Big OOAK Sale Today!!
Hello all! Just wanted to give a shout out about an exciting sale going on today for all you vintage and OOAK Barbie lovers out there. The talented duo of Hilda Westervelt and Maryann Roy have a new collection of Mannequin Mavens they are debuting today as well as fashions by Hilda and furniture by Maryann. They are working with some amazing prints from David Rose this time around and the results are nothing short of stellar! There is sure to be something for everyone in this epic sale and if you are one of the many who are sad about not attending Barbiecon this year, here is your chance to get some of the things you only see there. For all the images and prices of what is available, please visit Hilda’s or Maryann’s blogs at
www.bellissimacouturefashions.com (Hilda) fashions
www.maryannroy.com (Maryann) Furniture, Room Boxes and OOAK Mannequin Mavens.
To entice you to go, here are a few luscious images of some of the things available today.
The Mannequin Maven Collection
Hilda also has some fantastic OOAK fashions that she is offering. Here are a few.
All these beauties are available either through Maryann’s (OOAK’s and furniture) or Hilda’s ( fashions) blogs so go check out their websites!
–Rebecca
2018 NBDCC–Magia2000 OOAK Event
On Tuesday, Magia2000 unveiled their convention collection and it did not disappoint. This collection paid tribute to couture collections and designers of the past and present. All of the big couture houses were represented…Dior, Valentino, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, YSL and the list goes on. The collection sold out in the hours it was up for bid and purchase. Many lucky collectors whose numbers were called early walked away happy campers.
Mario and Gianni also included inspiration photos next to each doll. I always love to see what inspires an artist to create.
The attention to detail by these two artists is really amazing! It is a treat to just see these pieces of art let alone be able to purchase them.
The complete set of photos will be up on my Flickr account(link in the side bar to the right) in about and hour. I will be uploading after this post. Hope you all enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed viewing this collection and photographing it.
-Rebecca
2018 NBDCC–Matt Sutton and Matt Trujillo OOAK Party
Hello all! I know….long time no see. I have been busy busy making products for NBDCC 2018. I am here again at National Barbie Doll Collector Convention to report and send photos from as many events as I can attend while still selling product 
. Will send another post tonight with more information on room sales.
The first event I attended was the Matt Sutton and Matt Trujillio OOAK party and boy..it did not disappoint.
A taste of Matt Sutton’s lovelies!
These are just a few of my fav’s. The whole set of photos can be found on my flickr..link on the right in my sidebar.
Matt Trujillo had some amazing work as well!!
Again…go to my flickr for the full set of photos.
Will be photographing OOAK parties all day today so will try and get the photos out over the next couple of days.
-Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–Saturday Night Dinner
After the excitement of the mornings design challenge, festival attendees had lunch on their own and an afternoon to shop some more in the sales room or have some well deserved free time. We were all anticipating the final evening event of the festival – The Diamond Jubilee diner featuring a tribute to Ninimomo. The super talented Ninimomo team of Nik Moronese and Marie Lebreton shared a fun video of their design process and a tribute to their loyal fans.
Then it was time to vote, judge and announce the winner of the “Make your own OOAK” design challenge.
The judges convened for a decision
First and Second Runner ups..
And the winner….drum roll please…was our own Rogier Corbeau of Dutch Fashion Doll World!!!! with this stunning entry…
Congratulations Rogier!!
Another highlight of the evening was the collection of past Ninimomo OOAK dolls brought by collectors.
Attendees were asked to vote on their favorite….and here she is.
There were some fabulous table centerpieces!
And they were all slightly different….same outfit but different dolls for each. I thought that was really inventive and cool.
After a fantastic diner, it was time to unveil the Ninimomo convention doll. Each attendee received this one too. Yes people!! TWO official dolls for this festival.
Rocky received a special much deserved OOAK gift from Nik and Marie as well.
It was an amazing evening and total icing on an already amazing cake of a doll festival. Recap and final thoughts and thank-you post coming up tomorrow.
