Backstage with the Hommes: the new Monarchs Homme collection is here!

Integrity Toys and the W CLub had an online event Thursday to present three new Monarch dolls - it started at 3.00 am Greek time, which was not convenient at all. Dear Integrity and Carol Roth, could you please start doing your presentations again on Saturdays at a more convenient time for us (not all of Europe having to watch after midnight!), or at the very least on a Friday so that we do not have to think about waking up early for work the next morning. Also Vaughn mentioned that they are going to be doing more regular presentations for new stuff - but the actual production and delivery is still affected from global events.

There are two new characters, one of which is a brand new sculpt. The other new guy has the sculpt of Kyle Spencer from the American Horror Story: Coven collection. And the third is the Darius 2.0 sculpt. Also note that only Tae Min comes in the Monarch body. Vaughn did a great job of researching and adopting current trends. Two are dealer dolls (Darius and Tae Min) and Rashad is a lottery doll for W Club. Let’s check the guys out.

NEW CHARACTER

Item # 21013

Power Vibes

Tae Min Jee™ Dressed Fashion Figure

The Monarchs Homme™: Status Symbol Collection

Edition Size: 750

Expected Ship Date: Late Summer-Early Fall 2022

MSRP: $180 + S & H

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Tae Min Jee (New Sculpt!)

Body Type: Monarchs 1.0

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Auburn

Included:

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and flocked hair;

Custom printed camo cargo pants;

Oversized logo t-shirt;

Satin finish varsity jacket with custom embroidered details;

Socks;

Sneakers;

Embroidered beanie hat;

Earring;

Watch;

Two rings;

Two pairs of hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

New Asian character and sculpt - even though there are at least two Asian sculpts forgotten and unused, Takeo Mizutani from Fashion Royalty and Kyu from Dynamite Girls. We need to see them both return! That said, this one is a smash. Apart from the messy hair (which I am certain will never come like this in the final production doll), everything looks amazing . The face is gorgeous, with the eyeliner giving him that extra something that made me pre-order (and confirmed).

His clothing is very on trend and the accessories are great - love the wi-fi icon on the beanie. Is that an Apple Watch? Only thing missing is a bag - and at this price point, it should have been included.

Item # 21015

Studio Sessions

Darius Reid™ Dressed Fashion Figure

The Monarchs Homme™: Status Symbol Collection

Edition Size: 750

Expected Ship Date: Late Summer-Early Fall 2022

MSRP: $180 + S & H

AVAILABLE ONLY FROM IT DEALERS

Head Sculpt: Darius 2.0

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Skin Tone: FR Black

Hair Color: Dark Brown / Black

Included:

12.5-inch articulated figure with long, partially rooted hair;

Burgundy pants (full-length pants, the hems can be rolled down);

Navy blue long-sleeved half-zipped pullover;

Intricately tailored denim and checkered jacket;

Faux-suede tanker boots;

Watch;

"Diamond" stud earring;

Eyeglasses;

Chain bracelet;

Two pairs of hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

This is the first time I like the new Darius sculpt - great face screening. I am not so sure about the hair though - I would have liked either less dense big braids that would start from the forehead fade, or much thinner braids like the Mattel Looks guy. He is the lovechild of Milli Vanilli and Lenny Kravitz.

His clothing is gorgeous, especially that tromp-l’oeil jacket that looks like he has two, when in fact it is only one, cleverly constructed. If only it had different colour selection. Again, great accessories but no bag. Shame.

NEW CHARACTER

Item # 21014

Make 'Em Lit

Rashad Rouissi™ Dressed Fashion Figure

The Monarchs Homme™: Status Symbol Collection

Edition Size: 750

Expected Ship Date: Mid-Summer 2022

W CLUB ONLY IT DIRECT RIGHT-TO-BUY LOTTERY

Head Sculpt: Rashad (previously Kyle Spenser sculpt - New Character!)

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Skin Tone: Sunkissed

Hair Color: Dark Brown

MSRP: $180 + S & H

Special W Club RTB Winner Price*: $170 + S & H

(For RTB winners only, a $30 non-refundable deposit will be due before June 10).

