Claudia Schiffer Barbie finally gets a commercial release - is the doll meeting expectations?

Back in 2017, for her 30th career anniversary and the release of her book, Mattel made an OOAK Barbie in the likeness of Claudia Schiffer, the famous supermodel from Germany. That doll recreated one of Claudia Schiffer’s iconic looks from a 1994 Ellen Von Unwerth photo shoot for Vogue Italia, wearing a metallic Versace dress. Three years later, to celebrate the model’s 50th birthday, Mattel presented two more OOAK Claudia Barbies: one wearing a Versace 1994 Atelier blue gown, and another dressed in a Balmain design similar to one worn by Schiffer in the label’s spring 2016 campaign.

Credit: The Mega Agency

Credit: The Mega Agency

Now, Mattel decided to release a commercial Barbie Claudie, recreating the cerulean pleated floor-length gown by Versace, combined with a faille taffeta bustier inspired by the signature Versace corset bodice. Per Mattel “The doll makes a bold statement, pairing Schiffer’s strength and femininity with Versace’s luxurious glamour”.

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer Barbie® Doll in Versace

Designer: Carlyle Nuera

Label: Platinum

Face Sculpt: Claudia Schiffer likeness

Body Type: Pivotal

Includes Certificate of Authenticity

Doll cannot stand alone. Doll stand included. Colours and decorations may vary. Purchase limits subject to change at the sole discretion of Mattel.

SKU#: HCB94

The Story: Claudia Schiffer chose what Barbie would wear for a doll in her honour. This is one of her all-time favourite gowns, celebrating an iconic ‘90s fashion moment. "Recreating the gown in Barbie scale was a fun challenge,” says designer Carlyle Nuera. “I studied any photo I could find and watched videos of the runway show over and over.” Strappy heels, blonde curls, and soft makeup complete the look. This doll is inspired by the 2020 design made in honour of Schiffer's 50th birthday.

Am I the only one that thinks they did a hatchet job on the new doll? The face paint does not replicate the model faithfully, even though the doll sculpt is the same used in the OOAK dolls. Of course one cannot expect a commercial doll to have the same standards as a one off doll, but still I believe for the price, ($85 in the US, at least $170 in Europe) they could have done better. The hair is also not styled very well. The gown is weird - why would anyone gather a pleated fabric at the waist, when the original design is not like this? Probably to create volume at the bottom of the dress, since the pleats are straight and not like the original. The sewing of the corset is also not that good. And those plastic shoes? For such a limited release, it is awful. There seems to be a discrepancy regarding the quantity of dolls produced: the US certificates give 5,000, the EU ones 1,000. It may refer to the specific markets but they could have just written 6,000.

All doll photos courtesy of Mattel. Claudia Schiffer photos by Ellen Von Unwerth unless otherwise stated.

Curated: the first in-person event from Integrity toys since 2019!

"Curated" is the first exclusive in-person unveiling event hosted by Integrity Toys since the pandemic begun (and the last in person convention in 2019). It was held on the 14th of July in Washington DC. Attendees got to view the event collection displayed in a gallery setting, each doll in her own cabinet like an exhibit. Then, after the gallery viewing, at a nearby second location, the attendees got to shop, grab a bite and drink, and mingle together. There is no information regarding whether or not any of these items will be available for W Club members at this time, or for anyone else. There was mention of a colour variant for club members, way back when this was first announced but no mention yet even of this.

Item # 91533

Classically Surreal

Isha Kalpana Narayanan™ Dressed Doll

The Fashion Royalty® Collection

Curated: An Integrity Toys Special Event

Edition Size: 600

Head Sculpt: Isha

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Sunkissed

Hair Color: Dark Brunette

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Fashion Royalty had two dolls - and Isha makes a welcome return. She is wearing a gorgeous white dress with gold embellished denim inserts at the front and faux buttonholes. Looks inspired by this Spring 2022 RTW Schiaparelli jacket and this dress from the Spring 2022 Couture collection. She is sporting a head band with bunny ears (very 40s style and also reminds me of Josephine Baker - it is from Schiaparelli Fall 2021 Couture collection). Her other accessories are golden gloves, a white bag with golden embroidered decorations matching the dress, lovely white shoes with gold straps, and golden jewellery - love the eye bracelet, very Schiaparelli and also very Greek. She also wears fishnet stockings, in keeping with the retro 40s overall vibe. She is the souvenir doll of the event, given to all attendees as part of their ticket admission price. 

