Barbie for big girls.

Posts tagged “Silkstone Barbie

Black and White Forever Barbie

2020 will be the final year for the BFMC Barbie adult collector line.  While it is sad to see the end, I think it is time to let this one go.  The line since the articulated body made it’s appearance and economy measures were installed at Mattel have really taken this line down to the basic level.  Case in point, the first doll of the final series in 2020 is “Best in Black”

Barbie® Best In Black™ Doll

  • Label: Gold Label®
  • Designer: Robert Best
  • Release Date: 11/20/2019
  • Eyelashes: Painted
  • Body Type: Poseable silkstone
  • Included With Dress, pair of sheer socks,pair of shoes, & Doll Stand
  • Facial sculpt: Vintage Silkstone
  • Fashion Sewn On?: No
  • Fashion: Jet-black mini dress with stylish leg-of-mutton sleeves

©2019 Mattel Best in Black Barbie

©2019 Mattel Best in Black Barbie

©2019 Mattel Best in Black Barbie

©2019 Mattel Best in Black Barbie

Ok…so if you were looking to design and offer a doll to symbolize a funeral for the BFMC line….Mattel hit the nail on the head.  This doll is indeed headed to a funeral with all the austerity and solemnity that would entail.  No jewelry, no handbag, socks shoes and a black dress.  Okie Dokie.  Not the way this amazing BFMC line of dolls should begin the end of its career in my opinion but here we are. 

that aint right

Who knows what the last entries for this line will entail but at this point, my hopes are not high.  For it’s last offering of 2019, the BFMC managed to at least give us collectors a ball gown so I have decided to celebrate that with a blog post.  Don’t get me wrong, the BFMC has thrilled and blown  this collector away many times since 2001.  I am happy to have been able to collect this line for the past 19 years.  I am just sad to see it ending on such a low note. 

This past season, I was able to add a tree to the ITFDS studio.  The theme for the tree was all black and white.  Chanel was an inspiration.

©2019 ITFDS - White and Black Forever

And it inspired me to give the 2019 Black and White Forever Barbie a photo shoot.

©2019 Mattel Inc. Black and White Forever Barbie

Barbie® Black and White Forever™ Doll

  • Label: Gold Label®
  • Designer: Robert Best
  • Release Date: 6/04/2019
  • Included with doll: Slingback shoes, Earrings, Doll Stand,gloves, petticoat,wrist tag
  • Eyelashes: Painted
  • Fashion: Petticoat, Slingback shoes
  • Fashion Sewn On?: No
  • Body Type: Posable BFMC
  • Doll Stand: Yes
  • Facial sculpt: 11590

©2019 ITFDS- Black and White Forever Barbie

©2019 ITFDS- Black and White Forever Barbie

©2019 ITFDS- Black and White Forever Barbie

©2019 ITFDS- Black and White Forever Barbie

©2019 ITFDS- Black and White Forever Barbie

©2019 ITFDS- Black and White Forever Barbie

She at least has some earrings Smile.  I’m not a huge fan of the articulated body or the glitter eye shadow but at least she has a ballgown.  I also like the two toned white with black hair in an elegant updo.   Is she worth the $100 price tag?  I would wait for a sale on this one. 

-Rebecca


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. 

©2017 MSN Money

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

Gold Label®

Designer: Robert Best

Release Date: 5/08/2017

Retail: $100.00  !!! yes, you saw it correctly

©2017 Mattel Inc. - BFMC Blush and Gold Arrives

©2017 Mattel Inc. - BFMC Blush and Gold Arrives

©2017 Mattel Inc. - BFMC Blush and Gold Arrives

©2017 Mattel Inc. - BFMC Blush and Gold Arrives

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….


First Silkstone of 2017 Coming Soon

It looks like these images are up on the Barbie Collection website so I will share them here too.  The first Silkstone of 2017 will be available tomorrow!!  While I am not a fan of this articulated body, I still love the look of this first offering.

I find it very interesting that these images are available but no news on the Barbie Fan Club for 2017 is up and available yet.  Word is 03/31/2017.  Let’s just say, I will believe it when I see it.  In the mean time, there are images and a price point for this silkstone to mull over. 

