The final two Magia 2000 dolls for their collaboration with Integrity Toys are revealed!

I do not thing anyone was expecting that the remaining two dolls from the Magia 2000/ Integrity Toys collaboration would appear together, but here they are. W Club members received the corresponding email which revealed the two dolls, with characters from NU Face. The fact that the designers picked these particular sculpts sparked a flurry of comments and conversations in forums, groups and social media. One of the two specifically, Colette, drew a lot of ire, not only for being the 2.0 version (which had so far been used only in the first release of the new Colette sculpt), but also for its appearance. More on that later on. Here is what the designers, Gianni and Mario, said about the dolls:

For the final two dolls of our capsule collection, we wanted to continue with the concept of “day-to-night” fun!

We know how much IT collectors love to play with their dolls, undress them and switch accessories and clothing pieces, therefore, we opted to embrace this facet of collecting as much as possible. We were given the chance to design for two NU. Face characters and we couldn’t be more excited at the opportunity to challenge ourselves by creating extravagant looks for this highly prized, modern, and younger doll collection.

We also jumped at the chance to have Colette and Karolin appear in never-used-before skin tones/hair color combos and incorporate details inspired by the last two cities of the Italian tour, Milan and Rome!"

-Mario & Gianni, Magia 2000

Let’s check out both dolls, whose majority were available through a lottery for the W Club (which I am happy to say have been picked to buy in the lottery), and a small percentage of their edition will be available to the public when they arrive at the IT warehouse sometime in late spring/early summer of 2023.

Magia_2000_dolls_Integrity_Toys_Colette_Karolin

Item #15108

Runway In Milan

Colette Duranger™ Doll

The Integrity Toys X Magia 2000 Collaboration

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Spring-Summer 2023

Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll
Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll
Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll
Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll

Head Sculpt: Colette 2.0

Body Type: NF 3.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Nubian

Hair Color: Platinum

Eyelashes: Yes, hand-applied

MSRP: $225 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $199 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold with a portion to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer, and a portion set aside for the public. Should you not secure any doll(s) in the lottery or want more than your memberships allow, you will be able to try to secure a doll from the set aside portion. 

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll
Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll

The Story:

Third in a series of dolls created especially for Integrity Toys, each figure and doll in this series will take fans on an ultra-creative tour of some of Italy's most iconic venues and festivals, as seen through the eyes of fabulous design duo Magia 2000!

Milan is recognised as a tour-de-force in fashion, being one of the world's four fashion capitals and leveraging its strengths in the fields of art, design, entertainment, commerce and tourism.

Fashion fans get ready! Magia 2000's tour of Italy continues and today we stop by one of Milan's most sought after runway shows to celebrate the best that Italian fashion has to offer! NU. Face top model Colette Duranger makes a flash appearance on the catwalk, modeling gorgeous fashion pieces that combined, create a mini "day-to-night" wardrobe! She is the perfect muse for designers and drives all the influencers crazy with her posh looks!

Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll
Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll
Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll

Included:

  • 12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair;

  • Black gabardine high-rise culotte pants;

  • White satin sleeveless cropped top with rhinestone neckline;

  • Over-the-top jacket with feathery "lashes";

  • Mesh sleeveless cropped top with applied rhinestone deco (can be worn alone or as an overlay with the satin top above);

  • Glittery micro-sequined mermaid skirt;

  • Golden belt with matching, detachable purse;

  • Golden chrome ruched "leather" high-heeled boots;

  • Pair of golden chrome chunky heel shoes;

  • Oversized sunglasses with Magia 2000 carry case;

  • Magia 2000 black mesh tote;

  • Drop faux-diamond earrings;

  • Chunky cuff bracelet with matching faux-diamond accent;

  • Golden signet ring;

  • Pair of manicured hands;

  • Alternate pair of golden chrome "gloved" hands;

