Time to put on your Party Dress…..
I had a slight hiccup with this lady. She came to me with some blue marks on her legs and I thought she would be going back to Mattel for an exchange. Turns out the marks rubbed right off with water so no problem. Once the marks were dealt with, I decided to shoot her in front of one of the fantastic acrylic display screens my friend Sheree makes. I use these in my doll displays and they work nicely in photos as well. Info on where to purchase is below. I love the hair on this lady and the cute little lace dress with aqua shrug is adorable. So refined and girly with the gold lace. Here face makeup is quite dramatic as you will see with the close-up but I like it. I am still going over redress possibilities but those photos will be for another day. Just a side note, I did have to mess with her hair just a bit to get the curls to lie just right. I ended up putting a pin in one of them to get it to lie properly. On with current photos….
Model: Party Dress Silkstone Barbie
Set: Acrylic backdrop by Sheree http://www.ebay.com/sch/sh7ly7ma7/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686. Chandelier is a locker chandelier by Locker Lookz. You can find them on Amazon.
Elizabeth Taylor Silkstone photos released!
I wrote about the Elizabeth Taylor celebrity Silkstone a couple of weeks ago and now we hear there will be not one but two Silkstone releases of Liz. I was hoping for a “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” inspired set with the little slip and….I got my wish!!! While the dress is not exactly a reproduction, it’s close enough and I will take it. It will be available in a giftset called White Diamonds. It will retail for around $150.00 and will be available in the fall.
** Photos are property of Mattel Inc.**
The second Elizabeth Taylor offering is stunning!! It features Ms. Taylor in a gorgeous black gown inspired , I believe, by the movie Suddenly, Last Summer. It’s called “Violet Eyes” and will retail for around $130.00 . It will be available in the fall.
Love them both!!
It’s time for another Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi!
I feel like I have been neglecting my Silkstones for the past few months so it was time to bring em back and do it right. I joke with James Bogue all the time about the fact that I am such a “pinkophile” when it comes to his creations. If it’s in pink…I’m liking it. It came as a complete shock that I was drawn to a powder blue dress he had on his Etsy site and once I received it…I was in LOVE. I had the perfect lady to model it too. I had finally worked up the courage to cut and restyle a Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie into the hairstyle I feel she should have originally came with…a shorter bob cut. I love it on her and I hope you do to.
Model: Restyled Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie
Dress and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes: Mattel
And because I am headed into dance recital season and things are about to get wayyyy stressful, I threw this in for fun. This needs to be my mantra for the next 4 weeks…should I take up yoga????
Next Celebrity Silkstone is….Elizabeth Taylor
The news coming from the 2012 Italian Doll Convention is that the next Celebrity Silkstone will be Elizabeth Taylor. Mattel has not confirmed this but I am assuming it was a Mattel Representative who shared this information in Italy last week. This is not suprising as they already have the face mold. The speculation has already begun on which outfit she will be sporting. My vote goes for the white gown in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and I would DIE if it came as a gift set with the slip dress as well…..ohhhhh pretty please.
Although…I have to pay tribute to some of these looks as well. Liz, you were one gorgeous lady.
The Holy Grails of Silkstone Barbie Collecting
I wrote a few days ago about Integrity Toys and the limited editions of their upcoming collection. It got me to thinking about edition sizes in general and the impact it can have on collecting. When you begin collecting anything, especially fashion dolls, you usually run into the availability issue fairly quickly. You learn that limited availability means higher price and, in some cases, a treasure hunt of epic proportions. These rare and limited items become known as “collector holy grails” and the fervor with which one pursues acquirement can be intense. It depends on the collector.
I have to say I have acquired a couple “holy grails” in my time as a collector. The funny thing is..I never really pursued them strongly…it was more a matter of being at the right place at the right time. I know that I had done my homework and knew what a fair price was for these items and I always had my antennae up for information about things on my “holy grail” list …perhaps that just means I was always in pursuit. Man I need therapy. Anywhoo…the point is an opportunity would come up to acquire a “holy grail” and I would either act or let it go by. If you are plugged into the doll community ( read and contribute to doll boards, doll manufacturer websites and collector blogs) it can make the hunt easier and a whole lot of fun. I have met some of the most generous and lovely people in my pursuit for the holy grails of my collection..or…come out of it with some of the best stories involving my collection. Wow!… aren’t you curious now?!
