TEDDY VONRANSON X Integrity Toys is a new collaboration for this year's Monarch collection!

Another long awaited collection from Integrity Toys was the Monarchs. Lots of collectors kept asking about new guy dolls (IT should stop using the term fashion figure, no one but them is using it, stop beating a dead horse - it was stillborn). As they unveiled the new presentation (which had to restart a couple of times due to glitches), W Club members discovered a new capsule collection, created exclusively by menswear designer Teddy von Ranson for the TEDDY VONRANSON X Integrity Toys Collaboration. It consists of four dolls, three guys and a lady (a first for Monarchs), and all dolls are sold via lottery to the W Club.

So who is Teddy Von Ranson? I had never heard of him before this presentation. Here is what Integrity tells us about him:

Teddy von Ranson is known for dressing men of style, from fashionistas to celebrities, for the red carpet, TV, stage and every day, including Austin Butler, Usher, Travis Kelce, Sebastian Stan, Ethan Hawke and Lewis Hamilton, among others.

Born in Canada and nurtured in an environment steeped in cultural sophistication, Teddy’s aesthetic sensibilities were further honed in California, at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Yet, it was New York City that truly became the crucible for his creative vision. Ascending to the role of lead designer at Ralph Lauren, and later, steering the helm as Creative Director at the Frye Group, Teddy’s career arc exemplifies an extraordinary blend of innovation and tradition.

The recognition of his work by the fashion industry, including an interim membership in the CFDA, the FGI Rising Star Award, and a nomination for American Menswear Designer of the Year, underscores the impact of his vision. The invitation to debut at Piti Uomo’s Special Projects in Florence is not just a personal milestone but a moment of validation for American fashion itself. In the designs of Teddy von Ranson, American fashion finds its voice, one that speaks to a world looking for authenticity in an age of transient trends.

I’m very into fashion and try to stay ahead of trends and styles and new talent in the field and I have not stumbled upon the name Teddy Von Ransom ever. His brand is not even in the Vogue Runway designers list (which can feature you for a fee). Seeing his sketches and human clothing photos (models and celebrities) before the doll reveal, I can see nice clothing but very conservative in style and materials. It is quite american and I can see the RL influence up to a point. While I like most of what you will see below (and entered the lottery for two dolls), I do think that this is not the ideal direction we need for the Monarchs - instead we should have seen something closer to what Pyer Moss, Willie Chavarria, Haider Ackermann or Antony Vaccarello do with menswear. I am not saying they could get a collaboration of that caliber - just that there are so many designers (female and male) of colour that could give more fashion to the mix. We have seen similar stuff during the first years of the Hommes collections. But that was 21 years ago. And when a white guy tells you that freckles is diversity, something is very wrong.

Item # 21036

Manhattan State Of Mind

Darius Reid™ Dressed Fashion Figure

TEDDY VONRANSON X Integrity Toys

Edition Size: 900

Expected Ship Date: Early Fall 2025

W CLUB ONLY IT DIRECT RTB LOTTERY

Manhattan_State_Of_Mind_Darius_Reid_doll
Manhattan_State_Of_Mind_Darius_Reid_doll

Head Sculpt: Darius 1.0

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone

Hair Color: Black With Black Flocking

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (New!)

MSRP: $199 + S & H, Special W Club Price: $185 + S & H

Tariff Surcharge (Portion passed on to customers; estimated based on 30% at time of receipt, subject to below)*: $14

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

(RTB winners will pay a $50.00 NRD deposit due by 8/15 and $135.00 + S, H, taxes & any tariff surcharge* will be due in approximately early Fall 2025)

*The tariff surcharge is the portion of tariffs in US dollars that will be passed on to the customers. The estimate of the portion to be passed onto customers above is based on a 30% tariff rate at the time that this product is received by Integrity Toys out of Customs. If the tariffs are lower at that time, the surcharge will also be lowered. If the tariffs are eliminated at that time, there will be no surcharge. If the tariffs are higher at that time, the surcharge will likely be adjusted higher. This amount above is provided as a courtesy to calculate the cost based on the information and tariff levels as they are today, but are subject to the aforementioned changes. Please contact W Club if any of this is unclear before pre-ordering.