  • Doll stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll

I was not a fan of the original version of the Colette new sculpt when it came out during the Supermodel convention (check link in the introduction). The revamped 2.5 version is the best Colette sculpt and I have one. So this doll had me in a conundrum: I really wanted to have all the dolls from this collaboration in my collection, but not liking a sculpt poses a serious problem. The golden make up tones she is sporting did not help the situation either. The make up also drew a lot of hate from people online, many being people of colour protesting that it is always the dark skinned dolls that get the garish, bold or metallic make up, while the lighter skinned ones get the softer tones to look more natural and lovely. Exhibit A is of course Dominique from the 2021 convention (which is a doll I love, in major part because of her make up). My humble opinion is that the truth is somewhere in the middle: yes, it is not fair that darker skinned dolls get this treatment, but on the other hand, bold and metallic colours do look better on them (and pigments have to be stronger to show properly on darker skin). A counter argument of course could be that her golden make up could have been applied more delicately, like the one on 24K Erin Salston from the Fairytale convention. It would have probably looked more appealing - at least to my eyes. The way it is designed in the prototype reminds me of the ancient Egyptian funerary masks found on mummies, which you could either say could be an inspiration or a bad look. Further more, combined with platinum white hair, instead of say a black afro or a more natural hair look, compounds the problem. I love the outfits (two!) she comes in, and the many possibilities in combining the various bits and pieces (despite the clash of gold and silver/white of some of them), but the doll is somewhat problematic - even more so considering it was designed by white cis gay male people. The doll was shown in an accompanying video with the designers being interviewed by Carol Roth and looked quite better in real life. Which of course does not negate the inherent problem it seemingly has.

Runway_In_Milan_Colette_Duranger_doll accessories

Item #15109

Grand Gala In Rome

Karolin Stone™ Doll

The Integrity Toys X Magia 2000 Collaboration

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Spring-Summer 2023

Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll
Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll
Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll
Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll

Head Sculpt: Karolin

Body Type: NF 3.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Cream

Hair Color: Platinum

Eyelashes: Yes, hand-applied

MSRP: $225 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $199 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold with a portion to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer, and a portion set aside for the public. Should you not secure any doll(s) in the lottery or want more than your memberships allow, you will be able to try to secure a doll from the set aside portion. 

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll
Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll

The Story:

Fourth and final in a series of dolls created especially for Integrity Toys, each figure and doll in this series will take fans on an ultra-creative tour of some of Italy's most iconic venues and festivals, as seen through the eyes of fabulous design duo Magia 2000!

With a long history that spans more than 28 centuries, Magia 2000's tour of Italy concludes with a thrilling final stop at the center of it all, the "Eternal City"; Rome! Also called "Caput Mundi" (Capital of the World), Rome is generally considered to be the cradle of Western civilization. Famous artists, painters, sculptors, and architects made Rome the center of their activity, creating masterpieces throughout the city. In 2019, Rome was the 14th most visited city in the world, with 8.6 million tourists, the third most visited in the European Union, and the most popular tourist destination in Italy.

For this final stop, NU. Face top model Karolin Stone makes a most memorable appearance in Rome just in time for the Rome Film Festival, a yearly affair that is attended by hottest actors and directors in the film industry! Wearing a look inspired by some of the architectural details of one of the city's most famous landmarks, the Trevi fountain, Karolin's look can transform from an extravagant cocktail look to a show stopping Grand Gala "entrance" moment! With such over-the-top, glamorous looks at her command, Karolin is sure to leave an undeniable mark in the history of Italian fashion!

Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll
Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll

Included:

  • 12.5-inch articulated doll with intricately styled, rooted hair*;

  • Pink, long sleeved off-shoulder "bonbon" mini-dress with embroidered and beaded embellishments on the skirt;

  • Seafoam green tulle petticoat/underskirt (not shown);

  • Floor length, show-stopping overskirt finished with ruffled details;

  • Floor length, seafoam green lace veil with ruffle accents;

  • Matching clutch purse with rhinestone accents;

  • Pink stockings;

  • Pair of thigh-high pink boots;

  • Pair of pink chunky platform heels;

  • Intricate choker necklace with three rows of "pearl" and rhinestone accents;

  • Over-the-top, ultra-intricate chandelier earrings with rhinestone accents;

  • Alternate, delicate earrings with "pearl" drop;

  • Tiara/comb accessory with rhinestone accents;

  • Chrome "silver" powder compact accessory;

  • Matching chunky signet ring with rhinestone accents;

  • Pair of manicured hands;

  • Doll stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

*NOTE ABOUT KAROLIN'S HAIRSTYLE: Please note that Karolin's hair has been rooted to specifically create her elaborate hairstyle. If you opt to undo this hairstyle and take it down, we cannot guarantee that the full head will be rooted and some bald spots may be present. Undoing this hair style will void the warranty.

Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll

If it wasn’t for her grand baroque madonna style, with a bit of Moschino by Jeremy Scott Fall 2020 RTW inspiration, Karolin would have been left in the shadow of Colette. I love what the guys did with her, managing to make me actually want to by a Karolin doll (I really do not like her sculpt). Maybe Mario and Gianni should have made Karolin a dark skinned lady in her crinoline gown (Bridgerton anyone?) instead, she would have looked awesome with the pinks. She is a direct connection to their usual work, with all the pomp and decoration she has (including the madonna veil), while still remaining a production doll instead of an OOAK offering. I love both versions of the outfit (long and short) and the accessories are gorgeous - the Valentino boots and pumps alone are amazing (but would have been perfect if she had something more impressive on her head, like the ship True Royalty Vanessa had). Pure winner.