When I began collecting Silkstone Barbies years ago, I soon learned that there were a number of dolls that were held above others. Mostly, these dolls were revered because they had a very small edition size and that of course improved their resale value and their collectability. Most highly collectible Silkstone Barbies are the platinum editions ( limit to 1,000 or less edition size). Many of them were offered through F.A.O Schwarz and were different hair color variations of another doll.
All Edition size information is from The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie 2008 edition by Michael Augustyniak
1.Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Chataine Barbie
Edition size: 600
2. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 Joyeux Barbie –redhead
Edition size: 999
3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2005 Trace of Lace Barbie – blonde
Edition size: 500 ( designed exclusively for the Japanese Collector)
4. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Dahlia
Edition size: 999
5. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2006 Violette
Edition size: 999
6. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2007 The Soiree – blonde
Edition size: 999
7. NBDCC Golden Gala
Edition Size: Unknown by skin type..but considered less than 1,000 total for both skin types
** note** This was the only Silkstone ever given as a convention gift. Given to 2009 National Barbie Doll Collector Convention attendees to commemorate Barbie’s 50’s anniversary. Each attendee received either a Caucasian skin tone or African American skin tone depending on what they selected with their registration packet**
If you are a Silkstone Barbie collector, you may have noticed I have left out a few…read on.
Within these platinum edition Silkstones, there are a few items that have such a limited edition size that it classifies them as the holiest of holy grails.
1. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2000 Display Case – Retail Version
Edition Size: Couldn’t find a substantiated number but let’s just say much less than 175
“This case was provided to select dealers selling the 2000 Barbie Fashion Model Collection. Both the blue sign atop the case and the front panels of the case say “Limited Edition.” The front middle panel is hinged for ease in arranging the two fashion mannequins and the easel with sign in front of the glamorous ballroom backdrop. A plastic holder containing 50 Barbie Fashion Model Collection booklets could be placed beside the case. Note the lower middle panel of the case which introduces customers to the features of the new Silkstone Lingerie Barbie dolls. “ –from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak
2. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2001 Limited Edition Display Case
Edition Size: 175
“Was offered through a Barbie Collectibles by Mail catalog in an edition of 175 for $250.00. This display case is very similar to the 2000 retailer display case except that the words “ Limited Edition” have been deleted from both the blue sign atop the display case as well as the lower front base itself. Also, below the “Barbie” name on the case’s , lower front middle panel, this case has no words, whereas the case provided to dealers in 2000 lists the features of the new Silkstone dolls.” -from Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls 2008 Edition by J. Michael Augustyniak
3. Barbie Fashion Model Collection 2003 City Smart Barbie
Edition size: 600 ( 400 were sold on the Japanese market and 200 were sold to members of the Official Barbie Collector’s Club in the U.S.)
New Silkstone Sneak Peek…and a little more
Mattel released photos of a new 2012 BFMC Evening Gown Silkstone that will be available later this year. She is a beautiful AA in a gorgeous pink and white confection of a gown.
***Photos are property of Mattel, Inc. ***
And….. I have heard from multiple sources that this is a sketch of another Silkstone coming in the fall of this year.
It’s a redhead in yellow gown with grey accents and grey gloves!!! I believe this is indeed the doll that was sneaked in the picture with the drafting table that I blogged about in January( https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2012/01/20/an-inside-look-at-robert-bests-2012-bfmc-world/ ). AHHHHHH! I am in complete and total love. Putting my preorder in for these lovelies as I type this.
Possible inspiration for this gown??? –Dior Spring 2011 Couture.
** Photo from Style.com**
Preferably Pink for early Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Preferably pink refers to the doll in this photo but it really could be the gown as well. This was perhaps my favorite Bogue’s Vogues purchase of the year though choosing a favorite Bogue’s Vogue is like choosing my favorite child between my two kids….impossible. This delicious pink cotton pique number with rolled black velvet collar is paired with a black velvet hat with netting bow. TO DIE FOR! Once again Mr Bogue…that hat is off to you. Ms. Preferably Pink has had her hair restyled at the salon de Berry.
