Mommie Dearest - Integrity does Hollywood again

Most of you already know that Integrity has a Paramount licensing deal - that is how they got the Breakfast at Tiffany's and Funny Face dolls releases among others. This time around, the honoured film is Mommie Dearest, the 1981 biopic of Joan Crawford's life as an adoptive mother, played by Faye Dunaway. The doll is not made in the likeness of any of the two actresses but rather tries to embody the role spirit. 


Item # 14025
Mommie Dearest™
Official Collectible Doll Gift Set
Limited edition of 800 dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $150.00
Approximate Ship Date: Early July 2013



The gift set includes a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll (on the Integrity Toys body) with hand-applied eyelashes and rooted hair. The day ensemble is a tailored two-piece skirt suit, complete with hat and jewellery (earrings and a brooch), finished with a pair of black pumps.


The night outfit is a nightgown but she sports another head altogether for it! The set includes a doll body, two distinctive sculpts with QUICK SWITCH* feature, two complete costumes, a miniature wire hanger, two pairs of shoes, earrings, hat, doll stand and certificate of authenticity.


So you get a doll that has two interchangeable heads and two distinct looks. The nightgown looks really nice too - plus the second head recreates the look from the film, where the star is shown wearing her night beauty mask.


Below you can see the two ensembles in stills from the actual film:



The second look is really scary in the film - but only because of the expression of the star's face. The doll looks so much calmer! I really like the sculpt and the outfits of this one, she's a keeper. The head changing system looks promising, wondering how good it works up close. It will be featured on all future doll releases from Integrity Toys.




Please note that the photos are of prototype doll and accessories. Final product subject to changes and modifications. All information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Out Sass Vanessa Perrin

Vanessa Perrin is one of the most coveted characters in the Fashion Royalty universe of Integrity Toys. A couple of years ago, the change of her face sculpt caused many tantrums and ignited heated discussions in fashion doll collector forums and blogs. Last year, in their annual convention, Integrity released her third incarnation: a new sculpt that looks a bit like the first one, only slightly modified. Again, some collectors loved her, some did not. But getting that sculpt on a W Club exclusive doll was something that surely pleased many happy fans of this character. Me too, as it was a way to get the new sculpt and see up close how she fares compared to her older versions.


Her multi-coloured outfit was also much talked about. The use of green, purple and plum, combined with her fiery red hair surely caught many by surprise. She is wearing a plum skirt, topped with a tailored olive jacket and wrapped by an extravagant tonal purple faux-fur stole. Completing the look, she sports a pair of purple and fuchsia bracelets, a matching ring and drop earrings, a designer "leather" purse with two straps (short and medium length) and matching boots over a pair of olive (yes, olive!) fishnet stockings. Topping it all off is her retro-chic couture hat in a dark brown/plum colour, which is fixed on her head with a couple of pins (included).


First impressions out of the box: absolutely mesmerising! The bright colouring hits you right away but it is so well combined that I loved it immediately. It reminds me of French fashion, of YSL in the 70's and 80's. The fur stole can be fastened as seen on the photo above, but in that case it has to stay on top of her shoulders. The hat looks a bit mismatched (it looks more suited to a 50s Dior outfit) but not totally out of place on her head. The jacket and skirt are coming from a Zac Posen 2013 Resort design (raberry from W Club identified this):


This jacket though has a slim belt fastened at the waist, in purple, which looks amazing. And the olive green goes so well with her red hair. Her hairstyle is glamorous and sexy, and can also be altered without much trouble to change her look. The hair did feel slightly sticky though. She is my fifth red-haired Vanessa. 


Her face looks really good in this new incarnation of the character. She regained the open mouth of the first sculpt while getting a more defined nose and jaw line. This one looks better than the doll revealed in the 2012 convention and I think will become a classic FR doll. Her face paint is amazing - smoky eyes and pale rose lips are always a winning combination. The eyelashes at the bottom lids look much better in real life than they did in her promo photos. Her eyes and look remind me a lot of Lana Del Rey.


The earrings, ring and bracelets are matched perfectly, in fuchsia and purple. Although not the first colours one would think to put on a red head, they fit her look and outfit to a T.


Her skirt arrived a bit crumbled but this should go away with steaming. I was so eager to photograph her I could not bother to do that. But what is under that gorgeous jacket?


She sports a lovely lace top in plum and dark brown, which is another piece that could easily be used as a great separate to mix and match - like all the other pieces of this outfit. The top and skirt colour combination reminded me of the Bottega Veneta S/S 2013 ad below. And look at that amazing "patent leather" bag with its two straps and buckle. Another amazing piece is the huge ring. 