Item # 82133

Mixed Media

Thiago Valente™ Fashion Figure

The NU. Face™ Collection

Curated: An Integrity Toys Special Event

Edition Size: 600

Head Sculpt: Thiago

Body Type: Homme 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Flat Foot

Skin Tone: Light Honey

Hair Color: Brunette

Second appearance for Tiago - and a boy for NU Face instead of a lady - but don’t forget we had a small NU Face Moments unveiling very recently, so it figures. I think Jessy totally need to wear this outfit in real life. The rose covered coat has been done before by IT, but this one is transparent and in a light colour. The shirt looks like it is trying to be Jacquemus but looks too stiff. I never liked the underwear band showing over the pants and this one is no exception, whether it is real or faux. Love the colouring, the rest not that much. And the bag looks cheap compared to the rest of the outfit, Coperni miniature or not.

Item # 46031

Behind The Curtain

Zuri Okoty™ Dressed Doll

The Meteor™ Collection

Curated: An Integrity Toys Special Event

Edition Size: 600

Head Sculpt: Zuri Okoty

Body Type: Meteor 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: A-Tone

Hair Color: Raven

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Meteor is represented by Zuri and she looks amazing. Not crazy about the hairstyle (I always find these thick braids a bit lazy) but the rest of her rocks - doll and outfit, Love that she has lots of options to style and dress, from her mini outfit to the big ball gown. The pattern is very 80s and it would have looked even better had the scale been a little larger. Just like Steven Sprouse did it. Love her.

Item # 77236

Silver Cloud

Poppy Parker® Dressed Doll

The Poppy Parker® Collection

Curated: An Integrity Toys Special Event

Edition Size: 600

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: PP 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Flat Feet

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Silver Ash

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Poppy is definitely inspired by Edie Sedgwick - she was an Andy Warhol muse and vibes well with the Curated concept - more so than all the other dolls. Good to see a short haired Poppy that does not look like Twiggy, Love the ‘This is Art” bag.

Item # 91531

Modern Renaissance

Binna Park™ Dressed Doll

The Fashion Royalty® Collection

Curated: An Integrity Toys Special Event

Edition Size: 600

Head Sculpt: Binna/Ayumi 2.0 (New Character!)

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Platinum Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

For me this is the star of the collection/event. Finally the Ayumi 2.0 sculpt makes a comeback and she is gorgeous. Perfect hairstyle and make up complement the beautiful face - which here looks quite like her current incarnation. The gown is Schaparelli inspired, mainly from this Spring 2022 RTW gown, with the colouring picked off this Fall 2021 Couture gown. Breathtaking. Look at the accessories - those gold band bracelets are everything. And the gold dipped fingers and silver nails is so Schiaparelli too. Want her - I hope we get this one as a colour variation in the W Club, the original gown is pink and black, so one can hope.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final products may vary. 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 2023 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission. FASHION ROYALTY, METEOR, NU. FACE, 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.

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

The IFDC 2020 dolls were unveiled - Poppy goes Vegas!

As with many things this year, the 2020 IFDC Convention was delayed until next year due to the ongoing pandemic. What was not delayed (well, not much, considering), is the set of dolls based on this year's theme that were already designed and made. David Buttry and Vaughn Sawyers created a collection of four Poppy Parker dolls based on this yeat’s IFDC theme and they were revealed first to the would-be attendees and then to W Club and the rest of the world. As usual, a portion of the total edition size of each doll has been set aside for the W Club, while the bulk goes to the people that had registered for the convention.