—Rogier and Rebecca
OOAK Doll Festival–Friday Dinner
After the sales room frenzy of Friday afternoon, many attendees headed to Mood Fabric in the garment district and if they had time, stopped off at M&J Trimming. I did not attend that outing but many did and had a marvelous time.
The evening event was the Platinum Party Dinner where we all paid tribute to the amazing and creative talents of Gianni Grossi and Mario Paglino who make up the stellar team of Magia 2000. Here they are with Rocky Schmidt the fabulous organizer of this truly one of a kind festival.
There was a table centerpiece…which all of us wanted but only 10 lucky ducks won. Yours truly and her blogging cohort Rogier…were not lucky ducks this evening 
There was also a collection of Magia 2000 creations that were brought and shared by various attendees. It was such a treat to see so many beautiful creations from Magia 2000 past collections. Wish I had time to photograph all of them in the studio!
Once you stopped salivating over the Magia’s…it was time to vote on your favorite “unconventional material” OOAK dolls. Each attendee was given a ticket to vote on their favorite Magia and their favorite unconventional material doll.
There were many creative entries for unconventional materials. In the end…Rogier was 2nd runner up for his masterful concoction. The winner of the competition was an adorable whimsical design and excellent use of pastel confetti material!
The winner of the favorite collector Magia 2000 was this one. Breathtaking!
After a lovely dinner, it was time to unveil the Magia 2000 official convention doll. Each attendee received one! She was an instant favorite. Her name is Manhattan Premiere.
Oh….My….Word!!!!
Here is a sketch that Mario and Gianni share with Rogier and I.
Rocky received a OOAK version of this beauty. A beautiful OOAK lady for a gentleman that put so much time and effort into making this festival happen. You deserve this and so much more for all your work Rocky. We love you!!
Saturday’s events posts coming up..
-Rogier and Rebecca
The Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention–Day 3 The Salesroom
The last day of convention is full of lovely sales room goodies 
But before we get into those, I wanted to show the promotional images from two of the auction items displayed last night. These items will be auctioned off on Ebay in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Rogier’s blog for information on when those items are up and available for bidding.
Carlyle Nuera released these images on his Instagram and FB page of the glorious design he did.
And here is one for the Magia2000 auction item.
Now on to the Madrid Fashion Doll convention sales room!
Artist Creations brought some beautiful dolls.
And Magia2000 brought some stunners as well.
I believe this beautiful lady went home with someone we know.
And many, many more talented people exhibited their wares
Amazing hats and outfits by Cisca Durieux
And so many more….
And with these final images, I pass the baton back to Rogier for Dutch Fashion Doll World. Rogier will be blogging for me in about a month as I travel to Chicago for the Integrity Toy Convention. Wishing you safe and easy travel back to your home my friend. It has been a pleasure and honor to sit in the editor chair these past few days.
-Rebecca
The Madrid Fashion Doll Show Convention–Gala Dinner
After presentations were over this afternoon, there was one workshop put on by the talented member of Artist Creations Guiseppe de Bellis
Then it was time for the really big party…The Gala Dinner!!! Here are a few images from the dessert table.
The centerpiece doll
“Bolliwood Diva 2.0”
She was an originally designed by Marcelo Jacob, now redesigned by Lewis and made by Joana Costa “Squistish”
And the tables themselves incorporated many of the beautiful colors of India.
Rogier’s table gift. Wish I were at his table!!!
Gorgeous!!
There were beautiful auction items as well. Here are just a few….
Here is beautiful image Magia2000 shared on their instagram
Mattel done by Carlyle Nuera
So, Gala dinner is happening right now. We should have images of convention doll very soon. As I write this, Rogier is sending me videos of some major dancing going on…Bollywood style. LOVE. What a fantastic party!!
-Rebecca
Opening the Treasure Chest: “Tokyo Chic”
One of the things I enjoy most about The National Barbie Doll Collector Convention are the amazing One of a Kind (OOAK) artists that bring their creations to the convention. Most of them sell at private shows or in their rooms in the days leading up to the official start of the convention. Many collectors, including myself, go up to 4 days early to convention so they can attend these private parties and see what kind of OOAK creations they can add to their collections. For some collectors, these OOAK’s are the focus of their collection. There are so many talented artists within this community.
