Mattel finally reveals the BTS dolls!

At the beginning of the year, Mattel announced that they would be releasing dolls made in the likeness of the KPop (Korean pop for those of you that do not know that kind of music) boy band BTS - seven guys who are very popular outside of Korea too, having topped Billboard 200 chart twice in 2018. They are touring the world this summer and the dolls are supposedly hitting the shelves either this summer or in September. They will be available worldwide and each doll will cost $19.99.

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They look cute and definitely articulated, but the body/head proportions are off, like they are kids. They could be sporting the My Scene male body, which, if I remember correctly, is the same as Ken’s articulated one but with longer hands - and of course bigger head. The Mattel shop website, where the dolls are already uploaded, indicates they are 11” and have 11 points of articulation. The sculpts are original, one for each band member. The clothes they are wearing are from the video clip of their song IDOL, which premiered last August. You can sign up at the Mattel shop to get notifications about the upcoming release. I might try to get one, just to check out the outfit - I love the colourful costumes, unlike anything worn by male fashion dolls. Most of the clothes in real life are from well known fashion brands. For example the polka-dot shirt RM is wearing is by Comme Des Garçons, just like Jin’s sneakers (a Converse collaborartion). J-hope and Jung Kook’s sneakers are Valentino Hero Tribes, while V was wearing Walter Van Beirendonck shoes, which unfortunately were not made for the doll.

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Pidgin Doll Spring 2019 collection is unveiled!

The Pidgin dolls are created by the extremely talented and wonderful Joshua David McKenney, an artist, sculptor, doll-maker extraordinaire and fashion illustrator. He just released the Spring 2019 collection of Pidgin Doll and here they are in all their glory. (Availability according to the Pidgin website at time of posting). The dolls are 16, all one of a kind and are ball-jointed 1:4 scale, made in resin. You can find their exact measurements in their website. That’s where you can buy them as well. The ones left available of course!

 

Pidgin Doll "Hestia" - available 

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One-of-a-kind “powder pink” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset brown eyes

  • Baby pink synthetic mohair wig

  • Gold and pink “Maxi” gown

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet only

  • Silver “Power Flower” stiletto shoes

$1,200 USD + shipping.

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Pidgin Doll "Elinda" - sold

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “light mocha” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset green eyes

  • Silver blond synthetic mohair wig

  • Peach tulle “Maxi” gown

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

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Pidgin Doll "Nyx" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “Obsidian” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset green eyes

  • Black synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink and gold “Maxi” gown

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet + Flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

$1,200 USD + shipping.

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Pidgin Doll "Andromeda" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “milk white” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset heterochromatic eyes (one brown eye + one green eye)

  • Silver blond synthetic mohair wig

  • Peach tulle “Maxi” gown

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

$1,200 USD + shipping.

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Pidgin Doll "Blanche" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “milk white” resin. Full Set includes:

  • Inset brown eyes

  • Pale lavender synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink brocade “Maxi” gown

  • Pearlized “snow crown”

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

$1,100 USD + shipping.

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Pidgin Doll "Bernadette" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “milk white” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset amber eyes

  • Double “stacked” red synthetic mohair wig.

  • Green brocade “Maxi” gown

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

$1,100 USD + shipping.

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Pidgin Doll "Vivienne" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “cocoa” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset amber eyes

  • Black synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink brocade “Maxi” gown

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

$1,100 USD + shipping.