Item #77183

Lady Luck

Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

The 2020 IFDC Convention

Edition Size: 500

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

Price: $160.00 + Shipping

W Club Right-to-buy Lottery Offer

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker 

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Copper

Penny Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Floor-length pale pink satin gown with sequin lace overlay and glamorous satin train;

Lucky clover leaf cloisonné jewelry set (necklace and earrings), hair comb and broach;

Pale pink satin pumps with delicate bow detail;

Alternate pair of "grip" hands

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Am I the only one getting Monaco Royale Vanessa vibes from this one? She’s Vaughn’s design, inspired by his 2003 IFDC Midnight In Monaco Véronique doll. The gown is a bit awkward for Poppy, as if she’s into her mother’s dress to play. Cute but pass. Lady Luck of course brings to mind the “Luck Be A Lady” song from the Guys And Dolls musical.

Item #77184

Masquerade Magic

Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

The 2020 IFDC Convention Edition

Size: 500

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

Retail Price: $160.00 + Shipping

W Club Right-to-buy Lottery Offer

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker 

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Cream

Hair Color: Platinum

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Dazzling turquoise blue Vegas showgirl outfit, complete with highly-detailed beaded embroidery and extravagant tulle train;

Adorable cat eye mask accessory;

Jewelry set (earrings, ring, bracelet);

Matching satin pumps with bow detail;

Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

She’s the yang to Sizzling in Paris yin, so she’s probably designed by David Buttry. Beautiful doll and a very showgirl-y outfit. If it only had more feathers instead of tulle! Love the mask!

Item #77185

Kiss In The Shadows

Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll

The 2020 IFDC Convention

Edition Size: 500

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

Retail Price: $160.00 + Shipping

W Club Right-to-buy Lottery Offer

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker 

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Light Honey

Hair Color: Raven

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Fuchsia cocktail dress with black lace overlay detail;

Elegant, a-line, high-contrast tulle cape;

Shoulder length black opera gloves;

Earrings and bracelet;

Duo-toned patent "leather" pumps;

Miniature cocktail accessory;

Alternate pair of "grip" hand;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

For me she’s hands down the most beautiful of the bunch. And despite the weird style of the cape, I like the outfit too, although I’d rather it had a shawl collared cape. Missing a necklace though - just imagine a pearl chocker with a jewelled clasp. This one was probably designed by Vaughn.The title brings to mind Rita Moreno singing (dubbed by Leona Gordon) “We Kiss In The Shadow” from “The King And I” film. The doll does look like a young Rita, no?

Item #77186

Viva Poppy!

Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll Gift Set

The 2020 IFDC Convention

Edition Size: 500

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

Retail Price: $185.00 + Shipping

W Club Right-to-buy Lottery Offer

Head Sculpt: Poppy Parker

Body Type: Poppy Parker

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Copper Sunset

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Retro inspired printed bathing suit;

Matching retro skirt;

Cropped, ¾ sleeve glitter knit top;

Golden capri pants with matching micro-belt;

Hot pink and gold mesh go-go dress;

Gold mesh stockings;

Las Vegas handbag;

Fashionable oversized sunglasses;

Golden pumps;

Hoop earrings;

"Golden" bangle bracelets;

Turquoise cloisonné earrings and ring;

Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

She’s obviously a David Buttry design, bearing lots of his favourites and things we have seen before in different iterations (like the mesh dress). Beautiful doll and lovely colours. The tote bag rocks! And of course the name references the Viva Las Vegas! Elvis Presley film, while the doll surely brings to mind the inimitable Ann Margret.

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

Participation Deadline: August 31st, 2020, Noon Eastern time;

Availability: 2020 W Club members only;

Right-to-buy Participation Limit: Max. one (1) lottery ticket per 2020 membership only.

Final fabrics, colors and textures may vary slightly. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. All 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. POPPY PARKER 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 Ahmet Steltman; Layouts and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing.

Jason Wu Velvet Rouge Eau de Parfum doll is the first new Integrity Doll for 2020

First post of the year and first doll for the year, at least for Integrity Toys. No, not the W Club registration yet, but another Jason Wu doll. This one combined with a fragrance, just like the Elyse Jolie Jason Wu fragrance doll back in 2018. The doll with the fragrance is again available only from NET-A-PORTER (link to the doll), but there is a silver lining this time: There will be a variant edition of the doll, sans fragrance, for the W Club members. The fragrance is a problem for shipping, as it is considered flammable and therefore will not travel by air.

It is Vanessa instead of Elyse this time, which is a plus. The dress is a jason Wu original from his Fall 2019 Jason Wu Collection. The real one is a great dress but the doll gown has transformed into a holiday Barbie dress - meh. Let’s read the club information blurb, below:

Photo: Laurence Ellis / Courtesy of Jason Wu Collection

“To celebrate the exclusive launch of the new Jason Wu VELVET ROUGE Fragrance on NET-A-PORTER, Jason Wu created a limited-edition scented Vanessa Perrin doll wearing a replica of one of his life-sized gowns! Only available through NET-A-PORTER, the NET-A-PORTER x Jason Wu doll will be sold with a 3oz Jason Wu fragrance starting sometime on Friday, January 17th, 2020. As NET-A-PORTER has some shipping restrictions, and has been a challenge for some Club members to buy from previously, Jason heard your concerns and has ALSO created a 2nd, variation doll without the real fragrance exclusively for a W Club member lottery, which will take place later in March 2020 (will be made available for 2020 W Club members)! Information about the particulars of that variation doll will not be made available until the 2020 W Club year.”

Item #102311 

Jason Wu Fragrance: Velvet Rouge Vanessa Perrin® Dressed Doll

Edition Size: 350

Expected Ship Date: January 2020

Suggested Retail Pricing: Pricing Listed at Retailer (Must buy doll + 3 oz. fragrance together, sold as a combo)

Velvet Rouge Eau de Parfum, 90ml with doll: €396.80 (price from the retailer UK website)

*AVAILABLE FROM NET-A-PORTER*

Head Sculpt: Vanessa 1.0 

Body Type: FR 6.0 (With Velvet Touch Finish)

Foot Sculpt: High-heel

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Raven

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Jason Wu unveils Velvet Rouge, a seductive new tribute to femininity. Balancing between sensual and rich ingredients that entice the senses, Velvet Rouge embraces the sultry side of the Jason Wu woman. The faceted depth of Incense, Patchouli, and Golden Amber is balanced by the open vibrancy of Rose Centifolia and Peony for a voluptuous fragrance. To celebrate this occasion, Jason Wu has designed a very special Vanessa Perrin doll, which is sure to become a central piece of your collection.

Included:

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

Meticulously re-created, miniature Jason Wu floor-length gown;

Show-stopping strappy heels with sheer bow ties;

Miniature Velvet Rouge Fragrance bottle accessory (no fragrance inside);

Stand;

Final fabrics, colors and textures may vary slightly. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only.

The obligatory allergy warning: ALLERGY ALERT This doll's package is scented with JASON WU fragrance oil (contained in a hidden scent pad inside a compartment of the packaging). Please take careful note of this if you have allergies or are sensitive to fragrance.

Once again a very expensive doll (even when deducting the perfume price) that even looks like recently released versions of Vanessa, like the Retrodimensional one or the Fame And Fortune one. The shoes are amazing, yes, but not for that price. And they did not even match the colour of the perfume bottle to the new one, it is like the old version. For that price, details matter dear Jason, you know it better than everyone. And no other accessories, I do not even see earrings! The box is nice. Reminds me of YSL Opium.

The W Club had some information to share:

The price will include a doll & 3oz fragrance (fragrance and doll NOT sold separately); Currently, the plan is that the offer is expected to go live on NET-A-PORTER.com on January 17th, 2020. We do not have a specific time, however, note that this may change and the offer may go live at any time during the day. As often, retailers don’t follow their release plans exactly. Please check their site at your discretion, since previous offers have gone up early. We understand this is inconvenient and have communicated that to them, but again, it is out of our direct or even indirect control and we don’t want you to miss out. Given the international shipping restrictions for this item (read the full email for more details), we also cannot confirm whether there will be any on the country-specific sites, so we recommend starting with NET-A-PORTER.com but perhaps checking their related country-specific sites just in case; There will be severe shipping limitations due to the presence of the fragrance in the set, as fragrance is considered flammable goods, which cannot be shipped to most international destinations via air. THIS OFFER IS RESTRICTED TO MOST US AND CANADIAN LOCATIONS, as well as select other locations where NAP has physical warehouses (i.e., the UK and Hong Kong). Unfortunately, NET-A-PORTER cannot ship this set everywhere internationally; exact shipping information will be available on the site once the offer goes live.