Black & White Tweed Suit Barbie® Doll

Gold Label

Designer:Robert Best

Release Date: 03/27/2017  ( release doesn’t always mean available people…just sayin’)

Price: $75.00

©2017 Mattel, Inc.

©2017 Mattel, Inc.

©2017 Mattel, Inc.

©2017 Mattel, Inc.

©2017 Mattel, Inc.

Love the redhead!  Love the suit and Hermes inspired Kelly bag.  The hat…hmmmm…will have to see.  Happy that this lady has earrings!  I have to be honest…I am shocked we don’t have any new information on the BFC yet…just some vague information that it would be coming out by 03/31/2017.  I will be adding this beauty to my collection, club or no club. 

-Rebecca


OOAK Doll Festival–A Huge Thank You!!

One hundred collectors of One of a Kind fashion dolls congregated in New York City for an amazing event.  It was the first event of it’s kind and it has left this attendee with a huge sense of gratitude and respect for my fellow collectors. 

First and foremost, I have to thank Rocky Schmidt and his incredible team of festival organizers.  This event was simply amazing.  From the moment we registered to the last evenings dinner and doll presentation, it was a beautifully produced and orchestrated event.  We all ate, drank and were very merry indeed.  Because of the small intimate nature of this festival, you felt like you were attending a family reunion.  Collectors of specialized one of a kind fashion dolls gathered from all over the world and although we live in different areas, we were all connected through the love of this particular sub genre of collecting. 

While it’s always nice to get some nice ‘swag’ at events, I would say the bulk of enjoyment for most at this event were the people.  It’s the enjoyment of being with people who collect exactly what you collect.  This convention celebrated in particular the artistry and design of two very well respected and admired OOAK artistic teams…Magia 2000 and Ninimomo.  It was a festival that celebrated their artistry and love for this specialized craft .

For me personally, this event had special significance. Firstly,  It offered up an opportunity to collaborate on a project with some of my closest friends who work in this 1/6 scale medium.  I have long admired and respected Hilda and Rogier’s work.  Just to be a part of this team that produced the Laduree diorama was something I am so honored to be a part of.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

It was also an honor to  donate a few items to the talented collaborators of Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture and Maryann Roy of Welcome Home and their centerpiece doll design.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Besides the festival itself, there were a number of top favorites from the trip. 

#1 I got to go to one of my favorite places with a few of my favorite people.©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

#2 I got to see Rogier enjoy his first NYC hot dog from a stand!

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

#3 I got to experience the garment district with the master…Hilda

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

#4 And…I got to enjoy an amazing dinner with some great friends…old and new

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

And…last but not least, I got to enjoy the city with my husband and daughter ( wish my son could have joined….darn those college classes)

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

To cap off the whole week of festivities, a number of us from the festival were able to attend a performance of Hamilton!!  And it was an opportunity to meet up with in-laws and give a lovely sister-in-law the opportunity to see the show of her heart…on Broadway!  That made it all the sweeter.

©2017 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

So…Rocky and Team…from this blogger of fashion dolls…a HUGE Thank you for the memories and events of a lifetime. 

-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

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

And here is the information and official pictures

Glam Gown Barbie® Doll

Gold Label®

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.

©2016 Mattel, Inc. 

©2016 Mattel, Inc.

©2016 Mattel, Inc.

©2016 Mattel, Inc.

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


New Barbie Look and Silkstone News!

There has been a bit of a Barbie drought in this collectors house for a while but that may change in the coming weeks. This morning, The Barbie Collection added a few items for preorder that has some collectors very interested. 

First up are a couple of new Barbie Look dolls.

The Barbie Look™ Barbie® Doll – Park Pretty

Black Label®

Designer: Bill Greening

    • Body Type: Articulated
    • Facial sculpt: Millie
    • Fashion Sewn On: No
    • Fashion: Floral dress paired with yellow peep toe shoes
    • Accessories: Doll, fashion, shoes, sunglasses, bracelets, purse, phone, coffee drink, Miss Honey, dog tag

Release Date: 9/30/2016  **** Caveat…don’t be fooled by the date people, it says release but in actuality, this one won’t ship until 11/11/16**  Just keeping it real.

