Integrity Toys May 2015 release part 1: Katy Keene collection

Later then every other year, Integrity Toys unveiled four new collections of dolls this past weekend to the members of W Club through a webinar presentation. The event was not without its problems; many people, including me, were not able to see the photo slides of the dolls, were instructed to log out and back in again which resulted for many in a message saying the webinar is full. That meant no live presentation - we had to rely instead on other members that posted screen caps on the club forum. The company apologised profusely and promised to take the matter up with the software maker. I am not too familiar with the mechanics behind such presentations but I guess that when you organize such a large, worldwide event on-line, things can go bad really fast and also it is good to have immediate access to IT people supporting the event so that they can fix such problems in real time. The dolls are available to pre-order now so get in touch with the dealers from the IT list ASAP.

The collections will be presented on separate posts here in the blog, with a fifth one dedicated to the event doll. Let's start with the first group presented, which is a new brand for Integrity Toys: the Katy Keene collection.  These are dolls based on the iconic comic book character Katy Keene and her fashionable friends from Archie Comics. David Buttry presented this collection and said they were inspired by the comics and the related paper dolls produced throughout the years. I was very thrilled to see these incredible fashions and gorgeous faces until I saw that all dolls have Color Infusion bodies. This means that they cannot share fashions and shoes with most of my other dolls. I also think that this is the wrong type of body for this era. I believe that the dolls would look better with either the previous Fashion Royalty body (the tall one with the large bust) or the Victoire body, so that they could exchange fashions and accessories with her, since their eras match. I do not know the reasoning behind the body choice but it made me not order any doll. Otherwise, they look amazing. The detail in the clothing is fantastic and the face paints and hairdos are perfection. On to the dolls:

So who is Katy Keene? A character created by Bill Woggon, she has appeared in several comic book series published by Archie Comics since 1945. She is a model/actress/singer known as America's Queen of Pin-Ups and Fashions. The readers were encouraged to submit original drawings of outfits and accessories for her and her friends to wear, as well as designs for cars, homes, interiors, etc. These designs were used in the comics with credit given to published submissions. Many issues featured paper dolls of Katy in various costumes. After a 20 year hiatus from the 60s to the 80s, the character was revived, was retired again in the early 90s and re-introduced in 2005 as a high school student. I am glad I am not alone in noticing an eerie resemblance of Katy Keene and Katy Perry. Writer Donna Dickens of Hitfix.com wrote an article in April 2014, suggesting pop star Katy Perry had based her entire fashion persona on the character. The story generated enough Internet buzz that Perry actually issued a statement to Rolling Stone Magazine saying she in fact did not base anything about herself on Keene, although jokingly acknowledged the coincidences. Well, sorry Ms. Perry but the resemblance is too strong to have me convinced. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Item # 14069
Winning Number
Lucki Red Lorelei™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition Size of 425 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00 US
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Color Infusion
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: B-Tone
Hair Color: Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Lucki Red Lorelei is  Katy's best friend. She is a superstitious redhead, also a model, and wears green as it is a lucky colour, as well as accessories shaped like a horseshoe or a four-leaf clover for the same reason. She is stunning and apart from being beautiful, also wears quite an intricate suit - and green. If you want to sell me something, paint it green. She has the Jem sculpt from the Jem and the Hologram line. If she was on another body I would have snapped her up. Lucki Lorelei.is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Item # 14070
The Odds are Stacked
Gloria Grandbuilt™ Dressed Doll
Limited Edition Size of 500 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00 US
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Color Infusion 
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Pale Blonde
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Katy's rival in her career and love life is the wealthy and snobby blond Gloria Grandbilt - the name is a take on the socialite Gloria Vanderbilt. She's the blond of the trio and what a gorgeous doll, again in a perfectly detailed suit the colour of rubies. The doll uses the Tilda Brisby/Roxy sculpt - and to good effect, looking better than any previous incarnation. Again, if she was on another body, I would get her too. Gloria Grandbuilt is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. 

Item # 14071
Blue Serenade
Katy Keene™ Dressed Doll 
Limited Edition Size of 500 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00 US
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Color Infusion 
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

The third doll presented is the protagonist of the line. She is using the Rapture sculpt from the Jem line. This particular outfit was picked from a paper doll; it was shown in the webinar and it is almost an exact copy down to the accessories. Katy Keene is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. 

Item # 14072
Shimmering Dynasty
Katy Keene™ Dressed Doll 
Limited Edition Size of 500 Dolls
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Early July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $145.00 US
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Color Infusion 
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Since she was revived in the 80s, David thought it would be a good idea to have an outfit based on that era. Very Nolan Miller/Dynasty like (hence the doll name), it could have easily appeared in the series, worn by Joan Collins. Look at the jewellery! Katy Keene is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Item # 14073
Everything's Keene
Katy Keene™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
Limited Edition Size of 500 Gift Sets
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately Late July 2015
Suggested Retail Price: $185.00
Available for Pre-order from Any Authorized Integrity Toys Dealer

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: Color Infusion 
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

So this is actually a gift set with a good price. She has two dresses, a coat and lingerie, with two gorgeous pairs of shoes - the beige ones are to die for. And does she look like that other Katy or not? Katy Keene is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. A doll stand is included as well. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. 

So what do you think about this line? Let me know in the comments. I am certain that if it is a success, we will also see the men in Katy's life: the red-headed boxer K.O. Kelly, his rich blond rival Randy Van Ronson and their 80s replacements, the Latino airline pilot and talented dancer Ramon Ramirez and the Arnold Schwarzenegger parody Arnold Horsenlegger. She also had a sister, simply called "Sis" that could also make an appearance. People in the webinar asked about other Archie characters entering the line and David said it would of course depend on the success of the line.

Please note that the dolls shown in the photos are prototypes and the final production dolls, colours and fabrics may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. KATY KEENE is a registered trademark of Archie Comics. ™ & © 2015 Archie Comic Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used Under License.

First W Club doll for 2015 is here - and it is Poppy Parker

Just a couple of nights ago, W Club members received news of the very first doll to be offered to them for 2015. And it is none other than Poppy Parker, making it a sneak peak into this year's line of Poppy dolls that will be inspired by the top models of the 60s, Model Scene. The surprise was that she is not just a doll - she is a gift set with three different outfits and three different heads. Yes, the quick-switch system is alive and well and makes an appearance again this year, despite the problems with last year's Loni/Poppy doll, Sabina Havoc, that had her heads wobbly on the switch neck; Integrity Toys had to replace many bodies (including my doll's). The set is called Mood Changers (fitting) and two of the three fashions are mod-inspired (with a space-age hint) while the third is more early 60s. Let's see what's in-store:

Item # PP079
Mood Changers
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Model Scene Collection
2015 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA 
Estimated Ship Date: Approximately 
Special W Club Price: $160.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.

*Deposit of $30.00 due immediately at pre-order, balance of $130.00 + shipping and handling (and tax for Maryland residents) due approximately Fall 2015.

Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpts: Poppy
Body Type: Poppy Parker™ 
Quick Switch Feature: Yes
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Colors: Auburn (Head # 1), Raven (Head # 2), Lilac (Head # 3)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Poppy's first look is an elegant party dress in black satin with silver and black organza overlay. Glittering jewellery, a matching bolero jacket and black hose and shoes complete this "Jazzy" ensemble. Her hair is in a side swept low bun in a shade of auburn and her make-up is in smoky shades of grey. I think this is the best version of this gift-set, she's the winner hands down. I'd get her even if she was just this one single doll. Pure perfection.

The second look is a delicate lace pant-suit in a vision of sea foam. Satin trim details finish off this look on Poppy. Her side parted raven wavy hair accentuates her make-up in complementary shades of sea foam. This one looks great - it would look even better if the outfit was in white or black. This is straight from Courrèges in 1964, as you can see below (photo by Ronald Falloon):

It is also very similar to what Diane Kruger wore to the Met Gala on Monday, by Chanel. Her face looks gorgeous, even with this particular eye-shadow. She could be Meghan Draper from Mad Men on a night out.

The last look is a pale pink mini dress with silver sequin trim.Completing the look is a smashing hairstyle in a subtle shade of lilac and pink make-up making for an over the top, space age look. A Poppy with lilac hair!

She looks a bit weird in this hair colour and make up - if she was not in the gift set, I do not think I would buy her as a stand-alone doll. Which is precisely why she's offered like this.

This outfit is a Pierre Cardin original from 1969, a pink silk-crèpe mini-dress with puffed metallic trim around the hem and collar, as we can see in the photo from L'Officiel below (photo by Roland Bianchini):

Poppy Parker is a 12-inch vinyl/plastic articulated fashion doll with three fully rooted, interchangeable heads. Comes complete with accessories and a doll stand. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. Pictures of prototype shown; final production colors and textures may vary slightly. All photos (unless otherwise mentioned) and doll information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission

New vinyl Sybarite Mansion - gone in 60 seconds

Today Superfrock London unveiled their second vinyl Sybarite doll, named Mansion. She was available for sixty seconds - only 100 pieces made, all sold out in a minute. More details about this beautiful doll below:

MANSION - GEN X - DD_090
After years in development we are delighted to present our ALL NEW Vinyl formula. version T-5 sample.

REBEL PRINCESS Generation_X
Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
*please note different monitors may show colours differently.
*production may vary individually and from prototype shown.

Icy blue duo coloured eyes, arched for attitude brows in charcoal and black with shadow of coal and muted blacks. Lids in matte opaque grey. Lips the colour of poisoned apple.

Black wig bearing side parting, in a 'voluptuous' state; drizzling over one eye and swirling into waist length big loose curls.

Wearing a tiny 'shrunken' zip up cardigan over a twist front daisy print top. Short skirt, a black and white op geo weave and black panties! 2 part hose (which are indeed a one piece), bearing garter belts in black. Adding that post punk vibe, a 'gold' multi stud belt as an accent.

White 'kill the mouse' heels and 'monster' carry-all.

Additional accessories: loads of black bracelets, monogram V bling necklace, glittering taxidermy cat ear headband

She comes with the following standards:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand

ED:100
Please allow 40 days and 40 nights for delivery
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £232.62 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

High Visibility Agnes Von Weiss

Last year, during the presentation for the main Integrity Toys collections, the event doll was none other then Agnes Von Weiss as a lovely gift-set. This incarnation of hers is called High Visibility and it caused a minor uproar among collectors at the time because her lips were not painted in her usual scowl but in a more straightforward line. I think it is interesting that changes like this appear from time to time on the dolls - it makes the characters more varied and nuanced. She;s a good looking doll and I really enjoyed taking her photos. The edition size of this doll is 1350, made according to the dolls ordered by event attendees.

She comes in a variety of clothing with great mix-and-match possibilities, not only between them but also with the other outfits of the Urban Safari Fashion Royalty line of 2014. These include a corset made in a thick patterned fabric. The thickness of it is a bit off and it makes the corset look huge, destroying its shape, despite the nice detailing with the criss-cross cords on the sides. The hooks for closure in the back do not help either - it would have been better using a zip. The long skirt flares from below the knee. It looks good and matches the rest of the pieces nicely in colour and fabric. The shape though would hold much better if the fabric used was stiffer. It has a zip at the back, which again makes me wonder about not using one on the corset too.

The rest of the pieces make up a day-time outfit: a cropped, sleeveless jacket made of suede, with a belt and buckle closure on the side, over a skirt made in the same fabric as the corset. Remember that Faded Desert Kyori had a skirt made in another shade of this fabric (and the criss-cross detail missing here). You can tell the fabric is too thick by the awkward waist - it does not even have a waistband - not possible with a thick fabric like this.This is a detail that makes the skirt look unfinished and cheap, despite the luxurious texture.

Lots of accessories to use as well. Two pairs of shoes (white strapped sandals and dark brown strapped pumps, both with extra lacing which I could not figure out how to tie properly (hence the sloppy look or total photoshopping of them on the photos). An extra company photo of the shoes properly tied would have helped a lot. There is also a huge tote and a brown straw hat along with sunglasses (in lilac) which are the same style used throughout the Urban Safari outfits. The hoop earrings are a colour variation of the ones Faded Desert Kyori is wearing as well, as are two of her bracelets. Excellent colour co-ordination throughout.

She has an intricate hairstyle - a middle part, with hair swept backwards in two waves, and then forms a double bun at the back. The copper shade matches her Japan skin-tone, as does her make up - coppery eye-shadows and orange-red lipstick.

As I had recently acquired some Silkstone Barbie outfits, I decided to try them on Agnes.and they do fit well, despite the height difference (the skirts just look a bit shorter). 

Here she is wearing the Boater Ensemble from the BFC Barbie Silkstone doll of the same name. She absolutely rocks it. I just added the Lady Dior inspired bag from the Fashion Royalty Fashion Spectacular accessories set. Even the tights fit (very tight though due to the length of the legs). I did not try to put on the gloves as they look like oven mittens. She is also wearing another Fashion Royalty bracelet.

Under the jacket is a lovely two-toned dress that looks fantastic on its own as well. I should have put on her a couple of Chanel-style chain necklaces or even a chain belt, they would look lovely with this. The spectator pumps fit perfectly.

The second outfit is from the Capucine Silkstone Barbie doll. Again it fits her nicely and the skirt looks a lot like her own - albeit in the stiffer fabric better suited to this shape. Here you can tell how her height makes the skirt look short. The shoes and jewellery are from On The Rise Elise Jolie from the Urban Safari line. This outfit reminds me a lot of Gianfranco Ferre's work at Dior.

All photos copyright © 2015 by Stratos Bacalis - not to be used or re-published without reference and/or permission.

A convention doll for W Club members - going or not!

As mentioned in their convention announcement, Integrity Toys announced a convention upgrade doll that can be pre-ordered from all W Club members, whether going to the convention or not. And since the Cinematic event was sold out in 5 hours from its announcement, this is good news for all those on the waiting list (use the link in my previous post to enter) or not going at all. The doll can be pre-ordered until the 27th of April and does not have an edition size yet - demand will determine how many dolls will be finally made. No photo is yet available of the doll, just the concept sketch:

Item # 91385
Reigning Grace
Eugenia Perrin Frost Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2015 Cinematic Convention Upgrade
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Delivery Date: Approximately Late October 2015

Special Pricing:
Convention Attendees: $125.00 (pick-up or shipping options will be offered with final payment)*
Non-Attendees (W Club Members only): $150.00 + shipping*

*A $25 deposit is required immediately at pre-order to reserve your doll. The remaining amount will be billed in October. Attendees have a discount ($25) and can pick their doll at the event or have it shipped to their preferred address. Non-attendees will have the doll shipped to them directly. 

The name of the doll is Reigning Grace Eugenia and the concept is that she is going to be an actress, appearing in a film for the very first time. The preview doll is designed by the Integrity Toys design team and this special preview fashion sketch is by Jessy Ayala. She looks gorgeous, classy and regal. Cannot wait to see her first photos. Of course she is channelling Grace Kelly from Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film Rear Window, as Erich Ben, another fellow doll collector, kindly pointed out to me. Dressed by Edith Head Wonder if all the dolls of this collection channel glamorous movie stars. Some photos of the real dress below - will we get the hat too? And look at that pleating - it starts from the bust. Love it.

All photos and information are copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. Preview sketch only- the exact production details of this doll are subject to modification. The actual doll will be revealed closer to convention.