Ball Gown Silkstone Official Photos
Finally released! Geez…took long enough. I think many people have already received theirs but here are the official photos of this one. I wont have mine in hand for a bit but I am excited to see her up close.
Retails for $100 and is available now
(Photo source: Mattel, Inc)
Imogene Gets a Boater Ensemble
It was no surprise that when Integrity Toys released their Funny Face line of dolls, I was all over them. My particular favorite was “Think Pink!”. I also have a particular fondness for suits so it was time to put these two favorites together for a photo shoot. Also, as Imogene dons her “boater ensemble” and takes some time to perhaps jet off to some glamorous destination, Inside The Fashion Doll Studio will be posting a little less for a bit as this blogger/photographer takes some time to do a few other things. Doll posts should continue every Friday but don’t expect much more than that. 
Model: Funny Face “Think Pink!” Imogene
Suit, hat and shoes: Boater Ensemble Barbie® Doll
Sweet,Swiss and Provencale
The title of this post sounds like a new bistro sandwich LOL! The earlier gowns of the BFMC Barbie line are the favorites of many. This gown from a Barbie called “Provencale” with it’s delicate blue and white pattern was originally worn by a short haired redhead.
(source Barbiecollector.com)
(source Barbiecollector.com)
I have never warmed to that particular doll in that dress. I love the dress and I love the doll…just not together. This dress, since it entered my collection, has graced the form of French Maid Barbie.
For a time last week, this gown was beautifully worn by the newly released red haired Poppy Parker. Hope you like the photos.
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Gown and Jewelry: Provencale™ Barbie® Doll
And just in case you needed even more drama in these photos….
A Glimmer of Inspiration
Many of you may remember the platinum edition BFC exclusive Glimmer of Gold™ Barbie® Doll. I was lucky enough to be able to get this one.
source: www.barbiecollector.com 
While engaging in my favorite pastime {cough} obsession {cough}, I came across a photo on Pinterest (Thank you Ana Labato!! http://pinterest.com/anaquell/the-world-of-fashion/)that showed me a likely inspiration for this doll design.
sources: Style.com and barbiecollector.com
Cool! And since I know a friend of mine is anticipating the arrival of the platinum edition AA Golden Gala into their collection, I took some photos with her in the Glimmer of Gold fashion. And it’s in THE window. 
Platinum Violette
Okay…this one is for the Silkstone lovers. I could not let this diorama go without putting one of my favorite Silkstones within its shabby chic yumminess. Robert Best’s “Violette”, in my opinion, is one of the most feminine doll designs of his career at Mattel. She embodies gentility and spring to me. Perhaps it’s the lilac print on her gown, the large flowing design or the flowers in her hair…I don’t know…but put it all together and I feel the pull of springtime. It’s just so girly! She is also a platinum edition Silkstone which means she is not photographed often.
I have to give credit to my daughter Megan for this one. She took one look at the diorama I was working on and said “ Mom, you should put the doll in the purple gown in this one”. She was right!
What the set up looks like when I have to pull the big lights out. It’s a much more involved shoot…which is why you may see this diorama for a while. 
In Her Easter Bonnet
With all the frills upon it. Easter is upon us so I thought I would showcase a couple of favorites from the Paris trip.
Model: Paris Luncheon Ensemble
Dress: Spring Bouquet: Grass by Bellissima Couture( http://bellissimacouturefashions.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/more-spring-fashions/)
Hat: Market Day Silkstone ( modified with new hat band and flowers)
She’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.
The Oscars Gala
With the Oscars this weekend, I couldn’t resist another award themed photo shoot. I always enjoy watching the red carpet and I am looking forward to this years festivities.
Model: Gala Gown Barbie® Doll
Gown, belt and fur: Randall Craig RTW
Earrings: Regal Solstice Anja Fashion Royalty 2011
Barbie Fan Club 2013 Renewal Registration Opens….
Today at 9:00AM PST for current members. Registration for new members opens one week on later 2/13.
Here are some of the Fantastic things in store for members this year.
