New ITBE Basic Edition dolls from Integriy: Fashion Royalty disguised!

The second email about the last dolls to be released for 2013 by Integrity Toys was about a new ITBE (Integrity Toys Basic Edition) doll collection. Imagine how surprised everyone was upon seeing that now two of these dolls will feature the FR tall articulated body (the third has the Monogram one) and characters from the Fashion Royalty family: this time it is Adele's 2nd sculpt, Isha (looking more like the former Luchia doll because of the skintone) and Natalia (the tweaked original sculpt, or Natalia 1.5 as IT calls it). All three dolls unveiled in this email are IT Direct Exclusive products which will be offered via a "right to buy" lottery approximately in January 2014. The lottery information for these dolls will be sent after the new year to both 2014 W Club members and members of the general public. The dolls were first unveiled during the IT convention this fall.


Item # 15022
Gold Glam
The ITBE COLLECTION
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: First Week of January 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR "Tall" Body (older generation articulated FR body with larger bust size)
Head Sculpt: Adele 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Latino
Hair Color: Strawberry Blond
Eyelashes: Yes
Package Dimensions: 13.5" X 4" X 2.25"


This basic doll comes dressed in a simple sheath dress cinched at the waist by a wide faux-leather corset belt. Includes shoes and a doll stand. Fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. This Adele is amazing and I am trying to get her, as I do not have one with this hair colour. I also love the screening and dress fabric as well as the belt.

Item # 15024
Shimmering Copper
The ITBE COLLECTION
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD 
Estimated Ship Date: First Week of January 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR "Tall" Body (older generation articulated FR body with larger bust size)
Head Sculpt: Isha
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Porcelain
Hair Color: Bright Red
Eyelashes: Yes
Package Dimensions: 13.5" X 4" X 2.25"


This lady comes dressed in a cocktail sheath dress cinched at the waist by a delicate belt accented with a "bow" detail and includes shoes and a doll stand. Fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Amazing Isha/Luchia version, a must have again. The dress has the same cut as the one that Ready To Dare Natalia had (a W Club upgrade doll). The colouring reminds me of Style Mantra Eden but also of amazing Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway in Mad Men.

Item # 15028
Light Strike
The ITBE COLLECTION
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls 
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: First Week of January 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Monogram
Head Sculpt: Natalia Fatale 1.5 (was last seen on IFDC "Wicked")
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR Black
Hair Color: Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes
Package Dimensions: 13.5" X 4" X 2.25"


This is the doll with the Monogram body (and a fashion taken off Jason Wu's S/S 2014 collection). She comes dressed in a high contrast pleated dress delicately cinched at the waist by a tiny "pleather" belt and includes shoes and a doll stand. Fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. I love this version of Natalia too. It will definitely be hard to get any one of these dolls as the edition size is really small (300 dolls each) and there will be a lottery process available to all. I predict high secondary market prices afterwards. Sigh.

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. Dolls will be sold separately. "Right to buy" lottery information will be sent approximately in January 2014. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**

New Jem And The Holograms dolls: Who Is He Kissing giftset

The last doll line presentation for Integrity Toys in 2013 was last Friday. Two emails were send to W Club members, who always have the privilege of getting first the relative information. The first was about a Jem And The Holograms giftset. Based on one of the most popular looks of the original TV series, the giftset, named "Who Is He Kissing",  features both Jem and Jerrica Benton dolls wearing their corresponding version of the Flip Side fashion called "Getting Down to Business", which was sold as a stand alone costume in the original 80's toy line by Hasbro. The two-doll set arrives at Integrity Toys dealers soon and is available for pre-order now.


What are Flip Side fashions? According to Integrity Toys, they were created as a clever way to "transform" the original Jerrica Benton doll into her alter-ego, the mysterious rock star Jem. "Flip Side" fashions are basically reversible or transformable costumes that can be used to create multiple looks out of the same matching pieces. Flip Sides were typically composed of a more conservative, yet ultra-feminine "business like" look to match Jerrica Benton's stoic personality and a more fun/glamorous stage look for Jem. The various looks could be achieved by either removing or adding certain parts of the costume or sometimes, by turning the components inside out.


The original Flip Side fashions always came with a hat to hide the doll's pink hair strands to further help create the illusion that the doll was in fact two dolls in one. The updated version by the Integrity Toys design team, the two looks are clearly defined on separate dolls and more in-tune with the way these cool costumes were portrayed on the original TV series. All of the pieces are included to create the two distinctive, yet matching looks that totally pay homage to the creative work of the team who worked on the original Hasbro line back in the 80s.


