Sunday, June 28, 2015

Doll Days of Summer: The new Nu Face collection revealed!

Today Integrity Toys officially unveiled to collectors (yesterday for W Club members) the much anticipated Nu Face return collection. Even though the first dolls from this line were presented last year at the Gloss convention, this is the first release for the general public, through dealers. Do not wait, contact your Integrity Toys authorize dealer to pre-order today, as some of these dolls could already be sold out (or ready to be). IT named it a capsule collection. Indeed there are only 5 dolls included, and much to my surprise (and I bet most people's too), no sign of the twins, Eden and Lilith. Colette is absent too as well as Annik. Are they reserved for the convention? We'll see. The look of the fashions is very Versace circa early 90s, from the cuts to the colours to the earrings, without the over-embellishing, which I like a lot. Let's go check out the five beauties who made it.

Item # 82050
Voltage
Erin S.™ Dressed Doll
The Nu. Face™ Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Retail Price: $135.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Fall/Early Winter 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Erin 2.0
Body Type:  Nu.Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Strawberry Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Erin S. is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. She comes dressed in high-waist skinny trousers with faux-leather waistband detail, a vibrant red long-sleeve crop top and a grey fleece jacket. She completes her look with laced-up faux-leather heels and an oversized bag. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.


To say Erin is the best doll of this collection would be an understatement. I love everything about her, from the gorgeous outfit (which would be perfect if the coat was in black taffeta and lined with the same red of the top) to the doll's face (she has an amazing expression) and make up. And strawberry blond hair with a Japan skintone? Bring it on! The lovely bag, shoes and earrings, plus two non-descript bangles, complete the outfit perfectly. 


Item # 82051
Polarity
Nadja R.™ Dressed Doll
The Nu. Face™ Collection
Limited Edition Size of 600 Dolls
Retail Price: $135.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Fall/Early Winter 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Nadja 2.0 (New Sculpt!)
Body Type:  Nu.Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Midnight Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Nadja R. is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, middle-parted, fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Nadja is wearing a contrasting outfit composed of a bright yellow criss-cross long-sleeved cropped top worn with a faux-leather intricately draped mini-skirt. Ms. Rhymes completes her look with a faux-leather and faux-fur jacket, zipped high-heeled booties and a swank bright orange over-sized leather tote. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.


Nadja has always been my favourite Nu Face doll (even though Colette has the same sculpt, she did not click with me like the much more outré and edgy Nadja did) and I was anxiously waiting to see what the new sculpt would look like. I am on the fence about it, seeing the promo photos here, and will wait to have the actual doll in hand to make my final judgement. I can easily say though that she is wearing the second best outfit of the collection. One detail I hope will be different in the final doll though: the uneven hair ends. Although easily corrected with a snip of my scissors, it is not something I expect to see in a doll in this price range.


Item # 82052
Power House
Ayumi N.™ Dressed Doll
The Nu. Face™ Collection
Limited Edition Size of 800 Dolls
Retail Price: $135.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Fall/Early Winter 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Ayumi 3.0
Body Type:  Nu.Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Ayumi N. is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, wavy, rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. She is modelling a light grey draped mini-dress, with contrasting charcoal grey nylons and laced up pumps. The look is complete with the addition of a cinched faux/mink overcoat. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included


Does this Ayumi look like a twin of the Gloss convention one or what? I still think the original sculpt was much better looking, but she is a beauty in her own right. She's the third lady from this collection to be coming home. She's also the only one not wearing anything brightly coloured. All dolls wear separates, which means great possibilities of mix-and-match for all. 


Item # 82053
Electric Enthusiasm
Dominique Makeda™ Dressed Doll
The Nu. Face™ Collection
Limited Edition Size of 600 Dolls
Retail Price: $135.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Fall/Early Winter 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Dominique Makeda 2.0
Body Type:  Nu.Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Light Honey
Hair Color: Luscious Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Dominique Makeda is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, wavy, rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Dominique wears a cocktail dress and hot pink contrasting jacket, complimented by mid-calf high boots, a bag and jewellery. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.


Dominique never did it for me, in any incarnation, and this is no exception. The dress looks like a bad version of the Herve Leger Barbie black and white outfit, which is  not good at all. Lovely eyes though.


Item # 82054
Energetic Presence
Giselle D.™ Dressed Doll
The Nu. Face™ Collection
Limited Edition Size of 1000 Dolls
Retail Price: $135.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Fall/Early Winter 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Giselle D.
Body Type:  Nu.Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Giselle D. is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, wavy, rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Giselle's look is composed of a high-contrast, black lace top with draped satin detail and brooch at the front, midi-skirt and a perfectly cinched shaved faux-fur jacket. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.


The doll that I was expecting to be the star of this collection, is easily the biggest disappointment (personal opinion). I do not like the make up at all, it makes her look weird, more like a cheap imitation of Agnes than her rebellious stylish younger sister. The top is something that Nolan Miller dreamt about in one of his nightmares: only Alexis Carrington Colby could pull this off and that would be back in 1980. Giselle is usually the first character of Nu Face to usually be sold out, so I am happy I do not like this one at all, it saved me the trouble of hunting her all over the place. The bag and booties are amazing though (but are the exact same as Nadja's), as well as the triangular earrings.


Note: Prototype shown, final production textures and colors may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Doll Days Of Summer: ITBE new release!

It looks like ITBE is turning into a very popular line - there was a second wave release from Integrity Toys, again through a lottery for W Club members. Gorgeous dolls again, this time in dresses, with a variety of sculpts and bodies. Let's check them out.

Item # 15040
Rare Jewel
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 315 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Rayna
Body Type:  Nu.Face 1.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


I love the Rayna sculpt and do not own one yet. I am entering this lottery hoping to get her. She's easily the best doll of the bunch. Rare Jewel is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in an intricately constructed silky cocktail dress and comes with golden faux-leather belt and matching strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included. The dress looks like those worn by an older IT Direct release of Natalia and Jordan.

Item # 15041
Flawless Impact
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 325 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Dania
Body Type:  Nu.Face 1.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Another gorgeous Dania, after the enchanting Rare Appearance that arrived last month to all members that ordered her, she's the second one I'm entering the lottery for. Fantastic doll and look. Flawless Impact is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with thick, curly rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a silky white cocktail dress and comes with a contrasting faux-leather micro belt and platform strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Item # 15048
Night
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 375 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Minx
Body Type:  Monogram
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


I think it's the cut of the outfit that breaks this doll. This print needed something more modern to stand out. The face is beautiful though. Night is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, straight rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a basic dress and comes with elegant black pumps. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Item # 15056
Ignite
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 310 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Janay 3.0
Body Type:  FR2 (First Generation)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Cherry Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Easily awarded best shoes of the bunch. I do not like the lips here, the rest is perfect. These last two dolls must be the first with the FR2 body. Ignite is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, wavy rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a fire red satin dress and comes with zipped strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Item # 15062
Media Sensation
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 320 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Alysa 3.0
Body Type:  FR2 (First Generation)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Is it me or does her head look a tad too big for her body? Such a lovely doll otherwise, perfect combinations of colour. Media Sensation is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with wavy rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a navy blue satin suit dress and comes with 'designer' zipped strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Note: Prototype shown, final production textures and colors may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.



Friday, June 26, 2015

San Diego Comic Con Jem And The Holograms IT exclusive: Twilight In Paris

Every year, Jem fans eagerly await the announcement of the Integrity Toys San Diego Comic Con exclusive Jem doll - much desired and sought after all over the world. This year's special release is a Quick Switch Jem/Jerrica doll (for me this is probably the reason this system was developed in the first place), in a special package, courtesy of the multi-talented Alain Tremblay from IT. Let's find out more about the doll:

TWILIGHT IN PARIS™ JERRICA BENTON/JEM Doll 
Ages: 15 and up
Approx. Retail Price: $149.99 US
($162.00 with California Sales tax included at the show)
Available at Hasbro's Booth #3329 at Comic-Con International in San Diego




This fully articulated, Special Edition Twilight in Paris™ Jerrica Benton/Jem doll stands 12.5 inches tall and features all of the components needed to transform the doll from Jerrica Benton into Jem via Integrity Toys' QuickSwitch system that allows users to easily pop the head sculpts on and off, as well as the corresponding clothing components.


As a bonus, this highly sought after collectible is brought to fans intricately packaged in a custom souvenir box that turns into a 30" tall diorama of the Eiffel Tower to use as a background to display Jem And The Holograms. Doll stand and certificate of authenticity included. Following the convention, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com.



The outfit is based on a vintage 80's Flip Side Fashion, which was called "Like a Dream" back in the day, now paired to go with movie director Anthony Julian. Instructions are provided to help turn the package in the the Eiffel Tower Diorama:


As I mentioned in the introduction, the packaging was created by Alain Tremblay, The actual doll was designed by Vaughn Sawyers. Both guys are huge fans of the series and they keep on proving it with each successive release in this line.
The price of $149.99 announced above does not include California Sales tax, so the actual price at the SDCC show will be $162.00 tax included.

Important: This release is a HASBRO exclusive and neither the W Club or IT Direct will have any quantities available of this doll or have access to it in any way. IT will not be able to help anyone pre-order this exclusive either and does not have further information about timing or anything else at this time.


If you are curious and would like to view the entire "Twilight in Paris" music video, here it is:


HASBRO and its logo, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. ©2015 HASBRO. All rights reserved.
All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Nu Face is coming this weekend!

The Nu.Face Collection returned, after a long absence, to the Integrity Toys fold, during the Gloss Convention last Fall, with a new body, new sculpts for some dolls (Ayumi 3.0) and some gorgeous dolls to boot. A proper general release collection is probably the most anticipated release this year coming from IT (maybe bar the still unseen AHS collection). Finally, the wait is (almost) over.



Approximately at noon Eastern Time (New York Time) on Saturday, June 27th, 2015, the W Club will send out an email to all W Club members containing all of the details about the new Nu Face collection. They send us members a sneak peek to one of the dolls, the new version of Nadja. She's less cartoon-y then her previous face but less edgy as well. Still, a beautiful doll, but not the Nadja I was expecting to see. I will try to get her though. Curious to see the rest of the collection. I am betting that Giselle, the twins (Eden and Lilith), Erin and Ayumi will make the cut. What would you like to see?

Dealers are prohibited from taking any orders right now. The collection will open to the general public on Sunday, June 28th at approximately Noon Eastern time (it will be posted on the official IT site and on Facebook).

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

New Jem & The Holograms release: Anthony Julian

Integrity Toys just started their "Dolls of Summer"week event: starting yesterday, they are releasing new doll information, first to the W Club members and, after a day or two, to the general public. Monday was the day that saw a new doll for the Jem and The Holograms line: Anthony Julian, the director of Jem's video-clips. Henceforth, the Integrity Jem line will be "referred to as "The Legacy Collection", to separate it from the Jem movie merchandise coming later this year (does this mean Integrity is not releasing any such merchandise? We'll see). The new doll is an IT Direct exclusive, with a priority time to pre-order set for members of the W Club (at $125 and one doll per membership limit) and then the remaining dolls will be available to the general public for retail price, on.Sunday, June 28th at noon Eastern.

Item # 14066
Anthony Julian™
Dressed Fashion Figure
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Limited Edition Size of 500 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Late Fall 2015
Retail Price: $130.00 US + Shipping and Handling.


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR Homme
Head Sculpt: Anthony (New Head Sculpt! First Time Appearance!)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: No


Anthony Julian is a fully articulated vinyl figure with sleek rooted curly and flocked hair. He comes dressed in one of his key looks from the hit 80's animated TV series. His layered outfit has the 80s vibe that characterises the series, with his turtleneck, v-neck knit sweater and plaid pants, topped by his signature royal blue driver coat. His accessories include a watch, a plastic bullhorn and movie clap board (cardboard). For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Figure cannot stand alone; stand included.


I think this is the first time I was really tempted to buy a Jem line doll. The new sculpt is very handsome, I love even his 80s outfit and he'd stand nicely with all my FR Homme guys. Unfortunately I'll pass due to budgetary restraints and hope to find him at a normal price some other time.

HASBRO and its logo, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. ©2015 HASBRO. All rights reserved.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Note: Prototype shown, final production textures and colors may vary slightly.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Tonner 2015 convention: Guilty Pleasures

The last weekend of May was when Tonner had their annual convention. This time it was held in Dallas, Texas, and was named "Guilty Pleasures". They presented most of their lines there, but we will of course concentrate on the fashion dolls. As was to be expected, Marley was prominently featured, so it seems the company is pushing towards having this line as the main fashion doll line for the company, which is fine by me, as long as they can make more relevant and richly accessorized outfits for these dolls. So while early on the first day (29th of May) the first dolls appearing were Ellowyne and Evangeline, dinner was the first two ladies made their appearance, matching the theme of the night: Rockabilly. Please note that prices are those at convention, the Tonner Direct prices are about $10 higher.

Dixie
Re-Imagination
Centerpiece
Estimated availability: 8th of June 2015
Limited Edition of 200, $165.00.
Available to order from Tonner Direct



Dixie is a dressed doll whose face includes hand-painted details such as green eyes. She is crafted of fine quality vinyl and hard plastic. Her Kit head sculpt and Chic body were fashioned with a bisque skin tone. Her chestnut saran hair is swept-up with a red faux flower hair decoration. Her red and white checked halter dress is adorned with black flower embroidery and a patent leather belt with silver ribbon trim. Underneath, a black tulle petticoat and nude pantyhose with attached white panties are the foundation of this garb. Black lace gauntlets, black beaded earrings, and black faux leather shoes with a racy red and white polka dot ribbon flower decoration round-out this outfit. Dixie arrives with a stand. Cute doll but nothing special for me.


Maxine
Re-Imagination
Souvenir doll
Estimated availability: 8th of June 2015
Limited Edition of 200, $165.00.
Available to order from Tonner Direct


Maxine is a dressed doll whose face includes hand-painted details such as her blue eyes. Bisque skin tone is the colour of her fine quality vinyl and hard plastic CW-1 head sculpt and Chic body. Her raven rooted saran hair is styled in a kitschy retro do with a modern twist. Her red beaded earrings match her polka dot pleated chiffon bodice while her black ribbon choker and gauntlets do the same for her black dress. Black lace thigh-highs atop nude pantyhose complete this attire. Her black faux suede shoes come with a bow decoration. Maxine arrives with a stand. She looks great, probably the best looking doll of the convention.


Saturday again started with other lines (Patsy etc) while the ladies below were featured at dinner - the theme was Manhattan Sleek. The dolls do not look like New Yorkers to me but I guess everyone has a different image of what a New Yorker is in their mind. 

Marley Grand Entrance
Centerpiece
Estimated availability: 8th of June 2015
Limited Edition of 150, $199.00.
Available to order from Tonner Direct


Marley’s Grand Entrance is a dressed doll with a face that includes hand-painted details such as light blue painted eyes with applied black eyelashes atop her bisque skin tone. She is crafted of fine quality vinyl and hard plastic with a Marley Wentworth™ head sculpt and a 16" Chic body. She has mink rooted saran hair. Her wine and gold lace dress with satin trim and faux flower decoration shares the same design roots as her wine and gold lace hat also with faux flower decoration and veil. Her matching beaded earrings, gloves and satin shoes tie the ensemble together. Nude pantyhose and panties finish off the ensemble. Marley’s Grand Entrance arrives with a stand. I do not like her lip colour - not with this riot of fuchsia in the dress. The hat is a disaster.


Marley Mad for Accessories Gift Set
Souvenir doll
Estimated availability: 8th of June 2015
Limited Edition of 250, $275.00.
Available to order from Tonner Direct


Marley’s Mad for Accessories Gift Set includes the glamorous Marley Wentworth™ head sculpt with the 16" Chic body with graceful hands. The gift set also includes two other sets of hands: Déjà vu hands and holding hands. She is crafted of fine quality vinyl and hard plastic with a bisque skin tone. Her face has hand-painted details such as searing blue eyes with applied eyelashes. Her two wigs have different colours. The 1st wig is flame coloured blended with chestnut. The 2nd wig is platinum. She comes adorned in a daring black satin coat dress, with rhinestone charm decorations, a black satin belt with a rhinestone buckle, black skirt with ruffle trim, black tights, and black satin pumps. Her additional outfit components include a red satin dress, blue satin pumps, a black lace bodysuit, black sunglasses and a fuchsia pink satin purse with rhinestone decoration. The gift set comes with a stand. I'm guessing she is trying to channel a youthful Anna Wintour. The doll looks great but the outfit is not what I'd like to see on her. Completely mismatched accessories are ok but not special as should be the case for such a giftset and at this price. Great idea to have two wigs although I'd ditch the underwear and have a third, raven wig added instead.


The breakfast on the 31st brought everyone together for the last time in the convention and was dedicated to the Déjà vu line.

Déjà vu Dame de Loisirs
Convention doll (?)
Estimated availability: 8th of June 2015
Limited Edition of 200, $175.00.
Available to order from Tonner Direct


Dame de Loisirs (Lady of Leisure) is a dressed doll with a face that includes hand-painted details such as blue eyes with applied black eyelashes. Her Déjà vu™ head sculpt and 16" Déjà vu™ body are crafted from fine quality vinyl and hard plastic in a cameo skin tone. Her red rooted saran hair is accentuated with pink faux flowers and feather hair decoration. Her light blue dress is highlighted with pink bows and an attached petticoat. Her pink tights bring out the blue in the matching taffeta shoes with bow accent. Dame de Loisirs arrives with a stand. Lovely hair. For the era represented, this outfit is undergarments actually.


She also came on a new Tonner furniture piece, a chaise, styled appropriately for her era. I thin we have not seen furniture from Tonner since the Tyler heyday. It was sold out soon after appearing on the Tonner Direct on-line store. It was priced at $100.


As Tonner does not have a club like Integrity, there were no informative emails about the convention and the dolls, so all my info and photos are from their Facebook page and website. 

© 2015 All photos and information Tonner® Doll Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.