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Included:

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with shoulder-length, fully rooted hair;

Multi-toned denim pants with contrasting topstitching;

Neon yellow long-sleeved hoodie;

Utility vest;

Three earrings;

Three rings;

Square sunglasses;

Watch;

Sling bag;

High-top sneakers;

Two pairs of hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Great re-use of the Kyle Spencer sculpt - which I did not like in its first incarnation. If he had shorter hair and a different style of facial hair, I might have entered the lottery. He reminds me a lot of Once Upon A Time’s Colin O’ Donoghue (Captain Hook). Will wait for his next incarnation.

He has the best accessory set of the bunch. Oh wait - you can actually get a bag in this price level - and give a W Club discount too! Come on Integrity, this sucks. hey all should have gotten bags.

**REMINDER**

Tae Min Jee and Darius Reid are only available through dealers!

For the Rashad Rouissi right-to-buy lottery, please read below!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. This collectible is meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. MONARCHS HOMME 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.

Photography by Jayme Thornton. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

New East 59th Basic dolls are announced!

Integrity Toys had announced that they would gradually change the basic dolls in all lines earlier this year. The first new one have been unveiled and they are from the East 59th line, designed by Chris Stoeckel. A new Victoire Roux and the first basic guy, Augustus "Gus" Blake, are the new additions to the basic doll releases. Integrity Toys is tweaking the process slightly. For W Club members, they are taking a pre-order for the new entries in the East 59th collection and members may order 1 per membership at special W Club pricing. That means at least one guaranteed doll per member, which is great! No more hassle and anxiety. It makes more sense for me to have members pre-order and have dolls made to order, just like with regular club dolls. Easier for the company and the buyers! The company also mentioned that “While the initial idea behind these dolls is to manufacture them "Open Edition" style (which means that more will be produced once they sell out), Integrity Toys reserves the right to "retire" these designs based on their overall popularity level at any point. Once that happens, it means that they won't be produced again.” 

Non members will be able to order the dolls once they come in stock. Depending on the edition size of the initial pre-order, it is possible that orders may have to be shipped in waves (meaning, that even though you pre-order now, you may not be in the first batch of dolls that arrive and may have to wait for a second or third batch to be produced). We will know after May 20th if multiple shipping waves are necessary.

Item # 73049

Aloha Waikiki

Victoire Roux® Basic Doll

The East 59th® Collection

Edition Size: Open Edition

Members-only Pricing: $99 + Shipping ($20 non-refundable deposit due now and balance of $79 + shipping due once the dolls ship later in 2022-2023)

Public Pricing: $109 + Shipping (available to non-members once the dolls have shipped later in 2022-2023)

Head Sculpt: Victoire 2.0

Body Type: E59

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Honey Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Included:

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

• Two-piece, white and navy polka dot bikini;

• "Martelé" (hammered) style chunky hoop earrings;

• White wayfarer style sunglasses;

• Navy open-toe high-heel sandals;

• Long manicured hands;

• Doll stand;

• Certificate of authenticity.

I was not expecting another Victoire as a basic doll for East 59th but here she is, in all her blonde bombshell glory. I suppose they wanted to add a blonde one, after the redhead and raven versions. This one has a better swimsuit, two piece instead of a single one, and it is in a lovely polka dot fabric. Typical accessories, lovely face. The club discount price is the basics price of last year, the public will be getting them $10.00 more.

Item # 73048

Honolulu Sunset

Augustus "Gus" Blake™ Basic Fashion Figure

The East 59th® Collection

Edition Size: Open Edition

Members-Only Pricing: $99 + Shipping ($20 non-refundable deposit due now and balance of $79 + shipping due once the dolls ship later in 2022-2023)

Public Pricing: $109 + Shipping (available to non-members once the dolls have shipped later in 2022-2023)

Head Sculpt: Darius 1.0 / Gus

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Skin Tone: Nubian

Hair Color: Black Flocking

Eyelashes: N/A

Included:

• 12.5-inch articulated male fashion figure with flocked hair;

• Retro-inspired, one-piece polka dot bathing suit with micro-belt at the waist;

• Narrow, white sunglasses;

• Navy blue faux-leather espadrilles with braided sole detail;

• Pair of regular male hands;

• Stand;

• Certificate of authenticity.

I love that we are getting a Darius/Gus as a basic doll, he’s one of my favourite guys and cannot have enough of him. Nubian skin tone too! I love his swimming trunks (can we have a real life pair like this to buy too?) and he’ll look gorgeous next to Laird in his striped shirt. I’m definitely getting this one! I’m not so sure about the pleather espadrilles though.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 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.

Photography by Jayme Thornton. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang doll is released!

Teased in Instagram and eagerly anticipated by collectors, the Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang doll is released by Mattel. I think it is great that, not only do we get a doll that actually looks like the designer it is honouring, we get one that is not another blonde caucasian iteration of the usual Barbie iterations. Plus, Vera Wang is a great designer, with a long history, much respected in her profession and beyond. She has a long history with Mattel, with various dolls wearing her bridal gowns released through the years and becoming highly sought after collectibles.

The doll is designed by Carlyle Nuyera and is a Signature Collection Barbie, now available on the Mattel Creations website for $40.00 - 5 dolls per user allowed.

I simply love this doll. She is beautifully made, with the very particular style and look of Ms. Wang, without any concession to Mattel usual tropes (maybe save some plastic accessories). The price point is great for a doll like this and I would very much like to add her to my collection. Hope she appears on European shops, real or digital, really soon! Can we get more dolls like this please Mattel?

The description on the Mattel Signature website says:

The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture. Inspired by a look from her 2017 ready-to-wear collection, Vera Wang Barbie Doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word LOVE featured at the hem. A peplum belt with a zipper detail, black socks, and platform heels with sculpted buckle details complete her look.

Release date: 5/5/2022

Designer: Carlyle Nuera

Label: Black

Facial Sculpt: Vera Wang

Body Type: Articulated Original

Mattel Creations Exclusive. Limit 5 per person. Color and decorations may vary.

SKU#: GXL12

The story of the project from the MC website:

She's an iconic designer and businesswoman who grew her brand from a small bridal boutique into a fashion and lifestyle empire. She's earned numerous awards for her powerful contributions to the fashion industry – including the Legion of Honor from France – a testament to her enduring creativity and the lasting imprint she's made on fashion and culture. She's Vera Wang, the latest powerhouse to join the Barbie Tribute Collection, and as a Mattel Creations Exclusive!

The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact our culture. Lucille Ball was our first honouree, and now we're adding Wang, the entrepreneur and globally renowned fashion designer. And her influence extends far beyond fashion according to Barbie Signature Lead Designer Carlyle Nuera, who headed up the team that brought this doll to Mattel Creations today.

"As an Asian-American designer myself, Vera having a fashion and business empire that has spanned decades is inspirational," Carlyle says. "She’s a global household name, which I feel is so important for representation, for Asian-Americans who want to pursue a career in the arts or design. Or who need to convince their nervous parents that this is actually a viable career path!"

So when the opportunity arrived to create a doll in Wang's likeness, Carlyle jumped at the chance. "We’ve done Barbie dolls wearing Vera Wang’s designs in the past: an evening gown in 1998, and bridal gowns in 1997, 2008, and 2011," he recalls. "This is the first time we’re doing a Barbie doll of Vera herself, and decades later. It’s full circle! I think that in itself shows the scope of Vera’s career and staying power as a fashion designer."

Wang's career as one of the most prominent and iconic designers of bridal wear began with the opening of her flagship salon in New York City in 1990. But her influence was never destined to stop there. In 2000, she launched her first ready-to-wear collection, and that's where the Vera Wang Barbie Doll gets its fashion inspiration. Drawing on a look from her 2017 runway show, our doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word "LOVE" featured at the hem. "Vera added the word ‘LOVE’ in a Gothic script to the hem of the dress, which I think reflects the positivity Vera herself always expresses on social media," Carlyle explains.

Recreating the couture outfit did come with its challenges, but our team rose to the occasion with creative solutions. Carlyle shed a bit a bit of light on one in particular: "Because the outfit is made of three separate pieces – the shorts romper, chiffon dress, and peplum belt – the patternmakers had to engineer each piece to lay correctly under each piece so it wouldn’t look bulky."

That peplum belt with the zipper detail, along with the black socks and platform heels with sculpted buckle details, complete the presentation. "I added some black nail polish to finish the look. It's all the same as the runway look, down to the socks worn with the buckle heels," Carlyle says. The doll is also sculpted to Vera Wang's likeness and features her signature long, straight hair.

Model: Fei Fei Sun

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv

If you like to remove your dolls from the doll box, you'll have endless posing possibilities with the Vera Wang Barbie Doll, which was created with the Articulated Original doll body and comes with a doll stand. If you prefer her in the box, you'll still have a beautiful addition to your doll display, thanks to Packaging Designer Sarah Pata. And if you're collecting all the dolls in the Tribute Collection, Sarah has some fun news for you.

"We knew we needed a package design that felt cohesive but could also be 'adaptable' for any future dolls," Sarah says. "Knowing this, we decided to use a consistent package shape for all the dolls in the line, to help unify the collection. This also allowed us the flexibility to modify the package color and artwork to better match each new doll."

Our Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang Barbie Doll is available now in the online shop, and remember, she's a Mattel Creations exclusive! This Black Label doll sells for $40, and the limit of 5 dolls per person lets you shop for yourself and for gift-giving opportunities, too. So click or tap on over the Barbie Signature shop and pick up yours today.

All photos and information (except the runway one) are courtesy of Mattel Creations.

Poppy Parker goes on a Mystery Date: part II: Ski and Beach Dates!

Continuing the presentation of the Poppy Parker® Loves Mystery Date series here are the rest of the two-doll gift sets based on the dates from the vintage board game: Skiing Date and Beach Date. Just like the previous two sets, you open the door and find out which date is waiting. Is it the date Poppy expects? Or "The Stud"? The special “mystery” figure is inserted at random throughout these sets. Whether you opt for the Ski or Beach date gift sets, you have a 1 in 16 chance that Poppy’s date isn’t the beau from the set, but instead "The Stud", a scrappy young man who is not what Poppy expects. Remember that there are only 500 of this guy produced, so this means that 125 are inserted at random in each group of 2000 sets per date and may replace Poppy's intended date without warning. Remember that the lotteries for these two sets will be open for W Club members after the ones for the first two sets end.

*REMINDERS FROM INTEGRITY TOYS*

• Important! Nobody at Integrity knows which sets contain the “mystery” Stud figure; it will be a surprise upon receipt. We will not be able to confirm which you will receive in advance, nor do any trades or replacements whether or not you get the “traditional” set date or "The Stud". Note that each figure in the sets is packaged individually inside the main package to make trading with other collectors easier;

• The Poppy Parker dolls are consistent with the set theme;

• Whether you enter one or all of the lotteries for these gift sets, again note that the “mystery” Stud figures are inserted at random. This means that if you buy all four sets, you might get him once, twice, three times, four times, or none at all. This is completely random and out of Integrity Toys' or the W Club's control as discussed above;

• The original board game, while referenced on the packaging, is not included with the various gift sets. Also, please see the photos to see what accessories will and won’t be included should you get the “mystery” Stud date figure.

• Each Set Comes Packaged In Exclusive, Custom Designed Packaging Featuring A Functional Mystery Door And Artwork From The Original 1960s Board Game!

Item # 77204

Ski Date

Two-Doll Gift Set

Poppy Parker® Loves Mystery Date™

Adult Collectible

Edition Size: 2000 Gift Sets

Expected Ship Date: Mid-to-Late Summer 2022

Head Sculpts: Poppy Parker and Bellamy Blue (Ski Date) OR Kieron Morel (mystery Stud figure)

Body Type: PP 1.5 and FR Homme 1.5

Poppy Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle Feet

Skin Tone: FR White (Poppy) and Japan (Ski Date) OR FR White (Stud)

Hair Color: Strawberry Blond (Poppy) and Black (Ski Date) OR Black (Stud)

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (Poppy only)

MSRP: $275 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $240 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Included:

Ski Date Poppy Parker Doll

Total edition size 2000 dolls.

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

Totally scrumptious, retro snow outfit composed of bright chartreuse stretch pants, an aqua turtleneck, and an adorable snow jacket with faux-fur trim;

Ski boots;

Newly designed retro ski set with functional metal bindings;

Cool sunglasses;

Ski poles;

Stud earrings;

Pair of "gloved" hands;

Alternate pair of regular (non-gloved) Poppy Parker hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

And

Ski Date Fashion Figure

Total edition size of 1875 Ski Date figures.

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with flocked hair;

Custom printed ski sweater;

Orange long sleeved mock turtleneck;

Black stretch thermal pants;

Bright orange headband;

Black socks;

Black ski boots with yellow boot laces;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "gloved" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

OR

The Stud (ultra-limited alternate figure!)

Total edition size of 500 figures (125 per gift set style) 1 in 16 chance of getting this figure instead of the Ski Date above, inserted at random!

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and partially flocked hair;

Custom printed, "faux-stained" effect mechanic's pants, directly inspired by the vintage board game's visuals;

Long-sleeved sweater;

White tank top;

Faux-suede construction boots;

Wrench accessory;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

Each set includes one certificate of authenticity.

This is the second of my two favourite sets, the first being the Bowling one. I love both dolls and their outfits, plus the accessories are the best of the bunch: skis and batons and ski boots! Pity that Bellamy (always handsome, even though the flocked black hair is not his best look) does not have a pair of skis as well. His orange turtleneck should have been made like Poppy’s at the neck. His striped sweater is printed (custom print made by Alain), as it would have been nearly impossible to make this knitted in doll scale for such a large batch. This Poppy reminds me of the IT Airways Poppy Parker, both the doll and the outfit that has a similar colour palette. If you want photos of The Stud, check Part I of the Mystery Date posts. I think this is one of the most popular sets.

Item # 77205

Beach Date

Two-Doll Gift Set

Poppy Parker® Loves Mystery Date™

Adult Collectible

Edition Size:

2000 Gift Sets

Expected Ship Date:

Mid-to-Late Summer 2022

Head Sculpts: Poppy Parker and Milo Montez (Beach Date) OR Kieron Morel (mystery Stud figure)

Body Type: PP 1.5 and FR Homme 1.5

Poppy Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Hungarian (Poppy) and FR White (Beach Date) OR FR White (Stud)

Hair Color: Dark Brunette (Poppy) and Sand Blond (Beach Date) OR Black (Stud)

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (Poppy only)

MSRP: $275 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $240 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Included:

Beach Date Poppy Parker Doll

Total edition size 2000 dolls.

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

Colorful striped bikini;

Terrycloth beach cover-up;

Straw hat with white chiffon tie/scarf;

Matching terrycloth bag;

Platform sandals;

Pair of hoop earrings;

3 bangle bracelets;

Cat-eyed sunglasses;

Miniature transistor radio accessory;

Pair of regular Poppy Parker hands;

Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

And

Beach Date Fashion Figure

Total edition size of 1875 Beach Date figures.

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted hair;

Matching, custom printed Hawaiian shirt and shorts set;

Navy blue flip flops;

Colorful striped beach towel;

Custom printed beach cooler/bag;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

OR

The Stud (ultra-limited alternate figure!)

Total edition size of 500 figures (125 per gift set style) 1 in 16 chance of getting this figure instead of the "Beach Date" above, inserted at random!

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and partially flocked hair;

Custom printed, "faux-stained" effect mechanic's pants, directly inspired by the vintage board game's visuals;

Long-sleeved sweater;

White tank top;

Faux-suede construction boots;

Wrench accessory;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

Each set includes one certificate of authenticity.

This is the set with less value for money of all the sets of this collection. The outfits are simple and basic (swimwear), the accessories nothing to write home about (the straw hat looks like the Funny Face one, the portable radio and the cooler are cute but not on a par with the skis and boots and batons etc), so for me, it was a no from the get go. Poppy looks like a few of her previous incarnations, although for me it brought Sunshine Games Poppy to mind. Not fond of that one, not fond of this one either. Milo is probably in his worst ever iteration here, plus I already have two versions of him, so it it enough. Love the print of his swimwear though, it looks amazing (Alain for the rescue!). his coif looks too helmet-like, no? As for the stud…

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. The alternate male figure is included at random, there is one chance in 16 of receiving this figure instead of the beach date figure. The acrylic blocks shown in some of the photographs are display props only and are not included with the gift set. These collectibles are meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All text and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 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. MYSTERY DATE is the copyright of HASBRO and is used under permission. ©HASBRO The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Photography by Bill Peck and Shaunessey Smith. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Poppy Parker goes on a Mystery Date: part I - Formal Dance and Bowling Date!

A few days ago, W Club members got an invitation for a “slumber party event presentation:. People wandered why the slumber party theme, but many correctly guessed that it was related to Poppy. And since the much talked about pet project of David Buttry, Poppy Parker designer extraordinaire was mentioned in some of the latest online presentations, one could easily connect the dots. Sure enough, when Carol, Alain and David, in their PJs (Alain in a hooded top reminding us of Star Wars, since he was in front of his gorgeous related display) with their pillows, appeared and begun explaining the new collection, it was an Integrity Toys collaboration with Hasbro: Poppy Parker Loves Mystery Date.

Inspired by the classic board game from 1965 where players are preparing to go on a Mystery Date, the Poppy Parker® Loves Mystery Date series includes four two-doll gift sets based on the dates from the vintage board game: Skiing, Bowling, Beach and Formal Dance dates. But, this series comes with a twist: Get one of the special edition sets and Poppy Parker might be accompanied by an elusive “Mystery Date” instead of her expected beau. When you open the door to find out which date is waiting. it could be the date Poppy expects, or "The Stud" (the dud of the original game). A special “mystery” figure is inserted at random throughout these sets. Alain has done an incredible job with the packaging again, combining the original board game illustrations with the Poppy Parker box - there is even the door hiding the guy!

The concept follows that of the game, where four girls were collecting their outfit’s pieces and, when it was complete, could open the white door to find out their date. It could be any of four different “appropriate” guys or the “dud”, a guy dressed. plainly. How it translates to dolly world? Whether you opt for the Formal Dance, Bowling, Ski, or Beach date gift sets, you have a 1 in 16 chance that Poppy’s date isn’t the beau from the set, but instead "The Stud", an otherwise handsome, scrappy guy dressed as if going to fix his motorbike. There are only 500 of this guy produced over all the sets; this means that 125 are inserted at random in each group of 2000 sets per date and may replace Poppy's intended date without warning. The sets are going to be available through W Club-only "right-to-buy" lotteries. Two sets lotteries will be done now and the next two sets lotteries will be done after the first ones are completed.

*REMINDERS FROM INTEGRITY TOYS*

• Important! Nobody at Integrity knows which sets contain the “mystery” Stud figure; it will be a surprise upon receipt. We will not be able to confirm which you will receive in advance, nor do any trades or replacements whether or not you get the “traditional” set date or "The Stud". Note that each figure in the sets is packaged individually inside the main package to make trading with other collectors easier;

• The Poppy Parker dolls are consistent with the set theme;

• Whether you enter one or all of the lotteries for these gift sets, again note that the “mystery” Stud figures are inserted at random. This means that if you buy all four sets, you might get him once, twice, three times, four times, or none at all. This is completely random and out of Integrity Toys' or the W Club's control as discussed above;

• The original board game, while referenced on the packaging, is not included with the various gift sets. Also, please see the photos to see what accessories will and won’t be included should you get the “mystery” Stud date figure.

• Each Set Comes Packaged In Exclusive, Custom Designed Packaging Featuring A Functional Mystery Door And Artwork From The Original 1960s Board Game!

I have no recollection of the board game from when I was I kid, even though we got most of the popular board games from the US translated into Greek. None of its versions ever graced the Greek shops, so there is no nostalgia element for me here, apart from the gorgeous illustrations of the original version, that remind me classic 50s - 60s illustrators like Al Parker, Coby Whitmore and Gerry Fancett among others. You can still get the original game, in a repackaged tin box version. What I don’t get, and Integrity should have been more forthcoming on this, instead of a quick “this is a licensed product, hence not much freedom for modifications” comment, is why are all the dolls white people. Why not have black, asian, latin, native people making up the couples? One of the later versions of the game had such a variety in the illustrations, so Hasbro definitely has done that. It is 2022 people, there is simply no excuse. I find it hard to believe that a big company like Hasbro would make a fuss about skin tones in 2022. And if there was a glitch about this in the licensing process, maybe it is the wrong license to get, regardless of the sentimental/nostalgia factor involved. There could even be a gay couple (we have a 50s one in East 59th, why not a 60s one here?). I’d rather see that than pyjama party shenanigans from Integrity. They have a name to look up to.

Item # 77202

Formal Dance Date

Two-Doll Gift Set

Poppy Parker® Loves Mystery Date™

Adult Collectible

Edition Size: 2000 Gift Sets

Expected Ship Date: Mid-to-Late Summer 2022

Head Sculpts: Poppy Parker and Chip Farnsworth V. 1.0 (Formal Dance Date) OR Kieron Morel (mystery Stud figure)

Body Type: PP 1.5 and FR Homme 1.5

Poppy Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR White (Poppy) and Japan (Formal Dance Date) OR FR White (Stud)

Hair Color: Honey Blond (Poppy) and Lemon Blond (Formal Dance Date) OR Black (Stud)

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (Poppy only)

MSRP: $275 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $240 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Included:

Formal Dance Poppy Parker Doll

Total edition size 2000 dolls.

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

Romantic hot pink ball gown with glittered tulle overlay, ruffled hem, and narrow shoulder straps;

Faux-fur shoulder wrap/stole;

"Pearl" necklace and matching earrings;

Hot pink rose corsage accessory;

Hot pink satin clutch purse;

Hot pink open-toe heels;

Pair of "gloved" hands with opera-length sleeves;

Alternate pair of regular (non-gloved) Poppy Parker hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

And

Formal Dance Date Fashion Figure

Total edition size of 1875 Formal Dance Date figures.

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and partially flocked hair;

Formal dinner jacket, black pants, and pleated white shirt;

Hot pink cummerbund and bow tie;

High-shine black patent pleather shoes;

Black evening socks;

Magnetized red rose boutonniere;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

OR

The Stud (ultra-limited alternate figure!)

Total edition size of 500 figures (125 per gift set style) 1 in 16 chance of getting this figure instead of the Formal Dance Date above, inserted at random!

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and partially flocked hair;

Custom printed, "faux-stained" effect mechanic's pants, directly inspired by the vintage board game's visuals;

Long-sleeved sweater;

White tank top;

Faux-suede construction boots;

Wrench accessory;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

Each set includes one certificate of authenticity.

The first gift set consists of a rendition of Baby It’s You release: that was the debut of Chip in the storyline. This version of him looks a lot like a colour variation of the original, although with his exaggerated pompadour and pale skin tone, he would fit better as Chevalier Danceny in Dangerous Liaisons. Poppy is playing Barbie - and she nearly looks better, although the gown is rather plain. The set is rather lacking in accessories compared to others in this collection.

The Stud is rather fetching for a “dud”, isn’t he? I would not mind getting him instead of some of the guys offered. Especially considering I do not have this sculpt in my collection yet. If only he was wearing overalls instead of this ghastly pair of jeans. And s toolbox would have been a nice addition, making him more equal to the other guys in terms of accessories.

