The Fashion Doll Chronicles: July 2013

Friday, July 19, 2013

Integrity Toys 3rd reveal for 2013: Victoire Roux IT Direct lottery opportunity.

The final doll presented on the third reveal of Integrity Toys is another Victoire Roux doll. It seems that instead of a proper line, she gets single dolls appearing every now and then. A portion of the dolls was reserved for a lottery among W Club members and the rest will also be on a lottery, this time for the general public. If you want to enter, go to this link at the Integrity website to pick up your lottery ticket.

Item #76007
Buenos Aires
Victoire Roux™ Dressed Doll
2013 IT Direct Exclusive Lottery Doll
Special "Christmas in July" Event Price: US $99.00 US
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Estimated Delivery Date: Early August 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Integrity / Victoire Roux™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Pale Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): Approximately 16.5" X 5.75" X 3.5"

This Ultra-limited Edition IT Direct Buenos Aires Victoire Roux™ is a 12-inch articulated vinyl doll with a fully rooted pale blond intricate updo hairstyle and hand-applied eyelashes. Her travel ensemble pays homage to a famous 1948 look and is composed of a tailored skirt and long sleeved double-breast jacket with a large hat and matching umbrella. Victoire completes this look with a pair of matching pumps, gloves and simple studded earrings. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up only. (Note: the umbrella does not open).

The homage is of course paid to the Dior New Look T-Bar suit, which you can see in the photo below. Also the styling of the doll reminds me so much of Evita Peron.

The doll looks nice and I would have entered the lottery but for two things: the blue eye-shadow and the pattern of the jacket print. The print looks more late 60s than late 40s to me. And of course the oven mittens strike back. She could have had a second pair of hands painted to look like gloves instead. I know the price is low but on the other hand, no bag. A non working umbrella is not enough to entice me.

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. 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.**

Integrity Toys 3rd reveal for 2013: Barefoot In The Park Poppy Parker

Another Paramount Pictures license: this time from the film Barefoot In The Park, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Here though we have Poppy Parker and Chip Farnsworth III replacing them in the roles of Corie and Paul Bratter. This release consists of two gift-sets.

Item # 14019
Barefoot in the Park™
Poppy Parker™ as Corie Bratter
Dressed Doll Gift Set
Limited edition size of 800 Gift Sets
Suggested Retail Price: $160.00
Estimated Ship Date: Late September 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker™
Body Type: Poppy Parker™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Reddish
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 16" X 13" X 3"

The gift-set has one doll with three outfits. First outfit (shown in the two photos above): On her wedding day, Corie has donned an ensemble that consists of a blue mini dress with a textured skirt and a fabric flower burst accent at the waist. Over this, she wears a light blue coat with dark faux fur trim, dark gray shoes, and a matching handbag. Her light strawberry blond hair is in an up-do.

Second outfit (shown in the two photos above): The Bratters, joined by Corie's mother, are dining with their eccentric neighbour, Mr. Velasco. Corie wears a sleeveless pink mini dress with bow detail on the neckline with a long sleeved pink coat, tan purse and matching tan pumps.

Third outfit (shown in the two photos above): Corie meets her husband Paul at the bus stop after his long day at work. She wears a dark red ribbed turtle-neck and a tan striped "suede" mini skirt with matching "suede" swing coat. The dark pantyhose and black go-go boots complete her look.

The Poppy Parker™ as Corie Bratter gift set features a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes and comes with all that you see in the pictures and a doll stand. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

Item # 14020
The Bratter Lovers
Barefoot in the Park™
Poppy Parker™ and Chip Farnsworth III™ as Corie and Paul Bratter
Two-Doll Gift Set Limited edition size of 800 Gift Sets
Suggested Retail Price: $180.00
Estimated Ship Date: Late September 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpts: Poppy Parker™ and Chip Farnsworth III™
Body Types: Poppy Parker™(Female Doll) and FR: Homme™ (Male Doll)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Red (Corie) and Golden Blond (Paul)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 16" X 13" X 3"

Corie Bratter, as depicted by Poppy wears her signature beige toggle coat, gold turtle-neck top, brown cropped corduroy jeans with belt and short brown "leather" ankle boots. Her long strawberry blond hair is pulled into a half ponytail and her face is framed with wispy bangs.

Paul Bratter, as depicted by Chip, is a 12.5-inch articulated vinyl fashion figure with fully rooted hair. He's fashionably outfitted in a classic two-piece gray suit with a matched light blue dress shirt, navy tie and a wristwatch. All of this is topped by a charcoal gray trench coat with black velvet trim on the collar and neck scarf accessory. His side parted blond hair finishes off his look. Two doll stands are included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

The gift-sets look lovely and they have so many things in them, especially the first one. I am not a huge fan of the film, or the fashions of it, so it was an easy pass for me. I can totally understand though how many will go nuts over them. I still think blonde Chip looks like Mike Vogel (from Pan Am and currently on Under The Dome).

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. Barefoot In The Park ™ & © 2013 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. Used under license. 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.**

Integrity Toys 3rd reveal for 2013: The Stingers from Jem & The Holograms

Second line to be revealed by Integrity Toys (and a giddy Alain) was another instalment of the Jem franchise: The Stingers. This is a much anticipated release by Jem collectors and fans, as the Stingers dolls were never produced in the original Hasbro line up. Let's see the three dolls, which come with the usual attention to detail and accessories shown in previous dolls of this line.

Item #14036
Rory "RIOT" Llewelyn™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00
Estimated Ship Date: September 2013
Shipper Dimensions (Including Shipper): 15.5" X 9.5" X 3"

Rory "RIOT" Llewelyn™ is a 12.5"-inch fully articulated male vinyl fashion figure with fully rooted hair. RIOT comes dressed with his signature 80's on-stage look which is composed of a long bright yellow frock coat with black and red embroidery, a neo-romantic ruffled shirt, skin tight black pants and his white boots. RIOT also comes complete with his signature guitar, guitar strap, amp cord, microphone, miniature Stingers album with sleeve, alternate set of hands, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors 14 and up only.

The lapels have micro-sequins, as do the pants. He's sporting an earring too. He looks like the child of David Lee Roth and David Coverdale.

Item #14037
Ingrid "MINX" Kruger™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00
Estimated Ship Date: September 2013
Shipper Dimensions (Including Shipper): 15.5" X 9.5" X 3"

Ingrid "MINX" Kruger™ is a 12"-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with rooted blond hair and hand applied eyelashes. MINX is dressed in her on-stage costume, which consists of a star studded bra top, ultra-tight pants, boots and her signature over sized hat and jewellery. MINX also includes her special keyboard synthesizer, amp cable, miniature sheet music, alternate set of hands, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. The synthesizer requires minor assembly; instructions are provided. For adult collectors 14 and up only.

I beet this one goes first, if only for the detailed synthesizer! She could easily be Madonna (in her Like A Virgin period) with a few alterations. The sculpt looks suspiciously like the old Ayumi one (although all Jem dolls have original unique sculpts).

Item #14038
Phoebe "RAPTURE" Ashe™
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00
Estimated Ship Date: September 2013
Shipper Dimensions (Including Shipper): 15.5" X 9.5" X 3"

Phoebe "RAPTURE" Ashe™ is a 12"-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with rooted blond hair and hand applied eyelashes. RAPTURE is dressed in her unique on-stage costume, which consists of a high-contrast black and yellow top with a matching skirt, black fishnet stockings and gauntlet and high-heeled pumps. RAPTURE also includes her signature black and gold guitar, guitar strap amp cable, a miniature "love potion" recipe, alternate set of hands, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors 14 and up only.

Some said she reminds them of the original Vanessa. I think her face is a bit wide for that, but she looks more like Anja. These dolls do not have weird flashy markings on the face like most of the Jem line does, so they can be redressed easily and fit in with other fashion lines. Be careful with what you put on them though, the body is unique to them and Color Infusion line so not all clothes are an easy match.

**JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, THE STINGERS and all related characters © 2013 HASBRO. All rights reserved. Used under permission. Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. Please note that dolls are all sold separately. 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.**

Integrity Toys 3rd reveal for 2013: Fashion Teen Poppy Parker (16")

Yesterday Integrity Toys did their third reveal of the year, showing to WClub members a day ahead of the general public some new collections for fashion doll collectors, who received the updates on email which included, apart from the usual photos and descriptions, links to exclusive videos showing Carol Roth and Alain Trembley discussing and demonstrating the actual doll prototypes. The first line to be shown was none other than the larger version of the popular Poppy Parker doll, Fashion Teen Poppy, who is in 1/4 scale instead of her smaller twin 1/6 scale. The four dolls of the collection were inspired by the four seasons of the year. Let's see them one by one.

Item #84001
The Glad Game
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Collection: Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™
Head Sculpt: Poppy 16
Body Type: Poppy 16
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Dewdrop Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 18.5" X 7.5" X 3.5"

First of course is Spring, represented by Glad Game Poppy. She wears a green, white and blue dress with a wide-brimmed white straw hat and a coordinating white straw bag adorned with blue and green flowers. Her look is complete with white gloves and blue pumps. This is a 16-inch articulated vinyl doll with fully rooted, dewdrop blonde hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors 14 years and up.

All four Poppies in this line were exquisite, a much better showing then its debut last year. The doll does indeed remind one of spring and the detail in the dress and accessories is really good. The bag is incredible.

Item #84002
One Fine Day
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00
US Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Collection: Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™
Head Sculpt: Poppy 16
Body Type: Poppy 16
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Hot Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 18.5" X 7.5" X 3.5"

The summer Poppy does remind me of one fine day. She wears a white dress with red and black polka dots, a red straw hat and read cat eye sunglasses. She finishes off the look with a red straw purse, red heels, white gloves and a red beaded bracelet. This is a 16-inch articulated vinyl doll with fully rooted scorching blonde hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors 14 years and up.

