The Miss Lanvin Collection

Last year, Albert Elbaz, the designer of the veritable fashion house of Lanvin, had decorated the Faubourg St. Honore store's windows with mannequins wearing his designs. He then release six porcelain dolls (more like figurines really) with Lanvin fashions taken right out of his sketch book, reminding us of the Theatre De la Mode era, back after the 2nd WW, when French designers dressed miniature mannequins with their designs and travelled them around the world.

This year, Monsieur Elbaz releases the second wave of Lanvin porcelain dolls. It features six looks from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection plus one from the Bridal Capsule collection (the dress that Sarah Jessika Parker wore in the Sex & The City film). They are limited to 800 pieces, made by Chinese craftsman Franz. They look like they're around 10-11 inches tall, maybe smaller. Each one costs 250 Euros (ouch!) and they can be found in Lanvin stores and major department stores in fashion capitals around the world. I wish I had all these fashions for my dolls!

Fashion doll stories

From time to time, Integrity has contests about their dolls, which involve writing about particular situations involving one or more dolls from certain lines. I enter some of them (and have won a couple) but this time, I was a bit more inspired from the situations we were called upon to improvise. I find the two stories I wrote really interesting, so I thought I should post them here too for all to read (no, I did not win this time!).

Here is a story involving FR Veronique Perrin and searching for an outfit:

Hearing the door bell ring, as it did every time a customer entered the shop, I raised my head from the counter, where I had been folding a very expensive silk scarf, and looked at the woman that had just appeared. I almost gasped.
-Ms. Perrin, welcome to Velvet. What can I do for you? I immediately said, still not believing in my eyes. She walked towards me, with that famous feline walk, her sapphire blue eyes steady on mine, her lips almost smiling.
-A lot, if you please. I have a minor emergency in my hands and you can help me overcome it!
-Please let me know how, I smiled.
-I have an unexpected engagement tonight, a small cocktail party for a select few friends, thrown together by another, just because i'm in town. So I need something to wear, but not only that. I need the whole works: accessories, jewellery, the whole shebang!
I smiled. It was my lucky day: I could make her look like a million bucks and have a living advertisement of my boutique walking around a glamorous cocktail party. I tried not to show my excitement and lead her to the inner part of the shop: the lounge area. She sat down and I asked my assistant to serve her some refreshments. I immediately proceeded to pick a couple of elegant dresses I had received the day before: it looked like they were made for her.
-I think you should see these two first. I said, holding the dresses up for her to see. She left the china cup she was holding on the lacquered table and stood up. She approached me with a smile and picked the black one.
-Don't you think black would be too obvious?
-Not in this fabric, I replied. This is Balenciaga. It is wool crepe, but lined in neoprene. Look at the form.
She held it in front of her, while looking at the big mirrored wall opposite her. Framed with a gilded weathered huge wooden but simple frame, it reflected her image back at her.
-I must try this! she said excited! My assistant showed her into the dressing room and i stood waiting for her. When, after a few minutes, she appeared, I felt so good. I had chosen well. The slim elegant line of the dress, the list on her right thigh, the cut-out shoulders, all made her look like a super heroine ready to blast her enemies away. And God knows how many of these she has.
-I looooooooooove this! You're a genius! She winked at me and continued enjoying her look in the mirror. But we have to accessorize this!
-Not a problem, I said calmly. I went behind the counter and picked a small black pillbox hat, in a diameter much smaller than one would expect fitting on one's head. A huge black silk faille bow was tied on it, making it look like a bird ready to fly.
-Try this on!
To my surprise, she did just that. And loved it. My assistant helped her pin tha hat on her elegant and impeccable chignon: she looked amazing. But I already knew that. I handed her the Balenciaga strass necklace and bracelets that I had ordered for the dress. A match made in heaven. With the d'Orsay stilleto's in silver and black, with the thins straps crossing on her little elegant feet, she was ready to meet her friends and be the soul of the party. Any party!
-Thank you soooo much! she said as she air-kissed me, going out the door a while alter, with a smile. Send the things to my suite at the hotel... and please call me tomorrow! We simply MUST talk!
I waved her goodbye as she entered her limousine and was whisked away. As I closed the boutique door behind me, I knew another door had opened for me.
-Close the shop, I said to my assistant. We're going for lunch!

And of course here is the outfit in question (the hat I describe is less art, more fashion):


And here is the second story, this time about Gene Marshall and accessorizing her turquoise Colour Deal outfit:

As Gene Marshall entered the boutique, I rushed to assist her. It was not everyday she came here, but she was a regular customer and a very valued one at that. Having only been here a couple of months did not matter to her: she always asked for my opinion, frequently elaborating
on various fashion ideas. This time it was no different:
-I need you to help me pick some accessories for this turquoise dress, I think I have worn it with white a little bit too much! she said. It is an informal event but I do not want to look too casual.
The gleam in my eyes must have shown, cause she gave me one of those beaming lovely smiles only Gene Marshall could give.
-I might just have the thing for you, I replied. I went to the back of the shop and returned with a number of small elegant boxes. I placed them on the counter and started opening them one by one for her to see.
-See? First we have this elegant pair of the softest kid gloves you have ever seen, in black.
-Black? she asked. Isn't that a bit much?
-Of course not. It will make the whole dress look different, sharper, more glamorous. And you will also wear this matching belt with it.
The belt was made of patent black leather, shiny as jet, very thin, with a lovely silver buckle. The gloves had a similar miniature buckle on the wrist, matching them perfectly.
-Wow! I already see myself in this! And would you agree that I need something from the jewellery department to match these?
-Sure! I have just the thing, I replied, producing the most gorgeous jet brooch this side of the Grand Canyon. And we also have the earrings to match, I said, pointing to the smallest box on the counter. But you must pick a pair of fine pumps too.
-I think I see just what I need, she smiled. I followed her look and my eyes stopped on a gorgeous pair of high heeled slingbacks in patent leather. And guess what? They had buckles too.
-Must have ordered these with you in mind then, I said teasingly, going towards them to pick them up for her. And just look what else is in store too, I smiled.
I raised my arm and pointed to a shelf beside her. A lovely black raffia handbag with silver circular handles was resting on it, just waiting for her it seemed.
-I think I never was readier for my close up! she beamed at me. We had done it again! A perfect look for a perfect lady!

This is the photo that inspired me for the colour combination:


I hope you enjoyed the stories!

Fashion Royalty: Bewitching Hour Luchia

A few days ago, the Fashion Royalty W Club announced its second doll of the year. The W Club dolls are the ones sold only to club members, and made in numbers according to the orders placed. This year, they had two dolls announced, and Bewitching Hour Luchia is the second much anticipated doll. I must say that the Luchia sculpt is not one of my favourites of the Fashion Royalty line - it is the reason I only have one Isha (the original character with this face) so far in my collection. But with this doll, I might just change my mind after all.


Jason Wu had hinted at the FR convention that the new Club doll would be a familiar character done in a different way. Was he right! The revamped Luchia is done in a colour palette reminiscent of the Mademoiselle Jolie OOAK charity doll, a truly different and beautiful look for Ms. Luchia Z. She does indeed bring to mind Angelina Jolie (in her blonde days), which is the main reason I really like this doll. According to the Club description, the doll models a "super-villain" inspired look mixed with true haute style.


Luchia is dressed in a mini dress in the palest of pink hues, accented with micro-pleated detail at the bust. Her black knee-length trench coat stands out with a number of fabulous details including buckles that highlight the three-quarter sleeve and an oversized "leather" studded belt with lace-up closure. Black gloves, earrings and a black chrome cuff bracelet round out the ensemble. The look is completed with potentially the hottest footwear ever done for Fashion Royalty, a pair of mile-high strappy gladiator boots that would make even Carrie Bradshaw jealous! Luchia's golden blonde locks, blush skin tone (a first for Luchia) and vampy makeup palette add the perfect complement to her "haute" outfit! The clothes look very stylish and the leather belt stunning - not to mention the gladiator boots (please do not try them at home!). So this looks like a winner to me!