Item # 14043
Who Is He Kissing?
JEM™/JERRICA BENTON™ Flip Side Gift Set
Adult Collectible Dolls
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition of 850 Giftsets
Suggested Retail Price: $185.00 USD
Estimated Ship Date: First Week of December 2013
(Available from Integrity Toys Dealers)


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Jem
Head Sculpt: Jem and Jerrica Benton
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Rock Pink (Jem) and Blond (Jerrica Benton)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Package Dimensions: 16" X 15" X 3"


This set includes two complete, fully-articulated 12-inch fashion dolls with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Both dolls come with JemStar earrings, are dressed in a complete costume with shoes, accessories and each has her own doll stand. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.


While I am sure this will make Jem fans really happy, and also give the chance to those who missed the first Jem and Jerrica dolls to get one now, I have one simple question: why not use the quick switch system and make one doll with two different heads able to switch to achieve each different look? Wasn't that the reason the system was invented in the first place?


**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. Dolls are sold together as a set. Available from  Integrity Toys dealers.

Along with the giftset, two stage accessory packs were made available to order as well. These will be available from IT Direct only. Each set comes with a band-themed bomber jacket, which pays homage to the special offer jacket that was available with the original line, a rockin' guitar case, three glittery guitar straps, color variations of some of the most requested musical instruments of the series, including Stormer's bright yellow keytar, Kimber's bright pink stand-up keyboard and various other accessories that will both amaze and delight die hard fans! Accessory sets only, no dolls included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up only.

Item # 14054
The Holograms Stage Essentials
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
IT Direct 2013 Online Exclusive
Adult Collectible Limited Edition of 500 Accessory Packs
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00
SPECIAL W CLUB MEMBER ONLY PRICE: $65.00 UNTIL MONDAY DECEMBER 2nd, 2013!
Estimated Ship Date: March 2014


The Holograms set includes: 1 White satin bomber jacket with the JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS logo on the back, Kimber's synthesizer, Aja's special on-stage guitar, 1 Guitar case, 1 Amp (made of cardboard, assembly required, instructions included), 2 Power cables, 1 Picture of Emmet Benton, 2 Music sheets, 3 Glittery guitar straps (silver, blue and hot pink), Instruction sheet, Certificate of authenticity.


**Dolls not included, some minor assembly required (instructions are included). For adult collectors ages 14 and up only.

Item # 14055
The Misfits Stage Essentials
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
IT Direct 2013 Online Exclusive
Adult Collectible Limited Edition of 500 Accessory Packs
Suggested Retail Price: $75.00
SPECIAL W CLUB MEMBER ONLY PRICE: $65.00 UNTIL MONDAY, DECEMBER 2nd, 2013!
Estimated Ship Date: March 2014


Bonus: this set includes special cardboard accessories based on the episode "In Search of the Stolen Album", in which Pizzazz steals The Hologram's master tapes and sends Jem and her friends on a wild treasure hunt to retrieve them! The Misfits set includes: 1 Black "pleather" jacket with "The Misfits" logo on the back, 1 Guitar case, Stormer's signature keytar, Roxy's alternate guitar, 1 Amp (made of cardboard, assembly required, instructions included), 2 Power cables, 4 Ransom notes, 1 Music sheet, 1 Master tape reel, 1 Master tape reel box, 3 Glittery guitar straps (gold, green and black), Instruction sheet, Certificate of Authenticity.


**Dolls not included, some minor assembly required (instructions are included). For adult collectors ages 14 and up only.  
JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related characters are a trademark of HASBRO and are used under license. ©2013 HASBRO All rights reserved. **All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**

LE PARI(S) MERVEILLEUX! - If it's Paris, it's fashion - and dolls too!

For 11 years running, an incredible alchemy takes place, bringing together, around a common goal, the worlds of Fashion, Art and International Cooperation. This meeting between the greatest fashion designers, artists and renowned jewellers gave birth to a major event: the Frimousses Creators.


Lanvin par Alber Elbaz - Lot n°39 Edith la parisienne 

For the 11th edition of "Frimousses de Créateurs", artists and designers reveal "Pari(s) Merveilleux" with a pun in using the word Paris, that can be also translated as "The Bet (S) Wonderful!" (Pari=bet, stake). The 2013 UNICEF France event pays tribute to the city of light, the one that hosts art and fashion icons alike, which is Paris of course.


Christian Dior - Lot n°28 Isis

For over 10 years , Paris is the setting of "Frimousses de Créateurs ", another way of contributing to the education and mobilization of the public for children's rights and protection. This major event in Paris enables UNICEF to fund immunization. Each year, designers and artists support a generous bet"": vaccination of the children in Darfur. With their imagination and creativity, each designer offers his version of "Pari(s) Wonderful": magical, incredible, turbulent, surprisingly generous... Among them, Olivia Putman, Eric Bottero, Richard Orlinski, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Jerome Mesnager, Carlos Cruz-Diez and others, have agreed to join this solidarity action.