Retail:  $29.95

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

I love the accessories this one comes with.  Honey the dog is always a plus ( did you know this dog has her own Instagram account!) and the phone and iced coffee drink is adorable.  It looks like this doll also has a semi ‘made to move’ body.  The knees at least look that way and one would assume its so Barbie can sit very easily on the picnic blanket while she is at the park.  Nice work Bill.  I like this one.

The Barbie Look™ Barbie® Doll – Pool Chic

Black Label®

Designer: Bill Greening

Release Date: 9/30/2016

  • Body Type: Articulated
  • Facial sculpt: Karl
  • Fashion Sewn On: No
  • Fashion: Floor-length aqua blue halter dress with gold detail
  • Accessories: Doll, fashion, shoes, earrings, bracelet, purse, phone, compact with pom pom, lipstick

Release Date: 9/30/2016  **** Caveat…don’t be fooled by the date people, it says release but in actuality, this one won’t ship until 11/11/16**  Just keeping it real.

Retail:  $29.95

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

Very elegant and I love the accessories again.  Bill…you have this collector’s attention.  I am really liking these Barbie Look collections so far.

Classic Black Dress Barbie® Doll (Brunette)

Gold Label®

Designer: Robert Best

  • Body Type: Posable Silkstone®
  • Facial sculpt: Vintage Silkstone
  • Fashion Sewn On: No
  • Fashion:  Little black dress
  • Accessories:  Boots

Release Date: 9/30/2016 **** Caveat…don’t be fooled by the date people, it says release but in actuality, this one won’t ship until 01/31/17**  Just keeping it real.

Retail: $40.00

 

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

©2016 Mattel, Inc

OK…first off I am really happy that a brunette version of the adorable blonde classic black dress silkstone will be available to collectors now.  The price point is very attractive too!  However, this doll is eerily similar to a couple of the convention dolls given in Europe this past year.  If I were an attendee for one of these conventions and I saw this, frankly, I would be a little pissed off.   Those convention dolls are supposed to be super exclusive, a perk for going to them.  Now Mattel is offering up a doll so similar it’s uncomfortable.   Here is the Milan convention doll…

©2016 Dutch Fashion Doll World

Odd choice Mattel.


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”

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Opening the Treasure Chest: Tokyo Chic

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Opening the Treasure Chest: Tokyo Chic

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Opening the Treasure Chest: Tokyo Chic

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Opening the Treasure Chest: Tokyo Chic

-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

©2016 Inside The Fashion doll Studio Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives

©2016 Inside The Fashion doll Studio Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives

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. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion doll Studio Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives

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.©2016 Inside The Fashion doll Studio Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives

©2016 Inside The Fashion doll Studio Classic Cocktail Dress Arrives

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.

©2016 Mattel

As of today….this ad has been changed.  To this…

©2016 Mattel

Notice anything different?  Yeah…me too.

©2016 Mattel

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


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. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

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.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

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. **

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

PonnePP’s gowns are just amazing.  All those little elongated sequin tiles!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio Who Says Redheads Can't Wear Pink?!

-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.

Paper doll set by missmissypaperdolls.blogspot.com

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. 

Paper doll set by missmissypaperdolls.blogspot.com

 

Paper doll set by missmissypaperdolls.blogspot.com

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! 

link to paper doll set

-Rebecca


Presentation Luncheon

Miss Classic Black Dress joined Rogier for the luncheon in Paris today.

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

The schedule today at the Paris Fashion Doll Festival started with the silent auction.  It would appear that the big ticket item was a prototype of Water Sprite Barbie® Doll from Mattel

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

Upon entering the dining room, a few gifts were set on the table.

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World©2016 Dutch Barbie World

The Barbie Collector catalog had some interesting pages with new promo shots!

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

They say “coming soon” and “discover other partnerships in spring of 2016”…hope they mean that!  Would love to get my hands on these silkies this Spring.

After lunch it was time for a fashion show and doll presentation.  Had to share this one from the show…. Cinderella and her prince!  How adorable is that?!!

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

Lot’s of creative people showing their talents in Paris for this luncheon.  But wait….who is that lady on the left…with the white collar??

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

But wait….who is that lady on the left…with the white collar??

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

The convention doll was introduced in a fun and new way this year!  She walked out in the fashion show.  Too fun!

