Defiant Rayna designed by Jason Kramer, winner of 2015 Integrity Toys convention design contest, available for preorder

Last year at the Cinematic Integrity Toys convention, there was the Official Integrity Toys Advanced Design competition. The winner was Jason Kramer with Defiant, modelled by a Natalia Fashion Royalty doll. The winning design, picked by the members of the Integrity Toys design team, after adjustments to make it production ready while preserving the spirit of Jason's original design, is now ready for preorder. A major change is that instead of Natalia, the doll wearing the outfit is now Rayna. W Club members can pre-order as many dolls as they like, so the total edition size will be based on how many pre-orders are received. The doll is also available for the general public to preorder, you can click on this link.

Item # 82076
Defiant
Rayna™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
2015 Design Competition Award Doll by Jason Kramer
Limited Edition Size: TBA 
Estimated Ship Date: January/February 2017
Special W Club Price: $135.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax*.
General Public Price: $145.00 + Shipping, Handling and Applicable Sales Tax.
*W Club members will have to pay a non-refundable deposit of $20.00 at pre-order to reserve their doll (s); the balance of $115.00 + shipping and handling (and tax for Maryland residents) will be due approximately January/February 2017. 

Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Rayna™
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair Color: Golden Bronze
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied

Rayna™ is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with long, silky fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. Her look that can be worn multiple ways is composed of a high-contrast custom printed removable plaid skirt over high-waisted capris and a black micro sequined sleeveless top, finished with a multi-strand chain necklace, oversized hoop earrings, cuff bracelets, high-heels and a clutch purse. A doll stand and a numbered certificate of authenticity is also included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.

Hmmm... Rayna is one of the rarest Integrity Toys sculpts, first premiered as an unknown doll wearing an outfit for sale and has only been released as part of conventions or special events, while lately she appeared as part of an ITBE collection but in a dark skin tone. I was looking forward for a more easily available version of hers and now she's here. But she does not look like Rayna at all. Look at the photo below and tell me you'd recognise the same character if no one told you who it was.

I do not know why the designers picked this particular doll to use the small, slanted eye design but it is a total disaster - it is not Rayna. So, while the outfit is gorgeous and I'd love to have it in my collection, the doll will keep me off buying it. We were informed that she has painted eyes so I cannot attribute the look to the newly available, and much discussed, decal eyes that the company used on some dolls. It is a major disappointment for me. I know some people will pre-order her in the hope that Integrity will redesign the eyes but I cannot commit like this. And no one should have to.

So who is the talented Jason Kramer? He began working in design straight out of college, where he majored in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in Costume design. He has designed costumes for both theatre and dance productions, and now works as Artistic Director and Lead Designer at a costume design company that specializes in custom made dance wear. When he's not working, he spends most of his free time with his husband James and their dog Apollo in their Long Beach, California home. 

The inspiration for this design was grunge fashion, with a more contemporary and chic interpretation. He collects dolls for the last 15 years. His favourite era of fashion is the Dior New Look. Favourite IT sculpts include Eugenia, Natalia, Elyse and Tulabelle. 

Jason Kramer

The winning design as sketched by Jason

Are you pre-ordering Defiant? What do you think of her? Let me know in the comments.

Note: Pictures of prototype shown; final production colors and textures may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2016 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Fashion Royalty and all related characters are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. and JWU LLC. All rights reserved.

Graphics and Layouts by Alain Tremblay Marketing. Photography by Jayme Thornton

Charlotte Olympia exlusive Barbie doll now available on Net-a-Porter

The much anticipated Charlotte Olympia Barbie doll is now available to order on Net-A-Porter.com. The doll is supposed to be released through the Charlotte Olympia website on the 6th of September. The renowned accessories designer has also designed a capsule collection of real life shoes and bags to go with the doll, which you can shop here.

Update: Now available at Barbie Collection.

I love the accessories but the €202 price tag is quite high. The american price is $125 on the designer website.

They even included the leopard Bruce that is a fixture in the Charlotte Olympia shops.

The accompanying description: An absolute must for collectors, Charlotte Olympia's Barbie® is inspired by the original 1959 doll, right down to her elegant feline facial features and perfectly coiffed hair. This Collection Gold Label® edition is wearing a leopard-print dress and 'Dolly' pumps and carries the 'Bogart' tote with matching gloves. Inside the box you'll also find some miniature 'Kitty' flats, an 'I Love Shoes' tote and the brand's big cat mascot, Bruce.

Below is the back of the box, with all the details. And the designer's inspiration?

"A childhood dream come true, Charlotte Olympia and Mattel collaborate on a very special collector's Barbie® doll. Taking inspiration from the original 1959 Barbie®, Charlotte Olympia styles her in a two-piece leopard print outfit with a pair of signature red Dolly platform pumps on her feet, accompanied by the iconic red Bogart leather handbag and matching leather gloves. A lady of true glamour and refinement, her hair is set in blonde retro waves and she comes with a closet's worth of Charlotte Olympia signature accessories, including the brands leopard mascot. The Barbie® capsule collection features a range of Pretty in Pink Kitty Flats, ultra-girly platforms pumps and sandals and Barbie® themed clutches for a fun and timeless flash-back look".

The box includes the doll carrying her accessories plus two additional signature pairs of shoes; the Kitty Flats and the Eve platform sandals, the Pandora clutch box complete with insert, the Banana bag, the Web fascinator, 1950’s inspired cat-eye sunglasses and a Charlotte Olympia shoebox with dust bag and polaroid. For the adult collector.

Body Type: Shani
Facial sculpt: Vintage Barbie
Fashion Sewn On: No
Fashion: Fitted leopard-print dress with matching jacket
Accessories: Shoes: Red ‘Dolly’ pumps, green ‘Eve’ heels, ‘Kitty’ flats, leopard ‘ Miranda’ wedge; Purses: Clear ‘Pandora’ clutch, ‘Kitty’ purse with real gold chain, ‘Banana’ bag; Others: ‘Bruce’ leopard statue, shoe box with dustbag, sunglasses, spiderweb earrings, shopping tote
Doll Stand: Yes
Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 13.5“ ; x 3.0“ x 12.

 All photos courtesy of Charlotte Olympia and Mattel.

New Misaki doll will be available in September

Azone have posted the new FR Nippon Collection Misaki doll (the 18th Misaki series as the site says) at their website (and Integrity on their Facebook page). It is described as '60s-style retro POP in a Ryi style. It has side glancing eyes and an asymmetrical Oriental hairstyle, while she is dressed in a colorful violet dress with embroidery at the bottom. She's really cute.

You can preorder the doll from Azone. I could not figure the day that you can place a preorder but it is either 19th of September or the day before. Contact Azone for details.

FR Nippon
FRN056-LMK / 4582119986049
Let Me Kiss You Misaki
Hair: Milk tea 
Eye: Misty Blue
Lip: Baby rose (Fairy Pink)

Set Contents
Doll (about 29cm realistic eye Rush)
Dress socks, shoes, ring, earrings, handbag
Doll Stand
¥16,000 + tax=  ¥ 17,280

The doll will be available on September 19, 2016 at the Azone stand (no. 47) in the Doll Show exhibition. People who buy the doll at the exhibition also get an ITJ special novelty gift. Shipping at the end of October. Two dolls per person. 

Barbie as social media influencer: would you buy something endorsed by Barbie?

In early August, Mane University in Hawaii hosted a beauty conference for Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer. it seems that Barbie (Mattel really) was hired to produce sponsored content for it. You can check the Barbie Style instagram by Mattel to see the related content, or check the photos from that account below:

It seems a bit weird to hire a doll (no matter how famous she is) to advertise a super expensive ($400) high tech hair dryer. In the age of Kardashian/Jenner social media reign and companies paying 6- figure sums to influencers with millions of followers in order to promote their products, hiring Barbie must have some secret meaning I am just not getting - is it the colour?

Would you buy something, or even think of buying something, because you saw it on Barbie's instagram? Is this a thing of the future? While I like the attention fashion dolls are getting from outside the (small) world of collectors, this feels weird.

All photos courtesy of Mattel Inc., from the @barbiestyle instagram account.

Integrity Toys 2016 unveil: My Little Pony collection < 3 MLP

Integrity Toys announced last year that they had secured the license from Hasbro to do < 3 MLP (My Little Pony) inspired dolls to honour the fans of the My Little Pony brand.  This special-edition collection includes six fashion dolls and figures inspired by My Little Pony brand enthusiasts and fans of all ages, four boys and two girls. Each fan figure keeps the theme of their favourite MY LITTLE PONY character, wearing clothing and accessories inspired by that pony, complete with a "cutie mark" on their respective figures i.e. a tattoo matching the one on the pony. 

I was not expecting to like anything in this collection. It was a nice surprise to find that most of the dolls are looking great and I am already thinking of buying one of them. Jesse Ayala, the designer of this collection, has done an outstanding job in creating the dolls inspired by fans inspired by the ponies. The attention to detail and realisation is great and I am sure that the series, available in a staggering release through IT Direct only (and not through dealers) will be a success. Jesse also said that Alain helped him with the pony images on clothes and accessories and the design of the skateboard graphics. Each doll is an edition of 500, retailing at $130. w Club members will have the privilege of ordering ahead of public.

Item # 14079

sonic_rainboom_92

Rainbow Dash™ Inspired Dressed Fashion Figure

The < 3 MLP™ Collection

Order Date: September 12th, 2016 (for W Club Members) and September 13th for the General Public

Limited Edition Size: 500

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: Homme Body

Quick Switch Feature: No 

Skin Tone: Light Honey

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eyelashes: No

Self-confident, athletic and loyal just like his favorite pony, RAINBOW DASH, sonic_rainboom_92 (as his friends know him online) is into fitness, extreme sports, superheroes and comic books. Fully articulated 12.5-inch (31.75 CM) plastic fashion doll with rooted hair. Doll cannot stand alone and some poses may require hand support, a doll stand is included. This collectible contains small parts and is not recommended for children below 36 months of age. For adult collectors 15 years old and up only.

He's incredible looking, despite the pony mane on the hoodie. This is the one I will try to get when released. I love everything about him and his face is gorgeous too. The sculpt used is from the Jem & The Holograms doll Anthony Julian. I did not get that one, but this incarnation rocks. Great accessories too, the sneakers and the backpack are amazing. Love the t-shirt too.

Item # 14080

sparkling_stargazer

Twilight Sparkle™ Inspired Dressed Doll

The < 3 MLP™ Collection

Order Date: September 12th, 2016 (for W Club Members) and September 13th for the General Public

Limited Edition Size: 500

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: The Industry (New body type!)

Quick Switch Feature: No 

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Deep Navy with Hot Pink Streak

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Highly-social, smart and organized just like her favorite pony, TWILIGHT SPARKLE, sparkling_stargazer (as her online friends know her) is into astrology and the arcane arts. Fully articulated 12.5-inch (31.75 CM) plastic fashion doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. Doll cannot stand alone and some poses may require hand support, a doll stand is included. This collectible contains small parts and is not recommended for children below 36 months of age. For adult collectors 15 years old and up only.

This one is too cartoony, as expected. She is using the Jasper sculpt from the Dynamite Girls line. The skirt looks a bit Barbie play-line, other than that, the rest looks cute and in line with the brand license. Love the chic scarf tied at the bag.

Item #14081

rare_form_21

Rarity™ Inspired Dressed Fashion Figure

The < 3 MLP™ Collection

Approximate Relese Date: October 2016

Limited Edition Size: 500

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: Homme Body

Quick Switch Feature: No 

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Bright Purple

Eyelashes: No

rare_form_21 loves everything that is beautiful and being the center of attention, just like his favorite pony, RARITY. He is a fashion designer and high-profile socialite involved in artistic charities, a social media "it boy". Fully articulated 12.5-inch (31.75 CM) plastic fashion doll with rooted hair. Doll cannot stand alone and some poses may require hand support, a doll stand is included. This collectible contains small parts and is not recommended for children below 36 months of age. For adult collectors 15 years old and up only. 

Eccentric and colourful guy here, he has the Tenzin sculpt from the Color Infusion line. Too purple hair from me, hahaha! His shirt looks like it has a velcro fastening but I could be mistaken. Very detailed accessories and the glasses are TDF!

Item # 14082

appleofmyeye

Applejack™ Inspired Dressed Fashion Figure

The < 3 MLP™ Collection 

Approximate Release Date: October 2016

Limited Edition Size: 500

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: Homme Body

Quick Switch Feature: No 

Skin Tone: Hungarian

Hair Color: Blond

Eyelashes: No

Brave, reliable, strong, mature and hard-working just like his favorite pony, APPLEJACK, appleofmyeye (as his online friends know him) is totally into organic gardening and nature. Fully articulated 12.5-inch (31.75 CM) plastic fashion doll with rooted hair. Doll cannot stand alone and some poses may require hand support, a doll stand is included. This collectible contains small parts and is not recommended for children below 36 months of age. For adult collectors 15 years old and up only.

Cute as hell but that ponytail ruined it for me completely. Plus he's too baby-faced for a beard. He is using the Kieron sculpt from the Color Infusion line. I think I have enough clothes to replicate the look on one of my hommes but must find braces! The bag is a clever way to incorporate the Pony image, as was the clutch on Rarity.

Item # 14083

kind_pegasus95

Fluttershy™ Inspired Dressed Doll

The < 3 MLP™ Collection

Approximate Release Date: November 2016

Limited Edition Size: 500

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: The Industry (New Body Type!)

Quick Switch Feature: No 

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Sandy Blond W/ Pale Pink Streak

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Peaceful, kind and empathetic just like her favorite pony, FLUTTERSHY, kind_pegasus95 (as her online friends know her) enjoys singing, cartoon/anime style illustration, as well as collecting kawaii figurines, dolls and MLPs. Fully articulated 12.5-inch (31.75 CM) plastic fashion doll with rooted hair. Doll cannot stand alone and some poses may require hand support, a doll stand is included. This collectible contains small parts and is not recommended for children below 36 months of age. For adult collectors 15 years old and up only.

The diva of the collection, if there ever was one! This one uses the Erin 1.0 sculpt from Nu Face. She reminds me so much of Lana Del Rey. If I had not had an Erin already, I might go for her. It looks like her top has a velcro fastening too. Her choker and boots are perfection.

Item # 14084

okie_dokie_party

Pinkie Pie™ Inspired Dressed Fashion Figure

The < 3 MLP™ Collection

Approximate Release Date: November 2016

Limited Edition Size: 500

Suggested Retail Price: $130.00

Doll Tech Specs:

Body Type: Homme Body

Quick Switch Feature: No 

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Fuschia Pink

Eyelashes: No

Hyperactive, excitable, quirky, and outgoing just like his favorite pony, PINKIE PIE, okie_dokie_party (as his many many friends know him online) loves to make everyone smile and laugh. Fully articulated 12.5-inch (31.75 CM) plastic fashion doll with rooted hair. Doll cannot stand alone and some poses may require hand support, a doll stand is included. This collectible contains small parts and is not recommended for children below 36 months of age. For adult collectors 15 years old and up only. 

If they had to make a bubble gum male doll, this would be it. Perfect match for Barbie if you ask me! He is using the Auden sculpt from Dynamite Girls line. I love the skateboard and the Chuck Taylor inspired sneakers - great placement of the pony eye! 

Which one will you be getting if any?

The dolls, fashions and accessories depicted in the above product photos are prototypes. Final production colors and textures may vary slightly.  All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2016 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. HASBRO and its logo, MY LITTLE PONY and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and used with permission. © 2016 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Graphics and Layouts by Alain Tremblay Marketing. Photography by Alain Tremblay

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