship Date: Late June/Early July 2020
Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy Parker
Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle
Skin Tone: Sun Kissed
Hair Color: Brown Black Mix
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
Included:
• 12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;
• Long, glamorous floor length leopard print coat worn over a fun long-sleeved,
black A-Line dress;
• Faux "suede" thigh high boots;
• Faux croc "leather" handbag;
• Sunglasses;
• Long chain necklace with pendant;
• Multi-use chain belt;
• Earrings, 3 bracelets and wrist cuff;
• Alternate pair of gloved hands;
• Doll stand;
• Certificate of authenticity.
This doll is all about that coat! Love the bumped hairstyle with simple band and adore that David did her in a sunkissed skin tone. I have been enthralled with the Italian miniseries based on the book “ My Brilliant Friend” so this doll was just what I needed for 1960’s Italian high fashion. The accessories and jewelry in particular are a notch above. The chain belt included with this set can be used as a belt or necklace so some nice options.
Last stop…the city of Lights!…Paris
Sizzling in Paris
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection
Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls
Expected Ship Date: Late June/Early July 2020
Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00
IT DIRECT RIGHT-TO-BUY LOTTERY
*Info will be sent to W Club members closer to the ship date, approx. mid-June
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body Type: Poppy Parker
Foot Sculpt: High Heel
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
Included:
• 12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;
• Elegant ruby red floor length evening gown with beading detail at the bust and faux fur
stole;
• Red heels with rhinestone detail;
• Clutch purse with rhinestone detail;
• Gauntlet gloves;
• Rhinestone earrings, ring and cuff bracelet;
• Alternate pair of opera length gloved hands;
• Alternate pair of hands with long manicure;
• Doll stand;
• Certificate of authenticity.
Wow!! Poppy is all grown up!! This is sophistication with a capitol “S”! I love that they chose the Opéra Garnier as a backdrop for this one. It definitely adds that extra level of glamour. This is a very sexy and smart facial screening for Poppy. It’s the Bergdorf screening with a different eyebrow and boy does it work well. I love the sleek high ponytail and the deep garnet lip shade and dress color. Glittering jewels complete the opulent offering. I will definitely be entering the lottery for this lovely and I am sure I won’t be alone. I am happy to see the large edition sizes for this collection. That way many of us Poppy lovers will come away happy.
Many of us were left wondering at the end of this capsule presentation “Where is London?!” I have the answer to that….She was actually the very first Poppy Parker offering this year.
This was one of the WClub signup upgrade dolls. She represents the London stop on the Poppy World tour for 2020 per David. Glad I ordered her then so the completest collector in me will be happy.
One final note I am compelled to make about this collection is the adorable packaging. Alain Tremblay designed the most adorable Luggage/carryall box for this collection! I think many of us collectors will be keeping these boxes.
If you are interested in these lovely ladies, you will need to contact Integrity Toys dealers for them. The Sizzling in Paris Poppy will only be available to WClub members.
–Rebecca
Poppy Breaks Out
Hello intrepid followers. It feels like every time I try to get to the blog something blocks the path. For the past month and a half it’s been mother nature and a pesky furnace that just doesn’t want to get with the program. While snow is beautiful and it turns the studio into one big snow globe…it it isn’t heated, its no fun to be in there. After some very stern language and a good furnace doctor…we are back in business in the studio.
I took delivery of some new backgrounds recently for another product photography project and realized they work really well for doll photography as well. The company is called Replica Surfaces. They are kind of pricey for doll photography but might be worth the investment if you want easy to set up and sturdy. I am not being compensated at all for this plug. Just passing on information on a product that I have enjoyed using.
New doll in the studio!! I recently received Rendez Vous in Rio Poppy Parker from the Mission to Brazil Poppy Parker collection. The second I got her, I saw her in green. I had recently seen a stunning Vanity Fair cover of Lupita Nyong’o
And I was inspired by a dress by Rimdoll on Etsy. Here is the product of that inspiration and a newly warm studio.
And because I was having fun with Photoshop, I decided to do some color variations including an early Valentines Day image. Hope you enjoy.
Thank you all for you patience! Looking forward to warmer days and a better relationship with my furnace. I guess you could say we are currently in therapy .
-Rebecca
Doll Photography and Blogging: The Set
This one is the fun one…or at least I think it is. It’s about the diorama photos and all those little details. If set building for a photo is not your thing…this might not be your favorite episode. For me, this is the joy of what I do…creating that story and scene. Hope you walk away with a new idea or way to make your photos or collecting more fun and meaningful.
Don’t forget to upgrade to hi-def and full screen in bottom right corner of video.
–Rebecca
Doll Photography and Blogging: Light
So I attempt to do every Friday but some days…it will be later. This weeks mini segment is about light and how important it is when taking an image. Hope you all enjoy! Don’t forget to click on the HD button in bottom right of video to get high quality video and use the other button in bottom right of screen to get full screen.
–Rebecca
The Elyse Chronicles: Red Sparrow
Ok…so I couldn’t just leave this Elyse with just a Barbie makeover shot. I also wanted to show her in a more sophisticated look than the white and black sundress she came in. I was having some difficulty coming up with a different look for her and received some inspiration from an unlikely place…the current book I was reading.
Model: Jason Wu 10th Anniversary Doll “Nordstrom Exclusive”
Dress, cape, shoes, jewelry: Star Power Vanessa by Integrity Toys
Hat: Dimitha
Muff: Bogue’s Vogues
–Rebecca
The Elyse Chronicles: The B Word
For this installment of the Elyse Chronicles and my homage to the 10th Anniversary Jason Wu dolls, I’m using the Nordstrom’s Elyse. This doll was an exclusive release from the upscale retailer Nordstrom.
Ok come on….when the first images of this doll were released…even though many of us are Integrity Toys collectors…we all thought it…Barbie.
She looks a whole like like Miss Babs with the hairstyle and bright red lips, nails and toes. Given that, I just had to do this next set of photos. I just had to.
–Rebecca
Doll Photography and Blogging: Equipment
Here is the next installment of this presentation. Hope you guys find some useful info here. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the questions in the comment section of this blog post. Don’t forget to select HD and full screen in bottom right hand corner of video to get best quality.
–Rebecca
The Elyse Chronicles: La Vie en Rose
The first doll released from the Jason Wu 10th Anniversary collection was the La Vie en Bleu Elyse. The option to purchase her was given to each 2016 Integrity Toys Convention attendee.
So in keeping with the theme I started, since she came to us originally in an evening look, I thought to put her in a daywear look. I looked no further than a new uber chic suit I received from Etsy designer and seller HoangAnhKhoi.
And what blog post called “La Vie en Rose” could not include a link to this…
What a Metamorphosis!
Integrity Toys’ W Club just announced their latest club offering to members and she’s not just a beauty but a gift set beauty offering….always a plus! This one is yet another example of the emerging design talents of Jessy Ayala ! Well done Jessy!!
Metamorphosis
Erin Salston™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Heirloom Collection
2017 W Club Exclusive
Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Arrival: Early Spring 2018
Pricing: $175.00 US + S & H
(Limit of one per W Club membership)
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: ERIN 2.0
Body: NU. FACE 2.5
Foot Sculpt: HIGH-HEELED
Skin Tone: HUNGARIAN
Hair Color: MIDNIGHT BROWN
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No
Like What you see?? But wait…there is more! This one is a gift set people!
Possible design inspiration is right off the runway from Alexandre Vauthier
Alexandre Vauthier 2017 Spring Couture
Wow right?!! I realize ( and totally relate to) that some are completely turned off by the fact that the shorts look was sported by Kendell Jenner on a red carpet event but lets not forget…the original look was designed by Alexandre Vauthier.
How adorable is that little butterfly headband?!! And I love the blue and white print with the facial screening of this doll. Soft and elegant. I don’t know who the design inspiration was for the gown but the feeling for me is that soft mystical feel of the recent Dior couture shows by Maria Grazia Chiuri ,formally of Valentino. I love the whimsy coupled with edginess of this giftset. It’s a full meal deal! This addition to the Nu.Face line is also part of the “Heirloom” collection so the backstory reveals that the little butterfly crown has been passed down through generations in Erin’s family. Sweet story. I am really enjoying the fun Jessy appears to be having with this line.
If you are a W Club member, you have until noon EST 9/8/2017 to order this one. Check for the links in your email. If you are not a member, check the secondary markets after this beauty is released ( not until 2018).