Velvet Rouge Vanessa Perrin doll and fragrance from the NET-A-PORTER website

This is the notification for the shipping from NET-A-PORTER shipping details:

Due to transport restrictions, we are unable to ship pressurised or flammable items by air at this time. As a result, orders containing fragrance, nail and aerosol products must be delivered via our standard shipping option or our NET-A-PORTER Premier service (available in London). As we cannot deliver to certain postcodes, we suggest that you select a different shipping destination. Alternatively, you can contact our customer care team on +44 330 022 5700 to help you choose some other products you may wish to try. For more information or assistance in placing your order, please call customer care.

Velvet Rouge Vanessa Perrin doll box and fragrance bottle and box from the NET-A-PORTER website

This is the description of the doll from the NET-A-PORTER website:

Jason Wu Beauty’s sultry second fragrance is an ode to femininity. With top notes of Pepper and Crushed Violet Leaves, this floral bouquet unfurls to a seductive Jasmine, Rose and Magnolia heart. As it warms on your skin, the rich base of Incense, Patchouli and Musk reveals itself. - Set includes one of the designer's famous dolls, this time wearing the showstopping finale gown from his Fall '19 collection.

All photos (except otherwise mentioned) 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. Jason Wu, Velvet Rouge and all other related brands is a trademark of JWU, LLC. All rights reserved. Used under permission. Fashion Royalty 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 and graphics by Alain Tremblay, Marketing

David Bowie’s Space Oddity was released 50 years ago today and there is a Barbie inspired by him.

The seminal David Bowie song “Space Oddity”, was released as a 7-inch single on 11 July 1969. The opening track of his namesake 2nd studio album, it became one of his signature songs. And curiously enough, Mattel has released a Barbie inspired by the amazing artist.

The doll will be produced in a limited edition, as she is a Gold Label™️ doll. She’s dressed in one of his iconic Ziggy Stardust outfits, the metallic “space” suit with red and blue stripes, winged shoulders and red platform boots, as pictured in this legendary photo by Masayoshi Sukita from 1973. The suit was designed by his then costume designer Freddie Burretti (21 years old then and David’s boyfriend too!) alongside Kansai Yamamoto. The boots were designed and made by Kansai Yamamoto, bought by David and Angie from Boston 151, the shop in London’s Fulham Road that represented the designer in the UK. The boots would be worn again by Bowie, this time with jeans, in his nineties homecoming tour.

The make up was by Pierre LaRoche, Bowie’s personal make-up artist. He designed the sunburst circle on the singer’s forehead (and later the lightning bolt). Which brings us to what I think is a missed opportunity here: I would have preferred for the Bowie tribute doll to be more androgynous, as befits the great artist, and also have the lightning bolt make up, plus more spiky hair. The doll looks nice and I will probably get her, but she’s too slick and proper for a representation of the artist in that era. Just see what it might have been in this OOAK doll made by talented Russian duo AFD Group Dolls.

Here is the information from Mattel:

Barbie® David Bowie Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$50.00

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Introducing Barbie® as David Bowie. In a definitive celebration of two pop culture icons, Barbie® honors the ultimate pop chameleon, English singer, songwriter and actor, David Bowie, whose dramatic musical transformations continue to influence and inspire. With a career spanning over five decades, David Bowie was at the vanguard of contemporary culture as a musician, artist, and icon. He was, and remains to be, a unique presence in contemporary culture. Dressed as Bowie’s fantastic sci-fi alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, in the iconic metallic ‘space suit,’ this collectible Barbie® doll honors the cultural legacy of the musical genius who redefined rock and roll. Subject to availability. Colors and decorations may vary. 

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Linda Kyaw

• Release Date: 7/11/2019

• Included with doll: Blouse, pant, boots, doll stand

• Customization: Painted fingernails, painted art on forehead

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Metallic suit and platform boots

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: Articulated-Original

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Star

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 13" x 3" x 8"

• SKU #: FXD84