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Pidgin Doll "Chloe" - sold

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “milk white” resin. Full Set includes:

  • Inset blue eyes with brown flecks

  • Baby pink synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink brocade “Maxi” gown

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

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Pidgin Doll "Colette" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “light mocha” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset green eyes

  • Blond synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink & gold “Bow Mini” dress

  • Baby pink faux fur jacket

  • White kitten heel shoes

$950USD + shipping (Full Set)

$710 USD + shipping (Doll + Faceup)

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Pidgin Doll "Samantha" - sold

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “milk white” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset blue eyes

  • Black synthetic mohair wig with micro bangs

  • Pink & gold “Bow Mini” dress

  • Jewelry as shown

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White “Power Flower” stiletto shoes

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Pidgin Doll "Marianne" - sold

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “light mocha” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset blue eyes with brown flecks

  • Long black synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink & gold “Bow Mini” dress

  • Black faux fur jacket

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

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Pidgin Doll "Ginger" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “Cocoa” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset green eyes

  • Handmade indigo blue saran wig

  • Pink & gold “Bow Mini” dress

  • Baby pink faux fur jacket

  • Baby pink stockings

  • Silver ballet flats

$970USD + shipping (Full Set)

$710 USD + shipping (Doll + Faceup)

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Pidgin Doll "Veronique" - sold

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “Light Mocha” resin. Full Set includes:

  • Inset blue eyes

  • Black synthetic mohair wig

  • Holographic “Bubble” dress

  • Jewelry as shown (includes pierced ears)

  • White ankle socks

  • White kitten heel shoes

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Pidgin Doll "Amber" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “Milk White” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset brown eyes

  • Black synthetic mohair wig

  • Pink and black circle glasses

  • Holographic “Bubble” dress

  • Baby pink faux fur jacket

  • Baby pink stockings

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White stiletto shoes

$950USD + shipping (Full Set)

$710 USD + shipping (Doll + Faceup)

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Pidgin Doll "Mixi" - sold

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “Light Mocha” resin. Full set includes:

  • Inset blue eyes

  • Black synthetic mohair wig

  • Hot pink heart glasses

  • Holographic bubble” dress

  • Black faux fur coat

  • Black fishnet stockings

  • Black kitten heel shoes

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Pidgin Doll "Jasmine" - available 

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One-of-a-kind Pidgin Doll cast in “Light Mocha” resin. Full Set includes:

  • Inset brown eyes

  • “Wheat blonde” synthetic mohair wig

  • Holographic “Bubble” dress

  • Blue stockings

  • High heeled feet + flat feet included

  • White “Power Flower” stiletto shoes

$950USD + shipping (Full Set)

$710 USD + shipping (Doll + Faceup)

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All photography courtesy of Pidgin Doll and Joshua David McKenney 

Yves Saint Laurent Barbie dolls - a dream come true

We had been teased for quite a while with images of the Yves Saint Laurent dolls, mainly from the instagram account @barbiestyle . At the beginning they were supposedly OOAK dolls, then it emerged that they would enter production. And now, finally, they are here. Available to buy at Barbie.com (only the pink and black gown available) for $150,00 each and, in Paris, at the department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (not online). The release is in collaboration with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

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Let’s see what Mattel says about the collaboration:

With a shared passion for personal style, Barbie® honors French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent (b. 1936 - d. 2008), for his vast impact on women’s 20th century fashion. One of the greatest names in fashion history, Yves Saint Laurent invented the modern woman’s wardrobe: the pea-jacket and trenchcoat in 1962, the first tuxedo in 1966, the safari jacket and the pantsuit in 1967, and the first jumpsuit in 1968.

While constantly in search of simplicity, each collection was also a chance to bring his dreams to life. Fascinated by different cultures, nostalgic of a ‘lost time,’ he came up with dresses that transported the public to an imaginary elsewhere, from Russia to China, from India to Morocco. He also developed numerous garments directly referencing the artists he admired such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Vincent Van Gogh, and of course Piet Mondrian.