-Rebecca
Magnetism in Green
Nothing like a redhead in green! For the next couple of months I will be going through some of my old portfolio for a future project and I will most likely be sharing some of those re-edits. These will be some of my favorite shots from years past. This will work in tandem with my Instagram as I try to populate that account with some work from my previous catalogue of images. I thought as it is St. Patrick’s day, it was a good day to kick off an ‘on theme’ post with a favorite set from the past.
Model and bracelet: Magnetism monogram from Integrity Toys
Dress, hat,earrings and purse: Randall Craig
Shoes:…for the life of me..can’t find the source. **update** shoes are from Magnetism original doll. Thank you Pauline!!!
Fur: Dimitha
Luggage: Jet Set Cocoa from Integrity Toys
Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone!!
-Rebecca
Oh so Chanel
For those of you who follow me on FB and Instagram, you received a little sneak peek of today’s post this past weekend.
Tomorrow, I am flying to Chicago for the 2016 Integrity Toys Convention. Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and I will be having an event on Wednesday evening to sell fabulous OOAK clothing creations by Hilda and a variety of 1/6 items made by me and my fellow blogger Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World. For place and time, check the boards at convention. We will be placing signage as soon as we have a room number. We will also be at the sales bazaar on Friday evening.
Here is a small sample of some of the Chanel inspired yumminess that Hilda will have available for convention attendees.
If you are in the market for some exquisite 1/6 couture for your dolls and are attending IT convention this year, come attend the event. Room number and time will be posted at convention.
Blog post on accessories and other 1/6 items available will be up later today 
Hudson’s Bay Barbie!
Sorry to start this blog post out with some snark but here it goes. When you are a company the size of Mattel…and you say you are going to have something for sale on a certain date at a certain time….you would think they would honor that. Nope. But then again, this was the same company that advertised a doll for $50 then raised the price 50 percent an hour into the sale to $75. Snark over…for now. 
All this being said, Mattel released a highly anticipated doll today ( about an hour and a half later than they said they would but released it they did)…whaaaaat…how did that extra snark get in there?
Seriously though..Carlyle has a new girl to show off at Mattel and she is a beauty! Well done Carlyle!!! Also important to note…for once Canadian collectors can buy directly and get this one shipped to their homes. She is also available at Hudson’s Bay online.
Designer: Carlyle Nuera
Release Date: 10/5/2016
Retail: $49.99
She’s purrrrty. And…There is a poodle!!! The latte cup and cell phone are a bonus too eh?
-Rebecca
It’s Party Time
Everyone in the fashion world has their eyes turned toward Paris right now for the culmination of the 2017 Spring Summer Ready to Wear shows and I thought, “what does one do at the end of fashion week?”. If it were me, I would want to celebrate so that is the inspiration behind this group of photos. Well…that and a killer sparkle dress from Rimdoll.
Here is the mood board I posted on Instagram.
Dress: Rimdoll on Etsy
Shoes: Integrity Toys Cold shoulder Eugenia
Earrings: Integrity Toys Fabulous Fields Luchia
Glassware: Facets by Marcia
Fur Wrap: Pottery Barn wine bottle adornment ( yes!! seriously!! I know right?!)
Champagne bottle: origins of which are lost in the quagmire of my mind….
There was another item besides the gown that I was inspired by. Those of us who attended last years Integrity Toys convention were a bit hmmmm…lets just say underwhelmed by the convention doll last year. Her name was ‘Making an Entrance’ Karolin Stone and she was a severe looking lady with a major broad forehead. Not the most attractive look in my opinion.
I really liked her facial screening but I was all ready to sell this one when I saw an image of a restyled Karolin on Rimdoll’s Etsy site. I decided to change course and see if I could soften her look a bit. Here is what I ended up with and I have to say…I am very happy 
.
She still has the wide forehead but at least it’s softened up by the roll of bangs.
Welcome to Fall everyone!
And before you say it…YES I know there is no such thing as a pink pumpkin. They are there to remind all of us that it is breast cancer awareness month people…so do those self exams and get those mammograms!!!
The Royal Tea
Ok..so this series of shots were inspired by the outfit I posted on Instagram. As with many images, what looks good on an idea board does not translate to a model or doll. In this case, the hat that looked good on the board did not translate well to actual model. And…as much as I wanted to use it, the teapot did not make it into the final shots either. Sometimes it works out sometimes it doesn’t. The post is called “The Royal Tea” because the dog is wearing a crown .