Model: Preferably Pink Silkstone Barbie
Gown and hat: Bogue’s Vogues (http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Shoes: Mattel
Wall panel: made by me ( tutorial is available here…https://insidethefashiondollstudio.com/2011/03/19/the-wall-panel-background/)
Bottle Brush Tree: Bethany Lowe Pastel bottle brush tree
** tree is sitting on a miniature stone urn. The urn does not come with the tree**
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.
The first 2012 Silkstones are announced!
The people attending the BFC ( Barbie Fan Club ) event at this summers Barbie Convention in Ft. Lauderdale Florida were shown a preview of one of the 2012 Silkstones . The Silkstone designs, according to their designer Robert Best, are going back to the classic lines of the 1950’s. The line for 2012 is being called “Atelier” which defined means artist studio. I am looking forward to a return to the classics and the photos from these first two offerings have me very excited to see what the rest 2012 will hold for this fabulous line of dolls from Mattel.
BFMC Walking Suit Barbie
Release date: March 2012
Est. retail $ 75.00
** Photos are property of Mattel Inc. **
BFMC Party Dress Barbie
Release date: April 2012
Est. Retail $ 100.00
Photos of the next BFC club doll were also shown to the BFC members this past Tuesday. I can’t show photos of this lovely lady until I get an okay from Mattel but all I can say is that if you like Silkstones, gorgeous day suits, hats and Dior….RUN don’t walk to sign up for the 2012 BFC. The BFC will be open for new members sometime in February of 2012. Check the Barbie Collector site( www.barbiecollector.com ) for more information.
An Updo Hair Tutorial
Over a year ago, a very nice woman wrote to me and asked if I would share some tips on a certain hairstyle I had done. I was all enthused to do a hair tutorial and had every intention of posting the information. Well…of course…I never got around to posting it. My bad! While at the recent Fashion Royalty convention in Chicago, I met a very lovely woman from France and yes…you guessed it….she was the one who had originally asked for information on how to do a certain hairstyle. Now, having met this person face to face and having promised to post a tutorial, I hereby dispatch my duty LOL!
And for the lovely Rebecca V. from Paris, this one is for you . Merci beaucoup pour votre patience en attendant que cette information.
Here is a photo of the restyled table dolls I gave at the last Barbie Convention:
*** A word of caution about this tutorial. Once I do the dolls hair in an updo, it is not coming down. It is a permanent hairstyle change. If you are looking for temporary hairstyle changes, this is not the tutorial for you. ** Also…it is highly recommended to practice on a less expensive vinyl doll first. I practiced on some older playline dolls of my daughters before I tackled the Silkstones.
I use the following products when I restyle doll hair:
1. Firm Hold Hair Gel
2. brush and rat tail comb
3. Straight pins ( nickel plated…so far no reaction with Silkstone vinyl)
4. Small clear rubber bands
5. A thimble
First, I liberally apply the gel to the section of hair that I will be styling and rubber band it at the top/back of head.
Then I put a rubber band about an inch and 1/2 down from the other rubber band and leave a small section out from the right side of the hair bundle. This will be used to cover up the rubber band …you will see what I mean.
Next, I pull the section of hair around the rubber band…..
The gel will help keep it in place for a bit but I try to hold it there while I work on the rest.
The next step is the one that normally bothers people…yes…I cut the hair. Please avert your eyes if you can’t handle it.
Once the hair is cut, I fold it forward towards the face. Notice that piece of hair that I left out of the bundle is wound around the bottom rubber band and hanging off to the right side of the dolls head.
Fold the hair forward, concealing the ends of the hair under the bundle.
Hold firmly and insert pin on top of hair bundle. I use a thimble to push the pin down into the head.
I usually use 3-5 straight pins for this updo but you may need more or less depending on the doll and the amount of hair. I put one in the middle and one a little bit to the left and right. Keep in mind that if you are working on a Silkstone head, you will need to use a fair bit of force to get that pin in her head. I highly recommend a thimble if working with Silkstones.
Once you have put in enough pins and the hair is staying up on it’s own without you holding it, you can take care of the section of hair that should still be hanging out the back from where you covered the rubber band.
I use very sharp small sewing scissors for this .