Grand_Gala_In_Rome_Karolin_Stone_doll accessories

PUBLIC PURCHASING

More information on public purchasing will be sent after the dolls' arrival, approximately later in Summer 2023.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. This collectible is meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only. 

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. NU. FACE and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. 

Magia 2000 is a trademark of Magia 2000. Used under permission.

The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Photography by Bill and Shaunessey Peck. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

The second Integrity Toys / Magia 2000 collaboration doll is Summer in Taormina Vanessa !

As we wait impatiently for the first doll resulting from the collaboration of Integrity Toys and the incredibly talented duo of Magia 2000. Mario and Gianni, here is the second one: Summer in Taormina Vanessa Perrin. As before, this will be mostly for the club, who got dibs through a lottery for most of the edition, while a very small portion will be available for the general public. Read on for more details.

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

Gianni and Mario, who are the people behind Magia 2000, said this about their inspiration:

“As we love to play, this time around we designed an exciting “day-to-night” look for Vanessa, which brings many display possibilities for collectors to enjoy! The imagery on her dress has been artfully crafted to pay homage to some of the most iconic elements of Sicily, such as the delicious lemons growing on the island, or the strong devotion to the “sacred heart” that the residents all share. We want Vanessa to enjoy a wonderful day through the little streets of Taormina, looking fantastic in the “daytime” version of the dress, and then with a few transformations, look like a vision of perfection, ready for a triumphant appearance at the ancient Greek-Roman theatre later that evening!” - Magia 2000

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000
Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

Item #15107

Summer in Taormina

Vanessa Perrin® Doll

The Integrity Toys X Magia 2000 Collaboration

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Winter 2022 - Spring 2023

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000
Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000
Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

Head Sculpt: Vanessa 3.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Hungarian

Hair Color: Raven/Black

Eyelashes: Yes, hand-applied

MSRP: $225 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $199 + S & H

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

The Story:

Second in a series of dolls created especially for Integrity Toys, each figure and doll in this series will take fans on an ultra-creative tour of some of Italy's most iconic venues and festivals, as seen through the eyes of fabulous design duo Magia 2000!

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea on the East Coast of Sicily, with a rich history that pre-dates the arrival of the ancient Greeks, Taormina is well known as a welcoming haven for artists and is one of the top tourist destinations of Italy, attracting visitors from all over the world! Magia 2000’s exciting, fashionable journey through Italy continues as famed Fashion Royalty® top model Vanessa Perrin® visits the gorgeous seaside town, dressed in a glamorous ultra-detailed gown that is filled with symbolism, ready to make a most anticipated appearance at one of the many festivals that happen in town throughout the summer. 

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

Included:

  • 12.5-inch articulated doll with intricately styled, fully rooted hair;

  • Custom printed cocktail gown with extravagant detachable train and ruffle detail at the shoulders;

  • Black velvet bow belt with jeweled heart charm;

  • Black satin bra and panties with lace trim details;

  • Fitted, sheer black petticoat with ruffle detail at the hem;

  • Elaborate "sacred heart" tiara with black lace ruffle accent;

  • Matching "sacred heart" earrings;

  • Red "ruby" ring;

  • "Gold" chain bracelet with tiny lemon charms;

  • Elaborate oversized sunglasses with sculpted heart and flower accents;

  • Pair of black pleather strappy high-heels;

  • Pair of custom printed platform sandals;

  • Custom embroidered purse;

  • Pair of manicured hands;

  • Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

  • Doll stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000
Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

After Venice in the north, we travel, with the help of Magia 2000. to the south of Italy: Sicily. The doll is gorgeous and I was really sorry to not being selected through the lottery. Hopefully a take over could emerge - fingers crossed. The inspiration is of course very close to what Dolce and Gabbana are doing in their collections, which mars the beauty of the doll a bit. But they surely do not have an exclusive on being inspired by Sicily.

The doll really succeeds in capturing the ideal beauty image of the island, with her sunny colours, her dark hair and tanned skin, her sultry make up and sexy silhouette, the baroque embellishments and accessories. The idea of making the outfit so versatile is another testament to the genius of Mario and Gianni. You get so many variations with all these pieces, it is perfection. The accessories are of course really glamorous and baroque, channelling the ornamentation and decoration of the Sicilian churches and palaces, and the Sacred Heart head ornament is the cherry on top. The only accessory that looks a bit poor compared to the rest is the pair of black close toed shoes, they look like they could use a bow or two.