Here was the Instagram inspiration:
You will notice a little bit of a color cast difference between my Instagram shots and the other images I use in the blog. The reason behind this is a difference in camera. Most if not all of the outfit boards that I post are shot with…wait for it…my IPhone. If I ever get around to doing my next photography installment you will learn more about that. Suffice it to say, as good as these new phones are these days, they still have a long way to go as far as color balance. Ok…geek photography moment over.
I am sharing snippets of the photo process on some of these posts on my instagram stories so feel free to follow that if you want. They disappear in 24 hours so they are there and then they are gone.
I am totally in love with this doll. She is Rare Appearance Dania Zarr from Integrity Toys. She was a WClub exclusive for 2014. Still one of my favorite models. The dress is a new acquisition from the talented Gwen of Gwendolyn’s Treasures.
Model: Integrity Toys Rare Appearance Dania Zarr
Dress: Gwendolyn’s Treasures
Hat: Bogue’s Vogues
Gloves: Integrity Toys IT Airways Poppy Parker
Necklace: made by me
Dog: Mattel
Shoes: Integrity Toys Sneak Peek Eden
Perfume bottle: Purchased at 2016 Barbiecon from Hande. If you ever go to Barbiecon… her sales table is a favorite of mine. Great minis! Sorry, no website or Etsy store yet.
-Rebecca
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
Fall Fashion Week
Milan fashion week wrapped up day before yesterday and I was inspired by the Instagram feeds. I posted a photo of an outfit I felt would have worked at Milan fashion week and brought in the colors of the season.
The next step was to find a model to put it on and shoot.
Chanel purse is DollhouseAra on Etsy . Outfit is Barbie Look Urban Jungle.
Many of you may have already figured out that I have started posting preliminary images on Instagram of upcoming outfits or behind the scene things. I am also sharing on Instagram stories. The stories will include some videos of the doll room and new diorama or display items. If you are on Instagram, come and join the fun. Follow me to see the stories.
—Rebecca
The Power of Pink Continues…
Yep…not ready to let go of the pink theme this week and I am sticking with the same designer as well. As we approach this years Integrity Toys convention, I though I would pull out one of my favorite gift dolls from last years convention…Paper Doll Poppy Parker.
From Rimdoll on Etsy
Love this Poppy and love this pink confection of a dress!
— Rebecca
Poppy Goes to Paris–A Recap
This years theme for the Poppy Parker collection by David Buttry hit a chord with many collectors. I know it hit this collector right in the wallet. I absolutely adored it and can’t wait to see what David has in store for us Poppy collectors at the Integrity Toys convention in October. While we wait for convention, I thought it would be fun to get a group shot of the Poppys we have enjoyed so far this year. Since Poppy is in Paris, I drew inspiration from one of the most iconic Parisian fashion houses of all time…Dior.
Ma Petite Fleur Poppy Parker – WClub 2016 Registration upgrade doll
Powder Puff Poppy Parker – IT Direct Lottery doll
Paris in the Springtime Poppy Parker – 2016 Poppy Parker The Bonbon Collection
Night at the Ballet Poppy Parker – 2016 Poppy Parker The Bonbon Collection
C’est Si Bon – 2016 Poppy Parker The Bonbon Collection
Miss Amour Poppy Parker – IT Direct Lottery doll
Magnifique Poppy Parker – 2016 Poppy Parker The Bonbon Collection
Très Chic Boutique Poppy Parker – 2016 Poppy Parker The Bonbon Collection
Ooh La La Poppy Parker – WClub Exclusive doll
Bonjour Mademoiselle Poppy Parker – 2016 Poppy Parker The Bonbon Collection
-Rebecca
Eden Wears It Better
No disrespect to the fine talents of Mr. Best and Mattel but…I think Eden from Integrity Toys wears this one better.
And yes people…this silkstone’s shoes will fit the Nu.Face model here….barely but it works. I am still trying to figure out if I like the swirl curl bang thing on her forehead. 
-Rebecca
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I picked up this glorious gown at the last IT convention and have been waiting for the right lady to wear it. It is a power house of a gown so who better than “Power House Ayumi” to wear it.
Model: Power House Ayumi
Gown: PonnePP ( you can find his photos and work on Flickr at www.flickr.com/ponne1984)
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.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 