And now the dolls, one by one:

 

Barbie® Yves Saint Laurent Doll Mondrian dress

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Paying homage to the visionary designer, Barbie® models Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Mondrian dress from the Autumn-Winter 1965 collection. The multi-colored knit dress recalls the Dutch artist’s sense of geometry, while a seamless patchwork and sleek back zipper reflect the designer’s keen attention to detail. Black heels with silvery buckles and pearly earrings finish the timeless look. This beautiful doll is presented in collaboration with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

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Collection: Barbie® Yves Saint Laurent Dolls

Label: Platinum Label®

Designer: Linda Kyaw

Release Date: 11/05/2018

Body Type: Model Muse

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Fashion: Multi-colored geometric knit dress, pearly earrings, black heels

Eyelashes: Painted

Fashion Sewn On?: No

Included with doll: Earrings, dress, shoes, doll stand

Doll Stand: Yes

Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 16/9/5

Package Weight: 5.0706 lbs

SKU #: GCM97

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I have been writing it time and time again but nothing changes - and it does not seem it ever will. Charging $150 for non-articulated dolls is preposterous. If Mattel cared about collector dolls, I mean really cared, they would have created a good articulated body, an evolution of their early pivotal one for example, to use for special dolls like these, that could be made to pose elegantly in a variety of poses as befits their high fashion style. Instead, one gets the Model Muse body, immovable, frozen like a statue, doing no service to the exquisite clothes it is wearing.

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And yes, this is a gorgeous dress, not only being a miniature YSL dress but being faithful to the original. It is made of separate pieces making up the Mondrian pattern instead of a print, just like the real one was. The dress is lined and the quality is good. The detailed earrings and specially designed shoes complete it perfectly. More about the gorgeous box at the end of the post.

 

Barbie® Yves Saint Laurent Doll Safari Jacket

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Paying homage to the visionary designer, Barbie® models Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic 1968 safari jacket. This garment was specifically created for Vogue (Paris) for a spread in their magazine. The desert-hued, front-laced safari jacket, which is inspired by clothing of westerners in Africa, includes a stylish hip-hugging O-ring belt. It’s a fresh, modernized look that features black knee-length shorts, jaunty sueded boots, and is topped with a floppy, fringed bush hat. This beautiful doll is presented in collaboration with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

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Collection: Barbie® Yves Saint Laurent Dolls

Label: Platinum Label®

Designer: Linda Kyaw

Release Date: 11/05/2018

Body Type: Model Muse

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Fashion: Safari jacket, knee-length shorts, suede boots

Eyelashes: Painted

Fashion Sewn On?: No

Included with doll: Hat, earrings, boots, belt, blouse, shorts, doll stand

Doll Stand: Yes

Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18/7/11

Package Weight: 5.0706 lbs

SKU #: FJH71

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What a gorgeous rendition! The jacket is almost perfect, a fantastic recreation of the original, made famous in the iconic Verushka image, photographed for Vogue in 1968 (photo by Franco Rubartelli). Attention to detail is again good, with fabric boots and hat. Pity the Karl sculpt is not a match for Verushka’s face - I think each doll should have had a different sculpt.

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Barbie® Yves Saint Laurent Doll Paris gown

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Paying homage to the visionary designer, Barbie® models Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic ‘Paris’ evening gown from 1983. A ruched pink satin bodice culminates in the back with an oversized pink satin bow, while luxurious black velvet drapes to the floor with an elegant slit. Black pumps, red and black rhinestone bracelets and earrings, and an iridescent statement necklace are the finishing touches to this glamourous look. This beautiful doll is presented in collaboration with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris.

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Collection: Barbie® Yves Saint Laurent Dolls

Label: Platinum Label®

Designer: Linda Kyaw

Release Date: 11/05/2018

Body Type: Model Muse

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Fashion: Evening gown with a ruched pink satin bodice, oversized satin bow, black pumps

Eyelashes: Painted

Fashion Sewn On?: No

Included with doll: Bracelets, earrings, necklace, doll stand

Doll Stand: Yes

Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18/7/11

Package Weight: 5.0706 lbs

SKU #: FPV66

The Paris gown photographed by Gilles Tapie in 1983

The Paris gown photographed by Gilles Tapie in 1983

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This is the only doll still available at the Barbie.com shop, so run if you want it. For me it is the least desirable from the trio, but still want to get it. Would have liked to see another iconic YSL dress though, from his later years, or even better the “Le Smoking” tuxedo.

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Special mention goes to the box design, with the logo of the museum at the front and the Yves Saint Laurent info and photo inside, plus the fabric ribbon tie (like the Poppy Parker older boxes). Great job Mattel. I wish I could afford these. 

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Integrity Toys Luxe Life 2018 Convention: the W Club luncheon

Saturday always begins with the W Club luncheon. Club members got to see the Lilith Blair centerpiece doll (and many the chance to buy her) and received her twin sister Eden Blair doll, both designed by Jessy Ayala.
Carol Roth hosted a Q & A panel on stage with the Integrity Toys design team, where Club members' questions were answered.


Item # 82106

Afterglow

Lilith Blair™ Centerpiece Doll

The 2018 Integrity Toys Convention: Luxe Life

W Club Luncheon Exclusive

Edition Size: 600 Dolls

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Am I the only one that not going gaga every time the twins make their ubiquitous appearance either as a club exclusive or a convention doll? Probably so. I love the brows on this one, combined with the tan skin tone they make her look fab. 

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 Item # 82107

Public Adoration

Eden Blair™ Giveaway Doll

The 2018 Integrity Toys Convention: Luxe Life

W Club Luncheon Exclusive

Edition Size: 600 Dolls

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Saint Laurent vibes. Not crazy about the pink hair. They look washed out. 

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All dolls pictured in these photos are prototypes; final colors and textures may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2018 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Integrity Toys Luxe Life 2018 Convention: the highly anticipated Menswear Collection Launch did not live up to the hype.

Friday afternoon at the convention continued with more shopping and workshops, but many convention guests (and many more not attending the convention) were eagerly anticipating the Menswear Collection Launch Event and Party. The new Hommes body and line have been in the pipeline for many years (five if I’m not mistaken) so everyone that collected the Male Integrity Toys dolls were holding their breath. The importance was such that the reveal had  replaced the very popular Friday night bazaar and masquerade ball.

Unfortunately, even though guests got to hear about the design and inspiration behind the newest line, named The Monarchs, from Integrity Toys designer Vaughn Sawyers, something was amiss. All attendees received the Undercover Declan Wake Male Doll. More information on the line will be revealed to W Club members by email, and some prototypes were shown on a slideshow, with one also sent by email to Club members that is under strict no-show order. There was no centerpiece for the event, just an empty acrylic base with the new line logo, that was raffled instead. One can imagine how disappointed people were, as they were expecting to be able to purchase a dressed male doll from the new line, as the convention package mentioned. The doll was nowhere to be seen. Because of that mishap, the unveil lasted only a short time and the only information people managed to get out from Vaughn was that attendees would get first dibs on a dressed male doll sometime soon.


Item # 21008

Undercover

Declan Wake™ Fashion Figure

The Monarchs™ Homme Collection

2018 Luxe Life Convention Exclusive

Edition Size: 500 Dolls

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The doll shown was offered to everyone who attended the launch event for "The Monarchs". The formal introduction to the new line will take place later this winter, with a full reveal of the new storyline, characters and looks.

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So this is the body that took Integrity Toys five years to redesign. Other than making it skinnier and more defined, I do not see an actual improvement over the old one. No improved articulation, no better neck joint. Cosmetic changes are all nice and well, but real redesign should have made for a better articulated body, with a neck allowing male dolls to move their heads better and make them look more expressive.

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None of the old, first wave of Hommes will be part of the new lin up: no Pierre, Francisco, Darius or Takeo. Which is a pity to hear, as they are very special and beautiful sculpts. I’m a Declan fan but this looks like his best ever version too much to be considered great. His hairstyle does not help - it looks like some third rate Mediterranean lover boy would sport while out cruising the tourist traps. Easy pass. And no, having a semblance of a penis will not make a doll better. Nice bag though - the big one. The other can simply disappear into the eighties it came from.

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 All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2018 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.