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

It’s the flaming redhead for Paris.  J’adore!!!!  I know a number of us collectors were hoping that this hair color was going to be produced after seeing the photo earlier this year in a Wall Street Journal article

©2016 Mattel, Inc

A nice touch they have added this year to the convention dolls are boxes that specify these are platinum dolls.

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

That wraps it up from the Paris Fashion Doll Festival today.  Tomorrow it concludes with the salesroom.  I am sure Rogier will have photos and stories for us on this tomorrow.  Winking smile

–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

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

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.

©2016 Mattel

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

12822987_10207161563470069_475160273_o

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

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!! 

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

 

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

©2016 Dutch Barbie World

 

 

Information from the Sybarite party will be coming up later this eveningWinking smile


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. 

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio 'Love in Praga'

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.

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

©2016 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

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.

Winking smile


2016 Silkstone News!!!

Well, well, well.  Thanks to Rogier and Dutch Barbie World’s super sleuthing, we have some new info on the 2016 articulated Silkstone line.   Many collectors have known for a while that there would be a Trench Coat silkstone and a Glam Dress silkie but no images.  Today that changed when these images were posted on a European sales site.  I was hoping for some released info ahead of Toy Fair this week and it looks like the European market has obliged.

**Note, these images are prototype only and no indication of actual product**

Disclaimer out of the way, they look like valid promo shots to me so I will share them.  Keep in mind that Mattel has not “officially” released information on these but then they have been slow as molasses to release any information so…make up your own minds.

Trench Coat Silkstone

©2016 Mattel, Inc.

Glam Dress Silkstone

©2016 Mattel, Inc.

EEEEEEEEEE!  In a puddle with pure delight right now.  A couple of weeks back, I was chatting with my friend and fellow blogger,  Rogier over at Dutch Barbie World, and we were both discussing an outfit we had seen on Instagram and how much we liked it and how we were hoping it would be produced.  I think I might have even joked “ Wouldn’t it be perfect if this was on a Silkstone?!”

©2015 Mattel, Inc.

Anywhoo…and it appears to be coming true!!!  Thank you Robert Best!!!  Best of all people…this girl has some jewelry!!!!


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.

Articulated Silkie

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 Winking smile


Blush Beauty Making Her Entrance

The Barbie Fan Club announced a Silkstone exclusive being offered up to members next Wednesday, October 7th.  We saw sketches of her back in February and Rogier of Dutch Barbie Word shared a photo a couple weeks ago of a production doll that Mattel auctioned off for Charity.  Mattel is finally sharing the promo shots and I think she is a winner.

©2015 Mattel

©2015 Mattel

©2015 Mattel

©2015 Mattel

©2015 Mattel

I love the silver surprise under the coat!!  I was wondering why they were not showing the dress under the coat in the sketch.  I am thrilled with the silver topped sheath underneath the pale pink coat.  I also adore the brunette ponytail with braid.  I believe this one will redress well but am not sure how quickly I will change out this fabulous pink outfit.  Let’s hope Mattel has fixed their irregular eyeliner issue from Boucle Beauty or there will be more unhappy campers on this one.  Also, The Barbie Collection has announced that they are instituting the “Waiting Room” for this sale.  There are instructions about the “waiting room” and what you can do to ensure a smoother purchase here.  The starting gates will open to BFC members only at 9:00AM PST on Wednesday, October 7th.  They are allowing 2 dolls per membership and ,according to Mattel, they are producing 4,400.

After trying to do research on this doll for the article, I am left with absolute bewilderment over this new Barbie Collection website.   This new site is SLOW to respond, it has so many broken links and dead ends that I am honestly scared to click on pretty much anything because I am never sure where it will take me.  I get sent to the login screen with alarming regularity.  I am recognized as a logged in member one moment and when I advance to a new screen, all of the sudden, I am no longer recognized….and am asked to login AGAIN!!  If this website were a person, I would be sending it to therapy and hoping there were some antipsychotic meds available.   Here is my story today…at the time of this post, I went to the Barbie Collection website to grab the link for their waiting room protocol.  You can’t get to the product page but you can get to a “waiting room” page complete with countdown clock.  How did I get to the waiting room page you ask?  Well…not through clicking the active link on the BC Buzz page.  Here is the Buzz page.  I have highlighted the Blush Beauty active link that you would click on. 

©2015 ITFDS

  If you click on that product link, you will find quickly enough that it is a broken link.

©2015 ITFDS

This is the message I got when I tried to click on the link.  Notice the highlighted error message…”make sure the web address http://http is correct.  Well…I have limited programing experience but I can tell you that is not appropriate protocol for a link.  Somebody didn’t check the link for errors before putting it on the website.  This is programming 101 people.  If this were a class in high school or college, you just missed an easy one on the test.  The CORRECT link is here.  Your best bet to find the sales page right now is to Bing or Google it LOL…you won’t find it on the actual site until they fix the link.   I hope Mattel ends up with happy collectors feeling the first blush of love with this new Silkstone.  I hope they don’t experience the heated blush of embarrassment over a poorly functioning website on sale day.


New Silkstones Available at Barbiecollector

Finally Mattel has released these beauties for purchase.  They are available at your local dealers and at Barbiecollector.

Little Red Dress Barbie® Doll

Gold Label®

Designed by: Robert Best

Release Date: 4/15/2015

Product Code: CGT26

No more than 9100 units produced worldwide.

Retail:  $75.00

©Mattel

©Mattel

©Mattel

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.

Bouclé Beauty™ Barbie® Doll

Gold Label®

Designed by: Robert Best

Release Date: 4/15/2015

Product Code: CGT25

No more than 9700 units produced worldwide.

Retail:  $100.00

©Mattel

©Mattel

©Mattel

©Mattel

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:

2015 BFMC video 4wmsized

2015 BFMC video 2wmsized

From left to right is Boucle Beauty, Blush Beauty, Fabulously Floral, Lavender Luxe and Little Red Dress.

Boucle Beauty:

2015 BFMC video 5wmsized

2015 BFMC video 6wmsized

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:

2015 BFMC video 12wmsized

2015 BFMC video 11wmsized

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:

2015 BFMC video 9wmsized

 

2015 BFMC video 10wmsized

Perfection!

Little Red Dress:

2015 BFMC video 8wmsized

 

2015 BFMC video 7wmsized

May need multiples of this one for redressing Smile

It looks like the BFMC team is really feeling the Dior vibe both with clothing and set design.  Too cool.


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.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

-Rebecca


The Art of Redressing

I look at this process as an art form.  Others may not but I do.  One of the many meanings of the word “redressing” is to set right; remedy or rectify.  However you view it, most of us at some point as collectors participate in it…the redress.  The sometimes exhaustive process of finding the perfect dress for the perfect doll gives me mental hives at times. I have some definite preferences when it comes to redressing, displaying and photographing a doll.    I may get a doll in and while I love the face, the dress does not speak to me…as in the case of my latest acquisition Principessa.  It is not that I think the dress is bad.  I just didn’t feel it on this doll.  Many times the disappointment with a fashion is tempered when I see it displayed on another doll.  This happened to me just last night when I saw the Principessa wedding gown displayed, slightly altered, on a different doll.  The dress had a whole new life for me. 

These next two photos are from the collector and photographer Julia Castro Fuentes whose  photos I have followed for years.  I love her eye for color, lighting and styling in her doll photography.  She has an enviable collection and an even more enviable talent behind the lens.  To see more of her fantastic work, feel free to visit her Flickr photostream at https://www.flickr.com/photos/castrojulia/.  The two photos below are under Julia’s copyright and are being used on ITFDS with her permission. 

Wholeah Dulcissima redress 1

© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography

Wholeah Dulcissima redress 2

© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography

I realized when looking at Julia’s photos, that this dress had a whole lot of potential.  I also realized…it looked WAY better on a brunette..in my opinion.  With that revelation in mind, I searched the doll room for a better model for this dress.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

And…the sunny window setup.  Many times one of my kids holds the reflector for me ( a job that they crankily do for their dear old Mom) but, I also find an extra music stand works really well too.  My trusty tripod is never far but many of the shots in this set were free handed…that lovely sunshine makes things easier with that.  I used a Canon  Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens with these shots.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

 

-Rebecca


Principessa Bride Silkstone Is In The House!

I really don’t know what is going on with Mattel marketing this year.  I have never received a doll before the promotional photos are out.  I wonder if this will be the norm to follow.  Anywhoo…my fabulous dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls emailed me and said she had this beauty in and I jumped at the chance to get her. 

Normally, I put a link in my blog post to Barbiecollector.  Since Mattel doesn’t even have a promo shot out on this one yet let alone a way to purchase this beauty…no link to you Mattel.  I will link to my dealer instead. 

Principessa Silkstone Barbie

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

She comes with a little bouquet, a small prayer book and white slingback pumps.  She has a little tiara veil and short gloves.  One notable omission….no earrings or jewelry of any kind.  What bride goes to her wedding without some bling?  Just my humble comment but geez guys…you would think over $100 bucks would give you at least a pair of pearl earrings.  Just sayin’.  I plan on adding my own.

Here face is really pretty.  I wasn’t really sure about the glitter at first but I must admit…it is kind of growing on me.  I think it will work really well for redressing.  And…redressing will be happening here.  The dress, while cute, is just not working for me. 

The hair is different on this one too.  She has a braid under the veil…

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

The braid is just kind of left there on the right side of her face…not tucked in or anything.  I will have to do something with that when I redress.  I will go into that in a future post.  After deboxing her, the appeal of this one is increasing.  She really is quite pretty.

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

Then I pulled out the big camera and liked her even more Smile

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2014 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio


The Doll Room Goes On Display

At the end of August of this year, just as my family and I were home from a long vacation abroad, I was approached by the fabulous ladies of the Assistance League of the Eastside.  They hold a holiday home tour fundraiser every year that raises money to fund programs that support families in need in our community.  They typically have 5- 6 homes on the tour every year and these homes open their doors to roughly 1200 visitors  for a day to show off their holiday décor.  The tour runs from 10AM in the morning until 7PM at night.  This year, they had a house that had to pull out of the tour and the Assistance League approached me to help out.  The main reason they came to me…..the doll room. 

Apparently news of the doll room is out and about in my local community.  I have to admit, I am always a little nervous talking to non collectors about having a doll room.  You get the gamut of responses from people when you tell them that you…as an adult…collect Barbie.   Some will take an uncomfortable step back and look at you as if you just said you were schizophrenic…and off meds.  Some will immediately downgrade their opinion of you and lump you in with the sad individuals they recently saw on a “Hoarders” episode.   You can understand that making the decision to open up the doll room for viewing did not come without a great deal of anxiety.  I wondered what people would think.  I know that my fellow collectors love the doll room but I was really unsure about what a non collector would think of it.  Then I had a moment of clarity….I came back to the reason why I collect in the first place….because I enjoy it.  When anyone collects anything, it typically is because they enjoy doing it.  If they like it enough to hook into a group of other collectors who enjoy collecting the same thing, they REALLY enjoy it.  I decided I was not going to be worried about possibly being labeled the crazy “Barbie” lady and just enjoy showing off something that I truly love to collect.   There would be people who get it…and people who didn’t…and that was okay.

To me, and I am finding to many many others, Barbie is a touchstone of sorts.  Most woman you talk with today have a Barbie experience to share.   I have found that when you put a group of woman together and give them this touchstone, it creates an amazing bonding experience.  You can have a group of woman from all different backgrounds, ages, professions and all of the sudden you are all connected through this one toy.  You all have an experience to share and that connects you.  There are multiple points of connection too.  Sometimes it isn’t about the doll but about the fashion and the discussion that promotes.   My greatest joys in sharing this doll room through the blog and with friends and family are the sharing of those stories and memories and the connection it creates.  It is just plain fun.

If I was going to do this, open up the doll room to roughly 1200 people, I decided I needed to call in some fellow doll experts for the event.  I enlisted the help of my dear friends Hilda and Deanna.  They graciously agreed to donate their time and expertise to help me show off the collection.  I could not have done this without them…from the bottom of my heart “Thank You!”  We had told the Assistance League that we would proctor the doll room and landing during the evening hours of the holiday tour.  If people had questions, they could come back during those hours and “ask the experts” so to speak. 

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

© 2013 Inside The Fashion Doll Studio

So…what was the response??  Tune in tomorrow for more pictures and The Doll Room Goes On Display: Part II.