Manhattan_State_Of_Mind_Darius_Reid_doll

The Story:

In the coolest corner of Manhattan, Darius Reid makes music perfectly in tune with NYC’s energy. His studio was a place that embodied both beats and affairs of the heart. That’s where he first noticed high-powered executive Jaeme Costas. There was a magnetic tension every time they met- her intellect meeting his soulful depth. Darius couldn’t help but think that while they were on the same frequency, they might be tuned differently.

Darius always admired the way Jaeme commanded rooms with a mix of authority and grace. But beneath his confident exterior, he wondered if she saw him as anything more than a creative escape from the pressures of her world. Their conversations were always filled with possibility, but they never crossed the line.

When he saw Jaeme enter a gallery opening with Auden Adler, one of his main business rivals, Darius realized that things in Manhattan were more complicated than he thought. There was a dance going on between hearts, and he was not the only one trying to lead.

About Darius' Style:

Darius Reid is the kind of man who doesn’t need to dress loudly to command attention. His casual chic look reflects his passion and confident creativity. His TEDDY VONRANSON picks always walk the line between polish and play-relaxed looks with sharp edges, neutral tones offset by subtle texture, and outerwear that says, I’m important, but not trying too hard. Jaeme once told him he looked like a magazine spread come to life. He didn’t reply, he just smirked... Because he knew she was right.

Manhattan_State_Of_Mind_Darius_Reid_doll

Included:

  • 12.75-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and flocked hair, and for the first time on a fashion figure, hand-applied eyelashes!

  • Smart layered look comprised of a striped button down TVR signature shirt and pleated slacks;

  • Textural knit sweater;

  • Flight jacket with "fur" collar;

  • Removable belt;

  • Detachable pocket chain;

  • "Python" textured cross-body travel bag;

  • Skater sneakers;

  • Stud earrings;

  • Golden watch accessory;

  • Golden ID bracelet;

  • Golden link necklace;

  • Pair of regular Homme hands;

  • Alternate pair of Homme grip hands (not shown);

  • Figure stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

Manhattan_State_Of_Mind_Darius_Reid_doll

The only coloured doll in the collection (should we be grateful we got at least one?), Darius hits the ball out of the park right away. His outfit brings to mind a combination of Pier De Vries Thrill Seeker and Rock Ringmaster Lukas Maverick. What Von Ranson does really well is combine textures and details on the outfits. And that face... Using eyelashes on male dolls was always a no-brainer for me (men can have thicker and longer eyelashes than many women using mascara), and here it shows how great it looks. I entered for him right away. I must say that having the whole collection in shades of brown (with one exception in charcoal) is not to my liking that much, but it works and makes it more cohesive if also more conservative. He’s also the only guy without a pair of glasses. Why?

Manhattan_State_Of_Mind_Darius_Reid_doll accessories

Item # 21037

Brooklyn Bound

Auden Adler™ Dressed Fashion Figure

TEDDY VONRANSON X Integrity Toys

Edition Size: 900

Expected Ship Date: Early Fall 2025

W CLUB ONLY IT DIRECT RTB LOTTERY

Brooklyn_Bound_Auden_Adler_doll
Brooklyn_Bound_Auden_Adler_doll

Head Sculpt: Auden 1.0

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Dark Brown With Dark Brown Flocking

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (New!)

MSRP: $199 + S & H, Special W Club Price: $185 + S & H

Tariff Surcharge (Portion passed on to customers; estimated based on 30% at time of receipt, subject to below)*: $14

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

(RTB winners will pay a $50.00 NRD deposit due by 8/15 and $135.00 + S, H, taxes & any tariff surcharge* will be due in approximately early Fall 2025)

*The tariff surcharge is the portion of tariffs in US dollars that will be passed on to the customers. The estimate of the portion to be passed onto customers above is based on a 30% tariff rate at the time that this product is received by Integrity Toys out of Customs. If the tariffs are lower at that time, the surcharge will also be lowered. If the tariffs are eliminated at that time, there will be no surcharge. If the tariffs are higher at that time, the surcharge will likely be adjusted higher. This amount above is provided as a courtesy to calculate the cost based on the information and tariff levels as they are today, but are subject to the aforementioned changes. Please contact W Club if any of this is unclear before pre-ordering.

Brooklyn_Bound_Auden_Adler_doll

The Story:

Auden Adler's empire was built in Brooklyn with precision as sharp his tailored suits. When Jaeme Costas reentered his life, it was like the stock market opening after a long night... Full of promise but totally unpredictable. He wasn’t used to uncertainty and there was something in Jaeme's intensity that intrigued him, but escaped his control.