Let's take a closer look at the ankle boots - they have ties and also a mini zip at the back, to make them slide on easily. Amazing detail and look.


So yes, this is for me one of the best dolls IT released last year (she was the second FR W Club doll for 2012, we pre-ordered her back in November but only arrived in April 2013). If she is any indication of the dolls coming this year for the club, brace yourselves.


Mel Odom unveils a new Gene Marshall doll at IDEX 2013 - Phoenix


Mel Odom is a living legend in the fashion doll world. His Gene Marshall doll actually established the niche, when it first came out back in 1995. It was Aston Drake that manufactured the dolls then, and quickly Gene was a collector's favourite. Years later, in 2005, Gene and Mel moved on to Integrity Toys. Gene was improved in many ways and the flame kept on for a while until, again, the life cycle of the doll came to an end in 2010.


Now Gene is back, in her third incarnation, a Phoenix (the doll's name) rising from the ashes. Mel collaborates with JAMIEshow to bring us a mew Gene, as a resin BJD (ball-jointed-doll) in a very limited edition. So limited in fact that the doll is sold out. There was 100 dolls ready for sale at IDEX, where she was presented in a special event by Mel himself. another 50 dolls were available on-line after the presentation at the JAMIEshow website but no more. These 50 will be ready to ship in early May.


The doll looks a lot like the Gene we know and love, maybe a bit softer.She is a 16" ball-jointed resin doll, with an interchangeable rooted wig cap system (hence the different hairstyles and colours you see in the photos). She is dressed in a powder blue silk gown, wearing gloves and special gloved hands. She comes with an extra pair of regular skin tone hands as well. Her accessories include a blue Swarovski pendant necklace, earrings, and a bracelet; blue matching shoes; an adjustable JAMIEshow stand; and two rooted wig caps in differing styles and colours, one platinum short cut and another brown chignon, as well as a hard wig cap so she can wear standard doll wigs. She is a collaborative effort designed by Mel Odom and JAMIEshow, with the dress designed by Maddie Rose Couture.


The doll looks amazing, a gorgeous Gene to be added to all the rest. It is very expensive but so are most resin dolls at her size and quality and edition. I love the dress, fabric and colour are exquisite. I would like to see the hands up close to see how they look in their gloved version. Welcome back Gene and Mel, we missed you!

Update: You can see the gloved hands in this post by Terri - and also more photos of the doll with various outfits and wigs in that and other posts.

Integrity Toys 2nd On-line Presentation 2013: Fashion Royalty Classic and the event doll

The last of the three lines presented this time was Fashion Royalty Classic. Vaughn Sawyers said that this was a capsule collection (which for me screams that more FR are coming later in the year) harking back to the roots of Fashion Royalty. Jason Wu wanted a slightly retro vibe for the line, to make it look like the very early Veronique and Adele dolls, while still keeping it slightly modern. Even the doll screenings are referencing looks of early dolls. For me this was a strong and coherent collection, with great dolls which, while not looking remotely alike, manage to give a definite unified vibe. And yes, the retro element is evident, as are the references to older dolls. The price of the dolls is now $20 US higher than last year's collection, with seemingly nothing to justify it. Later on at the Q&A section, we found out that the tan discolouration issues (green hands on tan dolls) was addressed and solved (I submitted the question about this issue), so new dolls should be fine. Also Nadja was confirmed as making an appearance and also Misaki fans were glad to find out that that line will also be making a comeback this year.


Item #91314
Nostalgia
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Dania Zarr is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with blond fully rooted hair that is done up in a luscious classic FR ponytail and she has hand applied eyelashes. Dania is dressed in a black pinstripe dress, accented by a hand-beaded collar and cinched at the waist by a narrow patent leather belt. To complete the look, there is a luxurious faux mink shawl, a bright red contrasting hand-bag and black heels. Doll stand is also included.


Probably the best doll of the bunch (excluding the event doll, you will see why), this version of Dania shows once more the versatility of her sculpt. The different screenings her face gets always make people wonder if her sculpt is changed. It happened last year and it happened again this time. Still the same sculpt but oh so different.


Vaughn said her make up and hair were a direct reference to the very first basic Veronique doll. I love it and I think the outfit is elegant and chic too. She could be starring in Mad Men! The embroidered collar is a great detail. Her accessories are lovely too. The bag is TDF. She has the Japan skin tone.



Item #91315
Splendid
Jordan™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Jordan is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with thick dark berry rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She comes in a cocktail dress wrapped in a long faux fur stole. The look is complete with an olive colored bag, matching pumps, opera length faux leather gloves and a gold jewellery set. Doll stand included.


I will probably regrett not getting this one but the price hike made me more conservative in buing this time. She is a gorgeous doll, with the same skintone she came in last year (called A-tone). Colour-wise, she reminds me of Style Renaissance Adele but in earth tones instead of smoky ones. The dress is amazing.


I love the bag and shoes (paint something a shade of green and I'm sold) but the rose necklace is tacky. The brooch and earrings are lovely. Her gloves are described as opera length but they look shorter to me. Opera length means above the elbow. She has the smallest edition of all the dolls in the collection and will definitely sell out.


Item #91316
Captivating
Anja™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 800
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Anja is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with brunette hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She is wearing an ice-blue gown with over sized bow detail at the waist. The look is finished with an intricate crystal neck piece and earring set, long black lace gloves, a black satin pocket purse and patent leather pumps. Doll stand also included.


This version of Anja brings to mind Eugenia Spectacular Spectacular, although Vaughn said that she is a nod to Paradise Veronique. The gown is too plain for me - all that volume without anything special but the exquisite shade of blue. 


I love her hair and make up. Her necklace looks gorgeous and so do the gloves. She has the Caucasian skin tone and the largest edition of all the dolls in this collection.


Item #91317
Ambitious
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Kesenia is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with stylized fully rooted jet black hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She wears a red cocktail dress cinched at the waist by a narrow matching belt and topped by a contrasting black wool fitted coat with a bow detail at the waist. A tan handbag, coordinated pumps, gold earrings and a single gold bracelet complete the look. A doll stand is also included.


Great new version of Kesenia in jet black hair (first time on her) and again the Japan skin tone. She looks great here but not that much that I would want to add her to my collection. Her outfit is interesting but nothing more.


Her make up is too orange-y for my taste. Great hair - but I think it is time that Kesenia gets a new length, she has been done in long hair for ever. I'd love to see her (and other dolls) in sharp, geometric bobs. Her accessories are nice. Great shoes.


Item #91318
Polished
Korinne™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Korinne is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with rooted light brunette hair coiffed in a sleek low ponytail and hand-applied eyelashes. She is wearing an intricately detailed pink top and delicately embroidered ton-sur-ton black skirt. Accessories for this look include a delicate flowered cloisonné necklace with matching earrings and a patent leather handbag with matching pumps. Doll stand also included.


This is the first Corinne I really like as a doll. But the fashion has been done in different version in past dolls and I already have two full black skirts - one embroidered from Agnes Dressing The Part and one from Agnes Festive Decadence. So it's a pass.


Her make up and hair colour look great and complement her fashion. I love the necklace with the various shades of pink. And those eyes! The bag is TDF.


After the presentation of the three lines, it was time for the event doll unveiling. We all knew, from the previous event, that this one would not be a lottery but available for every one to order. It was a big surprise to see a second Dania appearing, but her look makes her so different from the other one, it is like a completely different doll. 


Item #91319
Irresistible
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2013 W Club Online Event Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Mid to Late Summer 2013


Dania Zarr is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with long, gloss blond fully rooted tresses and hand-applied eyelashes.  She wears a black faux leather top with an over sized shawl collar, her looks is complete with a rose necklace, gold and stone earrings, tan spectator pumps, fishnet stockings and a matching handbag. Doll stand also included.


This is the best doll in the whole event. I love almost everything about her. Colouring, late eighties-style fashion, accessories. She is like a combination of Diamond Society and Going Public Eugenias.


She has a beautiful make up, with smoky eyes and pale mauve lips, platinum hair and tan skin tone. Vaughn said that he wanted to do something with a portrait collar and combined it with leather which came from the current Jason Wu real fashion collection. The only miss is the rose necklace, which again I think is tacky. The earrings though are great. Necklace, bag and pumps are just like Jordan's, only in different colour. And actually they look like the Daphne bag and Dovima shoes shown when entering the official Jason Wu website, minus the point d'esprit lace overlay. She's a keeper. The edition depends on how many club members order her.


So that was the second Integrity Toys on-line presentation for 2013. Three strong, solid collections, each with their own style and fans, with a variety and quality that has something for everyone. Can't wait for the next one!


Older FR doll reference links from the LBX List website. Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission