The Chemist is fashionably late... on time for the Greek Revolution's 200th anniversary

If you are on the Superdoll mailing list, you got an email a few days ago that a new doll was arriving on the 25th of March - and here she is! Chemist is a gorgeous Venus resin doll, dressed in a fantastic outfit that, combined iwth the banner she was photographed with, reminded me of heroines of the Greek Revolution of 1821 that gave Greece its independence from the Ottoman Empire. The crazy coincedence is that she is released on the very day the Greek Revolution celebrates its 200th anniversary. Love it. Below are the photos and description from the online Superdoll shop - she is still in stock while I’m writing this.

CHEMIST DD_0172

* PLEASE BE AWARE THAT SHIPPING MAY TAKE LONGER THAN OUR USUAL SPEEDY DELIVERIES. LONDON IS IN LOCKDOWN. OUR APPOLOGIES IN ADVANCE.

CHEMIST is Fashionably late... It's not unusual, but maybe this time she is pushing it a little. Our apologies in advance.

GEN:VII body!

CLONE:VENUS

RESIN: Ginza

CONQUERER is a great description of this girls attitude

Gorgeous blunt curved fringe and below waist length dead straight wig. Classic edge; bearing white double bow detail beside her face. Sky blue eyes surround in shades of red and dark violet with shaded purple under eye, fine black eyeliner, dusted lids and etched charcoal double wing eyeliner to top. Lips of illuminated red.

Extraordinary billowed gown of white corseted bodice and croissant hip patisseries,' CAPTURED BY ATTRACTION' then 'FALLING WITH LOVE' to the ground in a volumous statement. Front bodice is adorned in bias cut red satin bandeau in a 'cross my heart I LOVE YOU' symbolic gesture while bleeding tears are wiped onto her reverse satin skirt... the 'PAIN OF LOVE' veiled by triple layer superfine tulle 'PETALS OF JOY'. A bright red and gold bolero goes atop this gown as a sign of 'ENDLESS DEVOTION'..... trimmed in laser cut foil and loopity loop lurex trim. I could just go on and on, but in reality; this girl stands proud with her sheer tussle trimmed flag proclaiming: LOVE WINS ALL!'

Built in petticoat and hip pads, dew drop crystal earrings, gilt bow stiletto courts and Suspender set underwear complete this Historic tale of HEARTACHE and VALOUR.

Includes doll stand and applied eyelashes.

PROTOTYPE shown .

PLEASE ALLOW 40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS FOR DELIVERY

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO RESTRICTIONS SUPERDOLL ONLY SHIPS ONE DAY PER WEEK.

Price: £397.47 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

The London Fashion Doll Festival 2019 was amazing - and I was there to experience it!

My second ever fashion doll convention, the London Fashion Doll Festival 2019, was held on the weekend of 8-9 June in London, at the lovely V&A Museum Of Childhood in Bethnal Green, London. I had promised the organisers that I’d join them in this second time of the convention being held, so there I was! The event took place over two days in the Summerly Room Of The museum, plus an adjoining smaller room for the workshop. 

The V&A Museum of Childhood in London

The Summerly Room

A banner at the convention area

Everyone registered upon entry, with an easy scan of our ticket. We were given our goody bags according to our registration level (with or without the exclusive Superdoll convention doll). As I found out, the bag had loads of lovely gifts!  Check them out below.

The tables were set for eight persons and mine was named Carnaby Girl. I had the honour of being in the same table with Desmond Lingard (from Superdoll), Izzy Parker with her husband Ian, Christina Paul (who runs the Doll Club Of Great Britain website) and of course, from the organisers, Simon Farnworth, his husband Carl and Kim London. What an amazing company to be with! The tables had a folder with two lovely sketches inside by Navdeep Sikand, creator of the lovely Anouk dolls...

...who also offered ten of them for centerpieces on each table! They were raffled off to the attendees near the end of the day, Izzy won ours. The dress and bags are made by Ineke Hintz. The gorgeous base was given along with the doll. If enough requests are made, LFDF will be able to have some for sale. 

Our centerpiece doll! There were blonde and raven versions of the doll.

Everyone else at the table got a small gift as well - i won the miniature chess you see below in the round box. I was lucky enough to receive some lovely gifts from my table mates too - Kim gave me the tea set (donated by her), Carl the amazing jewellery set (by Alla Dolgaleva Rapoport), Sofia the miniature Barbies and the wonderful Thomas Bartholomew Maffei, who came all the way from the USA, gave me the Sparkle Girl outfits!

Izzy had a gorgeous doll with her, the fantastic Glory resin Sybarite from the Los Angeles Convention earlier this year (above) , while Desmond had with him the 12” House Of Zenith Avenue, introduced earlier this year. She’s not wearing her original fashion and looked better IRL than in photos I had seen (below).

Soon enough, it was time for the workshops to begin. I had registered for both, so my schedule was full! First one was the Face Up workshop by Claudio Coronado, who was introduced by Simon Farnworth. 

Claudio was very thorough in showing us the steps in how to begin painting a doll’s face. A slideshow helped him show the detailed work he does. 

We got a great list of all the steps to follow when painting a doll face and helped us understand it is no easy task. Which is why you see the “before” photo of the doll head I had to paint, but not the “after”! 

The artist at work. This magnifying glass type is perfect for detailed work, I must get one.

After the end of the workshop, I had the chance to photograph the dolls on display. The Carnaby themed set up was beautiful.

The items that were going to be raffled off the next day, to support a great cause, the Children With Cancer UK charity, we’re also on display. See the slideshow below. I should also mention that there is an ebay auction with exclusive OOAK creations (dolls or outfits) for LFDF 2019, to benefit the same charity, that ends on the 22nd of June 2019, so go to this link to check the offerings and bid!

If you love Sybarites, you know Desmond is an incredibly talented photographer as well. Some of his magnificent prints were on display and for sale.

There was a small exhibition of 60s dolls as well, check them out below in the slideshow.

Emperis Dolls had a beautiful display as well and I got to meet the lovely Marcus and William who make them. They had both their new 12” dolls and their 16” ones on display and for sale. Some amazing OOAK dolls were there too, check out Cher in the slideshow below. The guys told me they almost sold out during the day.

Then it was time for the second workshop of the day: Sofia Kalaitzidi from Microsonik London showed us how to make a flower wig. These were very popular during the 60s in editorials and covers of fashion magazines. Elizabeth Taylor and members of the British Royal family were sporting them often in events.

Here are the materials Sofia gave us for the wig plus a prepared base for us to work on.

I managed to go as far as you can see below during the workshop (I’m hopeless with a needle). Some just threaded the larger flowers through the base as they had long wire stems, so no sewing needed, but I wanted a more delicate effect. Will try and finish it home!

And here I am next to the lovely Francesco from Fred-Dolls at the workshop - we had so much fun!

After the workshop ended, it was time for afternoon tea! A proper British tea, with everything necessary - tea, scones, clotted cream, jam, milk, sandwiches, sugar, macaroons and other treats! It was delectable.

During tea time, members of the organising team (l to r: dear Ismail, Simon and Claudio) presented the people dressed in sixties or sixties inspired clothes.

The t-shirts worn by the organisers ate the official convention shirt and all attendees got one!

there were eight of them, all lovely and dapper in mod outfits…

…and the winner was Olga, who was the most popular - people voted for their favourite contestant by giving them their raffle ticket!

Near the end of the day, it was time for the most anticipated reveal: Desmond unveiled the exclusive convention Sybarite doll!

Her name is Dejah and she is the last Generation X Sybarite doll to be released! The edition is 30 dolls and there are two more available at the LFDF site - hurry up!

You can see my doll below, as I opened the box right after the presentation. The last photo is the official one from Superdoll. She’s like a Motown singer from a girl group the 60s or a Northern Soul singer on a tour in Britain in the late 60s..

And here I am with dear Desmond - this one is for you Shazam Paname! Charles was in China, supervising doll production in the factory.

This was the first day of the London Fashion Doll Festival, full of wonderful people sharing our doll passion, making beautiful memories and seeing so many gorgeous dolls. Next up, the Salesroom day.

Sybarite Atelier Extreme Edition Couture outfits

What better way to celebrate Paris Couture week than a bunch of extra limited Atelier Extreme Edition Couture outfits by Superfrock? Most of them - if not all - are already sold out! The site mentions that photograph colours are 99.9 percent true to actual colour and to please bear in mind your monitor may be set differently. Also it stresses that photographs are  actual descriptions, as there are no description texts on site. Items are sold with no cancellation or refund accepted. All pieces are ready to ship. Dolls are not included. This sale is for gowns only. 

BLUE RAJA

In stock and ready to be delivered (at time of writing the post)

Price: £480.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

The only big gown of the line up, it looks majestic, like something the Queen Of The Night would wear in the Mozart opera The Magic Flute. The turban gives me a New Orleans vibe. I wonder what the shoes look like.

CRYSTAL CRUNCH

 OUT OF STOCK

Price: £300.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

Beautiful shorter two-layer dress with 50s vibes. Lots of embroidery on top of the flower pattern. The absence of colour helps in keeping it from going into kitcsh overdrive.

GILT MILK

​OUT OF STOCK

Price: £600.00(Excluding VAT at 20%)

What a Couture day outfit looks like, this is my favourite from the collection. Gorgeous suit, great accessories and perfect styling. 

GOLDEN IRIS

​In stock and ready to be delivered (in time of writing the article)

Price: £440.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

Metallic trench coats appear regularly in most fashion doll collections, regardless of era or size. This one comes over a sheer embroidered form fitting dress that makes it really stand out. 

LORHI

 OUT OF STOCK

Price: £400.00(Excluding VAT at 20%)

Another sheer embroidered dress, this time in mermaid shape and fiery red colour. The capelet looks a bit odd combined with it, like it was an afterthought.

Superdoll London celebrates Christmas with another great trifecta of dolls

Just like last year, Superdoll London dazzles us once again by releasing three impressive dolls just in time for Christmas. Not only that, they added a small regalia set (crown and sceptre) to compliment the looks. Each doll represents one of three elements: earth, wind (air) and fire. If I could buy one, it would probably be Vushka, as I’m a sucker for smokey eyes and pale lips, even though her outfit is the most conservative of the three. It’s great seeing three different Sybarite sculpts in one release. The regalia set adds a nice touch to the release but better fits Vushka and her princess look. The one thing no missing from all three sets: jewellery.  

Let’s check out the dolls. Text and photographs below courtesy of Superdoll.

KUMALO SYB/DD_0135 EARTH

Inque is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays. Like an exotic Africa princess she chose to wear chocolate satin and furs. From the top. Her gorgeous wig of blended black and brunettes formed into a multitude of topknots ...fabulous! Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of turquoise and smoke surround her eyes of translucent chocolate with lids of muted sepia, eyes those of golden amber. Lips of dark rich red. Her multi piece ensemble; a confection of chocolate satin hot pants and a corset dripping in beads is the foundation of her 'look'. Accompanied by a matching satin bolero trimmed in metallic matte gold rice beads and seeds and spectacular guipure finds. Inque loves drama and for this she selected a fur wrap inset with feathers; just to get her silhouette going!

Always accessorised to the point of envy, Inque has an indiscreet set of fabulous faux fur condiments; consisting ankle & knee pads, fur balls to her foot and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a chocolate brown with broad ankle ribbons!  Bringing exotic Africa with her; a final accessory is her monarch staff adorned in her tribal colours.

Clone: 1603 Inque d'Royce
Skintone: TRUFFLE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

Price: £279.20 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

VUSHKA SYB/DD_0136 AIR

Venus is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays. Like a blonde Siberian princess she chose to wear sky blue and gold. From the top. Her gorgeous wig of baby blonde set with a centre part cascades in voluptuous curls to her waist. Huge glorious hair ...fabulous! Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of muted browns and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and mud with lids of muted nude, eyes those of sky blue. Lips of pale rose outlined in rose. Her 1 piece frock; a confection of gold lace and tulle trimmed in matching rhinestone bearing an empire line front and a long slim torso in back. All this over a multi layer tulle and glitter attached petticoat. Mid calf length front trains toward the back. Venus loves drama and this gown has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.

Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an indiscreet fabulous faux fur wrap in dark blush fur, opera length gloves in almost not there glistening gold tulle, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a pale gold with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing fairy tale Siberia with her; a final accessory is her gorgeous 'coach' purse in gild 'gold' and a matching blue velvet strap.

Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
Skintone: COSMETIQUE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

Price: £269.75 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

RIO SYB/DD_0137 FIRE

Voltaire is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays. Like a titian Latin princess she chose to wear blazing pink, orange and purple. From the top. Her gorgeous wig of natural vibrant reds set with fringe and an up do we call bun - bun - bow. ...fabulous! Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of violets and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and ginger with lids of muted white, eyes those of green flame. Lips of gorgeous coral. Her 2 piece ensemble; a confection of embroidery and satin trimmed in gold and sequin. A matador suit hitting all the right curves, with epaulettes and a stand collar. Voltaire loves drama and this suit of lights has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.

Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an discreet white lace jabot at he neck, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a hot pink with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing south America with her; a final accessory is her pair of banderillas and a red tulle veil.

Clone: 1000 Voltaire d'Royce
Skintone: CORALO
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

Price: £275.79 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

GLORIOUS CROWN AND SCEPTRE Set

Custon made for your Princess

Price: £35.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

Superdoll Sybcon 2017 in England: The Vanity Case

The 2017 Sybarite Convention was held this past weekend at Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor, UK by Superdoll. Once again, they presented a dazzling array of dolls to attendees. The convention was named The Vanity Case and the styles varied from Mugler inspired corsets with rear view mirrors to Louis XV era crinolines and frou frous. Horses made their appearance (doll sized of course) and the end marked the return of two old sculpts, Inque and Voltaire.

Mugler inspired corsets with rear view mirrors. 

Lucius

Tempest  

The convention doll was named Windsor and was dazzling. 

Windsor even had a visor

Sybarites riding horses made for 5 centerpieces for the lucky few who managed to get them. Shown here are the convention doll Windsor and companion doll Vienna.

Voltaire and Inque made a comeback as a gift set.

Photos courtesy of Superdoll Collectables, London.