The transformation of Tonner Dolls and a new company: Phyn And Aero

Yesterday Rober Tonner e-mailed registered Tonner Doll members the following letter:

Tonner’s 25th Anniversary Year re-cap:
2016 has been, perhaps, the most momentous year of my life. Celebrating 25 years of creating dolls and accessories was really kind of humbling. Culling through photographs of past events and seeing the faces of people getting so much joy out of the dolls and events we’ve produced was truly heartwarming. It reminds me yet again of how lucky I’ve been to enjoy a hobby that turned into a career and a business.
I’ve frequently been asked what have been the greatest accomplishments of my last 25 years in this business and there are definitely some standouts:
-My first New York Toyfair, sitting at a single table in our tiny booth and selling out everything I brought in the first few hours.
-The first Tyler Wentworth dolls arriving at our warehouse and eventually shipping to retailers.
-The Betsy McCall and Mary Engelbreit licensed products that were so cherished and charming.
-Being the only company to produce Harry Potter dolls for six years.
-Ellowyne Wilde and the creation of Wilde Imagination, which allowed me to move in an entirely new direction.
-All of the employees who have supported me along the way, whether they believed in what I was doing, or not!
Currently, I’m spending a great deal of time learning (and hopefully mastering) some very new computer sculpting programs that, combined with state-of-the-art production capabilities, provide an entirely new method of creating dolls. I call it the “New Art of Doll Making™” and I’m really excited about what we’ll be doing in 2017 and beyond. It’s also awakened a pioneering spirit in me again and I’ve decided it’s time to completely re-think what we offer to collectors. Therefore, although Tonner will continue to make all of our established licensed products such as DC, Gone with the Wind, Outlander, etc., all of our proprietary lines, as well as those of Effanbee and Wilde Imagination, are being discontinued.
A new company is being launched and it’s called Phyn & Aero. We will be introducing three new lines in 2017 in collaboration with innovative (and incredibly talented) new designers. I really feel it’s time to broaden our perspectives and see what some fascinating (and younger!) designers create for our collectors. I believe the collector market needs a major shake-up and I’m quite sure this will be it!
As always, I’m so grateful for all the love and support you’ve shown to me over the years. I am also terrifically excited about the direction we’re heading in and hope you will join us along the way in this new, incredibly exciting adventure!


It looks like the company we knew and loved is no more. It will continue to produce only the licensed dolls (who know for how long, until the licences expire? And will we finally see Empire dolls?) but no more fashion dolls, no more Tyler Wentworth, Marley or any other fashion doll line. It is quite an unceremonious end for Tyler and family and it makes me feel sad as she was one of my first, if not the very first fashion doll I got. The new company, Phyn and Aero, will probably have new fashion dolls, so I am curious to see how that goes. 

The final W Club doll of 2016 is missing the Royalty factor

When I opened the W Club email announcing the final exclusive doll of 2016, read the words "RÉCEPTION À VERSAILLES VÉRONIQUE PERRIN" and saw the doll's face, my mind went straight to Vanessa Perrin True Royalty. I was expecting to see a doll analogue to that one, something glamorous, royal, majestic and resplendent, fitting with the Versailles theme and environment. Alas, no such luck. The doll, while beautiful, is no match to its title, theme or previous experience from this brand. There's no Royalty factor in it. She could be going out for a glass of wine with her girlfriends, not hosting a reception in Versailles for her parent's 35th wedding anniversary (as the storyline accompanying the email mentions). And the background photos of the real Versailles does not do the doll a favour. 
I'm on the fence about getting this one. I like the doll, although I'd rather have her in a lighter skin tone, like Japan or Cream. I love the jewellery. The underwear looks nice too. The dress, not so much. No bag either. Simple shoes. I do not have a red-head Vero so it might weigh in on my buying decision.


Item # 91391
Réception À Versailles
Véronique Perrin® Dressed Doll
2016 W Club Exclusive
Approximate Ship Date: May 2017
Limited Edition Size: TBA Dolls Worldwide
Special W Club Price: $130.00


Doll Tech Specs: 
Body Type: FR2013
Head Sculpt: Véronique 2.0
Quick Switch Feature: No 
Skin Tone: FR White 
Hair Color: Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied


Véronique is a fully articulated 12.5-inch doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Véronique is wearing a dove gray designer cocktail dress, accessorised with a brand new set of enameled jewelry, and also comes with lingerie and pumps. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.



The doll in the pictures is a prototype. Final colors and textures may vary slightly. Background props not included. All text 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.

Graphics and Layouts by Alain Tremblay Marketing.

Mattel releases new Moschino Barbie & Ken dolls

Once again Mattel releases a Moschino Barbie doll, this time with a Ken accompanying her. The set is based on the red carpet appearance of the Moschino label's designer Jeremy Scott and model Stella Maxwell at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.


The giftset is priced at $200 at Barbie Collector and €250 at Moschino, which is quite steep for two non articulated Model Muse bodies and that Barbie face. Cannot comment about the clothing quality as I do not have the set available to check out, but you know, it's Mattel. The first photo is of the actual box with the dolls (from the Moschino website), below is the website photo of the set. Barbie looks a bit different.


It's no surprise it has not sold out. I'm guessing it will not. I like Ken's face and hair but the rest of the set is bland and too expensive. 


Below is a photo of Jeremy Scott and Stella Maxwell at the 2015 MTV VMA red carpet.


And the back of the box with all the details.



Body Type: ModelMuse™ Barbie® and ModelMuse™ Ken®
Facial sculpt: Collector-sized Millie and Harley Ken®
Fashion Sewn On: No
Accessories: Heels, loafers
Doll Stand: Yes
Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 17.0“x 4.75“ x 12.0“
© 2016 Moschino


Integrity Dolly Days 2016: the Nu Face 2016 Collection unveil: Reckless

The final day of the Dolly Days event had a major unveil: the new 2016 Nu Face Collection: Reckless. This was hinted during the 2016 convention in Chicago. I think it is the most complete Nu Face collection revealed so far, especially with the new bodies. All the dolls are available to pre-order now at IT authorised dealers (remember that the W Club had a day's advance notice so there might not be so many left now) except Eden, which will be an IT Direct for next year, via lottery. Dolls will arrive next year.


Item # 82070
She Owns Everything 
Erin S.™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Early Spring 2017
Limited Edition Size: 700 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00


Doll Tech Specs
 Head Sculpt: Erin 2.0
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Skintone: Cream
Hair Color: Golden Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Quickswitch: No


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll features fully rooted hair and comes complete with an outfit composed of a fitted faux-leather bustier and tweed skirt, a blush pink 3/4 sleeve "fur" coat, short mesh socks, high-heels, a jewellery set, a clutch purse, a pair of graffiti printed opera length faux-leather finger-less gloves, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. 


What a beautiful Erin. One of the best dolls in this collection. Indeed she looks like she owns everything. It is my third favourite, and would have gotten her if I had a bigger budget (I had to limit myself to two dolls). 



Item # 82071
I Slay
Nadja R.™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Early Spring 2017
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00
 

Doll Tech Specs
Head Sculpt: Nadja 2.0
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Skintone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Dark Cocoa Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Quickswitch: No


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll features fully rooted hair and comes complete with a two-piece outfit, a chain embroidered "fur" coat, thigh-high boots, choker, a jewellery set, graffiti printed purse, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.


She slays it allright! Nadja here looks like a blaxploitation 70s film star - or a guest star in The Get Down TV mini-series. Even better, she could be in Empire or Luke Cage. If I had to make a list, she's be my 4th favourite in this collection. That choker! Those boots!


Item # 82072
Mad Love
Rayna™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Early Spring 2017
Limited Edition Size: 500 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00
 

Doll Tech Specs
Head Sculpt: Rayna
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Skintone: FR White
Hair Color: Champagne Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Quickswitch: No


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll features rooted hair and comes complete with a sequined long-sleeved shirt, a soft pink faux-leather mini-dress, a black beret, a quilted purse, sunglasses, chunky high-heeled boots, an alternate pair of painted "Gloved" hands, a jewellery set, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.


Rayna is thankfully back to her good old self with this release - and she's my top favourite of the bunch. So it seems I am finally getting a Rayna! Love the artsy, re-invented French bohemian look.


Item # 82073
Total Betty
Ayumi N.™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Early Spring 2017
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00


Doll Tech Specs
Head Sculpt: Ayumi 3.0
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Skintone: Hungarian
Hair Color: Almond Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Quickswitch: No


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll features fully rooted hair and comes complete with an intricately constructed two-piece outfit, a "fur" enhanced jacket, a graffiti printed purse, thigh-high white socks, a pair of black boots, a jewellery set, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. 


This is my second favourite doll in the collection - what an amazing version of Ayumi. The colours. the hair, the outfit, all look amazing - even though her coat is a bit weird. Love the choker and purse. And also love that she looks completely different than her previous versions.


Item # 82074
Trouble
Eden™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
IT DIRECT / W CLUB EXCLUSIVE
Approximate Ship Date: Early Spring 2017
Limited Edition Size: 700 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00
***IT Direct / W Club exclusive*** 
Right-To-Buy lottery details coming approximately Spring 2017
Lottery will be open to 2017 W Club members in priority
Not Sold through dealers
 

Doll Tech Specs
Head Sculpt: Eden
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Skintone: Japan
Hair Color: Soft Copper Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Quickswitch: No


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll features fully rooted hair and comes dressed in a custom made layered skirt, with  laser cut "faux-charred" effect at the hem, a faux-leather jacket, a quilted backpack purse, chunky black heels, black thigh-high socks, black leather cut-off gloves, a jewellery set, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. 


I already have an Eden with this colouring so I am not crazy about her and the outfit is not up to par with the previous ones, despite the charred laser cut effect. Love the back-pack: I am surprised it took them so long to release a doll with one, as it is all the rage for two seasons now. Remember this is an IT Direct doll and is not available to pre-order through dealers.


Item # 82075
AKA Gigi
Giselle Diefendorf™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Early Spring 2017
Limited Edition Size: 600 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $140.00


Doll Tech Specs
Head Sculpt: Giselle D.
Body Type: NU. Face 2.0
Skintone: FR White
Hair Color: Midnight Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied
Quickswitch: No


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll, features fully rooted hair and comes complete with an outfit which is composed of distressed cropped jeans with zipper detail, a blouse with a laser cut "faux-charred" effect on the scarf, a faux-leather bustier/belt, a black beret and veil, a quilted purse, a pair of yellow pumps, alternate "painted glove" hands, a jewellery set, a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.


At firts I saw a dark haired Giselle and thought "now I can have my own substitute Glam Addict". But nope. She's too tame for that. In fact she reminds me more of Lilith than Giselle. Not a bad thing but... And again the charred laser cut looks weird. I get the style, but I don't like it.


All text 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.

Graphics and Layouts by Alain Tremblay Marketing.

Photography by Jayme Thornton 


Integrity Toys Dolly Days 2016: Jem new outfits come with older dolls

The Jem part of the Dolly Days 2016 Integrity Toys week has a twist: they are offering some new exclusive outfits which have never been produced before but they come in sets with previously released dolls - so in order to get an outfit, one has to buy the set that includes a previously released doll. Chances are the completist Jem collector will already have these dolls so it is a problem. On the other hand it makes perfect business sense for the company. The sets are available to buy now on IT Direct. Let's see them below.

Item # 14031A
PHILLIS "PIZZAZZ" GABOR
Dressed Doll / Bonus "At The Awards" Dress
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: In-stock
Bonus Edition Size: 175 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll comes complete with all of her original gear, outfit and doll stand and now includes an additional stage look as show. For adult collectors only.


Item # 14032A
ROXANNE "ROXY" PELLIGRINI
Dressed Doll / Bonus "I'm With Her" Dress
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: In-stock
Bonus Edition Size: 225 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll comes complete with all of her original gear, outfit and doll stand and now includes an additional stage look as shown. For adult collectors only.


Item # 14033A
MARY "STORMER" PHILLIPS
Dressed Doll / Bonus "I'M OKAY" OUTFIT
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: In-stock
Bonus Edition Size: 165 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll comes complete with all of her original gear, outfit and doll stand and now includes an additional stage look as shown. For adult collectors only.


Item # 14037A
MINX KRUEGER
Dressed Doll / Bonus "Are You Feeling Alright?" Outfit
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: In-stock
Bonus Edition Size: 360 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00


This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll comes complete with all of her original gear, outfit and doll stand and now includes an additional stage look as shown. For adult collectors only.


Item # 14038A
RAPTURE ASHE
Dressed Doll / Bonus "DESTINY" Outfit
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: In-stock
Bonus Edition Size: 340 Dolls Only
Suggested Retail Price: $119.00

 
This 12.5-inch fully articulated doll comes complete with all of her original gear, outfit and doll stand and now includes an additional stage look as shown, For adult collectors only


All text 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, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and used with permission. © 2016 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

Graphics and Layouts by Alain Tremblay Marketing.