Item # 77203

Bowling Date

Two-Doll Gift Set

Poppy Parker® Loves Mystery Date™

Adult Collectible

Edition Size:

2000 Gift Sets

Expected Ship Date:

Mid-to-Late Summer 2022

Head Sculpts: Poppy Parker and Cabot Clark (Bowling Date) OR Kieron Morel (mystery Stud figure)

Body Type: PP 1.5 and FR Homme 1.5

Poppy Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle Feet

Skin Tone:Japan (Poppy) and FR White (Bowling Date) OR FR White (Stud)

Hair Color: Brown (Poppy) and Dark Auburn (Bowling Date) OR Black (Stud)

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied (Poppy only)

MSRP: $275 + S & H

Special W Club Price*: $240 + S & H

Sales method: This is being sold to W Club members via a W Club right-to-buy lottery offer. Should any product remain after fully placing the lottery, it would then be made available to the public and for purchasing extras at the MSRP.

*Special W Club pricing is limited to one per membership

Included:

Bowling Date Poppy Parker Doll

Total edition size 2000 dolls.

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

Bright red knitted sweater;

Custom printed bowling shirt;

Purple scarf;

Black knee-length pleated skirt;

Pair of cloisonne stud earrings;

White bobby socks;

Bowling shoes;

Pencil accessory;

Two miniature bottles of Poppy's favorite soft drinks with straws;

Miniature bowling ball and faux-leather carrying bag;

Pair of regular Poppy Parker hands;

Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

And

Bowling Date Fashion Figure

Total edition size of 1875 Bowling Date figures.

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and partially flocked hair;

Tan, zippered varsity-style jacket;

Bright red polo-style shirt;

Tobacco slim fitted trousers;

Matching tobacco socks;

Pair of eyeglasses;

Pair of bowling shoes;

Miniature bowling ball and faux-leather carrying bag;

Paper scorecard accessory;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

OR

The Stud (ultra-limited alternate figure!)

Total edition size of 500 figures (125 per gift set style) 1 in 16 chance of getting this figure instead of the Bowling Date above, inserted at random!

12.5-inch articulated fashion figure with rooted and partially flocked hair;

Custom printed, "faux-stained" effect mechanic's pants, directly inspired by the vintage board game's visuals;

Long-sleeved sweater;

White tank top;

Faux-suede construction boots;

Wrench accessory;

Pair of regular male hands;

Pair of alternate "grip" hands;

Custom-designed doll stand inspired by the vintage token stands included with the vintage board game;

Each set includes one certificate of authenticity.

This is one of my two favourite sets - both for the dolls and their outfits and accessories. Poppy is adorable in her bowling attire, Cabot as well and the bags with the bowling balls are simply gorgeous. Their shoes are fantastic and the soda bottles are the cherry on top. They look amazing together. Poppy reminds me a bit of Co-ed Cutie Poppy. David said that all Poppy dolls of this collection have the Bergdorf screening but with the vintage eyebrows.

SPECIAL W CLUB PRICE $240 + SHIPPING AND HANDLING

If you enter and are selected, the total price per gift set will be $240 + Shipping and Handling. RTB lottery winners will be expected to pay a $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per doll by April 29th, 2022 at Noon Eastern time to reserve their pre-orders. The balance of $190 + shipping and handling will be due when the dolls arrive approximately in mid-to-late Summer 2022.

PUBLIC PURCHASING

More information on public purchasing, if any dolls remain, will be sent after the lottery has ended.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. The alternate male figure is included at random, there is one chance in 16 of receiving this figure instead of the formal date figure. The acrylic blocks shown in some of the photographs are display props only and are not included with the gift set. These collectibles are meant for adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2022 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. MYSTERY DATE is the copyright of HASBRO and is used under permission. ©HASBRO The W Club is a trademark of Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.

Photography by Bill Peck and Shaunessey Smith. Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.