Integrity Toys 1st International Design Challenge - my entry!

Integrity Toys has been holding a Design Challenge contest for every convention they hold. This year, they decided to extend this for W Club members from all over the world and proclaimed their 1st International Design Challenge. As many other club members, I jumped at the chance of participating - putting my years of studying pattern making and fashion design at work. The brief was to pick a past doll from Integrity Toys and remake her as her opposite - i.e. if she had a day look, the entrants should remake her in its evening version and vice versa. 

Photo courtesy of Integrity Toys

Photo courtesy of Integrity Toys

I decided to use the gorgeous Aperitif At The Balthazar fashion from Fashion Royalty 2004 Voyages collection. As it was a day outfit, I would make my fashion an evening look. And since it was only an outfit, I could pick any doll I wanted to remake. My pick was Dania Zarr Rare Appearance, a 2014 W Club doll. I named her Champagne At The Waldorf, referencing an iconic hotel of New York, with legendary balls held in it, much like Balthazar is an iconic French style brasserie of the city.

The sketch of my entry - Champagne At The Waldorf

The sketch of my entry - Champagne At The Waldorf

I made the design easily - the inspiration came quickly and I focused on making something that would be relatively easy to make commercially, as the winning entry gets to be made by Integrity Toys to sell. The evening look kept the two-piece part of the suit, turning the jacket into a vest with a shawl collar. The bottom part of the skirt and the collar were made from pink muslin, echoing the lining of the original suit, while the rest was the same pied de coq print as the original - finding the fabric was easier than I would have ever thought! I picked pink for the buttons as well.

Champagne At The Waldorf Dania Zarr contest enrty 1

As my sewing skills are negligent (I can sew a button but that's it), I turned to my friend Maria from Habilis Dolls for help and she recommended her friend Ursula, a very talented seamstress that has made some perfectly made doll fashions to sell; luckily agreed to sew my prototype. The final look was enhanced with a pair of rhinestone and pearl jewels fixed on the ends of the shawl collar.

Champagne At The Waldorf Dania Zarr contest entry 2

As for the doll, I restyled Dania's hair into an up-do, to match the evening look, and added feathers in her hair with a rhinstone and pearl brooch, as the original had a small fascinator with similar small feathers on it. You cannot see the shoes but I used some beautiful black pumps with ribbons at the ankles. The entry did not make the final round but I am happy I entered and would do it all over again! Let me know what you think of my design in the comments.

Champagne At The Waldorf Dania Zarr contest entry 3

All photos courtesy of Stratos Bacalis unless otherwise stated

The 2016 Integrity Toys Convention: Supermodels part X: The final gala night

The final night of the Integrity Toys convention is always the most impressive, important but also emotional, as everyone has to say goodbye. The evening started with the introduction of the final centerpiece of the convention, followed by dinner, the announcement of this year's competition winners, the raffle of the designer OOAK dolls (which were amazing, pity I do not have official photos) and an interview with Jason Wu.
Jason announced plans for celebrating his company's 10th anniversary in 2017 and the introduction of new features in the Fashion Royalty line, starting with a "Velvet Touch" skin finish (sounds similar to Lovetones skin). He announced that as a thank you for everyone who opted to attend convention this year, a special offer would be included with the convention doll: to pre-order the very first Elyse doll that features the "Velvet Touch" skin finish. It seems like the Jason Wu anniversary dolls will be a separate line, sold through international stores, more expensive and with more detailed handmade outfits. More about the actual doll below.
I forgot to mention in a previous post that Victoire is also making a comeback, with a slightly tweaked body (it will be "explosive" like the FR for easier dressing). Cannot wait to see her back.
The moment everyone was waiting for was of course the reveal of this year's convention doll which came with two complete outfits to match the other girls in the convention collection.
Next year's convention will be in Orlando, Florida the weekend of October 19th-21st, 2017 with the theme of Fashion Fairytale. The amazing fairytale inspired editorials of Grace Coddington for the Christmas issues of Vogue came to mind immediately.
The winner of 2016's Supermodel Convention Design Competition Advanced Category was the talented Salvador Lopez Arriaga, so congratulations for him! He got both jury and public awards. His design will come to life later in 2017 as a real Integrity Toys doll. Here's a picture of his lovely creation: 


At the intermediary category, public prize went to the amazing Ginny Liezert, while last year's winner, the awesome Jason Kramer got the jury prize. Congratulations both, much deserved!

