Throughout her illustrious career as the world's most famous doll, Mattel's Barbie doll has been through a fair share of different and challenging career opportunities, ranging from air stewardess to doctor to architect and even presidential candidate for the USA. Barbie's latest gig though, as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model has attracted an unusual number of comments, articles and posts, in an equally wide number of reactions. 

Mattel and Sports Illustrated collaborated this year for the magazine's annual Swimsuit Issue that includes a special editorial spread shot by legendary sports photographer Walter Iooss Jr. featuring 22 Barbie dolls. It also includes photos of Barbies dressed like former SI Swimsuit models of years past and a cover wrap that will appear on 1,000 copies of the issue, declaring Barbie to be “The Doll That Started It All”. So why this and why now? The Sports Illustrated feature is part of Barbie's "Unapologetic" campaign, an effort on behalf of Mattel to counter criticism that the doll's unrealistic figure gives young girls the wrong image about how their bodies should look. Sports Illustrated supposedly presents Barbie as an empowered woman who is unashamed of her appearance or actions. Mattel also released a Swimsuit Issue Barbie, now available for purchase exclusively on Target.com.

It is very ironic that these two powerhouses, targets of complaints about their depictions of women, are joining forces to become “unapologetic” about who they are. Barbie as a doll-size version of the magazine’s supermodels like Tyra Banks and Christie Brinkley, is not something new - she was always centred on fashion and even has a body type (there are multiple body types for the different Barbies out there) called Model Muse.  Mattel said in a statement that posing in the issue “gives Barbie and her fellow legends an opportunity to own who they are, celebrate what they have done and be #unapologetic.” There's an op-ed from Barbie herself too.

Mattel has been trying hard for a while by connecting Barbie to other brands to help its efforts aimed at redefining the doll's image, making it more appealing to contemporary consumers while also fighting back concerns about the unrealistic attitudes about the female body that Barbie promotes. “We’re always challenging ourselves to think differently about Barbie and how we can continue to keep her relevant,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president of marketing for North America at Mattel. Of course it all comes down to business. Mattel's reshaping of Barbie’s image tries to counter bad sales results during the past holiday season, falling short of expectations among investors and corporate management. “The reality is, we just didn't sell enough Barbie dolls,” Bryan G. Stockton, chief executive, said in a conference call with analysts on Jan. 31. Barbie sales fell 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. 

John Joannides, associate publisher at Sports Illustrated in New York, published by the Time Inc. division of Time Warner, said: that this event was “a very exciting creative collaboration, one icon to another.” A section of the Sports Illustrated website will feature related content as well as a blog, Swim Daily. Mattel paid for the opportunity to integrate Barbie into the commemoration of the magazine's 50th anniversary but no amount has been disclosed so far. Below are a couple of videos with the doll from SI

This gorgeous doll was first hinted at during the annual W Club luncheon at the 2013 Integrity Toys convention in Los Angeles. Club members have been anticipating her actual unveil ever since and speculating about the way she would be made available to them.  At the 12th of February reveal, this exquisite Victoire Roux™ doll was announced as the first official "product launch day" event doll of 2014, through a lottery for the right to buy. And yes, I entered the lottery. Fingers crossed. Also note that the next release will be through an exclusive W Club webinar in April 2014.

"Evening in Montreal" Victoire Roux™ is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with a bright platinum rooted updo hairstyle, topped with a newly designed gilded hair bow ornament covered in faux-diamonds. This edition of the ever so chic retro fashionista is dressed in a sassy tulle overlayed cocoa cocktail dress, jazzed up by little fur bolero and matching elbow length chocolate pleather gloves. Miss Victoire's look is completed by intricate gold earrings and matching gold patent open-toe pumps. A doll stand is also included. Recommended for adult collectors ages 14 and up only.

The third line on the line up for February are the FR16 in ther second only appearance as a full line presentation. To celebrate all that is Fashion Royalty, the Integrity Toys design team decided to re-visit some of the most iconic styles of the FR collection. This collection features classics of the original Fashion Royalty brand, "re-imagined" for the 16" girls, butit also marks the debut of a brand new sculpt and character, Hanne Erikson™ as well as the return of Elsa Lin™ and Anais McNight™.

To mark her debut in FR:16, Hanne wears a re-imagined version of the iconic look that made Veronique Perrin the star that she is today, Silver Society. Hanne Erikson is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with silky rooted blond hair and hand applied eyelashes. Her look is composed of a delicately accented cream pleather dress, a fur stole, an intricately feathered veil hat, pumps, jewelry and an embroidered purse. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

This is perfection! I love this doll and will pre-order her for sure. Gorgeous doll, great outfit and amazing accessories. I only wish her earrings were more detailed for the scale instead of simply beads on a chain. 

Anais shows that perfect styling is timeless as she re-invents another FR classic, Purple Factor! Anais McNight is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. She is dressed in a "lingerie" style cocktail dress, which features a delicate lace overlay. The look is completed with a deep-purple fur stole, long opera length mesh gloves, a sequined clutch, a splendid jewelry set and intricate heels. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. 

Great looking doll but a sculpt I do not particularly like. I would love to have the outfit and accessories for my dolls though.

Elsa is seen here wearing her own version of the iconic look that first introduced Natalia Fatale to the world, Cosmetic Takeover.  Elsa Lin is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Her fiery Latin inspired look is composed of a lace and embroidery overlaid ruffled hem cocktail sheath, elegantly accessorized with a perfectly assorted faux-fox stole, a clutch purse and open-toe heels. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. 

Although this is my favourite sculpt of the FR16 line, I will not get this version of it as the doll looks like a Greek TV presenter whom I despise cause she represents all that is wrong in Greek TV today. She even thinks she's the Greek version of Oprah Winfrey and copies her show blatantly. So, although the doll is gorgeous, it is a pass for me.

Elsa Lis wearing a rendition of one of FR's most memorable looks: Red Blooded Woman. Just like the original, Elsa's version of the dress is inspired by its trademarked laced-up look to create one of the sexiest, jaw dropping looks of the Fashion Royalty world. Elsa Lin is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted jet black hair and hand applied eyelashes. She is elegantly fitted in gorgeous red satin gown, which features an elaborate laced-up side slit and a dramatic off-shouldered neck line. The look is boldly accessorized by intricately designed "gold" oversize drop earrings, "gold" bracelets, a luscious deep red faux mink stole and open-toe strappy heels. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

If you are regular readers of the blog, you know I am a sucker for Asian dolls and this one is no exception. Finally an Elsa Lin I will call my own and have already pre-ordered. I have the original Red Blooded Woman Kyori and cannot wait to compare the similar outfits. Too bad this one does not have an iconic necklace like the snake included with the original. The earrings look great though. And there's a ring too (like all dolls of the line have, yes!). I think the team nailed it with this line and hope it proves so commercially as well. I also hope that the final dolls (these are prototypes after all) have better pained eyes than the photos show, because these do not have any white spots painted, making them look flat.

Hanne is wearing a rendition of the fan favorite Fashion Royalty doll, Obsidian Society. Hanne is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with rooted hair and delicately hand applied eyelashes. She is dressed in a perfectly tailored skirt suit with vibrant, high contrast embroideries covering the sleeves and collar. Hanne accessorized the look with an elegant pair of fur trimmed pleather gloves, the perfect little bowling bag, intricate strappy heels and a black veil for that added touch of drama. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. 

This is the Couture Dolls exclusive FR16 (the Angelic Dreams new eshop dedicated to Integrity Toys dolls - the group image on top is from their website). Although I love the sculpt, I do not like the doll. Her hair is fried and the embroidery is tacky, making the suit nothing like the original fashion it was supposedly inspired from. Androgyny Avant Guard doll looked more like Obsidian Society than this doll ever will. Great accessories though.

COUTURE DOLLS.COM ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS To mark the launch of their new site, Couture Dolls.com is proud to offer you Obsidian Culture Hanne Erikson as their very first exclusive doll! Please read the following instructions carefully to pre-order this stylish beauty today!

1-Click this link to be taken directly to the Hanne pre-order page (copy/paste this link in the address bar of the browser if it doesn't work for you):

 http://www.couturedolls.com/FR16-Obsidian-Culture-Hanne-Erikson-Dressed-Doll-Couture-Dolls-Exclusive-PRE-ORDER_p_16.html

2- You must have an account on the site so if you don't, please register.

3-The total price for this gorgeous doll is $175.00 US + shipping. There is a $35.00 (+ shipping) non-refundable pre-order deposit due immediately to reserve your doll. The balance of $140.00 will be charged automatically when the dolls arrive in May 2014 (you will be invoiced via email when the time comes by the couturedolls.com team).

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.All text and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2014 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**

Everyone knew that this year would keep on bringing new characters to the much favoured line of Jem & The Holograms by Hasbro and Integrity Toys. The appearance of a W Club upgrade exclusive character only served to wet the appetite for more. So here are the three new characters to join the rest of the line:

Known as the "Fifth Hologram", Raya joined the band after the girls ran a talent contest to find a temporary replacement for their friend Shana Elmsford. Raya Alonzo is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl doll with rooted curly pink hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She comes dressed in her signature floral themed costume and includes her wonderfully detailed and completely adjustable drum kit! A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Some assembly required; detailed instructions are included. 

Jetta Burns,a saxophonist from London, was the extra Misfits member. Jetta Burns is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl doll with fully rooted massive 80's raven hair and hand applied eyelashes. Jetta is in her signature costume which is composed of black and white stripped skinny pants, a polka-dot "pleather" over-skirt, a cow print belt and a wild-west inspired metallic snakeskin sleeveless fringed top. Jetta has an ultra detailed black chrome saxophone, earrings, shoes and a miniature poster from her former band, The Tinkerbillys! A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

The central character of the season three JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS episode titled "That Old Houdini Magic", Astral Eldrich captured every fan's heart with her enchanting bag of tricks! Astral Eldrich is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with long rooted duo-toned hair and hand applied eyelashes. Produced for the first time in doll form, Astral comes dressed in a meticulously reproduced TV-show inspired costume. The fabric of her long magical jacket was precisely custom screen-printed to match her signature "lava-lamp" print as seen on the hit 80's TV series as closely as possible. Astral has her magic hat, golden handcuffs and a full deck of miniature cards! A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

As was expected, February is the month that the first reveal from Integrity Toys took place, on the 12th. Members of the W Club had been duly notified about the date but, apart from some sneek peeks that kept everybody guessing, no other mention was made about which lines would be presented. A series of e-mails announced the new releases, so let's start seeing what's in store this years - for starters. First up was the Dynamite Girls™. This year's collection is composed of a mix of fan favorite characters and features the return of Susie, as well as the introduction of a brand new girl: Tooka (who has the Sookie sculpt). The collection is named Love Revolution. It is definitely 1970s inspired, particularly the centennial celebrations of that decade in the US, hence all the Americana references. Five dolls are part of the regular collection and one is a dealer exclusive. More details below.

Jett is a fully articulated 12" doll with rooted hair and eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. The details of the outfit are great and the accessories rock. Excellent value for money.

Aria is a fully articulated 12" doll with rooted hair and eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Again a great outfit (look at that pleating on the bust) and amazing accessories. I hope the hat is not plastic though.

Tooka is a fully articulated 12" doll with rooted hair and eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. She is a new character but uses the Sookie sculpt, re-incarnated as an African American. She looks great and ready to go for some serious groovy dancing! Her outfit and accessories though are not a match for the two previous ones, apart from the great denim jacket.

Auden is a fully articulated 12.5" fashion figure with rooted and flocked hair. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Of course this character would not be missing from the line-up, as he is the top-favourite of every collector from this line. If I did not already have a blonde Auden, I would definitely try to get this one. Love the watch and shoes. He looks like Jean Paul-Gaultier dressed him! Which is perfectly good for me, but he does not give me a 70s vibe at all. *Note: The tattoo on Auden's right arm is permanently applied.

Cruz is a fully articulated 12.5" fashion figure with long, rooted hair. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. He defintely has the 70's vibe, with the hair, the sandals and the bicentennial t-shirt (it's short-sleeved). I love the plaid shirt with the red accents.

Susie is a fully articulated 12" doll with rooted hair and eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. R & D Collectibles and IT Direct joint Exclusive! Sweet Freedom Susie™ is a joint exclusive and is only available from R & D Collectibles (located in Taiwan) and IT Direct. If you wish to pre-order Susie from R&D Collectibles, you may do so immediately (please visit www.rnddolls.blogspot.com). I love the red jacket but not anything else on this one.

**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 2014 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**