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.

Dolly Days 4 brings us an Elyse Jolie doll - again

The fourth Dolly Day revealed a Fashion Royalty doll: Glamour Coated Elyse Jolie. She is part of last year’s Maison FR collection, which raises the question if she was designed along with the other dolls that make it up (Le Tuxedo Eugenia Perrin, Enamorada Naralia Fatale, Siren Silhouette Korinne Dumas and Little Day Ensemble Veronique Perrin) and she got delayed like Natalia (who broke the record I think, being late even more than Mothership Dania Zarr). She does have a different photographer though. Whatever the reason for including her in that line up, she is now available through right to buy lottery for W Club members.

Glamour Coated

Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll

The Fashion Royalty® Collection:

Maison FR

Edition Size: 1500

Expected Ship Date: Late Summer 2022

Price: $180.00 + Shipping & Handling

*W Club Right-to-buy Lottery Offer*

Head Sculpt: Elyse Jolie

Body Type: FR 6.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Raven

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Extravagant couture swing coat featuring a custom printed lining for that perfect touch of whimsy;

Perfectly scaled, pale lilac custom knitted top;

Show-stopping, calf-length pink lamé skirt;

Faux-leather designer handbag;

Golden high-heeled pumps with ribbon details;

Golden hoop earrings;

Cuff bracelet;

Pair of long manicured hands (not shown in accessory photo);

Alternate pair of "grip" hands;

Alternate pair of pale mint opera length gloved hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

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

Participation Deadline: January 31st, 2022 at 12 PM (Noon) Eastern Time;

Pricing (Only If You Are Selected in the Right-to-buy Lottery): $180.00 + S&H each (For winners, $30.00 due by February 11th, the remaining $150.00 + S/H will be due closer to the doll's arrival);

Approximate Shipping Timing: Late Summer 2022;

W Club Right-to-buy Lottery Participation Limit: Max. one (1) lottery ticket per each 2021 membership only.

Yes she is a beautiful doll. Yes, Elyse looks fresher than ever (I first thought she was Giselle while opening the email), even with a hairstyle similar to Vendetta Agnes. Yes, her outfit (and particularly the voluminous coat) is exquisite. Yes, she has gorgeous accessories (the bag reminds me of Bottega Venatta’s Casette but with a diagonal grid). But why does it have to be Elyse again? Especially in a year that Veronique and Eugenia are missing in action? When we got two of this character already in the year (yes, the second one is a convention doll, but still). It has a whiff of that Jason Wu anniversary, when all the special dolls released for it were Elyse - there were probably more dolls of this character released that year than in her entire line up until then. Jessy dear, there are so many other wonderful Fashion Royalty characters available: Isabella, Tatyana, Kyori, Isha, Luchia, plus the aforementioned Veronique and Eugenia. Maybe a second Adele 2.0 even. I did enter the lottery for her, as she is beautiful - and the combination of dark hair, pale skin and red lips is always attractive to me. I like me some Evil Queen vibes (no, not that snowflake Snow White darling).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototype 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. 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

Integrity Toys Dolly Days continue with the East 59th collection: La Femme Godiva

Third day for Dolly Days and the East 59th line had a date with the W Club - just like the previous time! Four dolls for the collection titled "La Femme Godiva" and a stellar job overall from Chris Stoekel! One of the four dolls is a lottery-only, W Club exclusive, the three remaining ones are dealer dolls. If you have not contacted your dealer yet, do it now. Just a reminder that some dealers put them directly on their website and do not take pre-order emails. Also Sideshow will probably put them up tomorrow, as Friday is the day reserved for W Club members to preorder.

Item # 73047

Arctic Moon

Coralynn "Cora" Kwan™ Dressed Doll

The East 59th® Collection

Limited Edition: 750 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Summer 2022

Suggested Retail Pricing: $160.00

IT DIRECT RIGHT-TO-BUY LOTTERY FOR W CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

Head Sculpt: Coralynn (New Character!)