Item # 91410
Tweed Couture
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
Saturday Night Dinner Table Centerpiece
The 2016 Integrity Toys SUPERMODEL Convention
Limited Edition of 350 Centerpieces Only


This is a suit from the Dior by John Galliano Haute Couture collection from Autumn/Winter 1997/1998, an iconic collection and show. It was worn on the runway, in the parc des Bagatelles, by Debra Shaw, a model and friend of Galliano's.




A simliar look was also shown but with higher shoulders.


..and the only editorial photo of it I could find was this:


Princesse Bundi and Princesse Partabgarh from the Haute Couture F/W 1997 Collection. 
Photography by Patrick Demarchelier


Dania looks gorgeous here, and the recreation of the suit is perfection. Love the amazing Masai necklace. The inspiration of that collection was Marchesa Casati and Masai tribal dress.


Pity the shoes are not the fringed ones shown with the actual outfit, they'd be smashing. I do think though that Jordan or Nadja would rock this one much better, just like Debra Shaw did on the catwalk.


Item # 91407
Diva
Dasha™ Dressed Doll
Official Convention Doll
The 2016 Integrity Toys SUPERMODEL Convention
Limited Edition of 500 Dolls Only


Lacroix sweetie, Lacroix! Finally a gown from the master of couture, and a sumptuous one at that. This is from the Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1995 collection and this is how it looked on the runway:


Courtesy Harper's Bazaar/Getty Images

Shalom Harlow is the supermodel that wore it best in an editorial for US Vogue that year:


Shalom Harlow wearing Lacroix, styled by Grace Coddington and photographed by Bruce Weber for the March 1995 issue of American Vogue


Dasha, still with her trademark sideglance, looks fab here. She does remind me a bit of Karen Mulder and also of her previous incarnation as Renegade, again blonde and in a red dress.


I love the recreation and the detachable train. The jewellery is amazing too. And she has the extra Versace dress too!



Item # 91411
La Vie en Bleu
Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll
Designed By Jason Wu Collection
Limited Edition: TBD
Additional 2016 Supermodel Convention Attendee Exclusive
 *Featuring the new Velvet Touch skin! More details coming later.


Elyse was not at convention but she made quite an impression. The face looks a lot like Montaine Market Elise, the dress is lovely, with nice detailing. But the stud earrings and the absence of other accessories do not justify the high price (near $200 from what I hear) of the doll. She is too austere, almost looks like a nanny in a fancy dress.


Note: The pictures contained in this email show the prototypes and the final dolls may vary slightly. All doll photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2016 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Doll Days Of Summer: ITBE new release!

It looks like ITBE is turning into a very popular line - there was a second wave release from Integrity Toys, again through a lottery for W Club members. Gorgeous dolls again, this time in dresses, with a variety of sculpts and bodies. Let's check them out.

Item # 15040
Rare Jewel
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 315 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Rayna
Body Type:  Nu.Face 1.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


I love the Rayna sculpt and do not own one yet. I am entering this lottery hoping to get her. She's easily the best doll of the bunch. Rare Jewel is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in an intricately constructed silky cocktail dress and comes with golden faux-leather belt and matching strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included. The dress looks like those worn by an older IT Direct release of Natalia and Jordan.

Item # 15041
Flawless Impact
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 325 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Dania
Body Type:  Nu.Face 1.0
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Another gorgeous Dania, after the enchanting Rare Appearance that arrived last month to all members that ordered her, she's the second one I'm entering the lottery for. Fantastic doll and look. Flawless Impact is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with thick, curly rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a silky white cocktail dress and comes with a contrasting faux-leather micro belt and platform strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Item # 15048
Night
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 375 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Minx
Body Type:  Monogram
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: FR White
Hair Color: Black
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


I think it's the cut of the outfit that breaks this doll. This print needed something more modern to stand out. The face is beautiful though. Night is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, straight rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a basic dress and comes with elegant black pumps. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Item # 15056
Ignite
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 310 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Janay 3.0
Body Type:  FR2 (First Generation)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Cherry Brown
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Easily awarded best shoes of the bunch. I do not like the lips here, the rest is perfect. These last two dolls must be the first with the FR2 body. Ignite is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with long, wavy rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a fire red satin dress and comes with zipped strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Item # 15062
Media Sensation
The ITBE Collection
IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition Size of 320 Dolls
Retail Price: $99.00 + Shipping & Handling
Estimated Ship Date: July 2015


Doll Tech Specs:
Head Sculpt: Alysa 3.0
Body Type:  FR2 (First Generation)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Cream
Hair Color: Red
Eyelashes: Yes, Hand Applied


Is it me or does her head look a tad too big for her body? Such a lovely doll otherwise, perfect combinations of colour. Media Sensation is a fully articulated 12-inch vinyl doll with wavy rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. The doll comes dressed in a navy blue satin suit dress and comes with 'designer' zipped strappy heels. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. Doll cannot stand alone; stand included.

Note: Prototype shown, final production textures and colors may vary slightly. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2015 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.



A character from the past makes a rare appearance - Dania Zarr is back!

The last W Club doll for 2014 was announced a few days ago to its members. The character picked for the occasion was a surprise for many, as it is one outside the core 8 ones that make up the regular release dolls of the Fashion Royalty line. Dania is a popular sculpt so I guess this factored in a bit.


Item # 91353
Rare Appearance
Dania Zarr Dressed Doll
Official 2014 W Club Exclusive
Limited Edition Size: TBA 
Special W Club Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 
Estimated Shipping Date: Approximately Spring 2015


Doll Tech Specs: 
Scale: 12.5-inch / 1:6 Scale
Head Sculpt: Dania Zarr
Body Sculpt: FR2 2013
Skin Tone: Japan 
Hair: Deep Brunette
Quick Switch Feature: No
Eyelashes: Yes, hand-applied


Dania Zarr is a fully articulated 12.5-inch vinyl fashion doll with fully rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. The soft winter white cocktail dress has a built-in top knot detail. Dania's look is accessorized with a faux snakeskin bag and matching short boots, a pair of earrings and a bracelet. A doll stand is included. For adult collectors ages 15 and up.


Such a lovely doll to end the W Club offerings for 2014! Everything about her is perfection - the face, the hair, the dress, the accessories. the style. I bet most members are eager to get this one.


** Please note that the photos are of a prototype doll and subject to changes and modifications. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2014 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.

Integrity Toys 2nd On-line Presentation 2013: Fashion Royalty Classic and the event doll

The last of the three lines presented this time was Fashion Royalty Classic. Vaughn Sawyers said that this was a capsule collection (which for me screams that more FR are coming later in the year) harking back to the roots of Fashion Royalty. Jason Wu wanted a slightly retro vibe for the line, to make it look like the very early Veronique and Adele dolls, while still keeping it slightly modern. Even the doll screenings are referencing looks of early dolls. For me this was a strong and coherent collection, with great dolls which, while not looking remotely alike, manage to give a definite unified vibe. And yes, the retro element is evident, as are the references to older dolls. The price of the dolls is now $20 US higher than last year's collection, with seemingly nothing to justify it. Later on at the Q&A section, we found out that the tan discolouration issues (green hands on tan dolls) was addressed and solved (I submitted the question about this issue), so new dolls should be fine. Also Nadja was confirmed as making an appearance and also Misaki fans were glad to find out that that line will also be making a comeback this year.


Item #91314
Nostalgia
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 600
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Dania Zarr is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with blond fully rooted hair that is done up in a luscious classic FR ponytail and she has hand applied eyelashes. Dania is dressed in a black pinstripe dress, accented by a hand-beaded collar and cinched at the waist by a narrow patent leather belt. To complete the look, there is a luxurious faux mink shawl, a bright red contrasting hand-bag and black heels. Doll stand is also included.


Probably the best doll of the bunch (excluding the event doll, you will see why), this version of Dania shows once more the versatility of her sculpt. The different screenings her face gets always make people wonder if her sculpt is changed. It happened last year and it happened again this time. Still the same sculpt but oh so different.


Vaughn said her make up and hair were a direct reference to the very first basic Veronique doll. I love it and I think the outfit is elegant and chic too. She could be starring in Mad Men! The embroidered collar is a great detail. Her accessories are lovely too. The bag is TDF. She has the Japan skin tone.



Item #91315
Splendid
Jordan™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 400
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Jordan is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with thick dark berry rooted hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She comes in a cocktail dress wrapped in a long faux fur stole. The look is complete with an olive colored bag, matching pumps, opera length faux leather gloves and a gold jewellery set. Doll stand included.


I will probably regrett not getting this one but the price hike made me more conservative in buing this time. She is a gorgeous doll, with the same skintone she came in last year (called A-tone). Colour-wise, she reminds me of Style Renaissance Adele but in earth tones instead of smoky ones. The dress is amazing.


I love the bag and shoes (paint something a shade of green and I'm sold) but the rose necklace is tacky. The brooch and earrings are lovely. Her gloves are described as opera length but they look shorter to me. Opera length means above the elbow. She has the smallest edition of all the dolls in the collection and will definitely sell out.


Item #91316
Captivating
Anja™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 800
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Anja is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with brunette hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She is wearing an ice-blue gown with over sized bow detail at the waist. The look is finished with an intricate crystal neck piece and earring set, long black lace gloves, a black satin pocket purse and patent leather pumps. Doll stand also included.


This version of Anja brings to mind Eugenia Spectacular Spectacular, although Vaughn said that she is a nod to Paradise Veronique. The gown is too plain for me - all that volume without anything special but the exquisite shade of blue. 


I love her hair and make up. Her necklace looks gorgeous and so do the gloves. She has the Caucasian skin tone and the largest edition of all the dolls in this collection.


Item #91317
Ambitious
Kesenia™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Kesenia is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with stylized fully rooted jet black hair and hand-applied eyelashes. She wears a red cocktail dress cinched at the waist by a narrow matching belt and topped by a contrasting black wool fitted coat with a bow detail at the waist. A tan handbag, coordinated pumps, gold earrings and a single gold bracelet complete the look. A doll stand is also included.


Great new version of Kesenia in jet black hair (first time on her) and again the Japan skin tone. She looks great here but not that much that I would want to add her to my collection. Her outfit is interesting but nothing more.


Her make up is too orange-y for my taste. Great hair - but I think it is time that Kesenia gets a new length, she has been done in long hair for ever. I'd love to see her (and other dolls) in sharp, geometric bobs. Her accessories are nice. Great shoes.


Item #91318
Polished
Korinne™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: 700
Estimated Ship Date: Late June / Early July 2013


Korinne is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with rooted light brunette hair coiffed in a sleek low ponytail and hand-applied eyelashes. She is wearing an intricately detailed pink top and delicately embroidered ton-sur-ton black skirt. Accessories for this look include a delicate flowered cloisonné necklace with matching earrings and a patent leather handbag with matching pumps. Doll stand also included.


This is the first Corinne I really like as a doll. But the fashion has been done in different version in past dolls and I already have two full black skirts - one embroidered from Agnes Dressing The Part and one from Agnes Festive Decadence. So it's a pass.


Her make up and hair colour look great and complement her fashion. I love the necklace with the various shades of pink. And those eyes! The bag is TDF.


After the presentation of the three lines, it was time for the event doll unveiling. We all knew, from the previous event, that this one would not be a lottery but available for every one to order. It was a big surprise to see a second Dania appearing, but her look makes her so different from the other one, it is like a completely different doll. 


Item #91319
Irresistible
Dania Zarr™ Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection
2013 W Club Online Event Doll
Suggested Retail Price: $130.00 US
Limited Edition Size: TBA
Estimated Ship Date: Mid to Late Summer 2013


Dania Zarr is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion doll with long, gloss blond fully rooted tresses and hand-applied eyelashes.  She wears a black faux leather top with an over sized shawl collar, her looks is complete with a rose necklace, gold and stone earrings, tan spectator pumps, fishnet stockings and a matching handbag. Doll stand also included.


This is the best doll in the whole event. I love almost everything about her. Colouring, late eighties-style fashion, accessories. She is like a combination of Diamond Society and Going Public Eugenias.


She has a beautiful make up, with smoky eyes and pale mauve lips, platinum hair and tan skin tone. Vaughn said that he wanted to do something with a portrait collar and combined it with leather which came from the current Jason Wu real fashion collection. The only miss is the rose necklace, which again I think is tacky. The earrings though are great. Necklace, bag and pumps are just like Jordan's, only in different colour. And actually they look like the Daphne bag and Dovima shoes shown when entering the official Jason Wu website, minus the point d'esprit lace overlay. She's a keeper. The edition depends on how many club members order her.


So that was the second Integrity Toys on-line presentation for 2013. Three strong, solid collections, each with their own style and fans, with a variety and quality that has something for everyone. Can't wait for the next one!


Older FR doll reference links from the LBX List website. Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. For adult collectors ages 15 and up. All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission