Largest collection of black dolls on display at Museum of African American History

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, is organising a temporary exhibition of the largest collection of black dolls, "I See Me: Reflections in Black Dolls". It features a large number of black dolls, starting from the 19th century and up to our time. It includes both dolls that come from the museum's own collection as well as dolls from private collectors and other establishments.

One of the most interesting parts of the exhibition is the largest number of Leo Moss dolls ever displayed. Leo Moss was a black handyman who made dolls out of papier-maché derived from wallpaper scraps and painted with shoot. His wife made the clothes they wear. He even made dolls with a child's likeness on commission, even painting tears on the face of the doll if the child cried while he was making it.

The Misty Copeland doll by Mattel

The exhibition will feature 112 female and 30 male dolls. Among them will be the Misty Copeland doll by Mattel, a Serena Williams doll and the Barack and Michelle Obama inauguration dolls.

Michelle Obama Franklin Mint Vinyl Portrait Doll

According to the museum, through educational and public programs, it will revisit the 1947 Kenneth and Mammie Clarke experiment. The set up had black children being presented with two dolls, one black and one white, and then asked to choose which one they preferred. What was the result? A majority of the children chose the white doll to be the prettiest and the nicest, based on colour. Topics of discussion on this pervasive question about race and identity will range from where we are today, and what, if anything, should be done in the future?

Here comes the bride: A Jem And The Holograms bride!

The final countdown for the last Jem And The Holograms Integrity Toys dolls moves one step closer to the end with the new doll just announced to W Club members! And it is Kimber Benton as a bride! The bride was featured in the HOLLYWOOD JEM story arc. 2017 W Club members get a priority opportunity to purchase the doll before the general public. Each W Club member will be allowed to purchase this doll (one (1) doll per membership on a first-come, first-served basis), starting MONDAY, APRIL 24th, 2017 AT 6:00 PM EASTERN TIME, a day ahead of the general public. There are two more releases for this line to end, and they will be coming later this year.

Item # 14093
Tomorrow Is My Wedding Day
KIMBER BENTON™ Dressed Doll
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ COLLECTION
Adult Collectible
Approximate Ship Date: Now In-Stock (Shipping shortly after payment is received)

Limited Edition Size: 400 Dolls Only

Public Price: $140 + Shipping, Handling and Tax Per Doll

Special W Club Price: $130.00 + Shipping, Handling and Tax Per Doll

***IT DIRECT EXCLUSIVE*** THIS DOLL WILL NOT BE SOLD THROUGH IT DEALERS!

Doll Tech Specs

Head Sculpt: KIMBER BENTON

Body Type: JEM / Color Infusion 1.0

Skintone: Japan

Hair Color: Bright Red

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Quickswitch: No

Seen here wearing the dress that she wore on that faithful day when she almost got married (much to her sister and friends' dismay) in the JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ episode titled "And The Winner Is?", KIMBER BENTON™ looks ravishing as a rock 'n roll bride!
This version of the youngest BENTON sister is a 12.5-inch fully articulated fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. KIMBER comes dressed in her wedding gown. A doll stand and a certificate of authenticity is also included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

GENERAL PUBLIC ORDERING INFORMATION

Should these dolls not sell out within the W Club priority window, they will be made available in the JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ category in the IT Direct Shopping cart starting on 

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017 at 6:00 PM Eastern time.

If you do not see this doll appear on Tuesday, then it means that she is completely sold out.

DIRECT LINK TO THE JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS CATEGORY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

http://www.integritytoys.com/shop20/Jem-And-The-Holograms/

THE CLUB ONLY LINKS WILL NOT GO LIVE UNTIL MONDAY, APRIL 24TH AT 6:00 PM EASTERN AND IF ANY QUANTITIES REMAIN, THE PUBLIC LINKS WILL NOT GO LIVE UNTIL APRIL 25TH AT NOON EASTERN.

NOTE: The doll shown in the following product pictures 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 2017 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. 

The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.
JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related ©2017 HASBRO Inc. All Rights Reserved. License used under permission.
Doll Photography by Jayme Thornton. Layouts, Graphics and 3D rendering by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Marni Senofonte, Beyoncé's stylist, collaborates with Mattel for some amazing Barbie dolls!

The @Barbiestyle instagram account, one of the official Mattel accounts, posts photos and set ups featuring Barbie in a variety of roles and outfits, attracting a huge number of followers and exerting real social media influence. Many times, the dolls and outfits featured are one-of-a-kind creations, driving Barbie and fashion doll collectors crazy with envy, as they know they are never getting these dolls to own. The latest series of photos talked about online are from Mattel's collaboration with none other than Beyoncé's stylist extraordinaire, Marni Senofonte.

As mentioned in her webpage, Marni Senofonte is a stylist, costume designer, and brand consultant. Her distinct style, which has evolved over the last two decades, layers proportion and pattern, texture and technique, high-end designer and fast fashion, to create iconic, trend defining look. Her work spans editorial spreads to appearances, music and films to world tours. Intensely collaborative, she enjoys teaming with designers, craftsmen and artisans to not only realize her vision and the vision of those she works with, but also to create outfits, imagery and full-realized brands that are both distinct and defining. She has worked with a wide range of celebrities and personalities, from Beyoncé, Lauryn Hill, and Sean Combs to Ciara, Mary J. Blige, and Jay Z, as well as with brands such as Gucci, Kenzo, Roberto Cavalli and couturiers Ulyana Sergeenko and Francesco Scognamiglio. Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, Marni started her career as Norma Kamali's assistant. She now lives between Los Angeles  and New York City.

Like most people interested in fashion, Marni was playing with Barbie dolls as a kid, cutting their her, redressing and styling them. Like many kids out there, the doll was her first foray into fashion, unleashing her creative potential. Coming full circle, her collaboration with @BarbieStyle features a range of one-of-kind looks showcasing a very diverse range of body, hair, and skin options. The stylist mentions that the Barbie Fashionistas line with their diverse body types (original, curvy, tall, and petite),skin tones and hairstyles, was her main inspiration.  The dolls are not available for purchase. Hopefully we might see some of their style filter through in future releases of Barbie. Below are photos of the dolls from the @Barbiestyle instagram account and sketches of the dolls by Mattel designer Carlyle Nuera. The details and close ups are screen captures from @Barbiestyle instagram stories. All photos courtesy of Mattel.

Victorian punk is what Barbiestyle calls Senofonte's look for the dolls

A new doll line from Integrity Toys: East 59th

A few days ago, Integrity Toys sent W Club members four mysterious sneak peeks and everybody started talking about what they could be, if they were existing dolls or new ones and speculating on their style and fashions. At last, the company unveiled a brand new collection making its debut today online: EAST 59th! The line is actually continuing in the Victoire style, with elegant early 50s fashions. It has the same designer, the incredibly talented Chris Stoeckel, who collaborated with Alain Tremblay on the storyline. According to Integrity, the EAST 59th collection promises to take us back in time to chic and swanky 1950's New York... and where Victoire Roux will enter later... The collection premiered with four new dolls, two new characters so far and can be preordered from the Integrity Toys dealers. If you want them run, as many are already sold out. The new characters have new sculpts and a new body. The body is a modified Victoire body. The change is more in shape and details then size. Chris said they streamlined the body. The upper torso is Victoire's, the upper legs are Poppy's and the lower legs are Industry. The body can be dissassembled as the rest of Integrity dolls. The best thing is that all old Victoire fashions and shoes fit the new body perfectly. More dolls will be coming this year (Laird will be one of them) and Victoire will join the line in 2018. Let's check out the new dolls!

Item # 73001

Luxurious Leisure

Constance Madssen™ Dressed Doll

The East 59th™ Collection

Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2017

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

​Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Constance Madssen (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: RavenEyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Quick Switch Feature: No

Skin Tone: Cream

Constance Madssen™ is a fully articulated 12.5 inch doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. This doll comes complete with all of the components needed to transform her look from day-to-night and back again. Of course, no modeling gig would be complete without the product to advertise (and be seen with!) and Constance has her own miniature pack of cigarettes and a signature cigarette holder. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.

This is easily my favourite doll of the line. She stands far and above the rest, both as a doll and as an outfit. It's a classic hostess outfit (the main look) that transforms into a more casual, skin bearing look. The accessories are gorgeous and it looks like her shoes are not plastic like the rest of the line (more on that later). I'm pre ordering this one.​

Item # 73002
Classic Glamour
Evelyn Weaverton™ Dressed Doll
The East 59th™ Collection
Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2017
Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide
Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton™ (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Flame Red

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Quick Switch Feature: No

Skin Tone: FR White

​Evelyn Weaverton™ is a fully articulated 12.5 inch doll with rooted hair and features hand applied eyelashes. Ms. Weaverton opted for a look that can easily transform from a day look to an evening look with just the switch of a few pieces. The look comes with jewelry that complements the shade of her electric blue satin outfit, two pairs of assorted retro-looking shoes and a makeup set. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. A doll stand and a certificate of authenticity is also included.

The second character has a sculpt I'm not particularly fond of, at least in its first two presentations. This looks more 40s than 50s and I think it's more to do with the styling than the actual outfit. I love the hair colour and the accessories, although they should have included a bag - no woman of that era ever left home without a bag, her gloves and her hat. But the plastic shoes are a bit of a deal breaker. When I pay $135 for a doll, she should not have simple plastic pumps. Asked about this, Chris said it was done to give the dolls a retro doll feel. To me it simply looks cheap. He did say that the line will feature the handmade shoes Integrity Toys gives the other lines, so that is good. If I wanted plastic I'd buy Barbie for a fraction of the price.

Item # 73003

Glittering Gala

Evelyn Weaverton™ Dressed Doll

The East 59th™ Collection

Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2017

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Evelyn Weaverton™ (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Quick Switch Feature: No

Skin Tone: FR White

​Evelyn Weaverton™ is a fully articulated 12.5 inch doll with fully rooted hair and features hand applied eyelashes. With its removable, perfectly draped lavender train, Evelyn's elegant gown transforms from a look designed to "wow" any crowd, to a sophisticated cocktail attire. The doll comes complete with an specially-marked miniature bottle of Veuf Christoph Pomarin Cuvée 1951 champagne, two champagne flutes, long opera-length gloves, a floral head piece, jewelry and a pair of retro-looking molded shoes. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. A doll stand and a certificate of authenticity is included.

I think this second version of Evelyn (who is actually named after Chris's grandmother) is not as glamorous as th previous one. The dress reminds me of the one Monaco Vanessa was wearing. The cocktail look is more early sixties, it could feature easily in the TV series Feud. And plastic shoes again.

Item # 73004

Captivating Cocktails

Constance Madssen™ Dressed Doll

The East 59th™ Collection

Approximate Ship Date: Summer 2017

Edition Size: 400 Dolls Worldwide

Suggested Retail Price: $135.00 US

Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Constance Madssen™ (New Sculpt!)

Hair Color: Luxe Blond

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Body Type: EAST 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: Traditional High-Heeled Feet

Quick Switch Feature: No

Skin Tone: Cream

​Constance Madssen™ is a fully articulated 12.5 inch doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. Ms. Madssen is wearing a tailored costume that can go from day to night with just a few simple changes of accessories. The doll comes complete with two different pairs of shoes, a "fur" stole, two cocktails, a doll-sized menu from the swanky Hawthorn Room (the place where everyone on East 59th likes to hang out and gossip), a chic hat, a clutch, gloved hands and pearls. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. A doll stand and a certificate of authenticity is also included.

This version of Constance pales in comparison to the first one. Although she comes with nice accessories, there's something about her that makes her look plain. Maybe if the fabric of the suit was in a houndstooth pattern or tweed... Something else that I'd like to see in this era are the shorter hairstyles most women were sporting, barely reaching the shoulders. The long hair looks a bit dated for this decade and especially for models of the time.

We have seen the cocktail glasses before in IT dolls. Notice the painted glove hands, with dots that mimic the leather perforated driving gloves of old. So, are you getting any of the new line dolls? 

One last thing: the packaging! Integrity Toys' resident packaging expert, Alain Tremblay, created a brand-new, collector-friendly package for these new collectibles! Each new mini trunk-like package features a sturdy tray construction with individual doors to make sure all of those little glamorous accessories are kept safe and sound! Here's a 3D rendering of the package to give you an idea of what to expect when the new dolls start shipping approximately in the Summer of 2017.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2017 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. East 59th and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. All rights reserved. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Doll Photography by Jayme Thornton

Layouts, Graphics and 3D renderings by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Fashion Fairytale: Integrity Toys 2017 convention sold out in record time

It is almost a tradition: Integrity Toys conventions selling out in record time during the advance registration period for W Club members, before becoming available to the general public. No exception this year.  Even with a major technical glitch, all 500 spots were filled faster than you can spell convention. 

You can always get on the waiting list of course, as some people do cancel for various reasons. Let's see what this most coveted convention is about this year. 

INTRODUCING...FASHION FAIRYTALETHE 2017 INTEGRITY TOYS CONVENTION

The 2017 Convention will take place during the weekend of October 18-21, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. And what about the theme?

Once upon a time, there were little fashionistas who love to tell a good story and dress the part for it! Always on trend, these girls and boys know how to dress to impress... And they lived fashionably ever after!
Join the characters of Fashion Royalty, Poppy Parker, NU. Face and THE INDUSTRY on a weekend adventure like no other as they are set to explore what dream like style can be, inspiring themselves from well known fairytales and other beloved fantastic stories to truly express their creativity!

What it includes:
For the price of $550.00 US (or $525 if you take advantage of the early bird special, more on that later, read on), you'll get:

• A welcome bag with a very special giveaway right when you arrive!
• Two full sit down dinners and a luncheon with highly sought-after swag given out at each event!
• Opportunity to participate in the "Fashion Bazaar", a salesroom for collectors to sell and swap their own goodies (and just like last year, renting a table is FREE and opened to all registered convention guests)! Also, at the "Fashion Bazaar", guests can enter our annual costume contest and party with our staff!
• Access to the Integrity Toys Collection display, where you get to see all of those cool dolls in person; this year's display will feature a short trip down memory lane with an exhibit covering some of the highlights of the years of Integrity Toys in business!
• Access to the IT Direct Souvenir shop, where you can scoop up all of those special and limited edition Integrity Toys convention exclusive collectibles and other great deals, just for convention attendees!
• The opportunity to take part in exciting and unique workshops!
• The opportunity to purchase the exclusive convention collection!
• For W Club Members only, the opportunity to sign-up for the Members-Only luncheon!
• Exciting raffles with brand new one-of-a-kind dolls created just for the event by the Integrity Toys design team!

In addition to all the things listed above, conventioneers will have access to the following UPDATED convention features!

• The exclusive opportunity to purchase the brand new revamped STYLE LAB collection featuring the characters from THE INDUSTRY, with a surprise appearance or two by Miss Poppy Parker in a way you've never seen her before!

• An opportunity for fans with budding design talents to enter our revamped annual design contest, even if you are not attending. (Full information on how this will work will be sent out later this Spring).

• And last but not least, to celebrate the launch of convention registration, an offer for a very special convention upgrade doll gift set that will be available for everyone, convention goers and non-goers alike! REGISTERED GUESTS WILL GET A SPECIAL ATTENDEE-ONLY DISCOUNT ON THIS NEW UPGRADE DOLL OFFER! (Keep reading for full details below)!

• And more surprises to be announced later on!

The convention hotel in Orlando will be the Hyatt Regency, with a special,rate available to attendees. If you registered or manage to get on the list, you will get the relative information.

And once again, there is a convention upgrade doll for attendees and non attendees alike.

The Integrity Toys team wanted to do something special for all fans of Fashion Royalty, attending and non-attending alike, and since this year's convention theme promises to be so much fun, the team wanted to start the celebration a little early and give you a glimpse of things to come.
Whether you are able to attend the FASHION FAIRYTALE Convention or not, it is with great pleasure that the W Club is bringing all of its members exclusive access to a chance to pre-order and obtain a limited edition convention exclusive gift set doll.
With this offer, every W Club member will be allowed to pre-order one exclusive convention upgrade gift set per membership until Monday, April 3rd, 2017 at noon Eastern time (New York time). Just like our other official W Club exclusive offerings, there is no set edition size at this time for this doll; the final production quantity will be determined by the total amount of pre-orders received by the deadline. This is an added surprise bonus for Club members that is not counted as one of the five (5) W Club exclusives they were promised at registration.

Item # 91431
Fashionably Ruthless
Tatyana Alexandrova™  Dressed Doll Gift Set
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2017 Fashion Fairytale Upgrade
Limited Edition Size: TBA (Based on total orders received)
Delivery Date:Approximately Late October 2017

***IT DIRECT EXCLUSIVE*** THIS GIFT SET WILL NOT BE SOLD THROUGH IT DEALERS!  *A deposit will required immediately at pre-order to reserve your doll. Pre-order information will be sent out on Tuesday March 27th, 2107.Special Pricing:$200.00 + Shipping and Handling Per Gift Set (For Non-Attendees)*$175.00 + Shipping and Handling Per Gift Set (For Attendees Only)*

Doll Tech Specs
Head Sculpt: Tatyana Alexandrova™ 2.0

Body Type: FR V6.0

Skintone: Porcelain

Hair Color: Platinum with Streak of Raven

Eyelashes: Yes

Quickswitch: No

Making a marked return to the FR Collection in the porcelain skin tone, Tatyana is a 12.5-inch fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. This gift set includes mix-and-match pieces to create several looks: a faux-leather, laser-cut "natural edge" skirt, a Dalmatian printed blouse, a luxurious faux-fur coat with bright red lining, a long black satin skirt and separate black satin top. Set includes two pairs of pumps and a red hot cigarette holder. This set will come packaged in a carry case and will include a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.
Preview sketches only- the final production details of this doll are subject to modification. The actual doll will be revealed closer to convention.

Of course the inspiration is Cruella De Vil, so you get an idea of how the convention theme will be fleshed out. The sketches are by Jason Kramer and the outfits design is by Jason Wu.  I am so preordering this one! As can all 2017 W Club members: they will be allowed to pre-order one (1) gift set per membership, whether they are attending the 2017 Integrity Toys convention or not! More details will become available on Tuesday, March 28th, 2017.

REMINDER TO ALL CONVENTION ATTENDEES:

This is an optional upgrade doll. Whether you opt to purchase this or not, the convention package will still include the usual souvenirs and optional convention collection, which will be announced approximately later this Spring when the registration package is released.

So, did you get confirmed for the convention? Are you getting the upgrade doll? Let me know in the comments. 

 All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2017 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Layouts, Graphics and 3D rendering by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Fashion Illustrations by Jason Kramer for Integrity Toys, Inc.