Then I fix the end of the cut hair with a dab of hair gel to “glue” it in place.
Et Voilà!
I usually spend a few minutes snipping stray hairs and smoothing bumpy hair with the hair gel if needed.
I typically finish the hairstyle with a very fine mist hairspray. Make sure you protect the dolls face when you spray as some sprays can affect the face paint or finish.
Here are some of the ladies hanging out while they dry after I sprayed them.
Hope this helps explain it! If there are any questions, feel free to contact me…otherwise, have fun styling those ladies.
Summer Magic
I think Steven Frasier is amazing. I believe I have almost every couture outfit Dressmaker Details has ever produced. I love his aesthetic and the fact that he fits his clothing to fit both the more voluptuous Fashion Royalty and the slimmer Barbie Silkstone form. I also appreciate the details he puts into his product. If you are buying a couture outfit, you will get the jewelry, purse,gloves, nylons and shoes to go with it. He typically designs a special couture outfit for the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention each year. It is something I look forward to every convention. This year, his design was called “Summer Magic” and indeed it is. I absolutely adore this creation…so frothy and feminine. It also fits in with my collection perfectly. It was very hard to find a model to wear this lovely creation. There were simply too many choices. I wanted a model who would showcase the femininity of this gown and really enhance the beautiful soft blue of it’s fabric. I finally settled on High Tea and Savories because I just love the haughty high fashion look of this lady. Her soft makeup palette makes her a favorite of mine when I have an uber feminine gown. I also felt the beautiful blue of her eyes would be complimented by the gorgeous color of this gown.
The details of this gown are worth the purchase alone. The dress has little sequins and beads sewn into the soft tulle. The bracelet is phenomenal. I had trouble closing it around my models wrist so I added a small round silver link and it works perfectly now. If you don’t already use these, a pair of bullnose curved pliers are a must when it comes to putting jewelry on these diminutive divas.
Model: High Tea and Savories Silkstone Barbie
Outfit: Dressmaker Details “Summer Magic” ( http://www.masterstrokecanada.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MC&Category_Code=DRE
Grace Kelly Silkstone–Studio Shots Part II
Okay..so I wanted to use my trifold mirror in the worst way so I used that for the first set of photos. Then I used my favorite graduated black to white background because I thought It would look good with the white gown. Hope you guys think so too. I really love how these shots turned out! No major photoshopping folks…she really is this beautiful.
Grace Kelly Silkstone is Here!!
Grace Kelly The Bride has arrived. I was ready and waiting for this lady to hit the Barbie Collector shop. I can’t remember when I have waited with such delight for a doll to arrive…well…okay so I can remember…when my convention boxes arrived with Matt Sutton OOAK’s ..but that’s not the point. The point is I was very excited to receive this new Grace Kelly Silkstone. She does not disappoint. She is exquisite!! I can’t believe the attention to detail on this lady. I love, love, love the plain gold band on her ring finger and the little prayer book.
And this is just with my point and shoot! Studio shots coming soon…….
A Starry Night at Inside The Fashion Doll Studio
I love Steven Frasier’s work. I have been an admirer of and happy customer for his Dressmaker Details fashions for many years. Not to mention the fact that he is just a really, really nice guy with an absolutely adorable family. It was a no brainer for me to enter the WClub Integrity lottery for the opportunity to purchase a new Dressmaker Details couture outfit. Thankfully, I won and am now a very happy owner of yet another stunning fashion designed by Steven. I have released some other photos using this same background but really, the background came about for this outfit. The name of the outfit is “ A Starry Night” and I wanted a scene that would reflect the name…so we have a nighttime garden patio with a fountain.
Model: Palm Beach Coral Silkstone
Outfit: A Starry Night by Dressmaker Details
Dressmaker Details fashions can be found at many fashion doll retailer sites or from Dressmaker Details directly. Here is their shop http://www.masterstrokecanada.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MC&Category_Code=DRE
I typically purchase mine either from Masterstrokes directly or from the Pink Ponytail http://www.pinkponytail.com/
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi–Let’s Polka
I adore polka dots. There is just something about the pattern that makes me smile. Can you really be in a bad mood wearing polka dots? Here is another scrumptious design by James Bogue just in time for Easter.
Model: Lady of the Manor Silkstone Barbie
Dress, Coat, Hat and envelope purse: Bogue’s Vogues http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues
Shoes and gloves: Mattel
The Gang’s All Here
The Russian Silkstone gang that is. Well…not all of them. Darya will be here sometime in late summer but I just couldn’t wait to do a group shot. I received Verushka today and I was so enthused I just had to get the gang into the studio. First of all, let me just say it took a little while to warm up to Verushka. That hat! I guess I am just not the floppy sides down Elmer Fudd hat kind of girl. I was going to just take the thing off except I had heard stories that she is sparsely rooted under the hat. I decided to just tie the floppy sides up ( like any good hunting hat and much more like the Elmer Fudd we know and love) and I have to say I like it WAY better. I love the platinum blond with the black on this lady. Very dramatic and that is just what I was looking for with this line.
After seeing many amazing photos that people have taken of Ekaterina with her hat off, I decided to remove her hat and reposition it. LOVE it now. I had thought I might replace the hat with a fur Dimitha hat but for now…she will keep her original hat. Finally, I am so excited to be using these amazing Russian stacking dolls I found at a doll show recently. I was encouraged to purchase this particular set by a dear Barbie friend ( cough, cough Silkyfever, cough, cough) and I am so glad I listened to her.
Nicolai is adorable!
And last but not least….little Mila.
The pink ladies have tea
Thanks to a dear Barbie friend I was able to add City Smart Silkstone to my collection. I just love this lady and she will show up often in my photos. For those of you who have told me you never get to see City Smart redressed….this one’s for you. 
For those of you who want more info on the details…this next bit is for you.
Models: City Smart Silkstone and restyled Tout de Suite
Pink dresses: James Bogue of Bogue’s Vogues http://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues
The Set
Display Cabinet and white/gold side table are 1:6 Bespaq from
http://stores.ebay.com/JIM-COATES-COLLECTION?_rdc=1
Pullip Petit Luxury chairs repaited in gold
Pink Tea set found at a doll show in Washington State.
Cake stand: Re-Ment Princess Tea Party #8 ( The princess’s favorite)
Treats on the stand: Re-Ment Special Cakes for me #7 ( Garden Party)
The background is foam core covered in gold moiré patterned wrapping paper. Flooring is black and white checked contact paper on foam core.
Ekaterina arrives in the Fashion Doll Studio
Robert Best has designed a new line of dolls for the BFMC inspired by Russia and Russian fashions. The first one into the doll studio is Ekaterina. She is exclusive to the Barbie Fan Club . I am always a sucker for any doll with red hair. When I saw the promo pictures, I knew this lady would be destined for my doll room and The Fashion Doll Studio. Upon arrival, I was not impressed. In her coffin of a box, she appeared very pale and the hair was not the riot of curls the promo picture would indicate. That being said, I decided to debox and am very glad I did. This is definitely a lady that needs to be DEBOXED to reach her full potential. I did have to finesse the hair a bit to get the fuller look…more curls not one big curl on either side of the head. The hat….not the best but I can deal. I foresee a hatless model in the future but for now it will stay on her beautiful head. I am a little afraid of the hat hair situation under there. The bracelet was a surprise because I was expecting the same bracelet as D2D and Preferably Pink but it is slightly different – yeah! The brooch on the hat is beautiful. The outfit is similar to JNSQ but not too close. The boots people…are…. TO DIE FOR.
I had some fun with my macro lens in the photo shoot so I was able to get some great up close shots. Hope you enjoy.
Dahlia visits the museum
I was able to fit a photo shoot in this weekend as I slalomed through costume fittings, rehearsals, ballet classes and social engagements for my daughter. I am just her chauffeur LOL! I have had this idea for a while of setting up a museum scene and I finally had the prefect Bogue’s Vogue that could be showcased in this setting. Here is a shot of the full set
The resulting photos turned out very good, I think. They all had the feel I was going for.
I was just about to put the camera away when the sun streamed into the area that I have my photo studio so I moved Dahlia to a smaller table just inside the pool of light and took a few shots. This was just freehand without a tripod….always risky…but I managed to get some pretty clear shots. Here is the one I think is the best of the bunch. Very film noir.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 