One such artist is Julia Lapshova of Julia Originals. I was lucky to get to her room early enough and purchased this lovely creation. Her attention to detail and tailoring is always extraordinary. I am so very happy to have Ms. Tokyo Chic in my personal collection. You can also follow Julia on Facebook.
“Tokyo Chic”
-Rebecca
IDC 2016 – A Magia 2000 Dinner
I am guest blogging for my friend and fellow blogger Rogier of Dutch Barbie World again. On Friday, Rogier flew to Milan for the 2016 Italian Doll Convention.
The Convention does not officially begin until Saturday morning but a few collectors were able to enjoy a special dinner with the co-creators of Magia2000 and the hosts of the Italian Doll Convention, Mario and Gianni. Rogier has supplied some stellar photos and pieces of info from that dinner.
There was a lovely collection of OOAK Magia 2000 dolls done especially for the IDC and they were unveiled at the dinner. Mario and Gianni also debuted their new fragrance!
A beautiful table awaited approximately 30 guests.
And a special collection of beautiful dolls with the theme of “nude” awaited excited collectors.
More information coming tomorrow from IDC 2016. Stay tuned….
-Rebecca
Who Says Redheads Can’t Wear Pink?!
This is a fashion rule somewhere right? The fact that redheads should not wear pink. Why do so many of us seem to have this rule stuck in our heads? Where did this come from? I am sure there are some circumstances in which redheads in pink don’t work out. Mustard yellow and I definitely don’t mix well…but that is a different story. I recently received a few items that my brain was telling me “don’t go together”, but my eyes were giving me a whole other input. I went with the eyes and told the brain to go have a glass of wine and relax.
This statement of a gown is another beauty in sequins from PonnePP you can find him and contact him via his Flickr site( www.flickr.com/ponne1984). I featured the red version in February. The other dazzlers in this shot are the amazing Silkstone repaint of Gala Gown by Jon Copeland-Childers of SeloJSpa and a princess tiara by CHATIARA2015.
This combination just had me seeing her as a princess.
I have to admit…I am a little obsessed with this tiara right now. It’s so detailed and exquisite. It’s an investment for sure (not cheap!) and in my opinion a good investment. I received my first crown and it was damaged, so they immediately sent me a new one and paid for the return shipping of the damaged crown. Fair and fast. A class operation. The shine and sparkle of this just can’t be captured adequately in my photos. The designer’s name is Chawalit Chommuang and you can find him on Facebook at God Diamonds. Really beautiful work. The link to find and purchase this crown is CHATIARA2015. **note: the crown might be a little big on some smaller heads or tight hairstyles. Just want to mention that. **
PonnePP’s gowns are just amazing. All those little elongated sequin tiles!
-Rebecca
Love in Praga
This past year at The National Barbie Doll Collector Convention, the talented Magia2000 team of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi presented a collection that was very close to their hearts. They showcased a OOAK collection centered on the theme of love. A fitting theme as they announced at this event that they would be tying the knot themselves later that year. How special is that?!! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after that announcement. With all of the love going on in that room, many collectors walked away with the right to purchase some of this stunningly beautiful collection. They used a new system of drawing numbers and when your number was drawn you could choose from what was left or decline to purchase. The people who had their numbers chosen early walked away with their first choice of the options. I was lucky enough to have my number chosen while one of my favorites was still up for purchase. Her name is “Love in Praga” which I understand to mean Love in Prague. I am honored and so very pleased to have this one of a kind creation in my collection and was so happy to participate in this celebration of love at the NBDCC in 2015.
To see more of the beauties Mario and Gianni designed for this past convention, feel free to visit the gallery at their site Magia2000.
