Barbie collaboration with Balmain: no dolls, plenty of NFT brouhaha

The latest designer collaboration for Barbie, and the first for 2022, is with Balmain. But it is not like previous efforts, where one usually could get a doll dressed by the collaborating fashion brand or that plus some real human clothes to suit. This time Mattel and Balmain decided to move their collaboration to a new level. It seems that the constant race on today’s social media fuelled digital landscape to come up with the most outrageous, jaw-dropping and previously unthinkable partnership has no end in sight. Balmain of course is a storied French haute couture house that has ventured into ready-to wear and, for the last ten years, enjoys a renaissance helmed by the genius Olivier Rousteing. Barbie is the prominent fashion doll, the very definition of the term, so it almost a given that fashion designers and brands are eager to collaborate with it.

This time, in a shocking (at least for fashion doll collectors) move, there is no doll involved: what we (ehm, those of us that can afford it) get instead is a 50-piece Barbie-inspired collection of real people clothing. Three of these are cgi modeled by miniature racially diverse doll avatars and become NFTs to be auctioned online. Each NFT auctioned will come with the doll-sized clothing it depicts, which is another way for NFts to show authentication - it also makes the auction a bit more attractive for traditional collectors. Notice how they have digitally altered the dolls used for the photos to make them look like dollified humans - or are they humans made to look like Barbies?

If you have no idea of that NFTs are, you can read this article here, which is very enlightening in a non-technical way and has lots of relative links for even more explanations and details. The majority of reactions I have seen from fashion doll collectors online so fat amounts to a collective NO to the notion of NFTs entering the fashion doll world and lots of pearl clutching. I am not attracted to NFTs but the reactions and exasperation seems to be a bit hyperbolic (which is not unusual for the fashion doll world indeed). Collectors seem to think that everything Mattel does with Barbie should have them in mind first and foremost.

Well, I am sorry to break the news to many, but this will never happen. Brands, especially multi-million dollar empires like Mattel, always look for ways to make more money, and if they can be unique and creative, its even more attractive to them. When collaborating with a major fashion brand, that comes from an industry also looking for new ways to become more commercial and move in the digital landscape of our era, it is only natural that they would release NFTs - Marvel has done it already.

I understand the disappointment of not getting an Olivier Rousteing Balmain collectible Barbie, but one may come in the future - there was talk about continuing the collaboration between the two brands at the conclusion of the live presentation held by Mattel, Balmain and Mint NFT on the 11th of January. By the way the three corporate honchos talked, it seemed that they worked well together (it took two years for this to come to fruition) and that the response is overwhelmingly positive (and no, despite what you think, their world does not revolve around the very small fashion doll collecting community).

Olivier was not part of the presentation but they showed a video clip of him answering questions about the collaboration and being very enthusiastic and happy about it. he even got an OOAK mini Olivier done from Mattel. which he posted on his instagram account days before the collaboration became known. He said:

“Having Barbie in my Balmain army, making a collection inspired by her where there are no boy clothes or girl clothes, is my small revenge,” said Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain. “I think Barbie represents a joyful dream world. There’s nothing wrong with a dream. But let’s push the dream and not dream of the 1950s or 1960s, but 2022. For me, it’s a lot more than just a commercial project. It’s very emotional.”

He also said that he got derided when he was playing with Barbie as a kid, a very familiar feeling to most male fashion doll collectors, and that was one of the reasons he was interested in taking the collaboration with Mattel beyond dressing the doll.

Richard Dickson, the president and chief operating officer of Mattel, said:

“When you combine the seriousness of high fashion with the fun of toys, it’s very powerful”

and it is actually true. It is one of the reasons fashion brands collaborate, not only with Barbie, but with other toy brands as well, or even sell limited editions of their own toys. It is one more branded/logo thing to display/brag about. Or maybe even feel sentimental about. “People are looking for optimism and joy, especially now when life is very heavy,” Dickson said. “Toys are that by definition.” That applies to fashion as well.

Talking about fashion, what about the clothes? The pricing for the Barbie x Balmain collection ranges from $295 for a T-shirt to $42,494 for a gown, definitely more expensive than usual Barbie prices, but also less than classic Balmain, where a basic logo t-shirt retails for $495. This is not H&M stuff. There are giant puffer bags logoed with Balmain Paris in curving Barbie script under the 1970s Balmain logo and clear plastic shoppers that remind me of Barbie doll boxes. There are pink silk satin suits with wrap jackets and striped pyjama sets, sequinned mini dresses and a strapless mermaid gown. Overalls, sweatshirts and sharp-shouldered bouclé jackets with gold buttons complete the collection.