Their "situationship" was a whirlwind of dinners beneath the city lights, deals made over expensive whiskey, and stolen moments between boardrooms. He admired Jaeme’s fearless drive but couldn't shake the feeling that maybe her heart wandered beyond their little world. Still, Auden clung to the hope that they had a future.

One night, Auden caught a glimpse of Jaeme with Noah Faraday, a travel editor who moved with an effortless quality that Auden couldn’t match. The boundaries of New York city were getting a bit blurred. Auden started to think that winning Jaeme’s heart would require more than just power.

About Auden's Style:

Auden Adler is Wall Street precision with just a hint of old soul. His sleek, polished business style is a love letter to structured, slim-fit suits, always tailored to perfection, that match his every mood. TEDDY VONRANSON’s modern tailoring fits his vibe exactly: minimal but rich in detail, contemporary and powerful. Nothing in Auden’s closet is accidental. He believes clothing is language, and he speaks that language fluently with confidence and control. Auden was dressed to impress Jaeme, but given her wide array of interests, he was taking a "calculated" risk.

Brooklyn_Bound_Auden_Adler_doll

Included:

  • 12.75-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and flocked hair, and for the first time on a fashion figure, hand-applied eyelashes!

  • Sleek layered look comprised of a charcoal single-breasted suit jacket and pants;

  • Thin gauge V-neck merino sweater;

  • Lacquered herringbone overcoat;

  • Removable belt;

  • Detachable pocket chain;

  • Small clutch bag;

  • Black skater sneakers;

  • Black sunglasses;

  • Pair of micro-hoop earrings;

  • Single stud earring;

  • "Silver" watch accessory;

  • Cuff bracelets;

  • "Silver" double layered chain necklace;

  • Pair of regular Homme hands;

  • Alternate pair of Homme grip hands (not shown);

  • Alternate pair of Homme gloved hands;

  • Figure stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

Brooklyn_Bound_Auden_Adler_doll

I love most Auden versions and this one is no exception, but for quite a particular reason: he looks so much like Tom Sturridge playing Sandman on Netflix. People who know me know that The Sandman is my all time favourite comic. I also bought, ages ago, a Japanese blank doll with blue hair to turn into Sandman (but never got into it - got another to make Death as well). So now seeing Auden styled and dressed like this… my heart skipped a bit. If I mess a bit with his hair, he’ll be Morpheus in doll form. His outfit looks really cool, especially the coat with the lacquered herringbone fabric, which, combined with his merino sweater, elevate the otherwise classic suit. Needless to say I entered for this one as well. And here I must note that the price for each of the dolls is the same as for the FR collection, when usually the Monarchs were a bit pricier in the past. Last minute thought: When he was part of the Dynamite Girls, he was in a collection named Back To Brooklyn.

Brooklyn_Bound_Auden_Adler_doll accessories

Item # 21038

Back To New York

Noah Faraday™ Dressed Fashion Figure

TEDDY VONRANSON X Integrity Toys

Edition Size: 900

Expected Ship Date: Early Fall 2025

W CLUB ONLY IT DIRECT RTB LOTTERY

Back To New York  Noah Faraday doll
Back To New York  Noah Faraday doll

Head Sculpt: Noah/Ace 1.0

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Skin Tone: Hungarian

Hair Color: Sandy Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (New!)

MSRP: $199 + S & H, Special W Club Price: $185 + S & H

Tariff Surcharge (Portion passed on to customers; estimated based on 30% at time of receipt, subject to below)*: $14

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

(RTB winners will pay a $50.00 NRD deposit due by 8/15 and $135.00 + S, H, taxes & any tariff surcharge* will be due in approximately early Fall 2025)

*The tariff surcharge is the portion of tariffs in US dollars that will be passed on to the customers. The estimate of the portion to be passed onto customers above is based on a 30% tariff rate at the time that this product is received by Integrity Toys out of Customs. If the tariffs are lower at that time, the surcharge will also be lowered. If the tariffs are eliminated at that time, there will be no surcharge. If the tariffs are higher at that time, the surcharge will likely be adjusted higher. This amount above is provided as a courtesy to calculate the cost based on the information and tariff levels as they are today, but are subject to the aforementioned changes. Please contact W Club if any of this is unclear before pre-ordering.

Back_To_New_York_Noah_Faraday_doll
Back_To_New_York_Noah_Faraday_doll

The Story:

Noah Faraday returned to New York with stories from all around the world. But it was the story he left behind that pulled at him the most. The city felt different now-- less like home and more like a memory. Seeing Jaeme again had the feeling of something familiar, yet was tinged with new meaning.

Their reunion happened quietly, without any fanfare, over lattes in a dim café with laughter that was both distant and intimate. Noah was aware of the other men orbiting her in his absence: Darius with his intensity and Auden with his calculated charm. But Noah offered something simpler, a chance to be in the present, unburdened by ambition or expectation.

Still, Noah knew he was the under dog-- the one who came back too late. As they parted, he wondered if Jaeme's story would ultimately include him?

About Noah's Style:

Noah Faraday’s style is laid-back but unmistakably sharp. An offbeat blend of ease and edge that feels uniquely his. He layers a short-sleeve camp shirt under a faux nubuck blazer, soft to the touch but structured enough to feel intentional. His baggy denim Bermuda shorts give his look that cool downtown nonchalance, the kind that makes rules feel optional. Over it all, he throws on a signature TEDDY VONRANSON walking coat, long, clean-lined, and just dramatic enough to make people pause. Jaeme loved to tease him, and often reminds him that he looked like a man who got dressed for the day without checking the forecast, but somehow always ended up perfect for the weather... And every time he just shrugged, that’s the whole point.

Back_To_New_York_Noah_Faraday_doll

Included:

  • 12.75-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted hair, and for the first time on a fashion figure, hand-applied eyelashes!

  • Effortlessly cool layered look, comprised of a casual short-sleeve camp shirt and below-the-knee carpenter-style Bermuda shorts;

  • Bonus! Includes a pair of additional denim slacks;

  • Faux nubuck blazer;

  • Signature TVR walking coat;

  • Black "leather" bucket hat;

  • Detachable pocket chain;

  • Small cross-body camera bag;

  • "Python" textured skater sneakers;

  • Black socks;

  • Faux tortoise shell aviator sunglasses;

  • Pair of micro-hoop earrings;

  • Watch;

  • Chain necklace;

  • Pair of regular Homme hands;

  • Alternate pair of Homme grip hands (not shown);

  • Alternate pair of Homme gloved hands (with driving glove deco);

  • Figure stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

Back_To_New_York_Noah_Faraday_doll

Noah of course is known by lots of other names, as he had many past lives before becoming one of the Monarchs: Ace McFly, Riot, Rory Llewelyn, Craig Phillips. He’s looking great here, thanks in most part to the eyelashes making his eyes so interesting. His outfit has lots of pieces and accessories, but I am not very fond of boho chic, especially when it looks more chic than boho. What you can only see in the accessories photo is the extra pair of pants that was added at the last minute - the length of those shorts is ridiculous: covering the knee, also known as the Chanel length. Come to think of it, imagine him in a Chanel jacket. Love his pleather bucket hat (until the moment it rots to oblivion) and all his accessories: bag, shoes, jewellery and the best pair of sunglasses in the collection. Socks should have been a bit higher - you either wear them mid-calf or make them disappear. And just noticed that there is no ring on any of the guys, despite lots of earrings and necklaces and bracelets.

Back_To_New_York_Noah_Faraday_doll accessories

Item # 15132

About A Boy

Jaeme Costas™ Dressed Doll

TEDDY VONRANSON X Integrity Toys

Edition Size: 900

Expected Ship Date: Early Fall 2025

W CLUB ONLY IT DIRECT RTB LOTTERY

About_A_Boy_Jaeme_Costas_doll
About_A_Boy_Jaeme_Costas_doll

Head Sculpt: Jaeme 1.0

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Red

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

MSRP: $199 + S & H, Special W Club Price: $185 + S & H

Tariff Surcharge (Portion passed on to customers; estimated based on 30% at time of receipt, subject to below)*: $14

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

(RTB winners will pay a $50.00 NRD deposit due by 8/15 and $135.00 + S, H, taxes & any tariff surcharge* will be due in approximately early Fall 2025)

*The tariff surcharge is the portion of tariffs in US dollars that will be passed on to the customers. The estimate of the portion to be passed onto customers above is based on a 30% tariff rate at the time that this product is received by Integrity Toys out of Customs. If the tariffs are lower at that time, the surcharge will also be lowered. If the tariffs are eliminated at that time, there will be no surcharge. If the tariffs are higher at that time, the surcharge will likely be adjusted higher. This amount above is provided as a courtesy to calculate the cost based on the information and tariff levels as they are today, but are subject to the aforementioned changes. Please contact W Club if any of this is unclear before pre-ordering.

About_A_Boy_Jaeme_Costas_doll

The Story:

Jaeme Costas built her career on decisiveness and strength. But when it came to her heart, it was utter chaos, a realm where passion, ambition, and vulnerability clashed. Darius brought unpredictability and creativity to the table, sparking her longing for something untamed. Auden represented stability, he was a fortress of power and promise. And Noah... well, he embodied freedom and the promise of exotic travels to faraway lands like the breath she couldn’t quite catch but desperately wanted.

Jaeme was torn between the completely different worlds these men represented and the person she was becoming. In meetings and boardrooms, she wore armor; in quiet moments, she let her guard down to imagine what love might look like. But the truth was, she didn’t want to choose just yet, not only between men, but also between dreams.

As she stood at the crossroads of Manhattan’s lights and Brooklyn’s shadows, Jaeme knew that her story was hers alone to write. Whatever the future held, Jaeme Costas was ready to own it... On her terms.

About Jaeme's Style:

Jaeme Costas embodies classic business-wear, seamlessly blending masculine tailoring with effortless femininity. Her TEDDY VONRANSON wardrobe is built around power blazers with sculpted shoulders, impeccably tailored trousers in unexpected faux-leather textures that glide with quiet confidence, and soft, monochrome satin blouses that seem to melt into her skin. She rarely touches bright colors, favoring a palette of tan, bone, black, and wine, each look a study in calculated elegance. Tailoring is her native tongue, and her silhouette commands attention long before she speaks. Her style isn’t about trends, it’s about presence. When Jaeme enters a room, people don’t just look... They pay respect!

About_A_Boy_Jaeme_Costas_doll

Included:

  • 12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

  • Chic layered look comprised of a long sleeve satin blouse and high-waisted faux-lambskin trousers with carpenter pockets and pinch-pleat detail at the back of the legs;

  • Plaid single breasted blazer;

  • Oversized trench coat;

  • "Python" textured belt with oversized "golden" buckle;

  • Oversized faux-leather tote;

  • "Python" textured clutch;

  • Black high-heeled booties with chrome gold heels;

  • Faux tortoise shell aviator sunglasses;

  • Golden cuff bracelet;

  • Golden drop earrings;

  • Pair of pose hands;

  • Alternate pair of grip hands (not shown);

  • Doll stand;

  • Certificate of authenticity.

About_A_Boy_Jaeme_Costas_doll

Much like Noah, Jaeme has a past as well: Jerrica Benton was her first incarnation, before becoming Jaeme for Color Infusion. Paradoxically she looks more cartoon-y here than all her previous versions - the eyes are way to big for the sculpt, reminding me a lot of Defa Lucy dolls. I do not know if that is a deliberate move on Integrity’s part but she looks weird, especially wearing very conservative business attire. This outfit shows Von Ranson’s Ralph Lauren past in a major way. She comes with two bags, which is great. We have seen similar boots before on Nu Face ladies and she has the same glasses as Noah. Also, her outfit reminds me a lot of the Tweed Intrigue Poppy Parker outfit.

About_A_Boy_Jaeme_Costas_doll accessories

You can see the dolls rotating in the video below:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, the final product may vary. Background and props are not included. This collectible is meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2025 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. THE MONARCHS HOMME, COLOR INFUSION and all other related character names and likenesses are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. TEDDY VONRANSON is used under permission. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Doll Photography by Bill and Shaunessey Peck; Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang doll is released!

Teased in Instagram and eagerly anticipated by collectors, the Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang doll is released by Mattel. I think it is great that, not only do we get a doll that actually looks like the designer it is honouring, we get one that is not another blonde caucasian iteration of the usual Barbie iterations. Plus, Vera Wang is a great designer, with a long history, much respected in her profession and beyond. She has a long history with Mattel, with various dolls wearing her bridal gowns released through the years and becoming highly sought after collectibles.

vera_wang_barbie_doll
vera_wang_barbie_doll
vera_wang_barbie_doll

The doll is designed by Carlyle Nuyera and is a Signature Collection Barbie, now available on the Mattel Creations website for $40.00 - 5 dolls per user allowed.

vera_wang_barbie_doll
vera_wang_barbie_doll

I simply love this doll. She is beautifully made, with the very particular style and look of Ms. Wang, without any concession to Mattel usual tropes (maybe save some plastic accessories). The price point is great for a doll like this and I would very much like to add her to my collection. Hope she appears on European shops, real or digital, really soon! Can we get more dolls like this please Mattel?

vera_wang_barbie_doll
vera_wang_barbie_doll

The description on the Mattel Signature website says:

The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture. Inspired by a look from her 2017 ready-to-wear collection, Vera Wang Barbie Doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word LOVE featured at the hem. A peplum belt with a zipper detail, black socks, and platform heels with sculpted buckle details complete her look.

Release date: 5/5/2022

Designer: Carlyle Nuera

Label: Black

Facial Sculpt: Vera Wang

Body Type: Articulated Original

Mattel Creations Exclusive. Limit 5 per person. Color and decorations may vary.

SKU#: GXL12

vera_wang_barbie_doll

The story of the project from the MC website:

She's an iconic designer and businesswoman who grew her brand from a small bridal boutique into a fashion and lifestyle empire. She's earned numerous awards for her powerful contributions to the fashion industry – including the Legion of Honor from France – a testament to her enduring creativity and the lasting imprint she's made on fashion and culture. She's Vera Wang, the latest powerhouse to join the Barbie Tribute Collection, and as a Mattel Creations Exclusive!

vera_wang_barbie_doll

The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact our culture. Lucille Ball was our first honouree, and now we're adding Wang, the entrepreneur and globally renowned fashion designer. And her influence extends far beyond fashion according to Barbie Signature Lead Designer Carlyle Nuera, who headed up the team that brought this doll to Mattel Creations today.

"As an Asian-American designer myself, Vera having a fashion and business empire that has spanned decades is inspirational," Carlyle says. "She’s a global household name, which I feel is so important for representation, for Asian-Americans who want to pursue a career in the arts or design. Or who need to convince their nervous parents that this is actually a viable career path!"

vera_wang_barbie_doll

So when the opportunity arrived to create a doll in Wang's likeness, Carlyle jumped at the chance. "We’ve done Barbie dolls wearing Vera Wang’s designs in the past: an evening gown in 1998, and bridal gowns in 1997, 2008, and 2011," he recalls. "This is the first time we’re doing a Barbie doll of Vera herself, and decades later. It’s full circle! I think that in itself shows the scope of Vera’s career and staying power as a fashion designer."

Wang's career as one of the most prominent and iconic designers of bridal wear began with the opening of her flagship salon in New York City in 1990. But her influence was never destined to stop there. In 2000, she launched her first ready-to-wear collection, and that's where the Vera Wang Barbie Doll gets its fashion inspiration. Drawing on a look from her 2017 runway show, our doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word "LOVE" featured at the hem. "Vera added the word ‘LOVE’ in a Gothic script to the hem of the dress, which I think reflects the positivity Vera herself always expresses on social media," Carlyle explains.

Recreating the couture outfit did come with its challenges, but our team rose to the occasion with creative solutions. Carlyle shed a bit a bit of light on one in particular: "Because the outfit is made of three separate pieces – the shorts romper, chiffon dress, and peplum belt – the patternmakers had to engineer each piece to lay correctly under each piece so it wouldn’t look bulky."

That peplum belt with the zipper detail, along with the black socks and platform heels with sculpted buckle details, complete the presentation. "I added some black nail polish to finish the look. It's all the same as the runway look, down to the socks worn with the buckle heels," Carlyle says. The doll is also sculpted to Vera Wang's likeness and features her signature long, straight hair.

Vera Wang Spring Summer 2017 collection outfit

Model: Fei Fei Sun

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv

If you like to remove your dolls from the doll box, you'll have endless posing possibilities with the Vera Wang Barbie Doll, which was created with the Articulated Original doll body and comes with a doll stand. If you prefer her in the box, you'll still have a beautiful addition to your doll display, thanks to Packaging Designer Sarah Pata. And if you're collecting all the dolls in the Tribute Collection, Sarah has some fun news for you.

"We knew we needed a package design that felt cohesive but could also be 'adaptable' for any future dolls," Sarah says. "Knowing this, we decided to use a consistent package shape for all the dolls in the line, to help unify the collection. This also allowed us the flexibility to modify the package color and artwork to better match each new doll."

Our Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang Barbie Doll is available now in the online shop, and remember, she's a Mattel Creations exclusive! This Black Label doll sells for $40, and the limit of 5 dolls per person lets you shop for yourself and for gift-giving opportunities, too. So click or tap on over the Barbie Signature shop and pick up yours today.

All photos and information (except the runway one) are courtesy of Mattel Creations.

An awesome opportunity to interview Chris Stoeckel about East 59th plus an incredible OOAK Della Roux!

About a week ago, Integrity Toys posted on their Instagram account that they were looking for someone to interview live Chris Stoeckel, the immensely talented designer of East 59th line of dolls, whose latest collection was quite the success! Not only that, they would also give to the person chosen for the job, an incredible OOAK Della Roux doll! I would have entered even without the doll offering, but this was even better. And yes, as most of you already know, I was the one chosen to conduct the interview through the IT Instagram account.

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We had so much fun - I had sent my questions to the company beforehand, to make sure they were OK with them and that the time allotted would be covered. I also made sure that I could ask questions that the people watching would have - and that was even better! Chris told us a lot about his inspiration, his background in design and his growing up in a really diverse family, which is also his main inspiration for East 59th. Many of the dolls have names matching those of dear family members (Della is his mother, Evelyn his grandmother etc). I was lucky enough to guess that Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga and Charles James are his three favourite designers - out of which he picked James as the one being that bit more favourite because he was a tortured artist, living for his passion, i.e. the clothes he created. I did not even notice how fast time passed! There will be a Fall collection for the line, of which the only definite things we know are that it will not be in autumn colours and it will not be holiday themed. There was also a moment when Chris kind of admitted (not directly though) that we are getting an Asian character for the line. He also said he might re-purpose again unused sculpts for new characters. We discovered that Eugenia and Kyori 1.0 are his favourite FR characters. Could we see Kyori 1.0 as the new East 59th character?

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And then the doll: this OOAK Della is so beautiful! I missed the chance to buy the first Della at retail, so getting this OOAK doll is even more incredible for me. Chris has done an outstanding job of making both a beautiful doll, with a lovely fave and hairstyle and also a stunning gown for her to wear. The fabric of the gown is from an actual 1950s dress and the ruffle layers have a total length of three yards! This is one of the reason that this outfit could never be recreated for production. If you check her hands, you will see that the gloves have individual fingers as real ones do, and they are not the typical solution given to production dolls. Chris said he always makes them like this for his OOAK dolls.

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If you want to watch the interview, it is up on the IGTV tab of the Integrity Toys Instagram account here. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

KITH collaborates with Barbie and offers customers a chance to style their official doll!

KITH is a retail store in New York, founded by designer Ronnie Fieg In 2010. They make and sell sportswear, establish sneaker collaborations and also sell a number of renowned street wear brands. They now announce a collaboration with Barbie, working together to create a special experience for their customers: they will have the chance to create the official Kith x Barbie doll!

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Starting this Saturday 9/21 KITH will be hosting styling appointments where customers will get to select one of the four dolls they have created with Mattel designer Carlyle Nuera and then style them in a look from over 100 different Kith Women apparel pieces. One of these submissions will then be selected to be produced as the official Kith x Barbie doll. Accordimg to their Instagram account though, all appointment slots have officially been filled. They do mention that walk-ins are welcome but cannot guarantee access. Follow them for further updates. I love both the doll’s and the outfits, at least what what we can see in the official photos. I envy the people who will get to style a doll and submit it for a chance to win.

So how come they decided to work with Barbie?. “For sixty years, Barbie has been an international pop-culture phenomenon offering girls around the globe a chance to play, tell stories, and, most importantly, to dream. Kith echoes this mindset by presenting an immersive world for its customers by engaging them through a unique retail environment that fosters creativity,” says Kith-founder Ronnie Fieg. This shared philosophy is what started this partnership—and it will remain a key element in the collaboration between Kith and Barbie.

The Kith Women x Barbie collaboration kicks off with a Barbie takeover of Kith’s flagship store in New York.  Several activations are planned including: 

STYLING CONTEST: September 21st - September 29th

Kith will host Barbie styling sessions at its Soho location on the second floor – known as the Arsham/Fieg Gallery. By appointment only, participants can choose from four dolls that represent the diversity and the dynamism of the Kith Woman. Entrants will be able to dress, style and outfit on-site with 100 custom doll-sized apparel and accessories pieces from the Kith Women line. 

Participants will then submit a photo of their uniquely styled Barbie to be evaluated by a cross-section of the fashion industry’s most notable tastemakers. The panel of judges will include Dianne Garcia, Jackie Kim – director of Kith Women, Maeve Reilly, Ade Samuel and Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. Judges will select the top six looks, which will be put to a public vote via @KithWomen social platform. The submission that receives the most public votes will then become the official limited-edition Kith x Barbie doll, to be released in late 2020 and available from Kith stores worldwide.

RETROSPECTIVE: September 21st to October 2nd 

A complementary retrospective exhibition that celebrates Barbie’s 60-year history will be on view at Kith’s Soho store from September 21st to October 2nd. The original Barbie created in 1959, featuring her iconic black and white chevron swimsuit, will be on display, alongside surrounding ephemera and milestone moments. The in-store museum-inspired vignette layout will be a testament to the doll’s empowering legacy and status as a pop-culture icon.

LIMITED EDITION COMMEMORATIVE APPAREL

Kith will also be designing and distributing limited edition Kith x Barbie 60th Anniversary t-shirt, available only to the first 200 attendees.

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All photos courtesy of KITH and Mattel

Six young fashion designers dress Barbie for her 60th anniversary- British Vogue in collaboration with Mattel

Celebrating  Barbie’s 60th anniversary, British Vogue invited six leading young designers to dress the icon in their signature style. Here are the photographs of the designers and their models, read the full story here.

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Matty Bovan

A wealth of artisanal techniques have been incorporated into the costume for his intricately constructed Barbie: hand-padded and sewn into her dress with golden Japanese yarn, she is the miniature embodiment of his magpie eclecticism. “It’s kind of like Barbie couture,” Bovan reflects. “I wanted her to have the same energy that my runway clothes have... She’s epic.”

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Mowalola

Her Barbie is dressed in a miniature evolution of Mowalola’s spring/summer 2020 collection, with backcombed hair by Virginie P Moreira and make-up created by Daniel Sallstrom (using a miniature paintbrush), “she is a Mowalola superhero,” Ogunlesi grins. “She’s strong and captivating and ready to have a really good time. I want to be wherever she’s going.”

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Richard Malone

“Barbie is a businesswoman – and a lot of the women I work with are too, but they don’t dress like men in suits; fashion is a part of their identity. I wanted to show that Barbie could wear a runway look but still live her everyday life and remain the boss that she truly is.”

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Art School

Eden Loweth & Tom Barratt’s “non-binary Barbie” offers a perfect example of their take on figure-skimming glamour. “Art School is about making clothes that are really tolerant, that will stand with someone throughout their life, and as they evolve as in their own identity.”

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Charles Jeffrey Loverboy

His Barbie (“Let’s call her ‘Wee Hen’,” he decrees in a Glaswegian drawl) exemplifies that spirit: dressed in a replica of the closing look from his spring/summer 2018 collection, which drew upon the history of cross-dressing through the ages, she is, in his words, “wearing the most fabulous piece ever.” “It took a whole week – but just looks like the actual dress!” he exclaims. “I’m really proud of her.”

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Supriya Lele

Growing up besotted by Barbie (“I was an only child, so I had about 40”), Lele’s first venture into design was creating custom wardrobes for her – now things have come full circle, as she precisely scaled the measurements of one of her autumn/winter 2019 looks to suit Barbie’s size. In fact, so perfectly is her neon outfit reconfigured that even the pockets are fully operational. “I felt like a child again,” she grins. “But now I have an incredible pattern-cutter to help.”

Photography Credits:
Photographer: Stas Komarovski. Stylist: Poppy Kain. Art Direction: Dom Kelly. Hair: Yumi Nakada-Dingle. Make-Up: Thomasin Waite. Nails: Lauren Michelle Pires. Set Design:Andrew Clarkson. Production: Verity Cousins.

Photos and text courtesy of British Vogue and Mattel.