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
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
Happy Holidays from ITFDS
Sorry for the obscenely long break between posts. I realized I have not posted since IT convention in October and my only excuse is that life hit hyper drive since then. I had WAY too many projects come up at once. I need to do a big shout out to Rogier Corbeau of The Dutch Fashion Doll World who graciously and beautifully handled the blog during the Integrity Toys convention. You rock!! I could not have left ITFDS in better hands during convention.
Back in July, I began some holiday shoots that I had planned to make into holiday cards. Great idea but not enough time to turn it into reality. Oh well, there is always next year right? Since I don’t have time to send these, I thought I would just put it on the blog as one big digital holiday card to everyone. I am so very grateful to all my readers for your support. It means the world to me. I hope to continue my photography series in the year ahead and I am looking forward to bringing more consistent content to the blog. I hope this post finds you all happy, healthy and in anticipation of some really great dolls under your tree or in your stocking.
Model: OOAK Silkstone by Jon Copeland-Childers SeloJSpa
Gown: 2010Chizhik on Ebay
Fur Cape: Integrity Toys “Flight of Fancy” outfit
Holiday photo #2 up tomorrow.
Sneaks at Convention
So what were the sneaks at convention.
In the sales room there were 2 new dolls on display. The first one is Madam La Vinia from the Harlem Theater Collection.
The doll has the new articulated Collector curvy body.
The other new doll on display in the salesroom was the new Silkstone Glam Gown.
She is the BFMC Exclusive from this year. On Instagram Designer Robert Best posted a sketch of this lady.
And the final sneak was given during the Mattel presentation. She is the new 50th Anniversary Francie.
Barbie™ Fan Club members have the opportunity to get her beginning 8/3/16 at 9am PT* for $50. No more than 4,000 of these dolls will be available for sale.
information about this doll from TheBarbieCollection.com:
This timeless teenager first captured America’s hearts in 1966 with a youthful, kicky style that embodied the hip looks of London’s Carnaby Street and the booming mod movement in the States. “She was where pop culture was heading,” designer Bill Greening says, “as reflected in the teenage fashion trends of the mid to late ’60s.”
Fifty years later, Francie® doll continues to delight collectors and win new fans because, as Greening explains, “She has a personality all her own and a style that can be sweet and girly or mod and wild.”
To mark her golden anniversary, Greening and his team have recreated Francie Fairchild’s crowning achievement from 1967 as Miss Teenage Beauty, a look that’s highly coveted by collectors. “It’s so hard to find a vintage sample, mint and complete,” Greening says. “The fashion feels very celebratory and appropriate to commemorate Francie’s 50th.”
Francie® doll is poised to take the pageant prize in her pink ruffled A-line skirt paired with a sleeveless lace top adorned with floral appliqués. She earns extra applause for her marvey accessories, including elbow-length gloves, pale-blue pumps, red beauty sash, and loving cup. Plus, she tops off her winning look with a tiara and signature flip hairdo — the perfect complement to the sweet expression on her face.
Please to be part of this anniversary tribute, Greening points out other distinctive features of the faithful reproduction. “This is the first time we’ve reproduced what collectors call the ‘straight leg’ Francie doll, which debuted in 1966 along with the bendable leg version. She looks really cute both in the box or removed, and her doll stand even has the vintage Francie logo.”
Great for play or display, 50th Anniversary Francie® Doll is a neato way to honor this treasured teen’s lasting appeal, and you’ll dig adding her to your collection — with just a click at our online shop beginning Wednesday, 8/3/16 at 9am PT!
Enjoy a blast from the past and watch these two vintage Francie commercials from our archives!
During the presentation there was a ooak color variation of this doll.
She was raffled under the conventioneers that attended the presentation. So one lucky collector went home with this beauty.
Convention Doll 2016
So here they are the official convention dolls from the Nation Barbie Doll Collectors Convention 2016.
The dolls were inspired by Jacky kennedy and the movie Valley of the Dolls.
The edition size of these dolls is a 1000 together.
The surprise donation for the silence auction from Robert Best turned out to be the original sketches of this years dolls. Are the lucky winner is getting them signed.
Congrataiolations Sebastiano !!!
Matt Sutton
An other artist that opened his door yesterday was Matt Sutton. Rebecca send me so many gorgeous pictures from his creations. I just don’t know were to start.
Here a few of my favorites (when I’m typing this I know I probably post them all because they are all favorites)
I love this girl. She remind me of Evie from the BBC serie The House of Eliots.
And this pink with black lace gown is just to die for.
And what do you think of her. A raven in a black and white polkadot gown, can it get any better then this.
2016 is an amazing year for the Matt Sutton fans.
And after the show its tradition that the Matt Sutton fans come together in hotel bar to enjoy each other dolls while drinking cocktails to celebrate.
What a perfect way to end the day.
for more information about Matt Sutton’s creations:
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.
© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography
© 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.
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.
-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.
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…
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.
Then I pulled out the big camera and liked her even more 
AA Ball Gown Silkstone-First Look
Okay Mattel…I get it…you want to save the first look of this beauty for the Barbie Convention goers. But, if you are going to do this, why ship the dolls off to Asia for retail BEFORE convention??!! I’m left scratching my head and asking myself, “ And I spent how much on a BFC membership so I could get the first look at product?” {grumble, grumble, grumble}. I am assuming that the lucky dogs going to convention in New Orleans will get to see this fabulous lady up close and personal. I am assuming she will be displayed in the sales room just like Gala Gown was last year. Make sure you take some stellar photos attendees. Just a reminder, I won’t be at convention this year but will point people to some Flickr accounts that will be covering the festivities as we get closer to the event.
Here is the first look!
source: http://www.toywizard.net
It looks like someone has pirated the video shown at the Italian Doll Convention and added their own music. You can find it by searching for “Barbie Fashion Model Collection” but I wont post the link here because it’s not authorized through Mattel and frankly…its PIRATED so not my thing.
Can’t wait for this beauty to join my collection!
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….
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
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.
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)
Gala Gown…The Studio Shots
Gala Gown Silkstone Barbie: No more than 6500 worldwide. She retails for a whopping $150.00….and I paid it with gladness in my heart because I LOVE THIS DOLL.
The detail on the gown ( as you will see in the detail shots) are fabulous. The gown is a soft butter yellow and is so frothy every ‘girly’ tendency you have in your body will stand up and cheer. Her hair is a deep red like the platinum ‘Joyeux’ or ‘The Siren’. Her skin tone is pale like CC Debut. The outfit is completed with a pair of silver star rhinestone studded drop earrings , grey chiffon ruched gloves and soft grey strappy slingbacks. There is a hint of grey tulle under the butter yellow gown so it is full and flowing. The fabric on the gown is incredibly soft…LOVE!
Mr Best ……. 
The hair is set but not crusty clumped and caked. This is good because the hair is soft…the bad part is the hair can be messed up easily so take care with it.
Detail
And….Rebecca having fun with her macro lens AGAIN.
And some fun with photoshop and Mattel’s promo shot. I think she is even better than Mattel’s promo shot and that just doesn’t happen that often. Please don’t reproduce this photo as It’s Mattel’s image on another background.
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.
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.)
Here She Is! Mattel Releases Photos of New Silkstone Barbie
Mattel has finally released promotional photos for the final Silkstone offering of 2012. She is indeed the yellow gowned lady whose sketch was floated around the doll boards about a month ago. She doesn’t have a name or price yet….hold on to your pocketbooks folks….I suspect she will be pricey. They are saying she will be available in the fall of 2012. This one is a complete no brainer for me. A redhead in yellow?! I die. Fall can’t get here soon enough!
**edit** Just heard from my dealer that her name is “Gala Gown” and price is $150.00. To preorder, feel free to visit Windy City Dolls http://www.windycitydolls.com/bfmcgalagown.htm
**note** photo is property of Mattel Inc.
If you are a Barbie Fan Club Member, you can see more photos under their “sneak peak” folder in the forums.
Afternoon Suit Silkstone–Dior’s “New Look” reimagined in 1/6 scale
The year was 1947 and a new designer Christian Dior seemed to be thumbing his nose at the still lingering austerity measures of post WWII and put yards and yards of fabric into the silhouettes of his “New Look”. If you look it up in the dictionary, the “New Look” was defined by a narrow waist and full pleated skirt. If you are a fan of fashion at all, you have seen this iconic photo.
Or have seen it on display at a museum…..
John Galliano paid homage to the house that employed him and reimagined this famous look for Dior in his Fall/Winter 2009 Haute Couture Collection.
It is a completely timeless look and it would not surprise me if Robert Best was inspired by it for his Atelier Silkstone collection.
***Photo is property of Mattel, Inc.***
Model: Afternoon Suit Silkstone Barbie
Edition size: No more than 4300 Worldwide
Gold label and BFC exclusive…you must be a member to get this lovely lady.
Mannequin: BFC gift with 2012 membership
Backdrop: Made by the lovely Sheree ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fabulous-White-Silkstone-Photo-Display-OOAK-Set-LAST-ONE-FOR-NOW-/170800865221?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c4865fc5)
You can even backlight the backdrop…cool effect!
BFC Registration Clarification
Good Morning fashion doll fans. This is a morning that many Barbie collectors have waited for. Registration for the Barbie Fan Club (BFC) 2012 begins today at 9:00AM PST. There is an important piece if information that I neglected to share with my first post about this a few weeks back.
Current BFC members can reregister beginning at 9:00AM PST 2/08/12. If you are not a current member, all remaining spots will be open for registration on 2/15/12.
So, if you are a current BFC member today is the first day you can register. There is no question for me. I am registering at 9:00AM PST or very soon thereafter. Can’t wait to get the club doll this year.
*** Photos are property of Mattel, Inc. ***
And…as a gift you will receive one of these…
It’s a no brainer for me.
For more information about The Barbie Fan Club visit www.barbiecollector.com
Darya enjoys a winter concert.
Model: Darya Silkstone Barbie
Jewelry: Darya Silkstone Barbie
Gown and Coat: Winter Concert Barbie
Ken: James Bond 007 Ken
Set: Gold console table found on Ebay. Leopard shade lamp – Marann Roy furniture ( http://maryannroy.wordpress.com/) Ornate wall panel made by me. Flooring is wood parquet floor paper.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 