A last observation: the doll reminds me a bit if that infamous upgrade Take Me On Vanessa(becaise of the sticker eyes debacle), with her severe hairstyle. She is of course darker skinned and has green instead of blue eyes.

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

PUBLIC PURCHASING

More information on public purchasing will be sent after the dolls' arrival, approximately later in Winter 2022 - Spring 2023.

Summer_In_Taormina_Vanessa_Perrin_doll_Magia_2000

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. Acrylic blocks in the accessory pictures are display props only and are not included with the figure. This collectible is meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only. 
All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. Fashion Royalty and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved.  Magia 2000 is a trademark of Magia 2000. Used under permission. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Photography by Bill Peck and Shaunessey Smith. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Integrity Toys collaborates with Magia 2000 for their next capsule collection!

As I mentioned in my previous post, the W Club event presentation was double barrelled: after we saw the last doll of the Coven Couture collection, we were presented with the first one from the new collection of dolls - this one being the first of four dolls in the Integrity Toys X Magia 2000 Collaboration, designed by the talented duo behind Magia 2000, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi! I was lucky enough to meet the incredibly talented duo of Magia 2000 back in 2018, at the Italian Fashion Doll Convention, which they organise in Milan. They are amazing creators and awesome human beings and I am so happy that Integrity Toys is collaborating with them for an entire collection!

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

Celebrating 23 years in the doll world, Magia 2000, the artistic duo formed by fashion designer, Mario Paglino and graphic art director, Gianni Grossi, playfully began in 1999. After a few months, playing became collecting, which was soon followed by artistic passion. Their elegant, rich, fully detailed style, which takes a lot of inspiration from Italian couture, has been their distinguishing mark from the start.

Through the years, they attended almost 100 doll conventions around the world, traveling everywhere from Japan, the US, and all over Europe, promoting their brand and passion for doll customization, while generously donating several of their unique creations, which helped raise over $200,000.00 for various charities!

Magia 2000 was the first international design team to attend an Integrity Toys convention back in 2004 and won Judge’s and People’s choice awards at several design competitions afterward. In 2018, they were the first and only to host a Poppy Parker event outside of the US, welcoming designer David Buttry for the unveiling of the “Ciao!” Poppy Parker convention exclusive doll. Today, Mario and Gianni collaborate with various celebrities and brands and have been featured in multiple media outlets.


About Integrity Toys X Magia 2000

"We've always admired the stories and unique personality behind Integrity Toys' brands and characters. For this special collaboration, we envisioned a journey through our incredible country; ITALY! With the largest amount of cultural and artistic artifacts in the world and a long history that spans multiple millenniums, Italy is the ultimate tourist destination. Italians are also leaders of the fashion industry and creativity is simply in our blood. We would love to invite fellow collectors on a fantastic journey through our land, to discover all that its famous venues and iconic events have to offer! For our first offering in the series, as Gianni is a fan of IT's male fashion figures, we wanted to launch with something new and unexpected from Magia 2000 and we are thrilled to bring you our vision of what Lukas Maverick would wear if he attended the world-famous Venice Carnival!" -Magia 2000

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

Item #15106

Carnival Gala in Venice

Lukas Maverick™ Dressed Fashion Figure

The Integrity Toys X Magia 2000 Collaboration

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Early Spring 2023

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll
Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll
Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

Head Sculpt: Lukas

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Ginger

Eyelashes: No

MSRP: $225 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $199 + S & H

Sales method:

This is being sold with a portion to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer, and a portion set aside for the public. Should you not secure any figure(s) in the lottery or want more than your memberships allow, you will be able to try to secure a figure from the set aside portion.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

PUBLIC PURCHASING

More information on public purchasing will be sent closer to the figures' arrival, approximately later in Spring 2023.

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll
Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

The Story:

First in a series of dolls created especially for Integrity Toys, each figure and doll in this series will take fans on an ultra-creative tour of some of Italy's most iconic venues and festivals, as seen through the eyes of fabulous design duo Magia 2000!

This fantastic journey starts in the most unique place in the world: Venice! Entirely built over water, Venice becomes a symbol of eccentricity and glamour during its world-famous annual Carnival!

Lukas Maverick is putting his own modern, gender-fluid twist on carnival by wearing a flamboyant, elaborate costume inspired by the rare imported velvets and other exotic fabrics used over the centuries by Venetian costume designers to create the extravagant, lavish costumes worn by members of the Italian high society and aristocracy when attending the Carnival!

Mysterious and charming, foggy and sunny, the pure essence of Carnival and abundance. Lukas navigates the canals with his black mask on and only reveals himself in the middle of the party, flirting and seducing women and men alike with his fluid beauty and his charming dress, paying tribute to many iconic Italian fashion brands!

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll
Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

Included:

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with partially rooted hair and flocked hair;

Floor-length green velvet hooded cape with lavish, contrasting custom-designed embroidery, designed to be reminiscent of the tint of the Venetian laguna colors;

Matching high-waist velvet pants;

Pink chiffon shirt with bouffant sleeves gathered at the wrist, built-in jabot and delicate black lace detail trim;

Sheer, black-ribbon neck tie;

Lion ring, paying tribute to the Flying Lion (the symbol of the city), which dominates the San Marco Square;

Pair of faux-diamond stud earrings;

Faux-pearl and faux-diamond brooch, a nod to the rich Venetian architecture and churches;

Italian designer-inspired logo clutch;

Pair of black velvet slipper loafers with intricate golden filigree design and "stone" accent;

Pink socks;

Venetian masquerade mask with black ribbon ties;

Pair of hands featuring black nail polish;

Figure stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll
Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

Such an incredible collaboration can only produce incredible dolls and Lukas does not disappoint! I love what Gianni and Mario have done with him, dressing him up in all that finery inspired by the venerable Venice Carnival! It also draws on current fashion trends - from Gucci to Arturo Obegero and others, channelling Harry Styles and Jared Leto but also all dandies who rocked similar looks in the past. Love the mask too and that it fastens on the doll, instead of being held with a handle in front of the face (it would never work on a doll). The second red headed Lukas (first one was Beauty, which has a similar vibe, albeit in a minimal, northern European style), he has a smouldering look with that eyeliner. Some club members said he reminded them of Red Johnny Mac from Jem.

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll
Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll

Two complaints about the cape: 1. The fabric is like a terry cloth and ruins the luxury feel. Why not velvet There are thin velvets that can work in doll scale, we have seen them used by Integrity before. 2. The embroidery (inspired by the ceiling fresco decorations in the city’s mansions) should have continued along the bottom back of it. I know it was done for cost reasons but still. Love the black nails and also the awesome embroidered shoes. The details are so well taken care of - the ring is a lion because it is the symbol of Venice!

Carnival_Gala_In_Venice_Lukas_Maverick_doll accessories

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. Acrylic blocks in the accessory pictures are display props only and are not included with the figure. This collectible is meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All text and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. NU. FACE and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved.

Magia 2000 is a trademark of Magia 2000. Used under permission.

The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Photography by Bill Peck and Shaunessey Smith. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

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.

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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).

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“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.

Christian Siriano shrinks some of his most famous dresses to Barbie’s size

Christian Siriano, probably the only Project Runway alumnus who has made a name for himself, is the latest designer to collaborate with Mattel: he translated some of his most famous dresses in Barbie size. Known for his inclusiveness, he did not shy away from using every available Barbie body type and different skin colours for the dolls wearing his one of a kind creations. The five ensembles are below.

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Four of them were worn by famous stars on the red carpet or for a photo shoot, while the fifth one is from one of his latest collections. Let’s check them out one by one.

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First Up,is the red number he did for Leslie Jones, when no one else would give her a gown to wear for the Ghostbusters premiere in July 2016. Siriano graciously accepted to dress her and wou can see the real outfit below the doll photo. Pity thatbthe Doll does not have the same jewellery or bag Ms. Jones was wearing. It is an OOAK doll people, pile it on! Jones photo from Elle UK.

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Next is a gown worn by Sarah Jessica Parker for a photo shoot with Marie Claire. Boring does not even begin to describe it. She was photographed by Tesh for the US edition in September 2011 and it was also in many international editions of the magazine that Fall, making the cover in South Africa and Hungary. Parker photo from Siriano’s website.

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The third dress is again a red carpet appearance. The actress Sarah Hyland wore it at the 2014 Emmy Awards. It reminds me a lot of Mizrahi outfits but without the chutzpah. Hyland photo by Peoples Choice.

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The fourth outfit looks like a variation of the previous one, different skirt colour and material. This is the most recent one, from the designer’s 2018:resort collection. Fashion photo courtesy of Christian Siriano.

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And last, but not least, anothervred caret outfit. This one was worn by Solange Knowles at a gala during Art Basel 2016. Easily the best of the bunch, both in Doll and human size.

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Apart from the Solange outfit, the rest look like something any little girl can do with fabric scraps found at home. No design, no shape, no style. It does not help that the real fashions on which the doll clothes are based are devoid of any kind of style or inspiration themselves. Simplicity is hard to design and even harder to translate to doll size.

All doll photos courtesy of Mattel.