I fell in love with this one. So much so that I caved in and ordered her! What's not to like? Her dress is amazing, especially with the tailored detail on top and its polka dot print. Her accessories are amazing: the shoes, the bag, the bracelet and earrings, are all exemplary. Plus she fits nicely with many of my larger dolls wearing mid 20th century outfits. I am currently watching the second season of Magic City and she could fit right in.

Item #84003
Magic Moment
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Collection: Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™
Head Sculpt: Poppy 16
Body Type: Poppy 16
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Autumn Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 18.5" X 7.5" X 3.5"

The Autumn Poppy wears a leopard print evening gown accented with a black belt and black opera length gloves. She carries a gold clutch and wears matching gold heels. To complete the look is a black faux fur wrap. This is a 16-inch articulated vinyl doll with fully rooted, autumn red hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors 14 years and up.

I can confess this was one strong contender for ordering but I decided to get only one this time and One Fine Day won. Magic Moment looks like a large red-headed BG Poppy (this screening!) and the gloves look great (they might be difficult to put on the doll, even though they have a button-fastening opening at the wrist). I'm not crazy about the leopard print and the clutch is very generic. The shoes though look great. A very sultry Poppy, a bit rare for this doll.

Item #84004
Winter Wowzers!
Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Estimated Shipping Date: October 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Collection: Poppy Parker Fashion Teen™
Head Sculpt: Poppy 16
Body Type: Poppy 16
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 18.5" X 7.5" X 3.5"

Rounding off the collection is winter! Poppy wears an ensemble consisting of a yellow sweater with black stirrup pants, an animal print coat, earmuffs and yellow gloves. The outfit comes with a pair of black boots with white faux fur trim and white pompoms. This is a 16-inch articulated vinyl doll with fully rooted raven hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors 14 years and up.

Yes, this one has ear muffs! She looks ready to hit the slopes! I did not expect winter to have the raven haired doll (a platinum blonde is more reminiscent of the season I think) but she looks great. I'd rather see a smaller scale on the animal print coat though - or a larger one. This looks awkward. The mittens look like the ones used for the oven, hahaha. They should have been knit ones I suppose. I do hope they take care of the finish on the edge of the boots with the fur, it looks a bit cheap done like that.

The dolls are already available at all Integrity dealers so go get them!

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. 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.**

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

A major change for Fashion Royalty: new FR body is coming! And new logo too!

A major streamlining is happening at Integrity Toys' doll line up. Earlier this year when the company announced details about the 2013 convention, it was hinted that some exciting news would be released closer to the convention. And that seems to be this streamlining, which basically has a new FR body as the cornerstone. The last major update of the FR body happened in 2006 (the "tall" body as it is called). Starting with the 2013 Convention Collection, the regular articulated Fashion Royalty body will enter a retirement process and will be replaced by a newly refined version of the FR: Squared (FR2) body. Dolls in other brands that had been planned using this body will be marketed in the near future.

First generation FR Body (2001)

What does newly refined mean? Probably the FR2 body will have minor tweaks and changes to either accommodate a lower price than the FR2 have compared to regular FR, or to bring it closer to the FR body type (larger breasts, smaller feet, higher waist joint, narrow waist). That remains to be seen this autumn. Also starting with the convention collection, Fashion Royalty and FR2 will be unified as one doll line, which seems logical as otherwise they would be sharing very similar bodies. The W Club exclusive Dasha that was recently released is officially the last FR2 branded doll. However, the Dasha character will now find her place in the lineup of Fashion Royalty, alongside characters like Adèle, Véronique, Vanessa, Agnes, Natalia, Elise and all of the others.

The 2nd generation FR body, called Expressive (2005)

As far as the Monogram line is concerned, the last dolls from this will appear at this year's convention, after which time, the brand will also be retired. It seems that Integrity wants to give their main doll line a newly revamped, more unified visual image, thus making a stronger statement. Also it was announced that no replacements bodies of any type will be available. The renovated FR2 body will be compatible with all FR2 clothing manufactured so far and some of the older garments as well, although not all (the Classic Tall Body torso shape and the FR2 torso shape are a little different).

The third generation FR body, called "The Classic Tall Body" (2006)

With all the upheaval, Nu.Face and FR: Homme couldn't remain unchanged. A refreshed Nu.Face body will be unveiled in approximately the Spring of 2014 and a refreshed FR: Homme body the following Fall. These timelines are subject to change, but that's the best information available right now. So any Nu Face or Hommes released this year will be the last of the current body type.

The FR2 body

With all these changes, a new re-branding was deemed necessary, so here is a sneek peek of the newly designed Fashion Royalty logo. The convention collection will be the first to have a sleek, newly redesigned package sporting this new banner.

It looks classy and fashion-y, as it should, although the "metallic" effect gradient is passée. It reminds me of some well known fashion house logos, like Givenchy, Tom Ford and the new Saint Laurent branding, which is a good thing. Cannot wait to see the packaging.

Lorrence also mentioned that it looks a lot like the Fendi logo and I totally agree: