The Wall Of Dolls unveiled in Milan during Men's Fashion Week

A Wall of Dolls. Just this one sentence makes a doll collector salivate with anticipation, like the Pavlovian dog of science. But this is not about doll collector fancy. This is a charity affair. "The Wall of Dolls" exhibit in Milan was unveiled during menswear fashion week to help spotlight increasing violence against women, as WWD reported.

“The Wall of Dolls” at the Cultural Center in Via de Amicis.

Fashion designers, celebrities, journalists and writers from Italy collaborated on this event. Fifty fashion designers, among them Missoni, Etro, Max Mara, Trussardi and Eva Cavalli are taking part with their own designed dolls. The beneficiary is human right association Intervita and other nonprofit organizations. The dolls are exhibited on a wall of the Cultural Center on Via de Amicis.

Antonio Marras' doll at “The Wall of Dolls” exhibit

Intervita was founded in Milan back in 1999. According to their mission statement, "Intervita is a non-profit non-governmental organization for development cooperation, recognized by the Italian Ministry of foreign affairs; we are independent, non-denominational and apolitical." "Intervita works in Italy, Asia, Africa and Latin America to support children, women and local communities in the fight against poverty and inequality and to promote sustainable development." "Intervita collaborates with a network of other civil-society organizations to give the most vulnerable people a voice on the Italian and international political agenda, and we are involved in the main networks protecting children's and women's rights."

The Eva Cavalli doll was made by the talented Magia 2000 doll studio

The principal creator of the event, Italian journalist Jo Squillo, said the decision to set up the wall during men’s fashion week was meant to raise awareness among men. The wall is to travel to other Italian and European cities. The initiative was included on the calendar of the Italian Chamber of Fashion with the patronage of the Milan municipality.

The Missoni doll with the obligatory multicoloured stripes

Best thing about the exhibit: everyone can add their own doll to the wall. I would love to see what people create and put on the wall, either simply to participate or for someone they know that has suffered from violence.

Etro's doll with their characteristic prints

All photos by Lele Sandrini for WWD.com

Isaac Mizrahi designs dolls for Madame Alexander

This collaboration was announced way back in January 28th this year but I only just got wind of it. Isaac Mizrahi, one of the most likeable designers from USA (and very talented - back in the late 80's some of his collections were simply genial) announced that he and The Madame Alexander Doll Company will make a new collection of dolls, doll apparel and accessories. Isaac says: “Dolls have a special place in my heart. In a way, I began my design career with dolls. When I was a young, I would use my dadʼs sewing machines to create little puppet dolls. Now, itʼs coming full circle by working with Madame Alexander. They have always represented the highest-quality and most beautiful dolls in the world.”

The doll collection will consist of both limited-edition "collectibles" and 18-inch play dolls. The dolls will be available in June 2014 (are they?) at specialty and department stores as well as select websites including www.madamealexander.com. (still on a coming soon notice). 

Limited Edition 250 dolls. SKU 68280. The Collection Doll, ages 14+ Isaac Mizrahi Classic Iconic – $199.95 

Based on a classic lsaac Mizrahi runway look, 16" “Alex” doll is dressed in a white ribbed tee shirt and long "Isaac pink" taffeta ball skirt with a pink tulle under-slip. Topped with a short orange and pink striped puffer jacket and brown faux fur trapper hat, this classic is completed with black motorcycle boots. The doll comes with an illustration card drawn by Isaac Mizrahi. 

Limited Edition 75 dolls. SKU 68285. The Collection Doll, ages 14+ Isaac Mizrahi Modern Iconic –$999.95

Designed by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi, this 21" fully articulated Cissy doll is dressed in a modern iconic dress inspired by one of Isaac's recent designs, an elegant red and pink satin dress with self belt. Sunglasses, watch, bracelet and clutch are based on accessories from the Isaac Mizrahi New York Collection. If you peek under her skirt, Cissy wears a polkadot, panties and crinoline. An illustration card, drawn by Isaac Mizrahi is included as a special bonus. 

According to Mizrahi, the decision to collaborate with Madame Alexander was a very organic one. He first learned to sew by making another type of childhood toy: puppets on his dad’s sewing machine. “That’s what my first creative endeavours were. Puppets of all kinds,” Mizrahi told InStyle.com. “I know a lot about making miniature clothes and things, and for me this is a very natural association.” The 21-inch limited edition Cissy doll is dressed in a pink and red satin dress inspired by one of Mizrahi’s current Mikado dresses.

However, Mizrahi’s favorite is Alex, dressed in a design inspired by one of his early 90's collections. “That’s my favourite just because of the hat and the whole idea of the perfection, the way they captured the exact spirit of the outfit,” Mizrahi said. The rest of the dolls pictured are the play-line 18" dolls that sell for $69.95.

The only doll that would remotely interest me would be the 16" Alex doll and just for the chance of owing one Mizrahi outfit for my dolls - plus it is from his good period. But the price is too much for just one outfit, even though it is a Mizrahi one. Maybe I will be able to find it on the secondary market for a lesser price.

Le Petit Théâtre Dior - Haute Couture in miniature

On the 31st of May, Dior unveiled the exhibition Le Petit Théâtre Dior in Chendgu, China (open until the 20th of June). It is the first stop of this travelling exhibition, inspired by Théâtre de la Mode, a 1945–1946 touring exhibit of fashion mannequins, approximately 1/3 the size of human scale, crafted by top Paris fashion designers. Now, for the house of Dior, twelve installations retrace the history of the House and present miniature versions of the Bar suit, the dresses Schuman, Muguet, Miss Dior and many more. Minutely sewn to the millimetre, they resemble the originals down to the tiniest detail. It's not just an exhibition that's heading off around the world, it's the Dior spirit that's travelling, too.

So why is Dior making these miniature dresses, crafted with full-scale precision? "In a time when everything is tending to the machine. Dior should be more like an artisanal laboratory than the ideal of a factory" Christian Dior wrote in his memoirs. Even before founding his own House, the couturier recognized that the noble professions exercised by the artisans were inseparable from Haute Couture.

Pale pink and white silk bustier ball dress worn by Jennifer Lawrence for the 2013 Academy Awards.

Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2013

At the time of the original Théâtre De La Mode exhibition, Christian Dior himself was working for Lucien Lelong, a venerable French fashion house and it is believed that he had a hand in making some of the original dresses. In the modern reinterpretation, even at only a third the size of the original model, each miniature dress in the Petit Théâtre Dior is produced with the master's exacting standards: based on a cotton toile in the purest Haute Couture tradition and with the same precision and rigour as the magical creations worn by Dior's clients.

J'Adore: Backless dress in nude-coloured silk chiffon, Belle Epoque gold necklace.

Special creation, 2011 for Dior perfume ad.

In couture ateliers time seems to stand still: embroidery is done by hand, as in the 18th century (and mostly in specialised small firms such as Lesage), miniature silk fabric flowers are made by hand, with delicate precision almost matching a neurosurgeon:.one can see them on the original Miss Dior dress, designed in 1949, as well as on the miniature version,made especially for this exhibition. To achieve this result, le petite main carries on as part of a long legacy; fabric petals are cut out by hand with a punch tool and the embossing is done with a period tool. Then both are fixed around a brass stalk to make the final flower.

The detail is so breathtaking that it seems the miniature dresses are even more exquisite and precious than their life-size counterparts. I wish I could have all of these made for my dolls and photograph them as couture models of this era. What a lovely assignment that would be.

White organza evening dress embroidered with “Pointillist” layered chiffon.

Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 2012.

Aventure: Black wool button-up skirt, black-and-white hound’s-tooth jacket with gored back.

Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1948, Envol line.

Opéra-Bouffe:  Short evening dress in candy-pink silk taffeta.

Haute Couture Autumn-Winter 1956, Aimant line

Schumann: White silk tulle ball gown trimmed in Valenciennes lace. Cascade of Dior roses at the back. Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1950, Verticale line.

Display at the exhibition - notice the oversize thimble and pin cushion contrasting the miniature dresses.

Integrity Toys new collections 2014: Event Doll - High Visibility Agnes

As is usually the case in on-line presentations (or webinars as they call the method of doing them), Integrity Toys had a special event doll created for the W Club members. High Visibility Agnes Von Weiss will be made for all members who pre-order her and is not available to the public. Members have until May 21st to pre-order her.

Item # 91349
High Visibility Agnes Von Weiss™ Dressed Doll Mini Gift Set 
The Fashion Royalty® Collection 2014 
W Club Online Event Exclusive 
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US 
Limited Edition Size: TBA 
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late Summer/Early Fall 2014 

Doll Tech Specs: 
Body Type: FR 2013 
Head Sculpts: Agnes Von Weiss 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tones: Japan 
Hair Color: Strawberry Red 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 

Agnes Von Weiss, the 2014 online event doll, is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with an polished hairstyle and hand-applied eyelashes. The Baroness' look is composed of a two-piece jacquard ensemble with laced-up eyelet details and a faux-suede sleeveless biker inspired top. Agnes also sports a fashionably tall straw hat, sunglasses and an oversized purse. The outfit completely transforms by changing into a long mermaid skirt, revealing a bustier top. Two pairs of shoes, jewelry and doll stand also included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Another Agnes as an event doll - she is after all designated as a character that is available only at events. The gift set offers a great opportunity to mix and match, and also fits with most of the other Safari collection pieces, so endless possibilities there. The price is the same as for a regular doll so it's value for money too. The doll looks good, although I had to look at the close up photo to make up my mind about getting her. The lipstick looks as if it is not following her trademark frown. It does not look bad but it is not a classic Agnes expression. Again, this is only a prototype doll. And, yes, hoop earrings again. Meh.

Please note that the photos are of a prototype doll 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.

Integrity Toys new collections 2014: Fashion Royalty goes safari

Just like with the Poppy Parker line, W Club members already knew well in advance what the main theme and inspiration would be for this year's Fashion Royalty release: Safari. The Vanessa upgrade doll gave us a good indication of how the line would look line, one that was even more pronounced with the appearance of the much coveted Elise Montaigne Market limited edition. The line presented has six amazing dolls (plus the event doll that also fit in, but she gets a separate post here). So along with the upgrade doll from the beginning of the year, the core 8 dolls are all present in the FR collection as promised. All of them look amazing, with well executed outfits, great accessories and a coherent enough look - although a couple of them do look a bit far-fetched. The one thing I was eagerly expecting and did not see: a great safari jacket, in the style of that master of the look, Yves Saint - Laurent. What a missed opportunity. 

Item # 91342
Elusive Creature Natalia Fatalé™ Dressed Doll 
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size: 800 
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014 
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 

Doll Tech Specs: 
Body Type: FR 2013 
Head Sculpt: Natalia Fatalé 2.0 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: Hispanic 
Hair Color: Serengeti Blond 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 

Natalia Fatalé's look is composed of a short sleeveless safari vest over a 3/4 sleeve power-mesh top and short pleated skirt. Natalia sports a large brimmed hat and accessorizes her look with a faux-snake skin purse and a set of gold jewelry and sunglasses. Natalia Fatalé is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with Serengeti Blond hair and hand-applied eyelashes. Doll stand included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

We have seen this hair style on Natalia several times. Looks like the designers do not know what more to do with her hair, which is a same - Latina girls are very particular about their style and hair is very important! Come on people, make Natalia less boring - she's the bad guy of the story, have some fun with her. Even a side part here would have looked so much better. The outfit is nice but not amazing, the belt is wrong for the style (big buckled wide croco/snake style would have worked so much better).

Poor Natalia, you wanted so much to be this:

Verushka in YSL by Franco Rubartelli 

# 91343 
On The Rise Elise Jolie™ Dressed Doll 
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size: 700 
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014 

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013 
Head Sculpt: Elise Jolie 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tones: Japan 
Hair Color: Black Panther 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 

Elise Jolie wears a vibrant saffron floor lenght colored gown, completed by a gold tone faux-croc clutch purse, matching jewelry and intricate gold strappy heels. Elise Jolie is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with black hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Gorgeous Elise - although I would have liked her in blonde. We have had two raven haired Elise dolls in the convention and a red-head from Montaigne Market, so a blonde/platinum haired one would have been amazing. Her make up does remind me of her French incarnation (which is good), minus the gold glitter. Lovely dress, with good draping on the hips. The neckline draping looks uneven on the prototype but I hope it will be corrected on the production dolls. Her accessories are fantastic and fit the look perfectly. She's a keeper.

Item # 91344 
City Prowl Eugenia Perrin Frost™ Dressed Doll 
The Fashion Royalty® Collection 
Limited Edition Size: 800 
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014 
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 

Doll Tech Specs: 
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Eugenia Perrin-Frost 
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tones: FR White 
Hair Color: Desert Dune Blond 
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied 

Eugenia is dressed in a faux-leather bustier with cargo pocket details, over a sheer leopard print blouse and a matching knee length fitted skirt. Her look is completed by earrings, bracelets, a clutch and a pair of lace up shoes! Eugenia Perrin-Frost is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with desert dune blond hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Item # 91346
Faded Desert Kyori Sato™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Kyori 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: FR White
Hair Color: Dusk Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Kyori Sato wears a look composed of a sleeveless safari jacket over a jacquard woven skirt. Kyori Sato is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with brunette hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

What a beautiful version of Kyori. Her eye-shadow does look a little pronounced but it fits the look and usually in person it is more subdued. Love the outfit, the colouring, the accessories. Her bag is an exact replica of the Jourdan bag from Jason Wu, in a colour not available for real people. Sleeveless jackets like this were in Jason's real collection too. Pet peeve - hoop earrings again? 

Item # 91347
Full Spectrum Véronique Perrin™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Véronique 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Japan
Hair Color: Brunette
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Véronique is dressed in a form fitting red hot cocktail dress, elegantly accessorized with earrings, some bracelets, a ring and matching shoes. It also has a slim leather belt. Véronique Perrin is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with brownette hair and hand-applied eyelashes. Doll stand included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

This is one of the most beautiful Veros I have seen, but also the most plain. The dress has a great cut and colour but the accessories are minimal and most of them we have seen before. It does not justify the price the way the other dolls of the collection do. She reminds me a lot of one of the dolls in the first Monogram collection, Incandescent.

Item # 91348
Vivid Encounter Adèle Makéda™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Limited Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately August/September 2014
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR 2013
Head Sculpt: Adèle 3.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tones: Light Honey
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Adèle Makéda is wearing an olive green gown, which is accessorized by a newly designed necklace and bracelet, as well as a coordinated gold clutch. Adèle Makéda is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with raven hair and hand-applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

She looks a lot like the convention Adèle but with different colour eye shadow. The dress is a bit of a mess, the skirt draping not as distinct or as tailored as it should have been. I love the shoes. Was expecting more of an African princess though. Imagine Elise's dress in this olive green - would have been fabulous.

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.