The 2016 Integrity Toys Convention: Supermodels part X: The final gala night

The final night of the Integrity Toys convention is always the most impressive, important but also emotional, as everyone has to say goodbye. The evening started with the introduction of the final centerpiece of the convention, followed by dinner, the announcement of this year's competition winners, the raffle of the designer OOAK dolls (which were amazing, pity I do not have official photos) and an interview with Jason Wu.
Jason announced plans for celebrating his company's 10th anniversary in 2017 and the introduction of new features in the Fashion Royalty line, starting with a "Velvet Touch" skin finish (sounds similar to Lovetones skin). He announced that as a thank you for everyone who opted to attend convention this year, a special offer would be included with the convention doll: to pre-order the very first Elyse doll that features the "Velvet Touch" skin finish. It seems like the Jason Wu anniversary dolls will be a separate line, sold through international stores, more expensive and with more detailed handmade outfits. More about the actual doll below.
I forgot to mention in a previous post that Victoire is also making a comeback, with a slightly tweaked body (it will be "explosive" like the FR for easier dressing). Cannot wait to see her back.
The moment everyone was waiting for was of course the reveal of this year's convention doll which came with two complete outfits to match the other girls in the convention collection.
Next year's convention will be in Orlando, Florida the weekend of October 19th-21st, 2017 with the theme of Fashion Fairytale. The amazing fairytale inspired editorials of Grace Coddington for the Christmas issues of Vogue came to mind immediately.
The winner of 2016's Supermodel Convention Design Competition Advanced Category was the talented Salvador Lopez Arriaga, so congratulations for him! He got both jury and public awards. His design will come to life later in 2017 as a real Integrity Toys doll. Here's a picture of his lovely creation: 


At the intermediary category, public prize went to the amazing Ginny Liezert, while last year's winner, the awesome Jason Kramer got the jury prize. Congratulations both, much deserved!

Item # 91410
Tweed Couture
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
Saturday Night Dinner Table Centerpiece
The 2016 Integrity Toys SUPERMODEL Convention
Limited Edition of 350 Centerpieces Only


This is a suit from the Dior by John Galliano Haute Couture collection from Autumn/Winter 1997/1998, an iconic collection and show. It was worn on the runway, in the parc des Bagatelles, by Debra Shaw, a model and friend of Galliano's.




A simliar look was also shown but with higher shoulders.


..and the only editorial photo of it I could find was this:


Princesse Bundi and Princesse Partabgarh from the Haute Couture F/W 1997 Collection. 
Photography by Patrick Demarchelier


Dania looks gorgeous here, and the recreation of the suit is perfection. Love the amazing Masai necklace. The inspiration of that collection was Marchesa Casati and Masai tribal dress.


Pity the shoes are not the fringed ones shown with the actual outfit, they'd be smashing. I do think though that Jordan or Nadja would rock this one much better, just like Debra Shaw did on the catwalk.


Item # 91407
Diva
Dasha™ Dressed Doll
Official Convention Doll
The 2016 Integrity Toys SUPERMODEL Convention
Limited Edition of 500 Dolls Only


Lacroix sweetie, Lacroix! Finally a gown from the master of couture, and a sumptuous one at that. This is from the Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1995 collection and this is how it looked on the runway:


Courtesy Harper's Bazaar/Getty Images

Shalom Harlow is the supermodel that wore it best in an editorial for US Vogue that year:


Shalom Harlow wearing Lacroix, styled by Grace Coddington and photographed by Bruce Weber for the March 1995 issue of American Vogue


Dasha, still with her trademark sideglance, looks fab here. She does remind me a bit of Karen Mulder and also of her previous incarnation as Renegade, again blonde and in a red dress.


I love the recreation and the detachable train. The jewellery is amazing too. And she has the extra Versace dress too!



Item # 91411
La Vie en Bleu
Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll
Designed By Jason Wu Collection
Limited Edition: TBD
Additional 2016 Supermodel Convention Attendee Exclusive
 *Featuring the new Velvet Touch skin! More details coming later.


Elyse was not at convention but she made quite an impression. The face looks a lot like Montaine Market Elise, the dress is lovely, with nice detailing. But the stud earrings and the absence of other accessories do not justify the high price (near $200 from what I hear) of the doll. She is too austere, almost looks like a nanny in a fancy dress.


Note: The pictures contained in this email show the prototypes and the final dolls may vary slightly. All doll photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2016 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

A new diva coming from Mattel: Claudette Gordon™ Barbie® Doll

During the annual Barbie convention this year, new dolls were presented to the attendees. One of them was (finally!) an articulated collector's doll, in the spirit of the brilliant (and not repeated, unfortunately) Jazz Diva Barbie from 2007. Her name is Claudette Gordon™and she's a Gold Label® doll by designer Carlyle Nuera.


Her release date is the 8th of September. She is inspired by the great beauties who sang their hearts out on stage of the Harlem Theatre. She's wearing a sleeveless dress in flapper style, that features a drop waist bodice and embroidered peacock feather design in shades of teal, purple, and gold. Black point d’esprit material forms the dress’ asymmetrical skirt. The doll also has a 1920s era “microphone” stand.


Technical features: 

Body Type: Straight ModelMuse torso with poseable arms and legs
Skin Tone: Light Black
Facial Sculpt: Claudette
Fashion Sewn On: No
Eyelashes: Painted
Included: Doll stand, microphone, shoes, 3 beaded necklaces, headband
Customizations: Straight ModelMuse torso with poseable arms and legs
Price: $85.00


Yes, you read that correctly, she is a new sculpt, and one I really like. Sexy and elegant at the same time. Let's hope the produced doll looks like the promo photos. What I would have liked is that she had waist articulation as well. I hope to be able to get her.

All photos ©2015 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.