Two new Close Up Fashion Royalty dolls are unveiled!

The last Fashion Royalty dolls we had seen apart from convention, was Elyse back in January. There was an online presentation of two close-up dolls from the Fashion Royalty collection, designed by IT designer Jessy Ayala. Technically these two belong to the FR Maison collection (as per their story descriptions that say they model lingerie from that line), but it is not mentioned in their characteristics at all. I used to think that Close Up was a term used by Integrity Toys for the dolls that are neither basic nor fully dressed and accessorised. - as they are usually wearing robes over lingerie or swimwear and have been a staple of the company since the early Fashion Royalty days. But Alain explained that the term is inspired by the close up shots of models for cosmetics brands - and then I checked previous releases and saw that there were basic dolls released with robes as well. These two ladies were based on those early Veronique and Adele dolls - but the choice of characters was a bit surprising, and frankly, quite welcome. The dolls will be mainly given to the W Club through a lottery, while a small portion will be allocated to the general public next year, when the dolls have been shipped to the USA.

Item # 91510

Dawn In Bloom

Isabella Alves™ Close-up Doll

The Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Spring 2023

Head Sculpt: Isabella

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Sunkissed

Hair Color: Dark Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

MSRP: $175 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $150 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold with the majority to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer, and a small 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

Included:

12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Lace teddy;

Sensuous, sheer long-sleeved peignoir/robe with built-in lace-up corset;

Golden hanger accessory engraved with the classic "W" logo;

Golden earrings and ring set;

Classic golden "W" pendant necklace;

High-heeled sling-back shoes with golden metal deco;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Extra pair of grip hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

So nice to see Isabella making her second ever appearance, and outside a convention too! She looks gorgeous here, much better than her first version. For me, this is like the type version of the sculpt, how I would have imagined Isabella to be. And this is the reason I entered the lottery for her. I do not have this sculpt yet in my collection, so it would be perfect if she could be part of it. I like the outfit too, mainly the “robe” she is wearing, with the over the top puffed sleeves and the corset detail at the waist. She’s definitely channelling those early Close Up FR ladies!

Item # 91524

Dusk In Bloom

Luchia Zadra™ Close-up Doll

The Fashion Royalty® Collection

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Spring 2023

Head Sculpt: Luchia 2.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Caramel

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

MSRP: $175 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $150 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold with the majority to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer, and a small 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

Included:

12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Lace teddy;

Sensuous, sheer long-sleeved peignoir/robe with built-in lace-up corset;

Silver/chrome hanger accessory engraved with the classic "W" logo;

Silver/chrome earrings and ring set;

Classic silver/chrome "W" pendant necklace;

High-heeled sling-back shoes with silver/chrome metal deco;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Extra pair of grip hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

I was never fond of Luchia’s second sculpt, neither liked her using Isha’s face at the beginning. I have only one from that period (the Madonna inspired Bewitching Hour) and was never tempted to get another. But this time, I want her. I really do. She’s being done justice at last. Channelling Cindy Crawford (or Zana Zhadrick, take your pick), she is breathtakingly beautiful and the dark version of the outfit we saw on Isabella only serves to enhance her beauty. I do not mind they are wearing a colour variation of the same outfit, I still want them both. I only wish they had a lower price to begin with. And no, the clothes hangers and the W necklaces do not begin to justify it.

DAWN IN BLOOM

ISABELLA ALVES™ CLOSE-UP DOLL

SPECIAL W CLUB PRICE $150 + SHIPPING AND HANDLING

If you enter and are selected, the total price per doll will be $150 + Shipping and Handling. RTB lottery winners will be expected to pay a $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per doll by August 26th, 2022 at Noon Eastern time to reserve their pre-orders. The balance of $100 + shipping and handling will be due when the dolls arrive approximately in Spring 2023.

DUSK IN BLOOM

LUCHIA ZADRA™ CLOSE-UP DOLL

SPECIAL W CLUB PRICE $150 + SHIPPING AND HANDLING

If you enter and are selected, the total price per doll will be $150 + Shipping and Handling. RTB lottery winners will be expected to pay a $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per doll by August 26th, 2022 at Noon Eastern time to reserve their pre-orders. The balance of $100 + shipping and handling will be due when the dolls arrive approximately in Spring 2023.