- The opportunity to purchase four (4) Club-exclusive dolls, as announced** (doll purchase is NOT a requirement of membership)
- Up to $80 in BarbieCollector.com Online Shop rewards – $20 per calendar quarter*
- A surprise gift with your membership, Quarterly “Designer Videos” with the creators of Barbie® Collector dolls, sneak peeks at upcoming releases, downloadable goodies, and access to the exclusive Barbie™ Bulletin Board
Important dates to remember
- Club Renewal Starts 2/6
- New Club Spots Open 2/13
- Card and Welcome Letter Ships Starting 3/15
- Membership Gift with Purchase Silkstone® Dress Form Ships Starting 7/12
** Photos are courtesy of Mattel, Inc.**
And the 2013 Barbie Fan Club doll is…..
Boater Ensemble.
ADORE!!! The little Chanel hat on her is to die for!
Three remaining club exclusives are
Squeeeeeealllll! I wonder if this is a Silkstone Ken??!! No clarification on this yet.
And gift with purchase of membership is another mannequin but this one is black. The verbiage on the Barbie Collector website stipulates the dress form won’t start shipping until 7/12. Wellll….that’s a bit of a wait. They will serve no noir dress form until its time apparently. Ah well, it will give all of us diorama enthusiasts a chance to build that perfect shop window scene to showcase this baby.
For more information and a link to renew your BFC membership, click below
BFMC 2013 Mermaid Gown BARBIE®
Oh my word people!! Would you get a load of what the BFMC and Robert Best has in store for us this May!!!
“In 2013, the Barbie® Fashion Model Collection will continue with the theme of couture fashion introduced in 2012. The designs capture the style, detail and beauty of the great fashion houses of Europe. Ladylike, enchanting, yet over-the-top glamorous, this pale pink gown makes a striking statement with its mermaid silhouette. A sprinkling of pink, iridescent and clear sequins and beads embellish the strapless gown. Accessories include a tulle stole and elegant gloves – creating a flawless evening look..”
Available at dealers for preorder. She is ranging from $145 to $150 depending on the dealer and is set for a May delivery.
**Photos are courtesy of Mattel, Inc.**
{THUD} Would someone revive Rebecca….she just fainted……
I DIE!!!!!!!!!!
BFMC Cocktail Dress
Finally photos have been released to retailers so I can share them here. Remember back in August, I obsessed about the Mattel Atelier Video and posted a still from the video that I and pretty much everyone else felt was sure to be one of the releases for 2013. https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/08/23/the-bfmc-2013-atelier-collection-a-peak-into-next-year/
And….here she is….a beautiful platinum blonde with blue eyes. Retailers are showing price at approximately $90.00 and delivery around April of 2013. Take this information with a grain of salt folks. Mattel may up and decide this one will be the Barbie Fan Club membership doll and therefor only available to BFC members. She is feeling like a club doll to me but I may be wrong. We will know more when Mattel announces information about the 2013 Barbie Fan Club in February.
**Photos used in image below are property of Mattel, Inc.**
I also reported back in September that Robert Best had stated a “platinum” Silkstone was in the works for 2013 (https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/09/21/new-silkstone-info-for-2013/). And…here she is. It would appear he meant platinum HAIRED not EDITION. Thanks for the word play Robert ! I think he just wanted to see us all frothing at the mouth at the idea of a platinum edition( no more than 1,000 produced) Silkstone. To be completely honest, I am thrilled there won’t be a platinum edition Silkstone. It means I don’t have to get into the mud pit to get one…fun as it would have been { Rebecca’s arched eyebrow is raised with extreme sarcasm}. I could not be happier with this platinum haired lovely. She is on my “must buy” list.
And since I think this might be the 2013 BFC doll, and last year we received a silkstone mannequin with our membership
…I think it would be perfect if we could receive a set of these chairs with our BFC membership….
Or a chair like this in 1/6 scale….
A girl can dream….a girl can dream.
