A new Monarch doll - was that what you were missing from your life?

Having new doll releases during this world-changing time can be a way to combat dreariness and escape a bit from the relentless pace real life moves. Isn’t doll collecting an escape into our own ideal world for most collectors anyway? Having said that, the release of a new, unexpected Monarch doll was definitely quite surprising - and to me, quite unnecessary. Rest assured, I always love a well designed and made doll, especially a guy. But this is not how I would have done it. He’s a lottery exclusive for W Club members in a lower than usual price, which is quite nice. And a new character too!

Item #21005

Most Influential

Paolo Marino™ Fashion Figure

The Monarchs™ Homme Collection

Edition Size: 700

Expected Ship Date: In-stock, will ship after winners' payments are received

MSRP: $175.00 Special Members-Only Price (During Lottery Only): $150.00 + Shipping

W Club Exclusive Right-to-buy Lottery Offer

Head Sculpt: Paolo 

Body Type: Monarchs 1.0

Skin Tone: Hungarian

Hair Color: Salt and Pepper

Eyelashes: No

Quickswitch: No

Included:

12.5" fully articulated fashion figure with rooted hair and flocked hair;

Bespoke slim-fitted business suit;

Tailored shirt;

Dashing satin tie;

Brilliantly engineered, multi-toned overcoat;

"Micro-suede" loafers;

Fully functional umbrella accessory;

Time piece;

Eyeglasses;

Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

Alternate pair of "gloved" hands;

Underarm fashion figure stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Offer Type: Members-only right-to-buy lottery;

Participation Deadline: June 15th, 2020, Noon Eastern time;

Special Members-Only Price (During Lottery Only): $150.00 + S&H each;

Final Edition Size: 700;

Shipping Timing: In-stock, will ship once the lottery winners have paid;

Availability: 2020 W Club members only; Right-to-buy Participation Limit: Max. one (1) lottery ticket per 2020 membership only.

For those following the complicated storylines of the Integrity Toys dolls, Paolo Marino is the younger brother of Missima Cosmetics founder Perry Marino and is presented now as a ruthless billionaire financier ready to take over the world. Not exactly the guy to mess up with. The doll sure looks more like a hipster entrepreneur with that hair and that coat and less like a Wall Street guy. Even more, he reminds me of Eggsy, the character played in the Kingsman films by Taron Eggerton - see photo below. The sculpt could even be made to look like the actor. The sculpt is supposedly new but it looks like a tweaked Zipper.

Do I like the doll? Not with those ears! That god-awful hair style! Which will definitely, experience talking, will look much worse IRL. if I need a cobweb broom, I will get one from the supermarket, thank you very much. the suit does not help a lot, despite the narrow, tailored look. Red ties are forever ruined for me after Trump. Maybe a pinstripe fabric would have suited him better. A waistcoat would have bee so fitting. And definitely not that oversize patchwork coat, which is something Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen has been making variations of forever, and with much better results and aesthetics. Thom Browne does it too but in a more trompe-l'œil way. We have had two-toned coats before in FR Hommes and they never look that dapper to begin with. Some examples in the slideshow below (after the accessories photo), with a pinstripe look in the end that would be my favourite for this release. i would not mind the first look either, on a black gorgeous doll as shown IRL please.

Fashion photos courtesy of Alexander McQueen and Vogue Runway. Final fabrics, colours and textures may vary slightly. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. All doll photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2020 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. The MONARCHS HOMME, PAOLO MARINO and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc. All rights reserved. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Doll Photography by Jayme Thornton;

Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing

Poppy Parker new capsule collection "The Model Traveler" unveiled by Integrity Toys

A new Poppy Parker capsule collection was revealed to W Club members on Saturday. The collection, named “The Model Traveler” was designed by the talented Integrity Toys designer, David Buttry and is the second IT doll collection of 2020. Despite the coronavirus pandemic affecting everything with delays and cancellations, new dolls are trickling down to collectors. As we learned on a video interview with David (and the live chat in the club forum that followed the reveal), these dolls were designed last year, before even the Poppy/Ginger giftset was realised - hence no Ginger included in this group. There are three dealer dolls and one IT Direct doll which will ne available to buy via lotter to W Club members. If you remember the upgrade doll for the club, unveiled earlier this year, she was going on a modeling trip around the world and London was the first stop. There will be no more dolls added to this theme though, so the rest of the Poppies this year will have different inspirations. Price of each doll is $145.00 and they are all more impressive then the London Poppy! From what I hear. most dealers are already sold out. You can check with dealers here to see if there are any left.

I must congratulate Ahmet Steltman for his incredivle photography.

Item # 77180

Hello, New York! Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll Hello Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection

Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Late May 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Strawberry Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Fresh tweed ensemble composed of an overcoat with matching skirt and perfectly matched mint-colored ruffled blouse;

Knee length boots;

Large tote bag;

Sunglasses;

Earrings, bracelets and ring;

Alternate pair of gloved hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

What a gorgeous lady! Her ginger hair, lovely screening and fantastic outfit, inspired by Jackie O (as David said in the video), make her a winner, not to mention the coveted accessories, which include a magnificent tote bag. She IS travelling of course! David defined the era of these outfits as late 60’s - early 70s and his muses were, apart from Jackie, France Gall (the French chanteuse), Françoise Hardy (another French pop singer and icon), Jane Birkin (the English actress, singer and fashion icon that gave her name to that Hermès bag) and Marisa Berenson (the famous 60s model). There were not any specific outfis of those ladies shown but it was meant to be a general inspiration. I got confirmed for her so I’m happy!

Item # 77179

Tokyo Twilight Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection

Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Late May 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Platinum

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Totally MOD long sleeved, micro-sequined A-line dress, worn over a sparkling sleeveless micro-dress;

Silver “chrome leather” shoes;

Silver “chrome leather” clutch with chain handle;

Oversized triangular panel earrings;

2 bangle bracelets;

2 finger rings;

Alternate pair of hands with long manicured nails;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Do you remember the OOAK raffle Poppy Parker from the Supermodel convention in 2016? This one has the same hairstyle. David said that people were asking him to recreate it on a production doll and he came through. She’s the only one that, even though she’s beautiful, I will not be getting. Two reasons: 1 - she’s too much like Out of This World Poppy wearing the It’s Happening outfit and I have both of these dolls. 2 - budget. She, along with NY, are coming at the end of the month, while Milan and Paris will take some time. Oh. and David said, while showing her to us in her gorgeous box (more on that further on), that London is coming soon too!

The outfit is an evolution of a Mod Barbie clone outfit as we were informed by David. Searching online, I found some photos of similar outfits and one of them marked the outfit as a Shillman one. They were a doll company that, among others, made lots of clone Barbie clothing. Elsewhere I found it as a Japanese exclusive. The original top layer is lace with silver sequin trim. If anyone has more concrete information, please let me know. See the photos I found online below.

Item # 77182

Mad for Milan Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection

Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Late June/Early July 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: Sun Kissed

Hair Color: Brown Black Mix

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Long, glamorous floor length leopard print coat worn over a fun long-sleeved, black A-Line dress;

Faux "suede" thigh high boots;

Faux croc "leather" handbag;

Sunglasses;

Long chain necklace with pendant;

Multi-use chain belt;

Earrings, 3 bracelets and wrist cuff;

Alternate pair of gloved hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

She’s on fire! For me she’s the bestdoll of the bunch. Her overall style, her face, colouring, outfit, accessories. Pure perfection. And so very Italian. I love how it all comes together - the long coat over the short dress with the tall boots and the fine accessories. Sublime.

David also mentioned during his video interview that Eartha Kitt was in his mind when creating this one and I can certainly see a connection, as she not only played Catwoman, but also dressed a lot in leopard print - example below. Jackie O also famously wore a leopard coat by Oleg Cassini in the 60s which caused such a massive rise in demand that 250,000 animals were reportedly killed. Poor animals.

Item # 77181

Sizzling in Paris Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

Poppy Parker™: The Model Traveler Collection

Limited Edition: 1000 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Late June/Early July 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $145.00

IT DIRECT RIGHT-TO-BUY LOTTERY *Info will be sent to W Club members closer to the ship date, approx. mid-June

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: High Heel

Skin Tone: Cream Hair

Color: Raven

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

12-inch fully articulated vinyl doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

Elegant ruby red floor length evening gown with beading detail at the bust and faux fur stole;

Red heels with rhinestone detail;

Clutch purse with rhinestone detail;

Gauntlet gloves;

Rhinestone earrings, ring and cuff bracelet;

Alternate pair of opera length gloved hands;

Alternate pair of hands with long manicure;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Sultry as xan be, which she rarely gets to be, Poppy is on fire. The look is a distant cousin to the “Take The Picture” doll from the Funny Face collection. She is very beautiful and her colouring only enhances her beauty. The one thing I don’t see in the photos are the gauntlet gloves - just opera length. Am I missing something? I will enter the lottery - with the large edition, there’s a good chance of winning.

For this capsule collection, the dolls come packaged in elaborate collector grade packaging designed to resemble a retro suitcase, complete with decorative handle on top and a bag tag hanging from it. I saw it in the video and it looked great! The handle is thin so that it can fold into the box for shipping. Alain Tremblay did it again!

Prototypes shown, final production fabrics, colors, and textures may vary slightly. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. All photos of dolls and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. ©2020 All rights reserved. POPPY PARKER and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc., Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. ©2020 All rights reserved. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved. Doll Photography by Ahmet Steltman; Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing .

May the 4th be with you - with brand new Barbie Star Wars dolls!

Less than a year after the first three Barbie Star Wars dolls were revealed by Mattel and, appropriately, on May the 4th (May the force be with you is a popular Star Wars universe greeting for those not on the know), four new dolls are available for preorder from Barbie Signature. Rey, C-3PO, a Storm Trooper and Chewbacca are the latest beauties to be added to the Leia, Darth Vader and R2D2 ones already out there. As before, they are again fashion interpretations of the Star Wars characters, not faithful representations of them. And again they succeed in that, with brilliant iterations of iconic looks and beautiful dolls. The price is again $100.00 each, with Chewbacca reaching $150.00 as it’s platinum label edition and Barbie Signature online exclusive - the rest of them are Gold label. Unfortunately all have the Model Muse body, which means no articulation. I think the Star Wars Barbie dolls are a missed opportunity regarding articulation. They are shipping from June 1st till the 15th, with limitations due to the global pandemic affecting shipments.

Star Wars™ Rey x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $100.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 1, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. As she was drawn into a galaxy-wide conflict between the First Order and the Resistance, the mysterious power of The Force set Rey™ on the path to discovering her destiny in a time when the Jedi Order was virtually extinct. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from Rey’s legendary look to capture her adventurous spirit in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars Rey x Barbie® doll wears a crystal pleated chiffon gown with a crossover neckline and draped hood, inspired by Rey’s gauzy crosspiece. A slit reveals ombre boot-leggings in gold and copper hues, and accessories with a hammered gold look complete her heroic ensemble. Star Wars Rey x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: Earring, dress, belt,2 arm band, boots w/ softgoods, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Crystal pleated chiffon gown, ombre boot-leggings, accessories

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Millie collector size

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 13" x 2" x 8"

• Limit 2 per person

• © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

SKU #: GLY28

A beautiful interpretation of Rey - if she had to go to the Met Gala! Incidentally, that would be today, if it weren’t for the pandemic. Apart from the missing articulation, the rest looks lovely. The Grecian goddess style fits her, the hair is intriguing enough and the ombré boots are her avant guard element. I hope the jewellery looks this good up close and not too plastic. Yes, I’d get her if I could. Maybe someday.

Star Wars™ C-3PO x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $100.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 15, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Programmed for etiquette and protocol and built by the heroic Jedi Anakin Skywalker, C-3PO™ was involved in some of the galaxy’s most defining moments and thrilling battles. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from C-3PO’s legendary look to capture his golden armor in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars C-3PO x Barbie® doll shines in a head-to-toe liquid gold look with accents of sheer organza and golden sequins. Polished details include a golden collar, bangles, C-3PO-inspired glasses and a brilliant cincture echoing the droid’s primary power coupler outlet. Star Wars C-3PO x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: dress, boots w/ softgoods, hair piece, necklace,arm cuffs,hand covers, belt and chain, sunglasses, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Dress with sheer organza accents and golden sequins, glasses

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Mbili

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 17" x 5" x 10"

• Limit 2 per person

• © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

SKU #: GLY30

C-3PO as a fashion Doll is easily the best of the bunch - and better than the three previous SW dolls too! Not only she has a beautifully rendered outfit but the doll herself is magnificent. Look at that face! Want, want, want!

Star Wars™ Stormtrooper x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $100.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 1, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Stormtroopers’ imposing white armor, blaster rifles and great skill make them a force to be reckoned with, and their fanatic loyalty to the Empire renders them steadfast -- and lethal -- in their fight for the Imperial cause. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from the troops’ legendary look to capture their plastoid armor in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars Stormtrooper x Barbie® doll is striking in head-to-toe white over a black bodysuit with a shiny patent-leather look. A platinum bob, dark glasses, cuffs, a utility belt and boots with a knee protector plate detail complete the battle armor-inspired look. Star Wars Stormtrooper x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: Sunglasses, back plate, hand covers & arm bands, bodice, chocker, belt, boots, doll stand, leggings, skirt, bodysuit, blouse, jacket

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Plastoid armor in head-to-toe white over a black patent leather-inspired bodysuit

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Karl

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 5" x 10"

• Limit 2 per person

• © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

SKU #: GLY29

The Storm Trooper is like a white version of the Darth Vader Barbie, sans cape. Or like Debbie Harry doing a cameo in New Hope! The eye makeup design veers on ancient Egyptian territory. Perfect.

Star Wars™ Chewbacca x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $150.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 5, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. During his long life, Chewbacca™ has been many things: Wookiee warrior, ace smuggler and rebel hero. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from Chewie’s legendary look, bringing a glamorous edge to signature costume elements in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars Chewbacca x Barbie® doll wears a lavish faux fur coat over a strapless dress with a fur skirt and bodice of vinyl and sheer organza. Chic details include a furry headband and knee-high boots, as well as cuff bracelets and a handbag inspired by Chewbacca’s signature bandolier and satchel. Star Wars Chewbacca x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Platinum

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: Head piece, dress, jacket, purse, boot cuffs, boots, bodice,arm cuffs, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Faux fur coat, strapless dress, fur skirt, boots

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Lea/Kayla

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 17" x 5" x 10"

• Limit 2 per person

• SKU #: GMM96

This is the Barbie.com exclusive doll - you can only preorder her from Mattel. I’m never crazy about fur, even fake fur, and this is no exception. The fact that she looks like Kim Kardashian dressed up as Chewbacca certainly does not help. The fur detail on the box doesn’t justify the extra 50 bucks. Pass.

A Meteor just landed - and it surely caused quite a stir!

The new W Club year - and by extension the new year for Integrity Toys releases - begun on the Saturday 14th of March, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, not a good omen for the future. But yes, life must go on and we should keep on dreaming. Plus, with more and more people worldwide confined in their homes due to the virus, we doll aficionados turn even more to our passion for relief and enjoyment. This weekend brought the release of a new line for Integrity Toys, designed by Vaughn Sawyers. It’s name is Meteor and the story line involves the opening of a trendy nightclub by three friends. Three new characters, with new sculpts, were unveiled in a collection made up by five dolls, four available from Integrity Toys dealers and one for W Club members as an event doll. All are priced at $150.00. The dealer dolls arrive in the last week of March, while the event doll will arrive by the end of summer.

My thoughts on the line: I love the concept and that they are all from West Africa. The new sculpts are beautiful and will give us some really interesting dolls. I’m not crazy about all the outfits I’m seeing, but more about that in each doll’s comments. The vibe is certainly au courrant with the fashion trends as seen in the latest catwalks, particularly the decadent bourgeois trend evident in major fashion brands. The price is high, placing the dolls on a par with NuFace and near FR. I’d rather see a new line begin on a lower price level to lure people in, especially when it has a body that’s new to collectors. Better to start low, and when you see that there’s a healthy demand, raise prices. Also, releasing all dolls at once, and badly timed with people paying for older preorders, is not boding well for sales. It’s the same mistake they keep doing with East 59th and it seems they are simply not getting it.

As for the new body: in a video interview sent to Club members, Vaughn said he wanted the dolls to have a curvier body but had not time to develop a new one. So he created a new one by combining parts from other types of bodies. Here’s what Integrity Toys said about the new body:

We know that for many customers, compatibility between brands is extremely important. After careful consideration, Meteor ladies feature a newly assembled doll body composed of the following components:

• East 59th upper torso;

• Slightly re-engineered Color Infusion lower torso;

• Fashion Royalty/NU. Face arms and hands;

• Newly developed legs compatible with Fashion Royalty and NU. Face shoes.

With this fantastic body combo, these beautiful fashionistas will be able to easily borrow outfits and shoes from other dolls in your collection! You don't need to wait for more outfits to be released, you'll be able to dress, re-dress, pose and play as soon as you receive them!

The upper torso of East 59th is not the best choice for modern dolls. That body looks good for period fashions but is not aesthetically close to current fashion. They could have used the FR upper body. The lower part is a modified Colour Infusion torso. I guess that was for having a more curvy bottom. The legs are new but they say that they can share shoes with FR and NuFace. If that’s the case, why design a new foot at all? Just use existing ones. I am happy they are compatible though as the main reason I did not collect CI was their incompatibility with FR. That and their larger heads.

Let’s check each new doll and see how they look.

Item # 46000

Night Falls

Keeki Adaeze™ Dressed Doll

Meteor™: The Launch

Limited Edition: 525

Available: Last Week of March 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $150.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Keeki Adaeze

Body Type: Meteor 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High Heel

Skin Tone: Nubian

Hair Color: Midnight Brown

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

• 12.5" fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

• Ultra-feminine, brilliantly pleated and draped burnt-orange satin blouse featuring a sophisticated asymmetric neckline;

• Fashionable high-waist cuffed shorts;

• High-gloss taupe belt featuring an intricately designed oversized "gold" buckle;

• Deep-burgundy handbag with delicate, shimmering texture;

• Faux-suede over-the-knee / slouch high-heeled boots that can be worn in multiple ways;

• Baroque-inspired earrings with cloisonné detailing;

• Matching baroque-inspired cloisonné cuff bracelet with jeweled detailing;

• Oversized yellow "diamond" ring;

• Pair of long manicured hands;

• Alternate pair of grip hands;

• Acrylic doll stand and pole;

• Certificate of authenticity;

• Signature designer packaging.

First one is Keeki, a beautiful lady in Nubian skintone, with lovely natural hair in a series of ponytails and whisps of baby hair on her temples. It’s a nice detail that complements her hair. I love the doll. Her make up is fresh and stylish and I really like that the lips look well defined without too many paint layers. Her outfit? The blouse needed more work on the sleeves, this type of sleeve in this scale either needs a lighter fabric or gathering at the wrists, to show off well. Now they simply look like lumps. I like the shorts and the versatility the boots. The colours are gorgeous. And her accessories are beautiful. Love the burgundy bag and the Byzantine jewellery which were done a lot by Chanel, and in a more artistic style by Yves Saint-Laurent and Christian Lacroix. And did you notice the detail on her manicured long nails? Wow. I preordered this one despite my dislike of the sleeve style, as I love the rest.

Item # 46001

In This Skin

Zuri Okoty™ Dressed Doll

Meteor™: The Launch

Limited Edition: 525

Available: Last Week of March 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $150.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Zuri Okoty

Body Type: Meteor 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High Heel

Skin Tone: A-tone

Hair Color: Chocolate Copper

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

• 12.5" fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

• Deconstructed, asymmetrical lightweight faille blouse;

• High-waisted, faux-crocodile skirt with dramatic side slit;

• High-contrast, multicolored faux-fur boa;

• Short gladiator lace-up sandals;

• Oversized "tortoiseshell" sunglasses;

• Newly developed spiral-ring earrings;

• "Golden" molded necklace;

• Pair of "golden" finger rings;

• Scaffolding inspired oversized "golden" cuff bracelet;

• Two-toned, micro-suede handbag with magnet closure;

• Pair of long manicured hands;

• Alternate pair of grip hands;

• Acrylic doll stand and pole;

• Certificate of authenticity;

• Signature designer packaging.

Zuri reminds me a lot of Suri from Black Panther, and not just name-wise. She’s a fierce looking doll with the air of those legendary Yves Saint-Laurent catwalk models of the 80s, Katoucha Niane and Mounia. And that gap toothed mouth is gorgeous. Her outfit is the embodiment of one of Vaughn’s sources of inspiration, the Real Housewives Of… reality series. My objections: first of all, the sleeve does not drape well with this fabric in this scale. It should have been narrowed at the armpit, meaning a more difficult execution. Or else discarded completely. Secondly, the skirt is pleather, which means eventual destruction. I tend to avoid pleather as much as possible. Accessories are again gorgeous, especially her jewellery. If the dolls were more spaced out as releases, I’d get her too. I will later, if she does not sell out.

Item # 46002

Breaking Dawn

Amirah Majeed™ Dressed Doll

Meteor™: The Launch

Limited Edition: 525

Available: Last Week of March 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $150.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Amirah Majeed

Body Type: Meteor 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High Heel

Skin Tone: New Hispanic

Hair Color: Honey Ginger

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

• 12.5" fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

• Intricately draped charmeuse blouse;

• Pale blue faded skinny jeans, featuring rhinestone appliqués;

• Faux-snake pumps;

• Oversized faux-suede and faux-leather tote bag with name tag detail;

• Newly developed, oversized "golden" sunglasses with sculpted floral detail;

• Oversized hoop earrings with "jeweled" accents;

• Extravagant "golden" sphere ring;

• Chunky giraffe print inspired cloisonné cuff bracelet;

• Pair of long manicured hands with delicately hand-applied crystals;

• Alternate pair of grip hands;

• Acrylic doll stand and pole;

• Certificate of authenticity;

• Signature designer packaging.

Amirah is the sculpt I like least of all three. And the make up does not do her any favours here. Or the hair. The blouse she’s wearing tries to incorporate so many different things that ends up being a cacophony. And have I said I really hate torn jeans?

Her accessories are nice but not with the wow factor the two previous dolls have and ditto for the jewellery. Hard pass.

Item # 46003

Edge of Night

Amirah Majeed™ Dressed Doll

Meteor™: The Launch

Limited Edition: 525

Available: Last Week of March 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: $150.00

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Amirah Majeed

Body Type: Meteor 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High Heel

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Ebony

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

• 12.5" fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

• Elongated, menswear-inspired, textured chiffon shirt;

• "Micro-suede", deconstructed, denim-inspired jacket;

• Pleated kilt with contrasting plaid overlays;

• Faux-leather handbag with shoulder strap detail;

• Chunky high-heeled military-inspired boots;

• Satin striped necktie;

• Faux-silver dangle earrings;

• Oversized "silver" ring;

• Pair of long manicured hands with black rhinestone appliqué on one nail and glitter French tip on the thumb;

• Alternate pair of grip hands;

• Acrylic doll stand and pole;

• Certificate of authenticity;

• Signature designer packaging.

The second version of Amirah is much better than the first. The combination of pale skin and dark hair is very attractive, especially combined with the cool toned makeup she has. Too bad she has a boring hairstyle and a version of a Thom Browne that looks and feels overworked but unfinished too. She is missing the oomph of Browne.

Item # 46004

Afterglow

Keeki Adaeze™ Dressed Doll

Meteor™: The Launch

Limited Edition: TBA

Available: Approx. Late Summer 2020

Price: $150.00, $25 deposit with preorder and $125 + S&H when doll arrives

IT DIRECT EXCLUSIVE, available only for W Club members

Head Sculpt: Keeki Adaeze

Body Type: Meteor 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High Heel

Skin Tone: Sunkissed

Hair Color: Ebony

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

• 12.5" fully articulated doll with rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes;

• Shimmering mini dress with criss-cross harness detail, worn over a sheer, long-sleeved mock-neck top;

• Show-stopping, extravagant, oversized, parka-inspired, quilted-satin and faux-fur hooded evening coat;

• Thigh-high, sheer micro-sequined boots with intricate "chrome" heels;

• "Jewel-encrusted", molded necklace (magnetized);

• Leaf inspired, chandelier earrings;

• "Jeweled" ring;

• Pair of two-toned, long manicured hands;

• Alternate pair of long-manicured hands;

• Acrylic doll stand and pole;

• Certificate of authenticity;

• Signature designer packaging.

The event doll is easily the best of the bunch. Vaughn said his inspiration for this one was Cardi B, but the doll reminds me of the Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie (see below)! She could easily stand next to the Retrofuture ladies too. The sequinned boots and intricate manicured hands are the cherry on top

Photo courtesy of Mattel Inc.

So, let’s recap what is available and from where.

Available from IT Dealers

Already in-stock/Shipping approximately the last week of March 2020

Item # 46000 Night Falls Keeki Adaeze™

Item # 46001 In This Skin Zuri Okoty™

Item # 46002 Breaking Dawn Amirah Majeed™

Item # 46003 Edge of Night Amirah Majeed™

IT Direct Pre-order

Ships approximately late Summer 2020

Item # 46004 Afterglow Keeki Adaeze™

Final fabrics, colors, and textures may vary slightly. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. All photos and information contained herein, unless otherwise stated, is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. ©2020 All rights reserved. METEOR, EAST 59TH, FASHION ROYALTY, NU. FACE, COLOR INFUSION, and all other character marks followed by ™ or ® are trademarks of Integrity Toys, Inc., Chesapeake City MD USA 21915. ©2020 All rights reserved. The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Doll Photography by Jayme Thornton; Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing

Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie Doll photo courtesy of Mattel Inc.

Happy 61st birthday Barbie!

It’s the 61st birthday for the famous fashion doll, Barbie, or Barbara Millicent Roberts, as is her full name. To honour the anniversary, let’s check out some collector Barbies that were unveiled these past few days.

First up is the Japanese Barbie Convention 2020 doll. The convention was cancelled due to coronavirus, but the doll will be sent to those that were to attend. Designed by Carlyle Nuera, she is a vision in red. The concept for convention Barbies this year is Chromatic Couture and Japan got the red one. The sculpt is madam LaVinia and she’s dressed in a faux leather bralette, satin palazzo pants and a red tulle bodysuit. Her hair and make up are all red too. This is my favourite of the two convention dolls.

The second doll is the Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2020 exclusive Barbie, unveiled this past weekend in Paris. She’s in total blue, part of the Chromatic Couture concept. Again designed by Carlyle Nuera, she has the Mari face sculpt and is dressed in a high-low bubble hem gown with puff sleeves made of two-tone metallic blue taffeta, with a powder tulle blue overlay and clear blue jewellery & shoes. Her make up and hair are all in shades of blue.

And finally, sketches of some of the last BFMC dolls were revealed in the past days. This collection is on its last year and Rober Best is trying to end it in the best possible way. The first one is Best To A Tea. She’s wearing a Chanel style suit. We have seen lots of them on Silkstone dolls and they are all lovely, so I guess this one will be too.

There will be a giftset released too, named The Best Look - a play on the designer’s name perhaps? The sketches look gorgeous, even though the outfits look a lot like past releases. A redhead in grey or black will look smashing. Wondering if she will be in the latest, articulated Silkstone body or the original one. I know most BFMC collectors would prefer the latter.