PUBLIC PURCHASING

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. The acrylic block shown is a display prop only and is not included with the doll. 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. 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.

First dolls of the new W Club year are here, Part I: NU Fantasy Coven Couture Scarlett Hex Anja Christensen

It did not take that long after the end of the registration period for new dolls to be unveiled from Integrity Toys. Carol and Alain had mentioned in the Club webinar that we would see new stuff soon and here they are. Plus a new Misaki is about to be available for pre-order in a matter of hours. Busy time! Carol presented the new dolls through live streaming, with the two designers, Mark Tinkey and Jessy Ayala as guests. Mark gave us his commentary about the third addition to the Coven Couture Nu Fantasy line and Jessy revealed two NU Face dolls, one of which is a totally new character. Let us check out the new witch first.

Item # 75028

Scarlett Hex

Anja Christensen™ Dressed Doll

NU. Fantasy™: The Coven Couture Collection

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Late-Summer 2022

Head Sculpt: Anja 1.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Porcelain

Hair Color: Black

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

MSRP: $220 + S & H

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

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it will be initially made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Included:

12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Stunning red satin gown with draped and shirred tulle overlay, encrusted with dozens of rhinestones in various shades of red, nestled throughout the floral themed embroidery designed by Mark Tinkey;

Tulle stole with ruffled detail;

Metal clutch with rhinestone and enamel detail;

High-heeled shoes in metallic-pewter faux leather and graphite-toned heel;

Necklace, earrings, and bracelets feature a sculpted thorn motif in graphite-toned metal;

Pair of manicured hands;

Extra pair of "hand on hip" hands (also perfect for spell-casting!);

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Anja, it’s been a while! This sculpt (which is one of the rejected Vero 2.0 faces) has been a while since last seen outside of convention - 2015 as an ITBE lingerie doll (which is one of the two I own, the other being Regal Solstice). She has appeared as a NU Fantasy doll before, back in 2013 IFDC as Glam Vamp, in similar hair and skin colouring. She is a more conventionally dressed lady than the previous two instalments of this collection, but I think she will look nice next to them. A hint of Gothic elements (black hair, light skin, red lips, nails, stones and dress) tries to distract from a very couture gown, with draping, netting and embroidery in full force. The dress is magnificent and Mark should be very proud. I hope the production doll does not deviate from this.

The bag is the now familiar metallic minaudière but encrusted with red stones, to compliment her jewellery. If you take out the thorn decorated bracelets and necklace, you have another version of Flame Rouge Veronique or Sizzling in Paris Poppy. Her make up should have been more blended to be more enticing to me. I would have preferred to see her styled more intensely though, like a glam version of Siouxsie Sioux for example. I would have entered the lottery in a heartbeat. Now, I must abstain, the dolly budget will not allow it. Even though she is a lottery for the club, any remaining dolls will become available to the public after the lottery ends. So if you are not a member and want her, stay alert.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. Acrylic blocks in the accessory pictures are display props only and are not included with the doll. 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. FANTASY and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. 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.

W Club 2022 registration is now open!

Yes, it is this time of the year - the W Club registration period for 2022 is open! You can register from today up until March the 16th. I have the link below, as well as more information about the club and of course the upgrade dolls. A crucial reminder: registration is only open once a year, so make sure to register by 5 PM ET on Wednesday, March 16th, otherwise you will have to wait another year to become a member.

Click here to register for the 2022 W Club.

So what do you get for being a W Club member? In addition to the first-to-know information, members-only forum, online chats, priority customer service and special events, W Club members will receive the following opportunities:

• 5 additional W Club exclusive made-to-order dolls guaranteed throughout the year (we cannot guarantee which lines or how many from which line the dolls will come from, but we are currently expecting that these will come from the Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty OR NU. Face and Monarch Hommes brands).

• Priority registration to events, if any (subject to change, there is not expected to be any in-person events for 2022 only. There will be an online event structured differently than past online conventions. It is planned be open to all W Club members with some items made to order and some available through methods like lotteries).