Chanel par Karl Lagerfeld - Lot n°14 La petite Coco

Globally known fashion Houses like Dior, Chanel, Vuitton, Gucci, Lanvin, but also independent designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexis Mabille, Chantal Thomass, invest their talents to the cause. Artists from all over the world also contribute this year with an original work of art: -M- and Lisa Roze Ali Mahdavi, Lorenz Bäumer, Nicolas Saint Gregoire... 


Nicolas Saint Grégoire - Lot N°34 Eugénie

This year's exhibition will be held from November 26 to December 1 at the Petit Palais, a loyal partner of the event. The auction of these works, organized by Artcurial will be held on December 2 at 20:00 at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, a new partner of the event, and will be relayed through internet auctions Figaro.


Jean Paul Gaultier - Lot n°33 Yvette

If you go to the event's website, you can read more about each work of art (not all of them are dolls) and find out about the artist and the inspiration behind it. There is also an iOS app, a Facebook page and a Twitter profile. Warning: it's all in French.


Chantal Thomass - Lot n°11 Paris, c'est une brune

Stephen Jones does Barbie: The Mad Hatter is in town for the holidays!

One of my two favourite hat designers in the world (the other one being Philip Treacy) is the indomitable Stephen Jones. His extravagant and outré objets d'art (it seems unfair to call them simply hats) are always sure to catch the eye and be the centre of attention when the wearer appears in an event. His new project is a collaboration with Mattel: he designed five Barbie dolls for them, with his unique vision and flamboyant style making them coveted collector's items.


The talented designer says that "Barbie is the most fabulous private client. She came into the salon for her Christmas morning hat and left with five glamorous outfits! Barbie and I have the same design vision; we love tradition, but have an eye for the future." The dolls will cost £250 each (ouch) and will be available from Selfridges London's Toy Shop on November 15, where Barbie opened a space earlier this year. "We're enamoured with the idea of truly one-of-a-kind gifts this Christmas," said Selfridges' head of accessories, children's wear and toys, Erin Moscow. "More than ever before we're aware of the demand for pieces which offer something really special. These pieces don't necessarily come with a million-pound price tag - they're not about ostentatiousness - their beauty lies in their rarity. All of the storytelling and fantasy of Stephen's work, realised with fun and witticism that's synonymous with Barbie, has gone into these beautiful dolls." 


Of course the designer also commented on each doll. Above is Holly Barbie, his favourite: "This is my personal favourite, using the contrast of soft velvet and spiky holly leaves. Barbie also has her very own pet Robin to give her a Christmas peck."


On Santa Baby Barbie (pictured above): "Every Barbie needs a fabulous Christmas outfit, so I used the idea of a Santa hat to make a fantasy cocktail dress, dedicated to Mrs Santa."


And how about Snow Globe Barbie? "There is nothing more magical and glamorous than floating snowflakes encased in a snow globe."


Yes, there is a Christmas Tree Barbie too: "I ensured the drama and volume of a full pine tree by illuminating the multicolour baubles within her Christmas tree headpiece."


Luckily the last one is not named Rudolph, the red nosed Barbie doll but Toffee Ice Barbie: "Rudolph, Prancer and Vixen are some of Santa’s reindeers, so I wanted to make Barbie an outfit in which she can dance and prance on the ice rink."



If you think it is the first time Stephen Jones has done something with the iconic doll, think again. He has presented a collection of hats on Barbie mannequins in the past and this August he made the headband shown above, for a short clip titled "Punk: Not Clueless" starring himself. The headband is sold for a hefty £1000 + VAT on the Showstudio website. I bet you can make one for much less.

A Doll's House



From 11th November 2013, 20 of the world's best architects and designers are presenting their version of a dolls' house in an exhibition and auction at Bonhams in aid of KIDS. Inspired by the dolls' house that Edwin Lutyens designed for The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1922 – using a very traditional children's toy to display the very best of modern British architecture, craftsmanship, art and interior design – Cathedral Group has asked 20 contemporary architects and designers, in collaboration with artists and other creatives, to design and build a dolls' house for the 21st Century.


Each dolls' house will be designed to include at least one feature that makes life easier for a child with a disability. The dolls' houses will be exhibited publicly at Bonhams in November 2013 and auctioned at a high profile evening event in support of KIDS. The Architects' Journal is media sponsor for the project and both Quatro and ING Media will be publicising the project.


KIDS is a UK charity supporting disabled children, young people and their families. They run home learning programmes, specialist nurseries and crèches, short-break programmes for disabled children and a series of inclusive adventure playgrounds. They offer a wide variety of services to parents of children with disabilities and programmes for siblings of disabled children and young carers. You can read more about them here. 


Cathedral Group have pledged to raise £100,000 for KIDS to support their valuable work. Their staff have all agreed to personal fundraising targets and are working together as a team to raise the balance. Members of their team have run marathons, Tough Mudders, quiz nights, bake sales and cycled from John O'Groats to Lands End. They are already half way there.


The Architects + Designers participating are in alphabetical order: