The Fashion Doll Chronicles: October 2014

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Eugenia Perrin Frost City Prowl

The Urban Safari Fashion Royalty collection this year was quite a success - the dolls look great in real life too, with gorgeous outfits that mix and match and also lovely accessories to boot. The coherent look of the collection (with one or two exceptions) makes for a great showing. City Prowl Eugenia certainly fits the bill. And I also think she is one of the most beautiful Eugenias released so far.

Continuing the theme from my previous photo shoot, I wanted to photograph her with a luggage set. This time it is the Deluxe Voyager set from the FR: Voyages Black Lacquer collection back in 2004 (Edition size:1000). The black and red colouring certainly fits Eugenia's outfit. She's ready for the Gloss Integrity Toys convention that will be held this week in Orlando, FL. We will have updates from the new releases as they become available.

Ms Perrin - Frost's ensemble consists of a leopard print seer shirt, leather corset and muslin pencil skirt. The accessories include black "patent leather" ankle boots with two ties each (as if I could handle one with my big fingers!), small earrings (very similar to the ones Purity Dasha is wearing) and three bangles. A small rectangular faux croc clutch finishes off the look. All items are very detailed and well made. The choice of fabric for the skirt is a bit weird though.

Her hair is cascading into waves with a side part, very similar to the hairdo of Splendid Jordan from last year, only stiffer). Her make up is edgy and sexy, dark eyes and pale lips, which is always a winner with Eugenia and fits the outfit and theme well. Another winner.

You may have noticed the logo on the photos, it's the new logo for the blog (one of its versions at least) and will be featured in the photos from now on as a way to avoid them being used elsewhere without my permission.

The corset feature hooks for closing at the back (while it has a faux tie closure at the front). I'd rather have a small zip here than this. The belt is a nice touch with the intricate fastening but I am afraid to undo it as I probably will not be able to replicate it again.

A closer look at the shoes. The two ties were quite the trouble for me: my big fingers cannot handle them, plus they always look out of scale.

Friday, October 24, 2014

The Popovy Sisters present their new collection: ROYALS

Twin sisters from Russia, Ekaterina and Elena Popovy, are professional artists and fashion designers.

Having started creating detailed portrait dolls and through that learning to work with various materials like china porcelain, plastics etc., they soon moved on to designing and making eccentric dolls that fused art with fashion. Presenting small conceptual collections of 10 to 15 dolls after a huge amount of preparative work, they captured the hearts of many doll collectors looking for unique creations of high aesthetics. The Popovy Sisters usually start with an idea or emotion and then develop the concept of a project. Every doll is handmade from start to finish.

A couple of days ago they showcased on-line their latest collection, named ROYALS, inspired by the game of chess. The collection was first presented at the International Doll Salon in Moscow the first week of October. They tried to convey the special charm of the game, its aesthetics and atmosphere using their own unique style. The dolls are part of a Royal retinue in the form of chess pieces. The whole collection is based on contrast and geometry. Heavy materials set against light ones and soft silhouettes contrasting with sharp, rigid forms. Black against white.

Albino Queen

A characteristic feature of the collection is a parallel elongation of horizontal lines and material stripes running from the costume onto the sleeves. Adding a small luxury accent is the use of chunky jewellery, volumetric decoration and the use of fur touches in the outfits.

Beauty Spot

The collection is based on two different characters: one is an "albino girl", with a light-touch, pale make up that includes handmade eyelashes made of mink fur, hand glued to make each doll even more unique, and the other is the "dark girl", with a more pronounced, darker make up with thick black eyelashes.

Albino Rider

The sisters used 5 dolls for this collection: Little Owl Albino, Little Owl Dark, Peewit Albino, Peewit Dark, Cuckoo Dark (the names correspond to the doll sculpts). They are available either in different outfits or in all outfits. In addition, two new “Rider” chairs can be purchased separately. There are some OOAK items and some are limited edition. For more information and orders, contact them by email.

Dark Rider

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Faded Desert Kyori Sato by Integrity Toys

Part of Integrity Toys 2014 Fashion Royalty collection, Faded Desert Kyori Sato is probably her best version since changing the sculpt (maybe except the 2013 convention one). Dressed in the Urban Safari style that defined this line, she was an obvious pick to photograph with one of the luggage sets that the company has released years ago. I picked the sand variation of the Jet Style luggage set and there she is.

Her outfit is amazing: A vest with flap patch pockets with box pleats (amazing detail) and lapels, cinched with a faux leather belt (hooked at the back), over a straight skirt with criss-cross detail in a patterned fabric and a nude coloured sleeveless top underneath.

The accessories are great too: New style sunglasses (with pop-out lenses), three bracelets (two with colour-coordinated enamel and metal and the third is a sculpted cuff), hoop earrings (very well made), faux snake leather ankle boots which tie at the front (made better than the unfortunately torn ones that Main Attitude Adele wore a couple of years ago - they even have blue soles!) and an amazingly well made miniature replica of Jason Wu's Jourdan bag. I think this is the best Fashion Royalty bag ever.

Her face is beautiful. Her brown eyes are side-glancing, with the eye make up not as pronounced as the promo photos showed. It's not pale but just right. Her brunette hair is gathered in a ponytail, with a side part and it curls at the ends, which looks great. The lipstick colour is perfect; it really stands out.

One other thing that makes this doll great - the outfit has lots of mix-and-match potential, not only with the rest of this Fashion Royalty doll outfits but other ones as well. And with the Jet Set luggage, she is ready for some big trips!

The outfit was inspired by Jason Wu's Spring/Summer 2014 collection, as you can see below - the jacket is a combination of the first two outfits, the skirt a re-interpretation of the third (runway photos from Style.com and Vogue UK):

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Horst P. Horst tribute

I was lucky enough to visit London three times this year (twice working) after my first ever27 years ago. Among the things I was lucky to see in my last trip this September was an incredible exhibition in the V&A museum for the famous fashion (and not only) photographer Horst P. Horst. You can read about it here. I also made this image and uploaded in on my Instagram account in tribute and may do some more as well.

Evening In Montreal Victoire Roux

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Fashion Teen Poppy Parker goes to Paris for the collections

In a (slightly) surprising e-mail, W Club members were notified by Integrity Toys about four new released dolls in the Fashion Teen Poppy Parker line - the 16" version of the popular doll. Many had already seen the dolls photographed by the extremely talented Saron Wright in this month's DOLLS magazine. David Buttry, the line's designer (interviewed in the magazine), said they wanted to continue the Paris theme from this year's Tulabelle line but of course adjusted to the early 60s period. The dolls are available now at IT dealers and will be shipping in two weeks.

Item # 84005
Sunny Splash
Fashion Teen Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $120.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately the Second Week of October 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Fashion Teen (16-Inch)
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker (16-Inch)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Sunny Splash Poppy is complete with a lovely beach bag, oversized hat and a little two piece swimsuit. She is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Cute but nothing to phone home about. Second bathing suit this year from IT (remember Victoire?). Kind of a basic doll (reflected in the price) with a little extra in the towel and accessories.

Item # 84006
Fashionably Suited
Fashion Teen Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately the Second Week of October 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Fashion Teen (16-Inch)
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker (16-Inch)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White Hair
Color: Light Ash Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Sharply Suited Poppy wears a pink double breasted tweed suit, paired with a navy blue satin blouse and scarf that can be tied in a bow around her neck. The look is complemented by a signature gold chain necklace with matching bracelet, earrings, a hat, shoes, gloves and embossed purse. Fashion Teen Poppy Parker is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

This is by far the best of the collection, If I could, this is the one I would get. The suit reminds me of 60s Chanel (and the chains help a lot in that direction). The blouse and extra bow add class along with the hat. I hope the gloves are tight and easy to put on otherwise they will look like oven mittens.

Item # 84007
Ma Chérie
Fashion Teen Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately the Second Week of October 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Fashion Teen (16-Inch)
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker (16-Inch)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Strawberry Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Ma Chérie Poppy Parker wears a turquoise satin cocktail dress with a black lace overlay, cinched at the waist by a black satin belt tied in a bow. The look is completed by a matching veil, gloves, a clutch purse, jewellery and shoes. Fashion Teen Poppy Parker is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

This one is the weird one out - there's something off about her that I can't put my finger on. Love the shoes. No accessories photo with this one, if one is made available I will update the post.

Item # 84008
Floating Dream
Fashion Teen Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 300
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately the Second Week of October 2014

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Fashion Teen (16-Inch)
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker (16-Inch)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Platinum
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Floating Dream Poppy is wearing a multi-layered gown, complete with jewellery, a clutch and a pair of shoes. Fashion Teen Poppy Parker is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

This one looks like a wedding cake. Too Barbie for my taste, but I am sure there will be people who will love her. I think last year's release was much better designed and executed.

**Please note that the photos are of a prototype doll 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.**