Mattel gives Ken a man bun - is that diverse enough?

Mattel just announced a slew of new Ken dolls for their play-line Barbie collection, Fashionistas. Ken now has two more body types, broad and slim, in addition to the original. There are 15 new Ken dolls, combining a variety of styles and skin tones, no Asian one though. That is one major fault there. And the broad physic is a muscular style, not a more common body type like the curvy Barbie. Lisa Mc Knight, Mattel's senior vice-president, said in a statement that the variety of Ken dolls would allow girls to “further personalize the role they want him to play in Barbie’s world”. If plastic molded hair means personalisation, that's news to me. 

Don't get me wrong, the dolls look nice - well most of them anyway. That man bun is atrocious. But the molded hair make them a no-no to me. Their immovable non-articulated bodies also. The slim ones look a bit weird, with the head looking too large for their body, making them seem like small children. And remember, promo photos of Mattel usually show the doll much better than what we get in real life. Sigh. I guess kids will get them, which is of course the point, it is a play-line collection after all.  Below is a nice video showing the new dolls.

The dolls are available for pre-order on Mattel's e-shop. They will be released July 8th. 

All photos and video courtesy of Mattel.

The final release for Jem And The Holograms from Integrity Toys: Sophisticated Lady gift set

People were expecting this for quite a while and here it is. The final gift set release of the JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Collection: Sophisticated Lady. Dressed here in a fan favorite, JERRICA BENTON goes from business woman by day to the glamorous JEM with just a touch of her magical JEMSTAR earrings. Alain and Vaughn took extra time designing the embroidery on JEM's jacket and it gives her suit a look that is totally inspired by the hit 80's cartoon. JERRICA looks like she means business in a never produced before 80's business outfit.

2017 W Club members got a priority opportunity to purchase this set before the general public this Monday, June 12th. Tuesday is the day when the remaining dolls are made available to the public through IT. They will be made available in the JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ category in the IT Direct Shopping cart starting onTuesday, June 13th, 2017 at 6:00 PM Eastern time. If you do not see this gift set appear on Tuesday, then it means that it is completely sold out.

Item # 14096
Sophisticated Lady
JEM/JERRICA BENTON™ DUO-DOLL GIFT SET
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS™ COLLECTION
Adult Collectible
Approximate Ship Date: Now In-Stock (Shipping shortly after payment is received)

Limited Edition Size: 400 Gift Sets Only

Price: $175.00 + Shipping, Handling and Tax Per Gift Set

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

Doll Tech Specs

Head Sculpt: JEM & Jerrica Benton

Body Type: JEM / Color Infusion 1.0

Skintone: Japan (Both Dolls)

Hair Color: Pink (Jem) and Blond (Jerrica Benton)

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-Applied

Quickswitch: No

JERRICA BENTON and JEM are fully articulated dolls with fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. JERRICA wears an 80s inspired two-piece ensemble in complementary shades of purple and lavender, offset with a bright pink hat, neck scarf and scarf belt. She also completes the look with faux-suede booties, a dark purple bracelet and her signature JEMSTAR earrings, which allow her to turn into JEM. Once transformed, she wears a two-piece skirt suit with strategically placed embroidery details. JEM also wears a matching embroidered hat, a necklace and pumps to complete her look. Two individual doll stands and a certificate of authenticity are also included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

So that's it people. The last Jem And The Holograms release. I was not collecting this line, but if I was, I'd be over the moon. The whole series was incredible in detail and crafting and they were the best dolls that could be released for this franchise. The dolls, outfits and accessories were a tour de force and showcased how much the designers, Alain and Vaugh, loved the line and working on it. Congratulations to them and Integrity Toys for such a great run. The W Club email finished with a cryptic hint: "it might not be the end yet". What can that mean? We'll be here to find out.

NOTE: The dolls 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.

W Club reveals the first 2017 club doll: British Invasion is happening! Poppy Parker and her egg chair!

​Programming is not always smooth. Especially when you depend on third parties to deliver products or services required for it. So it was no surprise that W Club announced to its members that the first special Club doll that was slotted to be revealed around this time of the year was postponed and another one took its place. They also said that Fashion Royalty and Nu Face collections would be delayed too. The consolation prize is great though: the first W Club doll of the year is an amazing Poppy Parker from the Swinging London collection! More so, members get to order an egg chair for her too!

Item # PP123

British Invasion!

Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

The Swinging London Collection

2017 W Club Exclusive

​Edition Size:TBA

Estimated Arrival: Early Fall 2017

Doll Only: $125.00 US + S & H (Limit of one per W Club membership)

Chair Only: $40.00 US + S & HPricing:(No pre-order limit on the chairs).

SPECIAL OFFER PRICING!

​Pre-order the doll and one chair and save $5 on the bundle!

Special Package Deal Price: $160.00 US +S & H

​Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker™

Body: Poppy 1.5 

Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy Feet with Articulated Ankles

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Cherry Red

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch:No

Poppy Parker is ready for her British Invasion in a Union Jack mini-dress. She sports cherry red, fully rooted hair, a mod faux leather scooter (or racing) coat, bobby hat and bright white knee-high laced boots, Poppy also comes with a matching jewelry set, a purse and three British themed pillows. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. Note: The doll and the chair are sold separately, with the 3 throw pillows coming with the doll.. Please note that the doll pictured in the photo is a prototype and as always, final production colors and textures may vary slightly.

This is an amazing release, especially for mod lovers. The doll is absolutely amazing with her cherry red hair, mod make up and styling. The Union Jack dress is a bit too on the nose but it's definitely going to be very popular. The mod coat, hat, boots and bag perfectly finish the look. Her jewelry looks perfect too.  The coat reminds me of the one worn by Sweet Confection Poppy.

The perfection continues to the box she comes in: it is made to resemble an iconic British red phone booth! We already knew this would be coming but seeing how good it looks... amazing! 

The chair is a reproduction in scale of the iconic Ball Chair, designed back in 1963 by the brilliant Finish designer Eero Arnio. It must not be confused with the egg chair, which is egg shapd and designed by Arne Jacobsen, a famous Danish architect and designer of that era. Below is a photo of the original chair by the photographer Sailko (Wikimedia Commons).

​Chair Tech Specs:

​Material: Plastic (Outer Shell) and PVC Foam (Interior and Seat)

Color: Gloss White Exterior w/ Red Interior

Approx. Dimensions: 9" High X 8" Wide X 7.5" Deep

W Club members get to preorder one doll per membership plus all the chairs they want, by June 20th. What an amazing release! I bet she is going to have a large edition number. The price of the chair is good too, so I'd love to see more reproductions of iconic chairs released with Integrity Toys dolls. We already have the Barcelona (FR) and the Panton (Dynamite Girls) chairs, so please IT, give us more!

All information and photos (unless otherwise stated) contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2017 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. POPPY PARKER 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, Layouts, Graphics and 3D renderings by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Poppy Parker goes to Swinging London!

Poppy Parker fans and particularly W Club members, already knew that this season Poppy Parker would be traveling to jolly ol' England for a fashion trip like no other. On Friday 12th of May, Integrity Toys unveiled the Swinging London Collection to club members via email. This year, the Poppy Parker collection is split into two waves, so this is only the first wave, with a second one to follow later in the year. While most of the dolls will all be available through the network of Authorized Integrity Toys Dealers, this year, instead of a "lottery" doll, there is an event doll available for all W Club members to preorder . Remember that all,dolls except the last one (Misty Hollow) are available to preorder from Integrity Toys dealers. See a list here: 

http://www.integritytoys.com/authorized-dealers/

On Saturday, May 13th, the Poppy Parker designer, talented David Buttry, was available for online chat with W Club members. Things we found out about the line? Darla is on a little break. The 2nd wave, which will be part of the same collection, might feature Poppy's friends, but no male dolls. They use the big eye screening first seen on Coney Island Saturday Poppy. There will be another one doll gift set in the next wave. There will be no high heeled doll in this collection because the fashions of the period use either kitten heels or flats. No cream skin tone this year for Poppy, although he is considering it for the future. There are two waves to spread the release and help with the collectors' budgets. And the doll box, designed by Alain Trempley, will be with a front window and styled like the famous London red telephone booth. It was also announced that Poppy Parker will be the doll of the 2018 Italian Doll Convention! Now let's see the dolls and what I think about them!

Item # PP116

Sign of the Times

Poppy Parker™ 2 Doll Gift Set
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 825
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $180.00 US

​Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles

Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Brunette (Doll No.1) and Platinum Blonde (Doll No.2)
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No

Here you get not one, but two Poppy Parker dolls in the same collector friendly package, showing Poppy upon her arrival to London from Paris and then post her sleek Mod makeover. Each fully rooted and articulated doll features very distinctive looks, designed to illustrate Poppy's passage to a new evolution of her look as a "Mod"ern doll. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.

The brunette has a new screening designed by Jessy Ayala. And she channels young Jackie Kennedy a bit. Love everything about her: her polka dot suit, her frilly shirt, hand bag and shopping bag, plus the ring! 

​Look at this gal. Gorgeous all over. She does channel Out Of This World Poppy from 2015, but that one had long hair and Japan skin. I love the dress and the earrings, we have seen the bangles before and the clutch is good. Two dolls for $180? Yes please.  No wonder the set is probably sold out by now.

Item # PP113

Glad All Over
Poppy Parker™ Gift Set
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 725
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $160.00 US

​Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles

Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

This gift set features a youthful rendition of Poppy Parker, which features fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. Poppy comes with three colorful mini-dresses, three pairs of shoes and all sorts of little mix-and-match fashion accessories to create many looks. It comes in a brand new Mod-themed collector package (different than the telephone booth one I presume). The necktie featured on the blue dress is removable. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.

Love this gift set too, although for this price, I'd expect at least one or two bags. Good thing is one can use bags and accessories from older mod collections, as the set is quite versatile. No wonder the set is very popular with collectors. 

​Check the photo below, from Carnaby Street, London, late 60s. David Buttry posted it on his Fb profile. You can see many elements from it in the three outfits of this gift set.

Item # PP117

Sunny Slickers
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 725
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

​Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles

Skin Tone: FR Black
Hair Color: Brunette Mix
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No

Dressed in super vibrant colors, Poppy comes in a groovy rendition of the traditional rain coat. Comes complete with clear vinyl boots and a fully functional clear vinyl miniature umbrella. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.

Second dark skinned Poppy means collectors going nuts about her. This was probably the first Poppy of this collection to sell out in dealers. ​I like everything about her except her hairstyle. She would have looked so much better with a short bob, with or without fringe. She would look so much better with a small cap and a bag. I hope to get her umbrella and clear boots at some point. 

Item # PP120

Downtown
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The Swinging London Collection
Edition Size: 725
Estimated Delivery: Mid to Late-Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

​Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles

Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Light Auburn
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No

Poppy is an articulated doll with fully rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Clad in her modern pastel tweed suit, Poppy is also wearing a matching hat, pink bag and matching gloved hands. She also comes with a small camera. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included.

I like the outfit but not the doll. It's ​either the hairstyle or the fact that she reminds me of Hippy Dippy Poppy. The camera is to die for but I'd never buy a doll just for that.

Item # PP115

Welcome to Misty Hollows
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The Swinging London Collection
IT DIRECT EVENT EXCLUSIVE
Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Delivery: Late Summer 2017
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US

THIS IS AN IT DIRECT EVENT EXCLUSIVE - DOLL NOT AVAILABLE AT DEALERS

 Doll Tech Specs:

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker
Body: Poppy 1.5 (Body disassembles and features newly improved joint stability)
Foot Sculpt: Traditional Poppy feet with articulated ankles

Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Silver Blond
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied
Quickswitch: No

 Poppy Parker is dressed in a Victorian inspired Mod velvet dress, complete with lace cravate (not detachable) and matching ribbon in her hair. Poppy also comes with a detailed miniature candle and holder. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. This doll cannot stand alone; a doll stand is included. Note: The miniature candle does not light; the pictures have been digitally augmented.

Gorgeous doll, she's probably the smash hit of the collection. I could not resist ordering her, even though Imalready have Out Of This World Poppy with same skin tone and hair colour. Love her. As she is a W Club exclusive, it will be difficult to get her if you are not a member. ​

So, what do you think about this year's first dose of Poppy Parker dolls? Are you getting any and if yes, which ones? 

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.