Body Type: East 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Nude/sheer long-sleeved bodysuit with carefully applied rhinestone design;

Show-stopping dusty lilac, mermaid-style skirt with elaborately decorated facing at the waist;

Extravagant, long, dusty pink faux-mink coat with exaggerated shawl collar;

Two faux jewel-encrusted cuff bracelets;

Oversized earrings with "stone" details;

Elaborate necklace dripping in sparkling "stones";

Clear vinyl open-toe pumps with pink "stone" accents;

Perfume atomizer accessory;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Alternate pair of "strike a pose" hands with long manicured nails;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

This is by far the most gorgeous doll of this collection! Chris has done an incredible job with her, again a bit Mugler inspired I guess - this time though more adjusted to the appropriate era for East 59th (Mugler did the fur coat too back then). The fur, the bodysuit, the skirt, wow! We have seen all the accessories before, but who cares if they match so well for an exquisite ensemble? The doll is a new character but the face looks familiar. Chris confirmed in a comment on one of his Instagram posts that it is indeed a refreshed old sculpt. When I first saw her, I though of the original Kyori sculpt but more experienced collectors have commented that it it probably Alysa from the old Integrity Toys playline dolls. In any case, she’s beautiful and I hope I win the lottery for her. W Club members have until January 31st, 2021 at noon Eastern Time to enter. If they win, they have to pay only $30.00 as a first Instalment to secure the doll, that ships in summer, when the rest of the amount will have to be paid along with shipping.

Item # 73044

Frosted Passion

Della Roux™ Dressed Doll

The East 59th® Collection

Limited Edition: 750 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Summer 2022

Suggested Retail Pricing: $160.00

*Available from Authorized Dealers Only*

Head Sculpt: Victoire 2.0

Body Type: East 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR Black

Hair Color: Sable

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Period inspired custom-designed three-piece frosted blue satin ensemble with intricate embroidery detailing and matching faux-fur trim;

Matching faux-fur muff and hat;

Elaborate beaded necklace with rhinestone accents;

"Stone" encrusted cuff bracelet;

Matching earrings;

Lipstick accessory;

Frosted blue open-toe pumps;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Alternate pair of "gloved" hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

The second appearance of Miss Della Roux (third if you count the scrumptious OOAK one I got from Chris Stoeckel and Integrity Toys as a gift for interviewing him live on Instagram) is a smashing one. Dressed in powder blue, with matching accessories, Della hits the ball right out of the park! She gives off Dominique Deveraux (from the original Dynasty TV series) vibes. Pure perfection. She’s sold out at most dealers and I can understand why.

Item # 73045

Pink Mist

Maeve Rocha™ Dressed Doll

The East 59th® Collection

Limited Edition: 750 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Summer 2022

Suggested Retail Pricing: $160.00

*Available from Authorized Dealers Only*

Head Sculpt: Maeve (New Character!)

Body Type: East 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: Sunkissed

Hair Color: Black

Eyelashes: Yes

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Show-stopping, ¾ sleeve couture-inspired fitted jacket featuring an Intricately embroidered portrait collar, and a flower and tulle scarf ornament detail at the hip;

Matching embroidered capri pants;

Bonus! Calf-length tulle skirt;

"Stone" encrusted drop earrings;

Matching cuff bracelet;

Cigarette holder accessory (with "pretend" cigarette);

Fascinator hat;

Eyeshadow pallet accessory;

Pink open-toe ankle strap heels;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Alternate pair of gloved hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Another new character introduced in this collection, Brasilian Maeve initially reminded me of the original Victoire sculpt (which was Dynamite Girls Jasper), but that one had a much more delicate nose - people who know better recognised the Integrity Toys playline Jade doll sculpt. Probably refreshed too, like Cora. Beautiful doll with a striking outfit - its versatility and different pieces plus the cigarette holder remind me of the first Constance outfit.

