During their 5th anniversary convention in Chicago, JAMIEshow dolls introduced their new basic 16" resin dolls, in a collection titled On Michigan Avenue - inspired of course from the bustling commercial street of the gorgeous city of Chicago. Let's see the dolls.

Marlena

She comes with a removable and interchangeable wig cap.  She also comes with a smooth wig cap to wear regular wigs.  Dressed in Organza dress embroidered with a floral motif, and matching two tone patent leather shoes.  19 Points of articulation.  Blue eyes.

Natalie

Natalie comes with a removable and interchangeable wig cap.  She also comes with a smooth wig cap to wear regular wigs.  Dressed in Organza dress embroidered with a floral motif, and matching two tone patent leather shoes.  19 Points of articulation.  Brown eyes.

Linda

She comes with a removable and interchangeable wig cap and also a smooth wig cap to wear regular wigs.  Dressed in Organza dress embroidered with a floral motif, and matching two tone patent leather shoes.  19 Points of articulation.  Blue eyes.

Sofia

Sofia comes with a removable and interchangeable wig cap.  She also comes with a smooth wig cap to wear regular wigs.  Dressed in Organza dress embroidered with a floral motif, and matching two tone patent leather shoes.  19 Points of articulation.  Brown eyes.

She is so beautiful and stylish with that chignon. Reminds me a lot of the models Claude Montana used back in the late 80s.

Tatum

Tatum, is a new version 2.0 of Alejandro with a removable and interchangeable sculpted wig cap.  He also comes with a smooth wig cap to wear regular wigs. Dressed in his damper monogrammed shirt and short trendy pants, socks and paten leather shoes. 19 Points of articulation. Brown eyes.

Pre Order  - End of July Delivery. $400.00. Please note, male dolls are anatomically correct and do not come with doll stands.  Open Edition.  More wig caps will be available in the future.

Both male dolls of this release look handsome and are the best male dolls JAMIEshow has ever released in their main line. Even though they use the same sculpt, the different skin tone and wig caps make a huge difference. I would get both if I could afford them.

Alejandro

And this is actually the new version 2.0 of Alejandro with a removable and interchangeable sculpted wig cap. He also comes with a smooth wig cap to wear regular wigs. Dressed in his damper monogrammed shirt and short trendy pants, socks and paten leather shoes. 19 Points of articulation. Blue eyes.

Copyright JAMIEshow Doll USA Inc. All rights reserved. 

After Marlene Dietrich (who is also making a second appearance in the new JAMIEshow releases), the company picked another Hollywood legend to turn into a doll: Lauren Bacall. The doll was presented during their 5th anniversary collection and was an instant crowd favourite. There were two versions of her with the only difference being the colour of her gown: peach or lilac.

She looks a lot like the late actress but I think they could have done her eyebrows a bit more relaxed instead of having her scowl so intensely. The gown also looks like something out of her usual style - unless it is something from one of her films, it does not bring anything to mind though. I cannot wait to see her in another wig-cap with a hairstyle closer to that from her early film roles - and outfits to match.

All photos courtesy of George Gonzalez and JAMIEshow dolls.

Gene Marshall is the fashion doll that did for 16" dolls what Barbie did for the 1/6 scale ones: established the fashion doll rules for the particular scale and made every doll thereafter compare to it. Since JamieShow took over the line and collaborated with the creator Mel Odom, the doll reached new heights of quality and sophistication. For its 20 year anniversary (and the 5th of JamieShow dolls) the dolls did not disappoint - and we got some added bonus as well.

The convention doll was none other than Gene Marshall in a Lady Grey resin version. The concept had first been done by Mel when the doll was produced by Integrity Toys for their 2007 Gene Marshall convention design contest and now she's in resin, even more glamorous and sophisticated, with her tiara and evening gown, inspired by a Charles James original. I like the concept better with this hair colour than the ashen blond used in the previous version.

All photos courtesy of George Gonzales and JamieShow dolls

Asher Of New England is Leigh Slaughter's company, specializing in fashion doll jewellery for 1/4 scale dolls. Today Leigh officially presents his first ever BJD doll, a male called Kent. Asher of New England Homme (as the line is named) will consist of urethane resin male fashion Ball Jointed Dolls created by R.L. Slaughter. These dolls are hand sculpted and produced in limited runs by the artist, made to compliment current female fashion BJDs. Let's meet Kent.

Kent is a fusion of popular modern male fashion models, and actors. These dolls stand 17.5" tall and are made of urethane resin. With hand painted faces, full body blushing, and applied eyelashes. Kent has 21 points of articulation (one of which is his penis!), and comes in hand made fashions. Kent is cast in pale urethane, and is hand blushed, and strung, with hand painted blue eyes, dark brows, and has hand applied eyelashes. Included is a black pompadour wig by Ilaria of timeofdoll.it. Kent's outfit consists of dark fitted denim jeans, a hand knitted black merino funnel neck cardigan sweater jacket, with hand applied leather patches, and a working zip, Turquoise geometric cut work scarf, white undergarments by Karen Kolkman of Kolkman Kreations and harness boots by Dalila Meece of DalilaDolls. Kent will arrive in a custom padded box with stand. Kent Fall/Winter 2014/2015 is a limited edition of 5 dolls in stock and ready to ship. Order him here.

Kent is indeed a handsome doll: I love his sculpt and he poses so well - even stands by himself! Wish I could afford him! Cannot wait to see photos from people who will buy this lovely male doll.

Today was the day that the Fashion Doll Awards winners were announced by Doll Observers, after a public vote was held until a few days ago. This blog was nominated in the relative category but we did not win - proud to be included in with the rest of the amazing nominees! Congratulations to all winners and nominees as well. And of course a big tank you to Doll Observers and Simon Farnsworth who organized the whole thing. Let's see who the winners are:

Winner layouts courtesy of Doll Observers.

Alma is a 16-inch resin ball-jointed doll sculpted and designed by Paul Pham. She is wearing a 2-piece gown of wine and burgundy metallic brocade, gold Chantilly lace, and a deep espresso pleated tulle underskirt. Renowned Italian wigmaker Ilaria Mazzoni created her hard-cap hairpiece, which features a slightly waved French twist. Accessories include a gold hair comb and matching gold drop earrings, hose, a black-and-gold folding fan, and patent burgundy-and-black collared pumps.

One can pre-order her at Haute Doll website. They will make the first of two instalment payments, at $379.95. The second payment of $380 plus shipping must be paid on August 15th. Alma will ship by August 31st. Limited edition of 50. Includes signed and numbered card.

I must say she is very beautiful and will probably soon be sold out. I love her colours, both on her dress and make up. The burgundy fabric looks amazing.

 Photos and information - Copyright © 2014 Haute Doll

As you might have been informed, the IFDC doll show is up and running in Las Vegas this weekend (started Wednesday). JAMIEshow, having entered the rarefied world of retro Hollywood glamour with Gene Marshall, decided to offer as a limited edition (50 pieces) at IFDC this amazing Marlene Dietrich doll. They call her Marlena probably for copyright reasons.

The doll is a resin BJD, probably has the same body as Gene, and wears a 3-piece satin tuxedo suit complete with a top hat and black pumps. She has pale blue eyes, dark red lips and comes with a blonde curled JAMIEshow rooted wig cap. Stand included. Price: $475.

The only other Marlene Dietrich doll I know of  (and have) is the Madame Alexander one. This one is way better (and gives me an idea about what to do with my MA doll).

All photos courtesy of JAMIEshow