And what about the digital art? The auction started yesterday and will end on January 14. If you had registered for the online presentation, limited to the first 5,000 was a simple NFT video of the invitation for the event. And of course you can see the NFT videos and even download them. The prices have reached somewhere around $1600 for each at the time of writing. Let’s check them out. And yes. I’d love to have the dolls as collectibles, properly released. Maybe some other time. I include the blurb for each NFT from their website.

NFT1

This stylish avatar is wearing a striped sweater dress with a shoulder cut out and carrying a pink maxi pillow bag featuring Balmain’s signature monogram and Balmain x Barbie logo”

Below you can see the actual doll clothes made by Balmain and Barbie - we must mention here that the talented Linda Kyaw and her team supervised the project for Mattel. It is a knit dress with a leather and chain belt that matches the handle of the puffer bag that comes with it. Pink mules complete the look. I love it, even though my favourite dress from the collection is the one with the Balmain logo as a print (which Olivier had already done in other colours for his main collection).

NFT2

“Barbie avatar makes a huge statement in a short voluminous dress with maxi bow detail in a pink silk satin. (if needed: the background of the NFT features a white lacquered Balmain signature monogram with a Balmain x Barbie logo frame) Fashions and accessories on the Barbie avatar are from the Balmain x Barbie collection; NFT comes with bespoke set of Barbie size Balmain pieces.”

This one is a more couture style dress, with the puffed sleeves and bow front. It does bring to mind a certain pink dress that Zac Posen did for Iman a while ago. Event though it should not have translated in doll size, it actually looks great, like a peony blossom. Feathered mules, a gorgeous bag, disc earrings and a necklace complete the look.

NFT3

“Ken avatar looks chic in a white cotton t-shirt with pink trim topped with a double-breasted blazer and a long peak collared coat paired with loose pleated trousers- all in pink back satin crepe. A Balmain ball cap finished the stylish look. (if needed: the background of the NFT features a white lacquered Balmain signature monogram with a Balmain x Barbie logo frame) Fashions and accessories on the Ken avatar are from the Balmain x Barbie collection; NFT comes with bespoke set of Barbie size Balmain pieces.”

This piece looks amazing, the doll clothes are very well made and the tailoring is so sharp. Tailored jackets never look so well made in doll size. Gorgeous. The pieces comprising it are an overcoat, a jacket, a t-shirt, pants, a cap, a pair of disc earrings and a pair of sneakers. Can we also have a Ken with this handsome face? No plastic hair please.

This collaboration is not and never was about fashion doll collectors. It was conceived and made to be a major fashion and tech event to show that both companies have their hearts and minds firmly set in the now and the future, and it succeeds. And it is of course always about the money, no matter how many sugary words you hear and read in the presentations. The collection will go live on the Balmain website on January 13 and some of the items will be available from other online retailers as well.

Yahoo! Style and Mattel celebrate New York Fashion Week with a Barbie photo shoot

So Yahoo! has a style magazine. I did not know - who did? Well, obviously Mattel (or more accurately their BarbieStyle instagram account), as they collaborated with them to produce a Barbie photo shoot to celebrate New York Fashion Week. Using the new Barbie bodies (curvy, petite and tall) along with the classic one, the photographer shoots six looks from designers Rick Owens, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Jeremy Scott, and Sonia Rykiel and their Spring 2016 collections. Check them out below along with the original outfits from the runways. 


Original Barbie wears a look from Rick Owens’s spring 2016 collection


Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com for Vogue Runway


Original Barbie dresses in Balmain Spring-Summer 2016


Photo: Monica Feudi / Indigitalimages.com for Vogue Runway


Curvy Barbie wears a look from Marc Jacobs’s Spring 2016 collection - using curvy Barbie here references Beth Ditto's appearance on the Jacobs runway show


Photo: Gianni Pucci / Indigitalimages.com for Vogue Runway


Tall Barbie wears a look from Sonia Rykiel’s spring 2016 collection


Photo: Kim Weston Arnold /Indigitalimages.com for Vogue Runway


Petite Barbie wears a look from Jeremy Scott’s spring 2016 collection


Photo: Yannis Vlamos / Indigitalimages.com for Vogue Runway


Original Barbie wears a look from Stella McCartney’s spring 2016 collection


Photo: Kim WestonArnold / Indigitalimages.com for Vogue Runway

Doll photos courtesy of Mattel/BarbieStyle/Yahoo Style

W Club registration for 2016 has opened!


