Celebrating Barbie's 55th birthday: Hervé Léger Barbie

March 9th is the official Barbie birthday. This year it is her 55th anniversary. So what better way to take part into the celebrations than photographing one of the best Barbie dolls Mattel has released: the Hervé Léger Barbie. I had written all about the doll and the release in this post, so here I am just going to post a selection of photos I took of her and comment on the actual doll.


The quality of the doll dresses is incredible. Of course having them made by a fashion house instead of Mattel played a major part and it shows. Top notch craftsmanship, flawless outfits, amazing standards of quality of fabric and stitching. The brand said they used their original yarns and machines to make theme and I do believe them after having seen them with my own eyes.

  

The "leather" corset that is worn over the dress has a nice functioning mini zip at the back so that one can take it off without problem. It is an almost faithful reproduction of the ones the brand showed in their fashion show.


The boots are made of plastic but they have nice detail and are made very well. They slide of the feet without too much effort but one has to be careful to not tear them apart.


The clutch that comes with this outfit is a hard-edged, "metal and leather" design, edgy and modern. It is not functioning and has no way to be fastened to the doll's hands. The stiff Model Muse body without joints does not help either. 


Here is the dress without the corset. The doll is wearing the second pair of boots that comes in the gift-set, ribbed ankle boots.


Both dresses have the brand's label sewn in on the inside. Great detail and very realistic too.


The second dress is a black and white short one, with wide shoulder to chest bands that stop right under the breasts. It is as well made as the other one and looks amazing too.


The one big flaw of this gift set is of course the doll's body. Without joints, it quickly becomes really boring as it has a very limited ability for posing. It may show off the dress nicely in the box but there are many people, like me, who like to pose and display their dolls outside of the box. I am probably going to rebody this one.


The doll's face is perfection. She looks gorgeous and reminds me a lot of the supermodel Angela Lindvall. Her hair is intricately braided and has highlights woven in. It messes up easily but it also can be tamed without any problems. She definitely deserves a better, articulated body.


The bag for this outfit is a large, "crocodile leather" concoction, a bit cumbersome to hold, definitely not suited for un-articulated dolls. Wonder how a real human would carry such a bag. Below you can see all the accessories of the gift-set.


For me, this is the direction that the collectors-only Barbie dolls should take. Modern, edgy fashions and doll design, without the cutesy and frothy stuff that is associated with the brand. But I am sure I am a minority in voicing this. Happy 55th birthday Barbie!

Think Pink - Sunny Harnet ready for the red carpet

One of the most memorable musical numbers in the Funny Face film is "Think Pink". If you remember, a year ago, Integrity Toys release a series of seven dolls inspired from the film and its costumes, as part of their Paramount license. So it was only natural that one outfit at least from the Think Pink sequence would be selected. Well, actually there are two, a pink suit and an evening gown. Here, as a tribute to the Oscar cermony that takes place tonight, we focus on the latter, in a recen photo shoot I did.


The doll is evoking the model Sunny Harnett who appears in the film along more famous models Suzy Parker and Dovima (who has a speaking role). Sunny appears with many outfits in the sequence but most notably the outfit shown here. This look is composed of a pink satin two-piece gown with a transformable pink faux fur peplum that turns into a cape, as shown in the film. Pink opera length gloves (the usual oven mitt variety), bright pink satin shoes and a jewellery set (clear bauble necklace and rhinestone stud earrings) complete the outfit. 


The 12" fully articulated vinyl doll has rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes and sports the FR: Monogram body (with Victoire Roux legs) and the Imogen head sculpt.She does reming me of Sunny Harnett a lot and the gown is a faithful representation of the one shown in the film. She looks ready to pick up an Oscar! The last close-up of her shows her necklace backwards, it was a mistake but I liked the photo so here it goes.







Barbie poses for the 50th Anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Throughout her illustrious career as the world's most famous doll, Mattel's Barbie doll has been through a fair share of different and challenging career opportunities, ranging from air stewardess to doctor to architect and even presidential candidate for the USA. Barbie's latest gig though, as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model has attracted an unusual number of comments, articles and posts, in an equally wide number of reactions. 


Mattel and Sports Illustrated collaborated this year for the magazine's annual Swimsuit Issue that includes a special editorial spread shot by legendary sports photographer Walter Iooss Jr. featuring 22 Barbie dolls. It also includes photos of Barbies dressed like former SI Swimsuit models of years past and a cover wrap that will appear on 1,000 copies of the issue, declaring Barbie to be “The Doll That Started It All”. So why this and why now? The Sports Illustrated feature is part of Barbie's "Unapologetic" campaign, an effort on behalf of Mattel to counter criticism that the doll's unrealistic figure gives young girls the wrong image about how their bodies should look. Sports Illustrated supposedly presents Barbie as an empowered woman who is unashamed of her appearance or actions. Mattel also released a Swimsuit Issue Barbie, now available for purchase exclusively on Target.com.