-Rebecca
Back to Basics
What do I mean by that? Good question. With all the negativity going on right now surrounding this new articulated silkstone body from Mattel and the general feeling that they are not listening to their adult collector community, I took a moment to refocus. I was getting too wrapped up in the negativity of the bad front end user interface of the Barbie Collection website and the lack of information and general feel of apathy coming from Mattel. I needed to come back to why I like to collect…”Why am I doing this?”. I needed to go look at my collection and start falling in love again. It didn’t take long. I went into the studio and took some photos and started rediscovering why I love to collect fashion dolls. It’s not about Mattel and what they do and don’t do. It’s not about Integrity Toys either. They do play a part because it is their products that fuel a passion but it’s not why I collect.
The love lies in what is done with these fashion models. It’s the creativity and support of the community that truly fuels and sustains the love of this hobby. With so much hurt and negativity going on right now, I think it’s time to pull back and refocus on my collection and what I enjoy most about it. I am not one to be driven by the acquisition of a thing nor am I what some consider a completest. Contrary to some people’s believe, I do not own every Silkstone Barbie ever made ( although I would not turn down the opportunity to LOL!). What I strive to do is have a collection of things that I truly enjoy. So…that is what I am going to try do do with the blog this year. Focus on enjoying the collection I have and not get tied up in where Mattel is going with their product line or not going with their website. It’s time to enjoy the collection I have. And I hope to share that enjoyment with you all through the photos I produce.
This gorgeous lady came to me at this past year’s Barbie Collector convention in Virginia. She is a Mannequin Maven. Mannequin Maven’s are the collaborative team of the very talented Maryann Roy and Hilda Westervelt. I love it when these two gifted artists get together and create! They never disappoint. Hilda and Maryann have collaborated for various charity donations for GAW, Kenvention, NBDCC and Rome Fashion Doll Convention.
The poodle…well…the poodle is a whole other story. That little guy came to me through a new friend made at Barbie convention and it quickly became my travel companion and sort of travel meme through the entire trip. For those in the “poodle club” …and you know who you are…it was time to bring the poodle out for a real photo shoot. We really need to give this little guy a name before next convention.
Reverence for the Repaint…Part II
Here is the third and final repaint I received from from the amazing repaint artist Jon Copeland. She was originally a Suite Retreat™ Barbie® Doll.
source: www.Barbiecollector.com
This is what Jon Copeland did with her. STUNNING!
Gown and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues
Gloves, shoes and jewelry: Mattel
Fur: Dimitha
-Rebecca
Reverence for the Repaint
I can do many things when it comes to doll collecting. I cannot do what Jon Copeland does. I can’t even contemplate it. I can, however, observe, enjoy and photograph it.
For those who are interested, she was originally a Mila™ Barbie® Doll.
Italian Doll Convention Auction!
The Italian Doll Convention is a little over a week away and they are auctioning off some stunning OOAK’s to help support a local charity. 100% of the profits from these auctions will go to Casa Oz, a non profit organization that helps provide care to seriously ill children and their families. Here are just a few of the amazing items up for auction.
** photos are courtesy of the Italian Doll Convention**
OOAK DOLL “SPARKLING SATINE” by MAGIA 2000
OOAK BARBIE “MASQUERADE BEAUTY” by MATTEL, DESIGNED BY LINDA KYAW , EXCLUSIVE
OOAK DOLL “MADIVA” by ARTIST CREATIONS
OOAK DOLL “ELPHABA” BY NINIMOMO + CASE
OOAK DOLL “SHADOW AND LIGHT” BY MATTHEW SUTTON
For the whole list of auction items available, go to Italian Doll Convention Ebay auctions. Also, for a much more comprehensive write-up on these auction items, head on over to Rogier’s blog at http://dutchbarbieworld.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/charity-auction-italian-doll-convention/
Holy Cow!!
The Lady in Red: Part Four
This is the final part of this series and technically…she isn’t wearing red but in front of it. Red, however, is a big part of the shot. This “ Lady in Red” series had showcased the Fashion Royalty girls in my collection and it was time to pull out the beloved Silkstones. I love these shots for a few reasons.
1) It showcases one of my favorites Silkstones..a repaint by Jon Copeland of SeloJSpa(http://www.facebook.com/SelojSpa)
2) It has a high drama content…LOVE.
I love the lighting in this shot. It gives it that feeling of her actually being up on the stage with that little spotlight on her face.
3) It shows off a glitzy showgirl ensemble(Jazz Diva by Mattel) and the styling was inspired by a great conversation with fantastic doll friend. Matty of http://www.fashiondollfoto.com/ and I don’t get the chance to talk that often but when we do…good doll photos or doll blog ideas follow. Matty, this one’s for you {HUGS!}.
and 4) The background was flash of inspiration and something that caused me to say to myself “ Oh I need to talk about this on the blog”. After Matty gave me the idea that I should dress this doll in this outfit, I immediately saw a red show curtain. I saw “full on diva” and she needed a crushed red velvet curtain falling in folds behind her. One of my problems ( and yes, there are many of those LOL!) is once I have this image in my head..there is no talking me out of it. I knew I didn’t have crushed red velvet fabric for a backdrop. I also habitually run into the problem of having something in my head and then not being able to find it ANYWHERE. I knew I didn’t want to have to spend time or money searching for red crushed velvet at my local fabric stores. That’s when I took a step back and said “Okay Bec..what do you have that would work?” and inspiration struck.
“Ways in which you never thought you would use your kids old Halloween costumes.”
Yes! That was my daughters Halloween costume from a couple years ago sitting in a box in the kids playroom. It was the right color, texture and bonus…it had some black lace detail accents…more DRAMA! Perfect background curtain material. So if you are having trouble finding a background for you photos, don’t forget to check out the kids dress up box.
P.S…I Love You, Barbie® and Ken® OOAK Auction
Charitybuzz and Mattel are teaming up again for a OOAK auction. This time, it will benefit the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. Here is the write-up taken directly from the Charitybuzz website. http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/325204
“Mattel Principal Designer, Jim Holmes, collaborated with Photographer Steven Henke, to create this stunning one-of-a-kind duo Barbie® and Ken® dolls for the Barbie Does Palm Springs Charity Event.
The ultimate Palm Springs girl, PS… I Love You, Barbie® is in a 60’s inspired strapless patio-pant lounger with a citron animal-print caftan. The neck of the caftan and hem of the patio pants are encrusted with gems and jewels.
Ken®, the ultimate poolboy, is dressed in matching hipster stovepipe pants, cropped white knit top, citron flip flips, pork pie hat and sunglasses. And, to show his devotion, Ken sports a tattoo of "Barbie" on his arm.
And no Palm Springs pool party would be complete without a few festive drinks. Pool lounge furniture, a mid-century screen, and pool towels with Barbie and Ken embroidered on them, complete the flagstone set.”
** Photos are property of Charitybuzz **
Oh if only I had a money tree!! Auction ends October 31st.
There are also three photographs by Steven Henke (http://www.barbiedoespalmsprings.com/) up for auction. They are gorgeous!!
If you want to check out the all of the Barbie related auctions, here is the link http://www.charitybuzz.com/search?keywords=barbie
Here are a few photos of other collaborations between Mattel and Charitybuzz.
Warning!! Severe Eye Candy below!!
Pink Diamond™ Barbie® doll
proceeds went to benefit MAC Aids Fund organization
Winter Bliss Barbie®
proceeds went to benefit 2011 Project Angel Food
Oh my!!! Gorgeous dolls and supporting our local communities!! That’s a solid win in my book. 
Black Diamonds Anyone?
One of the highlights of going to doll conventions for me is the opportunity to see, photograph and sometimes purchase a One of A Kind doll ( okay so that’s my favorite part LOL!). I feel extremely blessed to have some truly amazing OOAK works of art in my collection and they mean even more because I have come to know the artists behind the work. One of my all time favorite OOAK artists is Matt Sutton. This past summer at the Ft. Lauderdale Barbie Convention, I was able to add this beauty to my collection and have finally put her in front of the camera. It is always a joy to photograph something sooooo beautiful.
OOAK Silkstone “Black Diamond” by Matt Sutton (http://mattsutton.com/)
And…because the front shots don’t really give the full story of the detail that went into this lady…here are some closeups of more detail.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 