W Club is an exclusive Integrity Toys club that gives amazing perks and inside information to its members regarding all doll releases of IT. The much coveted  Club registration is now open for everyone - be sure to register until 9:00 PM ET (New York Time) on February 16th, 2016. otherwise you'll have to wait another year. So what's in it for members this year? You can download the full colour online brochure that outlines all deals and offers that becoming a member of the W Club in 2016 will bring you at the following link(Adobe Acrobat Reader required):

http://www.integritytoys.com/wclubforum/2016club.pdf

Alternately, there is a video brochure that outlines this year's program.



As in years past, there are no limits on memberships- you can register for as many memberships as you'd like at any time prior to the 2/16/16 at 9PM ET deadline. Membership is $50.00.

But there are the Club Exclusive Dolls as well. For 2016, every member will be able to pre-order at least 5 exclusive Club-only dolls, including 2 Fashion Royalty dolls (which may include NU. Face), 2 exclusive Poppy Parker dolls, and 1 JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ doll*, plus additional surprise items!

A free digital subscription to DOLLS and Haute Doll Magazine is also included in the membership.

Each W Club membership that you purchase will give you a special $25 coupon that can be used towards any IT Direct shopping cart purchase of $99 or more online only during the 2016 W Club year. So this year there are no restrictions to W Club exclusive items. Details and instructions for this coupon will be sent to 2016 W Club Members at a later date, including that a one coupon limit will be allowed per order.

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ fans should notice that W Club members will get a priority 24-hour first-order window for all JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ collectibles sold through IT Direct for the entire club year. 

And now the upgrade dolls. Once again there are three dolls that can be ordered along with the membership, either one, two or all three of them. Multiple memberships mean one can add more dolls to their upgrade. The three dolls are Fashion Royalty, Nu Face and Poppy Parker.

Item #91390 
Take Me On 
Vanessa Perrin™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2016 W Club Upgrade Doll
Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2016
Edition Size: TBA (Determined by the total amount of orders received)


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Vanessa Perrin 3.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Color: Deep Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied


Vanessa Perrin is a 12.5-inch articulated vinyl doll featuring a rooted chignon and hand-applied eyelashes. She is wearing a two piece set composed of an  ruffled top and a high-waist skirt. Vanessa's look includes a jewellery set, shoes and embroidered clutch purse. Doll stand and certificate of authenticity included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.


You can upgrade your membership immediately to include this doll. An additional $25 non-refundable deposit is due immediately at registration time and a balance of $105, (for a total of $130.00) + shipping, handling and taxes (if applicable) per each Vanessa doll you add to your membership will be due closer to the actual ship date of the doll, which will happen approximately during Summer 2016 once the dolls have been produced.


Wow, she's amazing. I love both the doll and the outfit. This is the proper way to make club upgrade dolls, which, up until now, were mostly basic versions. This one has it all. Smokey eyes with light coloured lips, a great hairstyle, a gorgeous outfit (love that rose ruffle, it is so reminiscent of the glory days of Ungaro) and full on accessories, including a plane ticket, passport and what looks like a credit card. Can she pay herself with that one please?

Item #PP097
Ma Petite Fleur 
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
2016 W Club Upgrade Doll
Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2016
Edition Size: TBA (Determined by the total amount of orders received)


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Poppy Parker™
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker™
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Light Blond Mix
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied


Poppy Parker™ is an 11.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with hand-applied eyelashes and blond rooted hair. She comes in a fitted, pale pink micro checkered dress with a white ruched chiffon detail at the bust. Poppy comes complete with black faux patent leather kitten heel shoes, a bracelet, earrings and her miniature vinyl record. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and over.


You can upgrade your membership immediately to include this doll. An additional $25 non-refundable deposit is due immediately at registration time and a balance of $95, (for a total of $120.00) + shipping, handling and taxes (if applicable) per each Poppy Parker doll you add to your membership will be due closer to the actual ship date of the doll, which will happen approximately during Summer 2016 once the dolls have been produced.


She looks very kittenish and 60s starlet style but I think I will pass this one, too much pink for my taste. If I want Barbie, I will get Barbie. And the accessories are pretty basic, miniature vinyl record notwithstanding. What a contrast to Vanessa.