• Instead of the discount coupon, this year there will be special pricing for most* IT Direct releases that are also made available to the public. *THIS IS FOR MOST, NOT ALL of the items. There may be some items excepted, including but not limited to collaboration projects or sales outside of Integrity’s control, such as through dealers.

• Note that there is also only one final/new JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS collectible expected to be released.

More details are available in the FAQs (click here to read) and you can watch the video of the unveil here.

And what about the upgrade dolls? This is only available when you buy your memberships and these dolls are of course made-to-order for registered members. For each membership, you can add Eden, Agnes and/or Poppy (up to one of each per membership you buy). If you want to buy more than one character, or have questions on how to do this in the shopping cart, click here for more instructions.

Each doll is $160 above the cost of your $50 base membership. $30 is payable today and $130 balance is due (plus shipping/fees/taxes) upon shipment, expected to be Fall 2022. I do not know if these prices are with the special discount for W Club members that we will be getting for many dolls this year instead of the coupon or these are regular prices (my money is on the discount and that the regular price will be $175). They also mentioned the effort to have lower shipping costs from USPS and that they get lower prices from them as a company - which is not true, as I had people ship me dolls from the US and pay the same price as Integrity charges. I am thinking of using an alternate way to ship dolls from now on, will try it as soon as possible and let you know how it goes. Let’s see the dolls now!

Item # 82156

Earth Angel

Eden Blair™ Dressed Doll

The NU. Face® Collection

2022 W Club Upgrade Doll

Price: $160 + Shipping - There is a $30 non-refundable deposit due immediately, with $130 + shipping balance due at shipping time, approximately in Fall 2022.

Edition Size: TBD

Head Sculpt: Eden/Lilith

Body Type: NF 3.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone

Hair Color: Dark Mahogany Brown

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Includes:

12.5-inch articulated doll with long rooted hair with face-framing braids and hand applied eyelashes;

Trendy outfit featuring a coral bra top with over-sized ruffle details and bell-bottom jeans with heart-shaped pockets on the back;

Marigold handbag with pink flower detail, “silver” chain and wallet;

Tan open-toe heels with “stone” detail;

Golden oversized sunglasses;

Golden necklace with heart-shaped “stone”;

“Stone” stud earrings;

“Silver” pinky ring;

Two chain bracelets (one “gold” and one “silver”);

Pair of long manicured hands;

Alternate pair of “grip” hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Most of us had predicted that the NU Face upgrade doll this year would be Eden as a complimentary doll to her NU Classic twin, Lilith, and here she is. Just like the Mademoiselle Eden and Lilith dolls. She has a very different style to that of her sister: she is the downtown to Lilith’s uptown girl. A common thread would be the lovely colours of all the different elements of the outfit and the same shape glasses. The only way to make this one better would have been to have her in an afro - the middle part is beginning to look tired already. The top reminds me a lot of the convention Vanessa one and it is probably this one by Alexander McQueen. The bag and shoes are Versace (La Medusa small handbag and La Medusa Charm mules). Put her in the cart I say.

Item # 91532

Up With A Twist

Agnes Von Weiss® Dressed Doll

The Fashion Royalty® Collection

2022 W Club Upgrade Doll

Price: $160 + Shipping*

Edition Size: TBD

Head Sculpt: Agnes

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Sunkissed

Hair Color: Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

*This doll will have a $30 non-refundable deposit due immediately, with $130 + shipping balance due at shipping time, approximately in Fall 2022.

Includes:

12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes;

Gorgeous blush pink “feather-covered” one-piece cocktail dress with cut-out detail;

Long tulle gloves;

Glamorous black evening bag with “stone” charm detail;

Statement circle earrings covered with “stones”;

“Stone” bracelet;

2 rings;

Miniature martini cocktail accessory with lemon twist garnish;

“Silver” accented high heels;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Alternate pair short nail hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

I must say that if there was another character instead of Agnes (and of course not Elyse or Eugenia yet again) I would have been a bit happier. Agnes is popular and is a favourite of mine, but there is no shortage of her ever, while some other ladies have been missing in action (Kyori, where art thou?). The doll is very beautiful and reads like a lighter version of Miami Agnes, but the dress frankly looks like a mess to me. When you do a feather and crystals covered piece of clothing in this scale, making it very tailored with cut outs and stuff is overkill. Since it was 60s inspired as Jessy informed us on the video, the dress could have been an A-line shift that would have quite a stronger impact with the feathers and the embroidery. The hair style is so Poppy Parker (The Happening for example). And one last thing: why are US people pronouncing Weiss like whiss instead of the proper (German) way which is vaiss?

Item # 77231

Ultra Violet

Poppy Parker® Dressed Doll

The Poppy Parker® Collection

2022 W Club Upgrade Doll

Price: $160 + Shipping*

Edition Size: TBD

Head Sculpt: Poppy

Body Type: PP 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: FR Black

Hair Color: Darkest Brown

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

*This doll will have a $30 non-refundable deposit due immediately, with $130 + shipping balance due at shipping time, approximately in Fall 2022.

Includes:

12-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes;

Adorable early 70s boutique-inspired ensemble with violet long-sleeve star top, shimmery silver hotpants and multi-tone long coat with purple faux-fur trim;

Shimmery silver newsboy cap;

Large violet purse;

Removable purple belt with front-closure details;

Lace-up violet boots;

Violet choker necklace;

Oversized star and circle rings with "crystal stone" insets;

Matching earrings with "crystal stone" insets;

Pair of Poppy Parker hands;

Alternate pair of long manicured hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

I think this is the first Poppy that makes evident the fact that she is Tullabelle’s grandmother - I can so imagine the latter wearing this outfit. The 70s vibe is strong with this one. They mentioned on the presentation that, while the Palm Springs collection is still forthcoming, there will be Poppy dolls that are not part of it - this is one of them. Of course the hime haircut, while originating in the Heian period Imperial court of Japan, was popular during the 70s in Japan because of a pop idol adopting it. Cher also had it in the early 70s (at least five photos here and a gorgeous one here), while W Club event Ayumi had it in 2020. Gorgeous doll and outfit. David posted some photos on his instagram account with inspiration for her.

So, are you going to join the 2022 W Club? - You can do so here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototype shown, final product may vary. 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, POPPY PARKER, NU. FACE, EAST 59TH, THE INDUSTRY, THE MONARCHS HOMME, METEOR and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. ©2022 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

Integrity Toys Obsession Convention 2021 Day 1: The Convention Collection and Salesroom exclusive dolls

The 2021 Convention Collection was presented to attendees on the first day. This year there were fewer dolls, mostly because of production delays but also because W Club member had asked to see more dolls outside the convention and less offered in it. There was only one Salesroom exclusive, which would be allocated by lottery. For the dolls shown below, the Poppy Parker doll is designed by David Buttry, the East 59th doll is designed by Chris Stoeckel, and the NU. Face and Fashion Royalty dolls are designed by Jessy Ayala. Each designer decided on a different obsession for his line, so we got a hodgepodge of styles, some hitting the mark, others leaving people dissatisfied. Let’s check out the offerings.

For Fashion Royalty, Jessy decided that the obsession would be military styling. This has been a constant influence with fashion designers since forever, some have even made it a constant in their offerings (see Ralph Lauren and Balmain). The concept was explained by IT as follows:

“Since the dawn of time, whether it is for a simple show of force or as a form of national pride, just about every blue-blooded "royal" and/or would-be leader of our world has been "obsessed" with their armed forces! With this collection, the ladies of Fashion Royalty are putting their own "fashionable might" on display by paying homage to military styling, as seen through their own unique fashion lens! Each dressed in military-inspired looks, featuring intricate construction details that you will immediately recognize, the unique personality of each of our favorite FR characters shines through and will make a definite impact on the ongoing story of Fashion Royalty! Designed by Jessy Ayala.”

Item # 91528

Chain of Command

Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

Fashion Royalty® Convention Collection

Edition Size: 1300

Special Convention Price: $180.00

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Natalia 2.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Light Honey

Hair Color: Dark Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Natalia looks more like a police woman in this suit than a military officer. And that is not good, especially after all that has happened these last few years. Jessy took an Alexander McQueen staple (the two-tone tailored suit) and styled it in a way to make it look more military like. I’m not feeling it at all, even though the execution looks great - and the recreation of the small bag on the belt is perfect. What is that thing hanging from her handbag?

The doll has a gorgeous face: she is a beautiful Natalia and I might try to find her nude at some point. The straight long hair ruins all the military styling though - she needed an up do or a short crop to finish it off perfectly.

Item # 91530

Vendetta

Agnes Von Weiss® Dressed Doll

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

Fashion Royalty® Convention Collection

Edition Size: 1300

Special Convention Price: $180.00

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Agnes

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Pale Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

This Agnes reminds me a lot of Dressing The Part Agnes, the doll styling and the silhouette of the dress is very close to that doll. Despite the Vendetta moniker, she looks very sweet and kind here, the veil and the ringlets framing her face giving her a renaissance Madonna feel. If you take away the hat, there’s nothing military about her. Her screening (not colouring) is like Malibu Agnes and Head For Glamour Agnes. She looks like the child of Taylor Swift and Grace Kelly.

The dress is actually a variation on the famous Dior Bar Suit, the iconic New Look outfit. One of the photos has the doll posed just like the model in the most famous photo depicting that outfit. With the styling though, it reminded me of this Giambattista Valli look. The shoes are transparent vinyl patterned to mimic lace. The bag is like a highly geometric version of the Lady Dior bag. Are the gloves united together by the red neck scarf?

The NU. Face obsession was sports. Completely unrelated to military except that both are mainly straight male obsessions (soldiers and athletes are male gay obsessions obviously). Many designers have translated sports uniforms on the catwalk, again with a variety of success. Integrity Toys summed it up like this:

“Since the only way to stay on top of the game is to win, the ultra-fashionable modeling team of the NU. Face agency is ready to put its competitive edge to the test by showing us just how obsessed they are in their own fashionable way! Each model in this series wears a look inspired by her favorite sport or fitness activity, re-imagined in a never seen before way, from the mind of IT designer, Jessy Ayala!”

Item # 82151

Varsity

Alejandra Luna™ Dressed Doll

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

NU. Face™ Convention Collection

Edition Size: 1300

Special Convention Price: $175.00

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Alejandra

Body Type: NF 3.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled and Flat Foot

Skin Tone: Hungarian

Hair Color: Dark Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Alejandra makes her second ever appearance as a baseball bunny, with a look inspired partly by the collaboration that Jeremy Scott did with Adidas back in 2014. While the overall impression is not imminently fashion, it is kind of attractive, mainly because of Alejandra - see how a good model saves the outfit?

The doll is a recoloured version of the OG Alejandra with a ponytail. The make up is a bit harsher here, in line with her being an obsessed baseball player I guess. But the overall impression is that she’s too basic for the price. She could have been a giveaway/souvenir doll but for a convention collection one, she’s seriously under-dressed. Jessy said that the number 82 on her cap is the item number for NU Face. Nice to see they have both sets of legs, high heel and flat articulated.

Item # 82152

En Pointe

Violaine Perrin™ Dressed Doll

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

NU. Face™ Convention Collection

Edition Size: 1300

Special Convention Price: $175.00

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Vanessa 2.0 / Violaine 1.0

Body Type: NF 3.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled and Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Violaine looks more like Poppy Parker than a Perrin sister in this incarnation. Many people find a similarity to Bergdorf Goodman Poppy in particular, but her Princess Leia hairstyle makes this quite impossible for me. The sport she’s supposedly obsessed with is ballet, which is a bit weird as ballet is not what one would normally think of when considering sports. Ballet is an art form, not a sport (although there are plenty of straight male humans out there that consider sports as art). So I do not find this relevant, plus the doll is so different in style from the rest of the NU Face ladies that it speaks for itself.

The outfit reminds me of what Sarah Burton did in her Fall/Winter 2020 collection for Alexander McQueen, putting harnesses over asymmetrically hemmed dresses. But also the Spring/Summer 2017 collection of Gauri and Nainika from India, who did many different iterations of the concept. I would have preferred the harness over the top (which then would have to be more tailored) for a better look and also in a contrasting colour. This total beige look, while very ballet in feel, looks very bland.

Thankfully, Poppy Parker had a more fashion-related obsession: Parisian Couture. Unfortunately, there is only one Poppy in this year’s convention collection. Here’s the company description:

“Poppy Parker gives us a glimpse at her latest look, as she is seen attending a very special soirée in Paris, celebrating her favorite French Couturier, Louis Laurent! Designed by David Buttry!”

Item # 77212

Silver Soirée

Poppy Parker® Dressed Doll

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

Poppy Parker® Convention Collection

Edition Size: 1300

Special Convention Price: $160.00

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Platinum

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

She is a lovely doll - echoing the Style Lab Get It Together doll from 2019’s convention. She has a screening seen before on Oh La La, Powder Puff and other Poppy dolls, with a different colouring. She is both soft and strong, which is nice and gives her a certain glow. People who saw the online presentation during the convention and the doll in David’s hands, said she looked even better.

The dress sort of reminds me of another 2019 convention Poppy, Young Romantic. They would look cool displayed next to each other. Since the French designer she’s obsessed with echoes Yves Saint Laurent a bit, I tried searching for a similar style in his early collections (both the Dior years and his first solo collections) but there is not much online to work with. The accessories are nothing that stands out but fit the style perfectly.

There was only on 2021 Convention Salesroom Exclusive, Victoire Roux, obsessed with Surrealist Art. that gave the opportunity to Chris Stoeckel to give her a Mugler outfit from his 1995 Fall Couture collection. Here’s Integrity Toys description:

“1950s top-model Victoire Roux channels her own personal Obsession for modern art and beauty, as she pays homage to her friend and fellow French citizen, famous surrealist visual artist Man Ray!"

Wearing an original creation by Integrity Toys designer Chris Stoeckel, this truly unique doll features a special "one-eyed" sculptural mask, which attaches to the doll's head using a special magnetized earring, which is included in the set! Fun and versatile, Victoire makes a statement wearing a long, flowing black lace floor-length evening coat, or a high-contrast, wearing her flamboyant pink jacket!”

Item # 73043

Black Ice

Victoire Roux® Dressed Doll

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

The East 59th® Convention Salesroom

Edition Size: 700

Special Convention Price: $160.00

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Victoire Roux 2.0

Body Type: East 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Silver

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

She’s a winner! Easily the best doll of the convention so far, this unusual Victoire edition is a couture marvel! Her main outfit is a reversal of look 3 of the Fall/Winter Haute Couture Thierry Mugler collection (lace for the coat instead of patent leather, vinyl for the bodysuit instead of lace. There is also a magenta sculpted jacket that can be worn instead of the coat, taken from look 13 of the same Mugler collection. And there is that mask!

The doll is gorgeous too - with her silver hair and intense make up, she channels not only Simonetta Gianfelici who modelled the original outfit and was a muse to both Mugler and Claude Montana, but also the very regal and imposing Carmen Dell’ Orefice, the model that has the longest modelling career ever, from the 1950s till now. She’s totally different from any of her previous iterations.

I think it would have been better that they had her story be like she is the Carmen of her world - Victoire keeps modelling even in the modern era and she dons the outfit in a runway of our time, older but ageless. Just like Carmen. Surrealism was a hot thing in fashion a bit earlier than Victoire’s era (Elsa Schiaparelli collaborated with Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau to create some memorable and influential stuff, and the 50s was her last decade of work), but this is so distinctly Mugler that the story falls flat. And no, she’s not channelling 60’s Catwoman extraordinaire Julie Newmar - wrong era for Victoire.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototype shown, final product may vary. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2021 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. FASHION ROYALTY, POPPY PARKER, NU. FACE, EAST 59TH, THE INDUSTRY, THE MONARCHS HOMME, METEOR, NU. FANTASY and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

Integrity Toys Obsession Convention 2021 Day 1: The Welcome doll is Vanessa!

Just like last year, the Integrity Toys convention was held virtually, on the web, due to the ongoing pandemic. Unlike last year, W Club event ticket holders (like me) could not attend the rest of the convention events. So it was less fun than 2020, but it probably helped make the whole experience more smooth and glitch free for everyone.

This year's theme was Obsessed, which, per IT, “explores what truly defines our obsession for fashion, couture, makeup, and everything that is connected to the world of beauty, seen through the eyes and styling of the Integrity Toys design team!” This was a free pass for IT designers to create whatever dolls they wanted, but the result was a lack of cohesion and a mixed bag of offerings. While it helped the designers make some unusual and bold choices, it resulted in some dolls having a less than warm welcome from collectors, attendees or not, even when designed by IT’s enfant gâté Jessy Ayala.

Another sore point is the availability of the dolls presented to attendees. Integrity Toys stated that they did not have the dolls available for shipping until “likely sometime in January / February.” Having in mind that people were receiving 2020 convention dolls even in November, it looks like delays are becoming a permanent part of the experience. I wonder how would this go across in a live event - can you imagine not having the dolls to hand over to attendees in a live convention? And since these troubles are not going away soon, I am betting that next year’s convention will be held virtually too, regardless of the situation with the pandemic. The uncertainty over shipping schedules affects everything worldwide and will not be restored very soon.

On with the dolls - and first up is the Welcome Gift Set. Main convention ticket holders had already received a package swag that was sent as a surprise, with a set of replacement hands and a doll sized make up kit, plus the convention lanyard and badge.The welcome gift set was designed by Mark Tinkey - here’s what he had to say about it:

"I wanted to think of NU. Fantasy in a different way for this gift set, the fantasy life of a doll made real. I was inspired by the dolls I grew up wishing I could own as a kid and YouTube videos of people obsessed with being living dolls. You'll notice oversized jewelry and details that feel doll-like, but still incredibly chic. My own love of doll gift sets and what I would want as a collector also heavily influenced this set. I wanted this to be a fantasy of mix and match play with a gorgeous doll as its main feature. I hope you have as much fun playing with this set as I had designing it for you!" -

Item # 75031

A Doll's Life

Vanessa Perrin™ Welcome Gift Set

The 2021 Integrity Toys Convention: Obsession

The NU. Fantasy™ Collection

Edition Size: 1300

*Only for Main Convention Package Holders*

Head Sculpt: Vanessa 3.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Light Blonde and Platinum Mix

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

I was not expecting Mark Tinkey to design the welcome doll but he did a good job. First problem is that she looks too much like a watered down version of Smoke & Shadows Vanessa that he designed as well. Second problem (always for me): she is almost a Barbie clone. The styling, the choice of clothing and accessories, is too much like the Barbiestyle dolls. And I do not get why she is under the Nu Fantasy line. This line is almost always about known mythical or fairy tale characters reinterpreted in a modern fashion. Maybe it is Vanessa’s fantasy of living like Barbie, LOL. Having in mind his brilliant work at the two Coven Couture dolls and his previous creative work, this feels a bit underwhelming.

The gold gown is a reinterpretation of a Valentino Haute Couture one from 2020. It is probably the fabric that makes a poor translation in doll scale. The black ruffle top could be from a number of designers (Saint Laurent, Vauthier, McQueen, Herrera, De La Renta, Valli, to name a few) but the closer one I could find was a Valentino from 2020 again. The fur coat is a classic - from YSL in the 70s till today and so many others. I love the versatility this giftset offers and the variety of styles and accessories - can’t wait to see how it is packaged.

The dolls is really pretty but not exceptional, especially following at the heels of Smoke and Shadow Vanessa. She reminds me a lot of how Nicole Kidman looked in Nine Perfect Strangers, which is not my cup of tea at all.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final production may vary. Acrylic blocks in the accessory pictures are display props only and are not included with the doll. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2021 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. FASHION ROYALTY, POPPY PARKER, NU. FACE, EAST 59TH, THE INDUSTRY, THE MONARCHS HOMME, METEOR, NU. FANTASY and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved. Doll Photography by Bill Peck and Shaunessey Smith ; Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.