Barbie goes Coach!

Today the Barbie by Coach doll was made available at Barbie Collector. She retails for US$95 and is dressed and accessorized by the Coach label. Probably the most familiar US brand of leather goods, Coach gave Barbie an outfit that cries "Burberry's"from a mile across. It is not the first time we see Barbie in a trench as well. The bag included is in leather, which is probably a first for Barbie and there is also a competition with more leather Barbie-sized bags by Coach to be won (alas for US residents only). Is she worth the price? For me no, even the bag, which is the star here, is a bit boring.

From the Barbie Collector website:

Barbie® has been a fashion icon for more than 50 years, working with some of the biggest names in the industry. Coach has also helped to define classic American style, with fine leather-wear, luxury craftsmanship, and modern design since 1941. It’s only fitting that these two iconic brands should come together to create one unforgettable, truly collectible doll — the special edition Coach Barbie® doll! According to Barbie designer Linda Kyaw, the creative teams at Mattel and Coach have worked closely and tirelessly to develop the perfect look. “There is no detail left out, no scenario that was not thought through carefully,” Linda says. “This collaboration is a true ‘labour of love’ of the two most beloved brands of all time.” Their passionate dedication is reflected in an exquisite doll that captures all-American glamour and on-the-go style. 

Barbie wears authentic pieces from the Coach clothing line, including a classic Tattersall trench over a striped green sweater and an irresistible Ultrasuede skirt. The trench’s stand-up collar and large golden buttons add extra fashion flair, while the skirt’s turn-locks are exact replicas of those on Coach handbags. Barbie accessorizes her effortlessly chic ensemble with red round-framed sunglasses, which sit atop her chestnut-brown hairstyle, and open-toe heels from the Coach collection. 

But the pièce de résistance is, of course, her signature red leather duffel — the most iconic purse of all! Made from start to finish at the Coach design house (and given the same care and attention as every Coach bag), this must-have accessory marks a major milestone in Barbie fashion history. “This is the first time that Mattel has collaborated with Coach to have actual, mini leather duffel handbags produced by the Coach manufacturer,” Linda explains. “What you can buy for yourself has been replicated for Barbie!” Elegant in its simplicity, the Classic Duffel is finished with a decorative tassel and Coach tag and comes with a drawstring dust bag for safekeeping.

Barbie and Coach fans alike will want to commemorate this unique design partnership by adding Coach Barbie® Doll to their collections. She is the embodiment of classic American fashion and enduring style — and is available now at the Barbie Collector on-line shop. What do think about Coach Barbie doll? Please share your thoughts below! 

Outfit details from the Coach website (where you can also order the doll):

• Patty sunglasses from the first Coach Legacy sunwear collection
• Trench made with our signature Tattersall check, first introduced in the early 2000s
• Coach Classic Duffle inspired by the iconic Duffle Sac, first introduced in the early 1970s
• Tristen sandals from the début Coach Legacy shoe collection

COACH is a trademark of Coach Services, Inc. and its affiliated companies.

ULTRASUEDE® is a registered trademark owned by Toray International America, Inc.

For the adult collector. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. All photos courtesy of Mattel Inc. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary. BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by Mattel. ©2013 Mattel. All rights reserved.

Barbie gets her own dedicated space at Selfridges and lots of London pizzazz

Later this week, within the new Selfridges Toy Shop opening up on its fourth floor, Barbie gets her own dedicated space. And what better occasion to ask some up-and-coming London designers to dress her up for than this? Three of the British capital's (and one of fashion's top cities) emerging talents are making the bill: Fred Butler, Nazir Mazhar and Sister By Sibling.

It is not the first time that the iconic doll is dressed by a real fashion designer but I think it's a first in promoting up and coming names instead of well established brands. It's London Babe! The dolls are 15 in total, five per designer, and will be available in Selfridges alongside other collectible Barbies.

Each designer concentrated on their strengths: Sibling’s Cozette McCreery, Sid Bryan, and Joe Bates designed quirky knit looks (below), Fred Butler did a series of  sculptural ensembles (first photo), while Nazir Mazhar went for hard-edged street-wear styles (above). Check out poor Ken in a bucket hat and sweat suit.

Sister By Sibling had made a nod to Barbie 18 months ago on London Fashion week in February 2012 by having five looks presented on Barbie dolls. And of course this is not the only current designer Barbies around this time of the year, there's the Coach thing going on as well but that will be in another post. Enjoy the London chic:

Where some of my dolls are being interviewed!

An incredible lady I met on-line, Athena, liked my dolls so much, she decided to interview them and post them on the brilliant and eclectic blog of Avaton Kortez. I cannot thank them enough! Here is the post translated for you:

5 Goddesses I loved on my timeline, unlock themselves tonight

Sometimes Avaton gives me the keys and goes down to meet the sailors and his lads. Those few moments I am free to walk the neighbouring clouds and meet mythical persons that come out of celluloid, dreams and your fantasies. I met the girls in evenings and afternoons in different places, away from the crazy and arrogant world that made them Goddesses. And here is what they said about themselves:

The incredible Poppy Parker:

1. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time? How was it? 15 years old with a village boy in my summer holidays, so romantic!

2. Favourite restaurant? Whichever serves spicy curry.

3. Which star do you love to hate? Hate messes with my Zen.

4. Which film would you like to star in and with which part? In a remake of The Letter, the scorned woman.

5. Which song makes you want to fly? Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra.

Mythical Cher

1. What do you cook best? I do not do everyday things, I leave it to my chef.

2. Where and how would you like to die? Cher will never die my dear.

3. Cabernet or Sauvignon Blanc? Only champagne dear, those are for mere mortals.

4. Ashton Kutcher or Justin Timberlake? Why? Justin of course - and if you need an explanation, you're doing something wrong with your life!

5. Which song makes you feel like a teen? The Shoop Shoop Song.

The dramatic Brenda Starr

1. Best kiss in your life? Soundtrack? Whenever Basil St. John kisses me and Amado Mio plays in the background.

2. How do you sleep at night? With Basil.

3. What does a man have to do to never win you over? To be rude.

4. Best place you ever had a swim? Bora Bora.

5. Which song brings a tear in your eye? Someone To Watch Over Me.

The irresistible Poppy Parker, or should we say Twiggy?

1. What are you afraid of the most? Using ordinary mascara by accident.

2. Paris or New York? Only London baby! Swinging Sixties!

3. Favourite novel? Tell me a quote that has imprinted itself in your head from it. Valley Of The Dolls - ''Yes, there's one thing I do want. I want to be aware of the minutes and the seconds, and to make each one count''.

4. Ever shot someone? Which star would you easily shoot? Never touched a gun in my life, nor do I want to.

5. Which song makes you want to fall in love? The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset.

Seductive Lilly

1. Favourite designer: John Galliano

2. Red-carpet look that has gotten you jealous? None, I do the best ones.

3. Have you ever kissed a woman? Sure, we must try everything!

4. Your opinion of Russel Brand? Pffff

5. Which song reminds you of the biggest love of your life? Billie Holiday - I Get Along With You Very Well

You can meet your own goddess at http://instagram.com/sandman_gr and talk with her at http://fashiondollchronicles.blogspot.com/ I simply thank @sandman_gr for the ride up there! :)

Integrity Toys 3rd reveal for 2013: Victoire Roux IT Direct lottery opportunity.

The final doll presented on the third reveal of Integrity Toys is another Victoire Roux doll. It seems that instead of a proper line, she gets single dolls appearing every now and then. A portion of the dolls was reserved for a lottery among W Club members and the rest will also be on a lottery, this time for the general public. If you want to enter, go to this link at the Integrity website to pick up your lottery ticket.

Item #76007
Buenos Aires
Victoire Roux™ Dressed Doll
2013 IT Direct Exclusive Lottery Doll
Special "Christmas in July" Event Price: US $99.00 US
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Estimated Delivery Date: Early August 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Integrity / Victoire Roux™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Pale Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): Approximately 16.5" X 5.75" X 3.5"

This Ultra-limited Edition IT Direct Buenos Aires Victoire Roux™ is a 12-inch articulated vinyl doll with a fully rooted pale blond intricate updo hairstyle and hand-applied eyelashes. Her travel ensemble pays homage to a famous 1948 look and is composed of a tailored skirt and long sleeved double-breast jacket with a large hat and matching umbrella. Victoire completes this look with a pair of matching pumps, gloves and simple studded earrings. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up only. (Note: the umbrella does not open).

The homage is of course paid to the Dior New Look T-Bar suit, which you can see in the photo below. Also the styling of the doll reminds me so much of Evita Peron.

The doll looks nice and I would have entered the lottery but for two things: the blue eye-shadow and the pattern of the jacket print. The print looks more late 60s than late 40s to me. And of course the oven mittens strike back. She could have had a second pair of hands painted to look like gloves instead. I know the price is low but on the other hand, no bag. A non working umbrella is not enough to entice me.

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. 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.**

Integrity Toys 3rd reveal for 2013: Barefoot In The Park Poppy Parker

Another Paramount Pictures license: this time from the film Barefoot In The Park, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Here though we have Poppy Parker and Chip Farnsworth III replacing them in the roles of Corie and Paul Bratter. This release consists of two gift-sets.

Item # 14019
Barefoot in the Park™
Poppy Parker™ as Corie Bratter
Dressed Doll Gift Set 
Limited edition size of 800 Gift Sets
Suggested Retail Price: $160.00
Estimated Ship Date: Late September 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker™
Body Type: Poppy Parker™
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Reddish
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 16" X 13" X 3"

The gift-set has one doll with three outfits. First outfit (shown in the two photos above): On her wedding day, Corie has donned an ensemble that consists of a blue mini dress with a textured skirt and a fabric flower burst accent at the waist. Over this, she wears a light blue coat with dark faux fur trim, dark gray shoes, and a matching handbag. Her light strawberry blond hair is in an up-do.

Second outfit (shown in the two photos above):  The Bratters, joined by Corie's mother, are dining with their eccentric neighbour, Mr. Velasco. Corie wears a sleeveless pink mini dress with bow detail on the neckline with a long sleeved pink coat, tan purse and matching tan pumps.

Third outfit (shown in the two photos above): Corie meets her husband Paul at the bus stop after his long day at work. She wears a dark red ribbed turtle-neck and a tan striped "suede" mini skirt with matching "suede" swing coat. The dark pantyhose and black go-go boots complete her look.

The Poppy Parker™ as Corie Bratter gift set features a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes and comes with all that you see in the pictures and a doll stand. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

Item # 14020
The Bratter Lovers
Barefoot in the Park™
Poppy Parker™ and Chip Farnsworth III™ as Corie and Paul Bratter
Two-Doll Gift Set Limited edition size of 800 Gift Sets
Suggested Retail Price: $180.00
Estimated Ship Date: Late September 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpts: Poppy Parker™ and Chip Farnsworth III™
Body Types: Poppy Parker™(Female Doll) and FR: Homme™ (Male Doll)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Red (Corie) and Golden Blond (Paul)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied
Total Packaged Dimensions (Including Shipper): 16" X 13" X 3"

Corie Bratter, as depicted by Poppy wears her signature beige toggle coat, gold turtle-neck top, brown cropped corduroy jeans with belt and short brown "leather" ankle boots. Her long strawberry blond hair is pulled into a half ponytail and her face is framed with wispy bangs.

Paul Bratter, as depicted by Chip, is a 12.5-inch articulated vinyl fashion figure with fully rooted hair. He's fashionably outfitted in a classic two-piece gray suit with a matched light blue dress shirt, navy tie and a wristwatch. All of this is topped by a charcoal gray trench coat with black velvet trim on the collar and neck scarf accessory. His side parted blond hair finishes off his look. Two doll stands are included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

The gift-sets look lovely and they have so many things in them, especially the first one. I am not a huge fan of the film, or the fashions of it, so it was an easy pass for me. I can totally understand though how many will go nuts over them. I still think blonde Chip looks like Mike Vogel (from Pan Am and currently on Under The Dome).

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. Barefoot In The Park ™ & © 2013 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. Used under license. 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.**