Item #82069 
Be Daring
Imogen Dressed Doll
The Nu. Face™ Collection
2016 W Club Upgrade Doll
Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2016
Edition Size: TBA (Determined by the total amount of orders received)


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Nu. Face 2.0
Head Sculpt: Imogen
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair Color: Blond Mix
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied


Imogen is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She wears a sleek two-piece pant suit with a cache coeur detail. There are little "skull" accent pieces on her wide faux-leather belt, cuff bracelet and matching custom made earrings. She also has a go-see presentation book and sunglasses. A doll stand and a certificate of authenticity are also included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.


You can upgrade your membership immediately to include this doll. An additional $25 non-refundable deposit is due immediately at registration time and a balance of $95, (for a total of $120.00) + shipping, handling and taxes (if applicable) per each Imogen doll you add to your membership will be due closer to the actual ship date of the doll, which will happen approximately during Summer 2016 once the dolls have been produced.


What a great looking Imogen! Although the simple hairstyle could have been better, the rest is amazing, especially the skull detailed accessories, which of course will forever remind us of Alexander McQueen. The jacket is a Balmain resort 2016 inspiration (see photo below), which fits with the NuFace line previous styles. I will be getting her along with Vanessa for my upgrade.


Balmain Resort 2016, photo courtesy of Balmain 

So what do you think about the new upgrade dolls? Will you be registering? Let me know in the comments.

Note: Prototype dolls shown, final production may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2016 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

HASBRO and its logo, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, < 3 MLP, My Little Pony and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. ©2016 HASBRO. All rights reserved.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY is used under license with permission, © 2016 Fox.

Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty, NU. Face and all other trademarks followed by ™ or ® are registered trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved.




Never Ordinary Eden and Lilith - the third official W Club exclusive!

This year the W Club offerings are a bit later than usual - it seems most of the dolls will be arriving before or after the year's end holidays. The third club offering is a collector's favourite and a chance for all members to get the infamous twins: Eden and Lilith. Not seeing them on the long-awaited Nu Face line up this year made everyone anxious - no more!

Item # 82060
Never Ordinary
Lilith and Eden™ Dressed Duo-Doll Gift Set
The Nu.Face™ Collection
2015 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA 
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Q1/Early Q2, 2016
Regular W Club Price: $225.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
Special W Club 10th Anniversary Price: $199.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
*Deposit of $25.00 due immediately at pre-order, balance of $174.00 + shipping and handling (and tax for Maryland residents) due approximately late Q1/early Q2, 2016.


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpts: Lilith and Eden
Body Type: Nu. Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Colors: Pale Blond with Platinum Streak (Eden) and Raven with Brunette Streak (Lilith)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Lilith and Eden are 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion dolls with new, duo-toned fully rooted hairstyles. Lilith comes dressed in sleek form fitted matte jersey pants and a purple satin top with black lace overlay, covered by an intricately constructed faux-leather jacket with corset seaming. She completes her look with a faux suede tote, faux leather high-heeled sandals and the introduction of a brand new set of jewellery debuting here in this set for the first time. Eden wears a pink organza cocktail dress with a contrasting black lace overlay and piping detail under a boiled wool look blazer. She comes complete with accessories that she can share with her sister: a panelled clutch, ankle booties with chain detail and a gold collar necklace with contrasting black epoxy inset detailing. Each doll comes with her own Nu.Face branded doll stand. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.


As with every doll that has an intricate hairstyle, there is of course the obligatory notice from Integrity about tampering with it:

Please note that while the ponytails may be taken down, the swirl updo has been styled to look exactly the way it does by our hairstylists and we cannot guarantee that this portion of the hairstyle will look good if taken down. Please be aware that taking this new hairstyle apart (should you decide to do so) will be done at your own risk and will void the warranty on the doll's head.


The W club member can pre-order the doll by placing a deposit until the 19th of October, one set per membership. I bet this will be a very popular set - and why not? The price is good, the dolls look great and the sculpt is one of the most popular.


I like the dolls and outfits and love the accessories. I am a bit sceptical about the hairstyle - it looks modern this season but will date a lot in six months time.


Here are the accessories - best part of the set:



The W Club sleuths dug up in no time the inspiration behind the set. The outfits are from Balmain Resort 2016:


The hand bag is Stella McCartney's Falabella:


And the hairstyle is apparently this one - Stephane Rolland Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 Couture:


Pictures of prototype dolls are shown; final production colours and textures may vary slightly.All photos of dolls and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.