Queen V - when will she appear?

I finally decided to post the pictures of Queen V, a Fashion Royalty Japan Exlusive doll, given through Dollybird magazine for dolls. It is an exclusive for their tenth anniversary and was the object of a lottery for those able to obtain a copy of the magazine and send back the application form inside it. The edition size is 450 dolls. It was announced in mid-April 2008 but the doll has not materialized yet - and Veronique has changed face!

The doll looks amazing : I think it is the best Veronique ever made. In a very pale, almost white skin tone, with hair in a marvellous up-do, with matching face-paint, she is the epitome of Royalty. Her outfit resembles an Elizabethan era gown, from the corseted bodice to the high starched lace collar around her delicate neck. She has a tiara with the obious W on it, a huge necklage, drop earrings and two rings, and also a lingerie set. Oly a scepter and an orb are missing from the Queens trusseau!

Her exorbitant price plus the high costs of shipping and customs charges from Japan made her unavailable to me (and many others I guess). I am really jealous of hte people getting her - though the must have loads of patience!

The Heist: The Fashion Royalty Convention collection!

Last week at Pittsburgh, the Fashion Royalty convention for 2008 took place. Titled " The Jason Wu Event V: The Heist", it lasted from October 2nd until the 4th at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport at Pittsburgh. As the Integrity site said:

Mysteries abound, tragedy has happened: a precious heirloom from the Perrin family jewel collection has been stolen. Who did it? How will the Perrins get the precious stone back and where will this adventure lead? Join us for a fun-filled weekend at the Jason Wu Event V: The Heist and help find an important part of the Perrins’ precious heritage

Are you ready for excitement? Your convention host, Alain Tremblay invites you to join him and his team on an adventure worthy of some of your favorite spy novels, leading you to fabulous Russia in an intrigue totally worthy of Fashion Royalty! Who’s behind it? Is it Natalia and Kyori, or perhaps some mysterious new contender? Now you can be a part of it all! Meet Jason Wu and the rest of the Integrity Toys team and take part in a fun-filled weekend which will feature a special treasure hunt set in the totally stylish environment of FR!

Lots of dolls were unveiled at the event, with new characters appearing and older ones getting the Royal treatment. The concept was influenced a lot from James Bond, especially his Cold War - Russia elements. Lets see what temptations Jason Wu decided to unveil to eager collectors:

First off, from the convention collection, the Hopelessly Captivating Luchia Z. Styled with a 30s look, she reminds me a bit of Chicago's Velma Kelly . The influence of Mel Odom's Gene dolls is very strong in this year's collection as is the opposite.

With her black bob, raised eyebrows and severe suit, she could play in any 30s film noir! I think it is the first Luchia that I kind of like. Her bag is to die for and the pink booties look cute!

Finally, after listening to many collectors demands, an Asian male doll was released! Mission Moscow Takeo Mizutani, dressed in a pinstripe suit and carrying a samurai sword ( I hope it is included in the accessories) strikes a dashing note among the FR males. He does look like Lukas a bit. I hope it is the hair that does this and the sculpt is different. From the official photos, he still does not look too Asian.

A giftset of two new ladies was presented,Elements of Surprise, Lillith and Eden Gift Set - two dolls together, with funky outfits, very 80s style. The colours of the outfits almost hurt my eyes.

And one of the most glamorous Adeles made, The Muse - she looks something between Grace Jones and Naomi Campbell. Very French chic, she could model for YSL anytime. She reminds me of his 70s collections.

The first titled Royalty of the evening was Baroness' little sister (?), Giselle Diefendorf, in a Masterpiece Theatre incarnation. I must say she is quite an improvement over her first release last year. Young Nicole Kidman anyone? (she has a similar sculpt to Agnes).

The Baroness herself could not be absent from the proceedings (she is an event doll after all). Drama Behind the Drama Agnes Von Weiss is probably the most stunning doll of this collection, with an outfit that reminds me a lot Madra Lord's Postcard From Cannes gown. With that face paint and hair, she's a dead ringer for Nicole Kidman.

In the close up photograph below she looks like she could use some retouch - or simply powder! What next, Botox? She's a doll! I love the fabric of her gown and the embroidered detail.

Thursday at Convention was filled with intrigue and excitement. The dinner event was staged around the storyline that an heirloom jewel was stolen from the Perrin family and attendees were transformed into agents trying to assist in the jewel's return! Each "agent" attendee received an exciting spy kit, perfect for use with the new Takeo Mizutani doll! It included a carrying case, Ninja mask, rope, safe, cell phone and other cool spy gear! Also, there was the centerpiece doll for the evening, a beautiful raven-haired Eugenia. She looks somewhere between a 40s gal and a Versace late 80s model - quite stunning. So here is "Fine Jewel Eugenia":

At the Friday Luncheon at the Convention, Integrity announced the second character in the Hollywood Royalty line: Josephine Baker. Call me anything you like, Josephine is no Hollywood Royalty, she's European Royalty. I was expecting someone from the golden era of Hollywood like Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn or Ginger Rogers. Big disappointment this one and to top it all, she does not look like Josephine any more than the Lana doll resembles Lana Turner. Some lucky attendees had a chance to purchase a very special Josephine Doll, which recreated her famous "Banana Dance".

In addition, every attendee walked away with, Life of the Party, the convention fashion for the FR ladies. It is modelled here by Luchia Z (see top of post), again a very 80s look with a 21st century twist. And very nice mix & match possibilities.

A sneak peek at the new Valia Pivoine, was also one of the convention highlights. This version of the doll has an updated body with increased articulation. The new body has the same sculpt as the previous body, but now has 15 points of articulation, including at the wrists, under the bust and at the upper thigh. This newest doll was inspired by Lisa Fonssagrives and has a more intense facial screening than the previous dolls. Valia Pivoine is exclusive to Haute Doll magazine, so visit their website for details.

The convention finished up Saturday with more dolls unveiled and also the convention doll (the one included in the attendee package). First of all, Eltin, the newest addition to the Dynamite Girls line was presented. She is supposedly a rock star and her first outfit is from her performance in Moscow. 60s galore!

Shirred, Not Shaken Vanessa (an obvious homage to James Bond) was the centrepiece doll of the evening. Stunning doll but she looks a lot like Obsidian Society Vanessa and the outfit reminds me too much of Agnes from last year's convention along with the Dressmaker Details outfit you can see one of my Vanessa's model here.

So who was the convention doll? A new character was added to the FR line, called Tatyana Alexandrova. Looking like a million bucks in an outfit again very YSL (this time the early 80s) she reminds me oh so much of Victoria Beckham. One very good reason NOT to get her. Victoria must be very happy.

The jewellery is magnificent - earrings, a hat pin, bracelet and ring - what more can a girl ask for? The blue blouse is magnificent.

A direct exclusive Integrity doll was also there: Nadja R The Illusionist - simply stunning in her African regalia:

And finally the Onyx Veronique Perrin was given to the Deluxe Package holders - she's a basic platinum Vero, dressed like her fellows from the Glamorous basic collection.

Many more small gifts and stuff were given to the attendees and of course many dolls from the regular line were present along with customised ones from the attendees, making for a varied and eventful convention.

All pictures are copyrighted by Integrity Toys and are published with their consent. They are not to be used for any for commercial purposes such as ebay or to sell the any of the dolls. I am not affiliated in any way with Integrity Toys.