It is very ironic that these two powerhouses, targets of complaints about their depictions of women, are joining forces to become “unapologetic” about who they are. Barbie as a doll-size version of the magazine’s supermodels like Tyra Banks and Christie Brinkley, is not something new - she was always centred on fashion and even has a body type (there are multiple body types for the different Barbies out there) called Model Muse.  Mattel said in a statement that posing in the issue “gives Barbie and her fellow legends an opportunity to own who they are, celebrate what they have done and be #unapologetic.” There's an op-ed from Barbie herself too.


Mattel has been trying hard for a while by connecting Barbie to other brands to help its efforts aimed at redefining the doll's image, making it more appealing to contemporary consumers while also fighting back concerns about the unrealistic attitudes about the female body that Barbie promotes. “We’re always challenging ourselves to think differently about Barbie and how we can continue to keep her relevant,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president of marketing for North America at Mattel. Of course it all comes down to business. Mattel's reshaping of Barbie’s image tries to counter bad sales results during the past holiday season, falling short of expectations among investors and corporate management. “The reality is, we just didn't sell enough Barbie dolls,” Bryan G. Stockton, chief executive, said in a conference call with analysts on Jan. 31. Barbie sales fell 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. 


John Joannides, associate publisher at Sports Illustrated in New York, published by the Time Inc. division of Time Warner, said: that this event was “a very exciting creative collaboration, one icon to another.” A section of the Sports Illustrated website will feature related content as well as a blog, Swim Daily. Mattel paid for the opportunity to integrate Barbie into the commemoration of the magazine's 50th anniversary but no amount has been disclosed so far. Below are a couple of videos with the doll from SI



Integrity Toys February 2014 reveal: W Club exclusive Evening In Montreal Victoire Roux

This gorgeous doll was first hinted at during the annual W Club luncheon at the 2013 Integrity Toys convention in Los Angeles. Club members have been anticipating her actual unveil ever since and speculating about the way she would be made available to them.  At the 12th of February reveal, this exquisite Victoire Roux™ doll was announced as the first official "product launch day" event doll of 2014, through a lottery for the right to buy. And yes, I entered the lottery. Fingers crossed. Also note that the next release will be through an exclusive W Club webinar in April 2014.


Item # 76009
Evening in Montreal Victoire Roux™
Dressed Doll 
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 600 Dolls
Estimate Ship Date: Approximately the Third Week of February 2014
Suggest Retail Price: US $99.00 + Shipping and Handling* *(+ applicable sales tax for Maryland residents only).


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: IT/Victoire 
Head Sculpt: Victoire Roux™ 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: FR White 
Hair Color: Platinum 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied


"Evening in Montreal" Victoire Roux™ is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with a bright platinum rooted updo hairstyle, topped with a newly designed gilded hair bow ornament covered in faux-diamonds. This edition of the ever so chic retro fashionista is dressed in a sassy tulle overlayed cocoa cocktail dress, jazzed up by little fur bolero and matching elbow length chocolate pleather gloves. Miss Victoire's look is completed by intricate gold earrings and matching gold patent open-toe pumps. A doll stand is also included. Recommended for adult collectors ages 14 and up only.


**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 2014 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**

Integrity Toys February 2014 reveal: FR16

The third line on the line up for February are the FR16 in ther second only appearance as a full line presentation. To celebrate all that is Fashion Royalty, the Integrity Toys design team decided to re-visit some of the most iconic styles of the FR collection. This collection features classics of the original Fashion Royalty brand, "re-imagined" for the 16" girls, butit also marks the debut of a brand new sculpt and character, Hanne Erikson™ as well as the return of Elsa Lin™ and Anais McNight™.


Item # 78008
Platinum Society Hanne Erikson™
Dressed Doll
The FR:16™ Collection
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls Worldwide
Approximate Ship Date: Early May 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR16
Head Sculpt: Hanne
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Rooted Hair Color: Glamorous Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Applied 


To mark her debut in FR:16, Hanne wears a re-imagined version of the iconic look that made Veronique Perrin the star that she is today, Silver Society. Hanne Erikson is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with silky rooted blond hair and hand applied eyelashes. Her look is composed of a delicately accented cream pleather dress, a fur stole, an intricately feathered veil hat, pumps, jewelry and an embroidered purse. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.


This is perfection! I love this doll and will pre-order her for sure. Gorgeous doll, great outfit and amazing accessories. I only wish her earrings were more detailed for the scale instead of simply beads on a chain. 


Item # 78009
Amethyst Factor Anais McNight™
Dressed Doll 
The FR:16™ Collection
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls Worldwide
Approximate Ship Date: Early May 2014 
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US 
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer 


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR16
Head Sculpt: Anais
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: Light Honey
Rooted Hair Color: Deep Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 


Anais shows that perfect styling is timeless as she re-invents another FR classic, Purple Factor! Anais McNight is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. She is dressed in a "lingerie" style cocktail dress, which features a delicate lace overlay. The look is completed with a deep-purple fur stole, long opera length mesh gloves, a sequined clutch, a splendid jewelry set and intricate heels. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. 


Great looking doll but a sculpt I do not particularly like. I would love to have the outfit and accessories for my dolls though.


Item # 78010
Cosmetic Surrender Elsa Lin™
Dressed Doll 
The FR:16™ Collection 
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls Worldwide 
Approximate Ship Date: Early May 2014 
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US 
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer  


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR16
Head Sculpt: Elsa
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: New Hispanic
Rooted Hair Color: Radiant Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Elsa is seen here wearing her own version of the iconic look that first introduced Natalia Fatale to the world, Cosmetic Takeover.  Elsa Lin is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Her fiery Latin inspired look is composed of a lace and embroidery overlaid ruffled hem cocktail sheath, elegantly accessorized with a perfectly assorted faux-fox stole, a clutch purse and open-toe heels. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. 


Although this is my favourite sculpt of the FR16 line, I will not get this version of it as the doll looks like a Greek TV presenter whom I despise cause she represents all that is wrong in Greek TV today. She even thinks she's the Greek version of Oprah Winfrey and copies her show blatantly. So, although the doll is gorgeous, it is a pass for me.


Item # 78011
Hot Blooded Elsa Lin™
Dressed Doll 
The FR:16™ Collection
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls Worldwide
Approximate Ship Date: Early May 2014 
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US 
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR16 
Head Sculpt: Elsa 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: Japan 
Hair Color: Jet Black 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 


Elsa Lis wearing a rendition of one of FR's most memorable looks: Red Blooded Woman. Just like the original, Elsa's version of the dress is inspired by its trademarked laced-up look to create one of the sexiest, jaw dropping looks of the Fashion Royalty world. Elsa Lin is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted jet black hair and hand applied eyelashes. She is elegantly fitted in gorgeous red satin gown, which features an elaborate laced-up side slit and a dramatic off-shouldered neck line. The look is boldly accessorized by intricately designed "gold" oversize drop earrings, "gold" bracelets, a luscious deep red faux mink stole and open-toe strappy heels. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.


If you are regular readers of the blog, you know I am a sucker for Asian dolls and this one is no exception. Finally an Elsa Lin I will call my own and have already pre-ordered. I have the original Red Blooded Woman Kyori and cannot wait to compare the similar outfits. Too bad this one does not have an iconic necklace like the snake included with the original. The earrings look great though. And there's a ring too (like all dolls of the line have, yes!). I think the team nailed it with this line and hope it proves so commercially as well. I also hope that the final dolls (these are prototypes after all) have better pained eyes than the photos show, because these do not have any white spots painted, making them look flat.




Item # 78012
Obsidian Culture Hanne Erikson™
Dressed Doll
The FR:16™ Collection
Couture Dolls Exclusive
Limited Edition of 300 Dolls Worldwide 
Approximate Ship Date: Early May 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $175.00 US
Available for Pre-order ONLY FROM COUTUREDOLLS.COM (please see instructions below). 


Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR16
Head Sculpt: Hanne 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: FR White 
Rooted Hair Color: Sunblazed Red 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 


Hanne is wearing a rendition of the fan favorite Fashion Royalty doll, Obsidian Society. Hanne is a 16-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with rooted hair and delicately hand applied eyelashes. She is dressed in a perfectly tailored skirt suit with vibrant, high contrast embroideries covering the sleeves and collar. Hanne accessorized the look with an elegant pair of fur trimmed pleather gloves, the perfect little bowling bag, intricate strappy heels and a black veil for that added touch of drama. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. 


This is the Couture Dolls exclusive FR16 (the Angelic Dreams new eshop dedicated to Integrity Toys dolls - the group image on top is from their website). Although I love the sculpt, I do not like the doll. Her hair is fried and the embroidery is tacky, making the suit nothing like the original fashion it was supposedly inspired from. Androgyny Avant Guard doll looked more like Obsidian Society than this doll ever will. Great accessories though.



COUTURE DOLLS.COM ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS To mark the launch of their new site, Couture Dolls.com is proud to offer you Obsidian Culture Hanne Erikson as their very first exclusive doll! Please read the following instructions carefully to pre-order this stylish beauty today!

1-Click this link to be taken directly to the Hanne pre-order page (copy/paste this link in the address bar of the browser if it doesn't work for you):

2- You must have an account on the site so if you don't, please register.

3-The total price for this gorgeous doll is $175.00 US + shipping. There is a $35.00 (+ shipping) non-refundable pre-order deposit due immediately to reserve your doll. The balance of $140.00 will be charged automatically when the dolls arrive in May 2014 (you will be invoiced via email when the time comes by the couturedolls.com team).


**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.All text and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2014 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**