POPPY PARKER 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,

Note: The dolls pictured in this release are prototypes. Final fabrics, colors and textures may vary slightly. Background props are not included.

Phyn And Aero dolls first release

One of the new ways that Robert Tonner will release dolls from now on is the Phyn And Aero brand, in collaboration with Andrew Yang. They just made their first official release available to order, so let's see what are these dolls all about. One of the characters, Annora Monet, is designed by Robert, while another, Kadira, who will be released later in the year, is by Andrew Yang. The dolls are resin and ball-jointed. Their styling falls somewhere between character dolls and fashion dolls. They all come with their own storyline, which you can read in the company website. The whole thing is like a revamp of their Deja Vu line, with much better sculpts and in resin. There are three dolls, three outfits and you can buy separately sets of eyes. The brand also makes an effort to give doll artists the opportunity to collaborate with Robert Tonner, releasing their doll through it.

P17AMBD01 – Annora Monet # 1

Annora comes in a cotton cami with shirred detail and matching bloomer pants.  She wears a pair of floral boots and lace tights. 
Resin ball-jointed doll with 19 points of articulation (double jointed at elbow and knee)
Deep rose saran removable wig
GR-03 Dark brown eyes
White cotton, front shirred cami with a silk floral trim
White cotton bloomers
White lace tights
Floral front lace boots
Item shown is a prototype. Final production item may vary in appearance.
$350.00/LE 100

P17AMBL01 – Resin Blank
$295.00/Open Edition

There is also an Annora resin blank doll, ready for customising.  Paired with a set of Annora’s eyes (purchased separately) Annora can be turned into the doll of your creative dream.  Annora Resin Blank has 19 points of articulation.

P17AMBD02 – Deluxe Basic

Resin ball-jointed doll with 19 points of articulation (double jointed at elbow and knee)
Long black saran removable wig with bangs
B-09 Topaz eyes
Second head with face up has removable wig - red with black undertones, cropped with bangs
CC-10 Chestnut brown eyes
Third set GR-01 Dark blue eyes
Soft yellow satin slip with pleated demi-skirt and silk floral trim
Matching knit striped over-the-knee stockings
Gold silk slides with silk floral trim
Item shown is a prototype. Final production item may vary in appearance.
$550.00/LE 75

P17AMDD01 – Strength of Character

Annora steps out in a romantic/gothic inspired rouched dress of black taffeta with soft suede boots.  A spray of ebony silk roses and a lace bow are around her neck.  
Resin ball-jointed doll with 19 points of articulation (double jointed at elbow and knee)
Bleached white crop removable wig
CB-01 Ice blue eyes
Black rouched dress with knit lace sleeves, ruffle trim and rhinestone pin at belt
Black suede boots (not as shown)
Black lace choker
Fabric rose head band in black
Item shown is a prototype. Final production item may vary in appearance.
$475.00/LE 100

P17AMOF05 - She Persisted/Outfit Only

Modelled on Deluxe Basic
Dotted peach net dress with black lace trim and embroidered, sequined emblem decoration
Black knit lace tights
Black ankle boots
Item shown is a prototype. Final production item may vary in appearance.
$75.00/LE 75

P17AMOF02 – Fantasmagoria/Outfit Only

Modelled on Deluxe Basic
Three Separate Pieces Only, modelled on a dress sold separately (see below)
Printed “tweed” coat with velvet trim and contrast lining
Inverted bag velvet hat with vintage look brooch accent
Black vintage look fur stole
Item shown is a prototype. Final production item may vary in appearance.
$75.00/LE 75

P17AMOF01 – Kaleidoscope/Outfit Only

Modelled on Deluxe Basic
Black fishnet t-shirt
Multi-colored sequined tank
Tiered multi-color metallic print skirt
Black lace knit tights
Black lace up ankle boots
Item shown is a prototype. Final production item may vary in appearance.
$89.00/LE 75

All Annora Monet items are expected to begin shipping in late July, 2017.  You can pay in full at the time of ordering or you can request a layaway plan with a series of three payments.  You can contact Phyn And Aero at 844-361-8429 (domestic), 845-802-5552 (international) or via email at info@phynandaero.com. All photos courtesy of Phyn And Aero.