To The Manor Born
I never saw the BBC show of this name but am interested in the phrase. It is believed to be originally from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the actual line is “To the manner born“. Language and time have morphed this line into today’s “to the manor born” which essentially means someone born into affluence. The well known phrase “being born with a silver spoon in your mouth” is another example of similar meaning. Now…why am I going into this? Excellent question. When I first saw promo photos of Black Tie Ball Vanessa, my first thought was “This is a party girl and she is inebriated.” She had the half-open eyes of someone who has imbibed just a bit too much. When I opened the box and saw her in real life, my opinion changed a bit. I still saw the party girl but I thought it would be fun to portray her as the trust fund baby party girl. I love the platinum tresses on this lady and while the sleepy eyes kind of bother me, it definitely set my imagination flying and produced some fun shots. I have nothing to complain about…oh…except perhaps the skirt on the dress she came in. It doesn’t hang right. The jewelry, shoes and top of the gown are all exceptional though. Photos of Miss BTB Vanessa in her original gown are on my Flickr page.
The gown in these shots is by Eifeldolldress. Love it!!
For those interested in the set for these shots, here is the info:
Champagne glasses are exquisitely delicate and in correct scale. They are from Facets by Marcia.
Champagne bottle…have absolutely no idea where I got this. Most likely from a Gloria furniture set.
Bombé chest is a repainted plastic jewelry chest. My friend and artist Carolyn Grentz did this for me.
Gold chairs were custom ordered from China. You can find more like them here. Frankly though, you should just get ahold of some Barbie Fan Club chairs from this year and spray paint them gold…it would be cheaper.
Floral arrangement: Made by me of various silk and fabric flowers.
And this little adorable Maltese!! I found her on Etsy.
-Rebecca
Agnes of the Jungle
I can’t take credit for this title…that goes to my husband Jon. He was my faithful reflector holder during this photo shoot and we both learned that a full size “human” reflector for these small shoots are super HOT! Had no idea how hot those things can get in full sun…to models all over the world…”I’m truly sorry you have to deal with this on a daily basis” So I re-dressed Ms. Agnes in uptown haute couture last time so I needed to go a different way. I went straight for the animal print and leather moto jacket. **It is important to note here that I had to undo the seam between the legs in the bodysuit top to get it to fit the FR2 body**
I dressed her in this outfit and all I could think of was a leopard laying on a tree branch. Once the vision is there, I was compelled to find myself a tree branch and drape her over it for this shot.
And since she is wearing animal print…had to do a Roberto Cavalli ad LOL!
** Note: No rhododendron bushes were hurt during the filming of this blog post. We may have inadvertently signaled a satellite in space with our reflector and for that we are truly sorry. **
Aristocratic Re-dress
Is it redress or re-dress?? Could not come up with a consensus so I just published anyway. This Agnes is stunning! The re-dressing ( again…not sure if I am using the right spelling) potential is high for this one. She can go casual chic or uptown haute couture very easily. She is very much the Baroness here. I need to get her a little 1/6 Louis Vuitton passport cover .
2015 Fashion Royalty Collection Revealed
This past Saturday, Integrity Toys revealed 4 separate doll collections to their WClub members through the increasingly popular webinar. I wish I could say that things went well as years past but this year a few technical glitches meant that a portion of viewers did not get to see the webinar live. I was one of the lucky ones who had good video and audio during the entire thing but the messages on the forums right after the webinar brought to light that many attendees did not have that experience. Integrity Toys handled the situation about as well as anyone could. They acknowledged the issue, apologized for the problems and were very quick to get the recorded video out to those members who missed it within an hour after the webinar. Not only that, they had recap emails with pictures in WClub members email boxes within minutes of the webinar ending. Just goes to show, tech issues are not relegated to Mattel alone. Integrity Toys handled their situation better in my opinion though. People were still able to purchase product.
First collection up for review on ITFDS is the 2015 Fashion Royalty Collection. Vaughn Sawyer, senior designer with I.T. presented the line and explained that the direction from Jason Wu and inspiration for this years FR line was based on debutantes and socialites of the early 60’s. Chic, elegant, sophisticated were some of the buzz words used. I would also throw in subtle and understated in the mix to describe this collection. All good words in my opinion and right in line with what I like to collect. This collection is cohesive. Some may call it too subtle and understated…I would not agree but see their point.
Also, For those of you who are not WClub members and have not been in contact with dealers regarding these dolls, run don’t walk to your IT dealer and get on the list for anything you want. The grapevine reports that many of these dolls are rapidly approaching sell outs.
Style Notes
Isha™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Isha
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Latino
Hair Color: Dark Espresso
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Love that they are including gloved hands with some of these. Also, it is amazing how little details just fill in the story. What do I love most about this navy and cream herringbone sheath? I love the little navy collar and the amazingly detailed designer belt in miniature. Don’t even get me started on the adorable shoes and bag. Also, this collection brings in a new set of sophisticated jewelry. Thanks I.T.!! Isha’s hair is braided according to Vaughn.
Prestige
Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Mid-July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Natalia 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Latino
Hair Color: Walnut
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Do you love cloche hats? If so, this was your collection. It was definitely a highlighted accessory and shows up in multiple offerings. Plaid also seems to be a favorite print. Was plaid a 1960’s socialite/debutante staple?? Have no idea. While I love Natalia and was overjoyed to see her in a different hairstyle ( no blond waves!!), this outfit left me kind of “meh”. Then…they had to throw in the hot pink purse and shoes along with enamel earrings and silver ring. The accessories were the tipping point. I’m in.
Decorum
Eugenia Perrin-Frost™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Eugenia
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Caramel Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
More cloche hats and plaid people. I love the rose and khaki colors together. To me, the previous Natalia and this Eugenia say “Ladies lunch”. I adore the crossover ponytail that shows up multiple times I believe in this collection. Perhaps an influence from Jason’s past runway shows.
Hair from Jason Wu’s Fall 2013 runway show. ( picture is hilarious as woman in front of model gives off a Kilroy was here vibe LOL!)
Refinement
Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Mid-July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Vanessa 3.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Ash Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
To be honest, not a fan of the plaid coat but…am willing to go with it to get this chic black satin blouse with tone on tone black plaid pencil skirt. The light blue purse with little aqua accents and silver accessories puts this well into “what I like” category. I am hesitant on the lip color and am hoping it is not as purple in real life as it appears in photo. If I am wrong, a lip repaint will be in her future. Otherwise stunning face with beautiful eyes and gorgeous ash blond waves.
Fine Print
Elise Jolie™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Elise
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Red Amber
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
OK…first off…my favorite face mold is Elise. One of my favorite coat fashions is a shawl collar camel coat. This Elise is a redhead and she is carrying a cream color Birkin for pete’s sake. Game over….had me at Elise. The rest is just rich yummy gravy. I could go on and on about the camel gloved hands too. This was my favorite of the collection and the one “must have” for me of all the released doll information on Saturday. I believe Vaughn called this hairstyle a “tucked bob” in the webcast and this Elise is back to her original pale skin tone.
Fame Fable
Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Mid-July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Kyori 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Bombshell Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Love the platinum blonde tresses on this version of Kyori. While the previous ladies revealed could all be doing “ladies lunch” this lady is all about dinner. She is all about dinner and perhaps an agenda after dinner. The sexy plunging neckline and clean simple accessories spell CHIC. The detail on that clutch is beyond amazing.
Timeless
Adèle Makéda™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early August
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Adèle 3.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
If Kyori was chic and sophisticated dinner, this Adele would be frothy Cinderella princess gala evening. My first though and that of many others in the WClub was this was a direct channeling of Lupita N’yongo and her blue Prada gown from the 2014 Oscars. Indeed, all you would need to add is a silver headband to this Adele, and you would have Lupita ( well…you would need plunging neckline too). ADORE this Adele. Head to toe, a winner. Vaughn shared that this dress is all one piece for you redressers out there.
Perfect Reign
Tatyana Alexandrova™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size of 700 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late August 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00
Available through I.T. dealers
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Tatyana 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Honey Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Wowza! If Adele is the Cinderella of the collection, this Tatyana would be the Anna Karenina. No sweetness here…just sophistication and haughty Eastern European cheekbones LOL. LOVE the face on this one. Paired with this beautiful honey blond instead of black hair, she is a knockout. The redress potential on this one I predict will be very high. Can’t wait.
When IT does a webinar, they invariably offer up an event doll to club members. As this is Integrity Toy’s, 20th year and the 10th anniversary of the WClub, a special giftset was offered to WClub members.
Royal Treatment
Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2015 Online Event Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA (Edition Size Based on Orders Received)
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Fall 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $225.00 + Shipping and Handling
Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Véronique 2.0
Body Type: FR 2013
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Pale Blond (Pulled back into a low center parted ponytail with criss-cross detail).
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
The reception of this giftset has been lukewarm at best. Many are complaining of the high price point for this and I can see where they are coming from. Frankly, the polka dot dress doesn’t live up to the sophisticated look of this line. I much prefer the black and white polka dot gown we received on WClub luncheon Elise from 2012 Tropicalia convention. This particular Veronique has a very different look to her. She has cream skin tone which has never been used on a Vero before. All this being said, I think this might be one of those sleeper dolls. You know…the one that people pan at first then when it ships and people start photographing, people say “ Oh my word, I had no idea she could look that good!”. Time will tell.
Poppy Parker collection up next in a minute.
Reigning Grace
Ok WClubbers and anyone interested in 1/6 fashion dolls, here is Integrity Toy’s first indication of what this years convention and convention collection will give us. Information was released for public consumption on the doll that will be available to all WClub members. Integrity Toys convention attendees will get a special price on this fashionista. The first look, however, or the feel of this years convention theme would indicate “Nirvana” for those who appreciate classic Hollywood history and costuming. Needless to say, this first look into the convention has activated the “pavlovian “response in this collector. I believe I am wearing a bib while I type this post to control the drool…I am that stoked based on a mere sketch of a doll.
Reigning Grace
Eugenia Perrin Frost Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2015 Cinematic Convention Upgrade
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Delivery Date: Approximately Late October 2015
Sketch by Jessy Ayala. Source for photo WWW.Interitytoys.com
WClubbers, check your email for the link to purchase this exclusive. If you are not in the club, Ebay will be your best choice after this baby is released at convention.
Thanks to Travis and Veronica of the WClub, we are directed to the influence for this lovely fashion and a window( yes…pun intended) into the upcoming convention’s inspiration. This dress is a dead ringer for one of Grace Kelly’s costumes in Rear Window designed by Edith Head.
Classic “Cinematic” styling and influence. If this is what is in store for us at IT convention, I will be apoplectic with glee. I know it is just a sketch of a doll and I know that it may not mean a whole lot but the promise of a convention that will pay homage to historic Hollywood design and costuming is absolutely buoying this post. I.T. , you are setting a high bar. I am hopeful you will meet and exceed it.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 