Luncheon Ensemble Silkstone Meets Yankee Doodle
Finally some photos are showing up on dealers sites so I believe I can share them here. This 2013 Silkstone was sneaked back in September to the Barbie Fan Club ( BFC )https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/09/21/new-silkstone-info-for-2013/. She is one of the Silkies whose drawings can be seen in the Atelier video by Mattel . I was lucky enough to see it at this summer’s National Barbie Convention and I posted a link to it in the blog back in August https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/08/21/behind-the-scenes-of-the-bfmc-atelier-collection/
** Photo is property of Mattel, Inc.**
Anywhoo…what do I think? I love pink. I love redheads. You would figure a slam dunk right? Hold on to that basketball folks. I love the doll. The outfit is leaving me kind of …”meh”. I think it’s the turban. I just can’t get past the big rose on it. Unlike Yankee Doodle ..you can’t just stick a feather/rose on it and call it macaroni/fashion. I am also not so sure about the print. I would love to see the hairstyle of this silkie beneath the turban. LOVE the little curls on her ears. I am dying to see if she has an updo underneath that “wrongly rose-adorned” turban. Also, putting a redhead in pink??…. always a risky venture. Change this doll’s ensemble to a green, blue or teal…then we are talking! Am I buying this doll? In a heartbeat. At this point and without seeing her in real life, this doll will be redressed faster than you can say “Silkstone”. The turban will be the first to go. I reserve the right to completely change my mind once I have seen her and have her in hand LOL! Have I hedged all my bets sufficiently? I think so.
“Becca Berry went to dealer just to buy a Silkie, ripped the turban off her head and called her fashion beauty”
Welcome to 2013!!
It’s the third official day of the new year and it has been roughly two years since I started the wonderful journey into blogging on WordPress. I truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to come along for the ride 
. I am hoping that 2013 will continue to bring inspiration, time and creativity my way so I can share more photos with you. In the year ahead, I am looking forward to more of Mr. Best’s Silkstone Atelier line as well as the wonders that Integrity Toys will have for us. While I will not be attending and reporting from the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention this year, I will be reporting for the first time from Paris for the Paris Doll Expo in March and I hope to be attending Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty convention in October.
To kick off the new year, I am trying out some new lighting ideas ( received some new lights for the studio from Santa!!). I had a whole “Narnia” thing going on LOL! I was wishing I had a 1/6 Mr Tumnus.
Model: OOAK Silkstone by Jon Copeland
Gown: T.D. Fashions
Seasons Greetings from ITFDS
After a couple of weeks of absolute holiday craziness…I am sure you all can relate….I have finally finished editing photos of the doll room and surround for your viewing pleasure. Because I have some avid pinners out there who are still pinning from my skydrive when I have asked “Please, please , please don’t do that ( you know who you are), I will not be posting all the photos in a slideshow. I have , however, put together a slideshow set to music which I have uploaded to youtube and am sharing here too. I will share a few stills but the bulk of the photos are in the slideshow. There are over 100 photos in the slideshow so a little something for everybody 
Happy Holidays! From my doll room to your home, I hope you enjoy the photos and slideshow. I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge, huge “Thank You” to my readers and commenters. You are..in a phrase…”why I do what I do”. I thank you all for your support and encouragement. I hope in 2013 that my work will continue to interest you.
Note**** If you want to see the high resolution version of this, you need to tell the youtube player on your scrren to give you the highest quality. It’s one of the small icons on the bottom right of the youtube screen**
Verushka Attends A Holiday Party
I was shocked at how a simple updo changed the entire look of this doll. She is now one of my favorite models.
Model: Restyled Verushka™ Barbie® Doll
Gown: Joe Tai
Earrings and gloves: Hope Diamond Barbie
What this picture would look like as a Chanel ad…..
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.
The Lady in Red: Part One
Photography, in my opinion, is just like any other art form. Some days you can be inspired and others….nothin’. When it comes to photographing my collection, this happens to me all the time. Sometimes, I will be inspired by something that can fuel ideas for sets of shoots that will keep me in blogging material for a couple of weeks. I love it when that happens! I was inspired recently by one prop and a treasure trove of Jakki Peters hats that I picked up at the recent Fashion Royalty Convention. The material that came out of those shoots has become some of my favorite shots for the entire year. Hope you enjoy this series which I call….The Lady in Red.
Model: Fashion Royalty “Fascination” Monogram
Hat: Jakki Peters ( gift from a table mate at FR convention)
Suit: Miniature Couture
Flowers, earrings , Shoes and necklace: Silkstone Barbie
Flowers: Market Place Silkstone Barbie
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi…In Celebration of Fall
It has been a while since I did a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi so I thought I would pull this one out. I keep some photos that I take in reserve for special projects. I took this photo a while ago and it was included in the Inside the Fashion Doll Studio Daily Planner for 2013 that I sold at Barbie Convention this year. Since we are enjoying the fabulous days and colors of the Autumn season, I thought I would share this fall inspired set of photos. Hope you enjoy!
Model: Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie
Hat and gown: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
I Got The Blues for my Party Dress
I adored the dress that she came in originally so it was difficult for me to take it off of her…but I managed…for none other than a Bogue’s Vogues.
Model: Party Dress Silkstone Barbie
Gown: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
New Silkstone Info for 2013
There was a designer chat over at the Barbie Fan Club yesterday and here is what we learned about our beloved Silkies …
1. New Silkstone sneak. I can’t publish the photos because it was designated for BFC members only but once it’s been released to retailers, I can share it. If you are a member, run on over to the BFC and check it out under “Sneak Peaks” in the forum. She is a lovely redhead wearing a spring floral pink print day suit ( dress and coat) and ….a pink turban hat. Yes, I called it from the video. ( Wow!! can you hear Rebecca tooting her own horn there?!…shameless!). She has a beautiful face with blue or green eyes and rose pink lips. Her name at this point is “Luncheon Ensemble” Barbie. She should be available early 2013.
2. The “Luncheon Ensemble” Barbie will not be the club doll.
3. There will be more AA dolls in the BFMC lineup next year. That’s dolls with an “s” so hopefully more than one. Yipeee!! This is definitely an underrepresented skin tone in this line.
4. Robert Best confirmed again that the Atelier theme will continue into 2013 and that there will be day looks, evening gowns and…wait for it….maybe a tuxedo. Quoi!? Does he mean a tuxedo for Barbie or a BFMC Ken??!! Have absolutely no idea as it was not clarified. Let the speculations begin.
5. Drum roll please……There is a platinum Silkstone planned for 2013. Should we all put aside that big bucket of valium now? I can only imagine the nightmare server error mess that will ensue on the day this baby becomes available. I may have to enter the quagmire for this one folks. We have not had a platinum Silkie since FAO’s pink Soiree right? … If you don’t count the Golden Gala Silkies given at 2009 BarbieCon. How do I feel about the idea of a platinum Silkie???
I may look on with prim disapproval…but the reality of it is…I will be down in the mud with all the rest of the collectors fighting over the limited number like it was a Kmart blue light special. Yes, my name is Rebecca and I am addicted to Silkstone Barbies.
The Birth and Upkeep of a Diorama…..
I love to build dioramas. I don’t seem to make much time to do it though. Most of my inspiration goes in fits and spurts. Once I start a project, I tend to finish it but it’s the getting it started that is my main hurdle. When Robert Best did “Shop girl” I knew I needed to do a shop for her. After thinking about it for a while and doing some research, I finally had an idea in my head and put a plan into action. When shop girl arrived, a new home was ready for her. Belles Choses, as it came to be known as, had it’s grand opening.
I was so happy with how it turned out that I decided to move it to a larger venue so the vintage fashion shop was packed up and “Belles Choses” moved in to the newer and bigger space.
When I originally did the back wall of the diorama, I used a beautiful soft blue paper and used spray adhesive to fix it to foam core to give it a nice smooth finish – like wallpaper. What I did not take into account was that this type of adhesive will lose it’s hold over time. So..fast forward a year later…and you have this
The heavy picture frame I was using for the inset display case was pulling the paper away from the backing and I was seeing these big voids…like the one above this frame. YIKES! I knew if I left it as is, the frame would eventually pull away and fall taking the paper with it…not good. So, I went about trying to come up with a fix.
First, the space had to be vacated……so sad and lonely in there.
The displaced horde….LOTS of little pieces in this diorama….good excuse to dust everything
Let the repairs begin! I decided to swab behind the paper gaps with adhesive and see how it went. It’s not as smooth as the spray adhesive but…it may do. I shored up the heavy plaster frame with an equally heavy candlestick while it dried.
et voilà!
What did I learn? If you are using spray adhesive, you may also want to swab with some additional adhesive in key support points. I will be doing that from here on out. A big “Thank You” to all who commented on flickr and emotionally supported me through this weekend while I fixed it. It always helps if you know someone is pulling for you
Evening Gown and a Matisse
For those of us in the 1/6 OOAK clothing arena, scoring a Matisse can be a bit like winning the Lotto. She sells on her Etsy site( info below) and if you happen to be at the right place at the right time ( i.e. online when one of her notices hits your inbox that she has something new on her Etsy site), you may be lucky enough to get one. Her work is truly beautiful. The attention to detail is superb and the accessories never disappoint. I only have a few of her pieces and I treasure each and every one. I even managed to snag not one but two pink little works of art by her and I was waiting for Ms. Evening Gown to make her way here to model them. Now that I have shown you Evening Gown in her original Robert Best couture, I hope you will enjoy her in one of Matisse’s pink confections.
Model: Evening Gown Silkstone Barbie
Dress and veil: Mattise Fashions ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/MatisseFashions)
Wall Panel and gold urn with flowers: Made by me
Pink and White 1/6 Kissing Chair: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-6-Scale-Lover-Chair-For-Fashion-royalty-barbie-Momok-BJD-1-6-Scale-dolls-/320977023146?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abbb8b0aa
Evening Gown Silkstone Barbie®
I have been busy the past few days populating my Pinterest “Inside The Fashion Doll Studio” board with photos from the archives and I realized…I don’t usually photograph my dolls in what they came dressed in originally. I guess I always figured Mattel and Integrity photographers do such a beautiful job with their promo photos that I didn’t need to redo it. That whole philosophy changed this year with Robert Best’s Atelier Silkstone collection. I believe I have photographed each one this year in the outfit she came in…then went on to redress. I guess you could say I am just thrilled with the Silkie offerings this year. Evening Gown is the next one to land in front of my camera. Designed by Robert Best, she became available to collectors on 06/14/12. You can find her at your local dealer or at www.barbiecollector.com
The BFMC 2013 Atelier Collection: A peek into next year?
Okay…so you all know I am a little obsessive compulsive when it comes to Silkstone Barbies right? I was so excited when I learned that Robert Best was continuing the design aesthetics of the 1950’s and early 60’s for his 2013 BFMC collection. This was the “heyday” of the haute couture design houses and for many epitomized glamour. I absolutely adore that time in fashion so it stands to reason I am anxious to hear about and see sneaks with what we can expect next year. As I stated in my previous post, I believe we received a very solid sneak of one doll. It would appear that she will be blond, possibly platinum blond, with a back ponytail hairstyle. I can’t tell if she has bangs or not. To me, it kind of looks like “Movie Mixer” with black bows but I could be completely off on that one so don’t hold me to it. It would also appear that she has a cream boat necked cocktail gown with black tulle overlay and accent lace at the bottom. There is black bow detail at the bust and waist. It also looks like she is wearing white gloves.There was a most deliberate shot in the video of him working on this sketch and dipping his brush in water and releasing a light blue paint. There has to be some blue in this lady somewhere I am thinking ( blue bows?? blue accent somewhere). It looks like she will have bows on her black shoes as well…how cute!. Now….before I get going full force on my speculation train here folks…please realize these are all guesses. I have no information from Mattel save the video that we all can see so …take everything I say with a grain of salt. Disclaimer ended. We do know however, that Mr. Best’s designs for next year with have a flavor of Spring. He shared that at convention. So I am thinking lighter colors and softer fabrics.
** pictures are from video from Mattel therefore owned by Mattel. Please don’t copy or reproduce**
The other shot from the video that was intriguing me yesterday is this one…yes, I know it’s blurry but it was the best I could do.
There was another scene right before this one that showed him removing a piece of fabric from a sketch of a doll in a dark colored ( blue maybe?) suit with hat. The sketch said specifically Atelier part II so I am thinking we may see another day suit with a hat. Yippee!! I will never be upset about more suits with hats. It also looks like there is a sketch with a redhead in a soft palette suit with pink/peachy turban style hat. Oh My Word!! My hat fetish just started doing the rhumba. There is also a sketch to the left there of what appears to be an evening gown with feathered type headpiece…kind of Gloria Swansonish. Again, I have no idea if any of these sketches will be produced but they are far enough along to have detail sketches and fabric swatches. I smell….production.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 