Item # 73046

Pressed Perfection

Evelyn Weaverton® Dressed Doll

The East 59th® Collection

Limited Edition: 750 Dolls

Expected Ship Date: Summer 2022

Suggested Retail Pricing: $160.00

*Available from Authorized Dealers Only*

Head Sculpt: Evelyn 1.0

Body Type: East 59th 1.0

Foot Sculpt: High-heeled

Skin Tone: FR White

Hair Color: Golden Blonde

Eyelashes: Yes

Quickswitch: No

Included:

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

Perfectly tailored custom printed cocktail-length dress, featuring contrasting layered peplum detailing at the waist, and a removable belt;

Vibrant lime ¾ sleeve satin bolero jacket;

Pale pink faux-fur muff and matching hat;

"Pearl" and "stone" earrings;

Matching cuff bracelet;

Pale pink open-toe pumps;

Powder compact accessory;

Pair of long manicured hands;

Alternate pair of "gloved" hands;

Doll stand;

Certificate of authenticity.

Evelyn is always sure to be one of the best dolls in every East 59th line up and she surely does not disappoint here. The cut of her outfit brings to mind her first outing but in quite a different concept. The Egyptian hieroglyphics print is very original. Two minor points: a. I’d love to see her in different hairstyles and hair colours and b. I would have preferred the accessories to be in that lovely shade of green from her outfit instead of powder (get it?) pink. Just nitpicking here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prototypes shown, final product may vary. For adult collectors ages 15 and up only. The acrylic block in the accessory photos is not included.

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.

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

Barbie collaboration with Balmain: no dolls, plenty of NFT brouhaha

The latest designer collaboration for Barbie, and the first for 2022, is with Balmain. But it is not like previous efforts, where one usually could get a doll dressed by the collaborating fashion brand or that plus some real human clothes to suit. This time Mattel and Balmain decided to move their collaboration to a new level. It seems that the constant race on today’s social media fuelled digital landscape to come up with the most outrageous, jaw-dropping and previously unthinkable partnership has no end in sight. Balmain of course is a storied French haute couture house that has ventured into ready-to wear and, for the last ten years, enjoys a renaissance helmed by the genius Olivier Rousteing. Barbie is the prominent fashion doll, the very definition of the term, so it almost a given that fashion designers and brands are eager to collaborate with it.

This time, in a shocking (at least for fashion doll collectors) move, there is no doll involved: what we (ehm, those of us that can afford it) get instead is a 50-piece Barbie-inspired collection of real people clothing. Three of these are cgi modeled by miniature racially diverse doll avatars and become NFTs to be auctioned online. Each NFT auctioned will come with the doll-sized clothing it depicts, which is another way for NFts to show authentication - it also makes the auction a bit more attractive for traditional collectors. Notice how they have digitally altered the dolls used for the photos to make them look like dollified humans - or are they humans made to look like Barbies?

If you have no idea of that NFTs are, you can read this article here, which is very enlightening in a non-technical way and has lots of relative links for even more explanations and details. The majority of reactions I have seen from fashion doll collectors online so fat amounts to a collective NO to the notion of NFTs entering the fashion doll world and lots of pearl clutching. I am not attracted to NFTs but the reactions and exasperation seems to be a bit hyperbolic (which is not unusual for the fashion doll world indeed). Collectors seem to think that everything Mattel does with Barbie should have them in mind first and foremost.

Well, I am sorry to break the news to many, but this will never happen. Brands, especially multi-million dollar empires like Mattel, always look for ways to make more money, and if they can be unique and creative, its even more attractive to them. When collaborating with a major fashion brand, that comes from an industry also looking for new ways to become more commercial and move in the digital landscape of our era, it is only natural that they would release NFTs - Marvel has done it already.

I understand the disappointment of not getting an Olivier Rousteing Balmain collectible Barbie, but one may come in the future - there was talk about continuing the collaboration between the two brands at the conclusion of the live presentation held by Mattel, Balmain and Mint NFT on the 11th of January. By the way the three corporate honchos talked, it seemed that they worked well together (it took two years for this to come to fruition) and that the response is overwhelmingly positive (and no, despite what you think, their world does not revolve around the very small fashion doll collecting community).

Olivier was not part of the presentation but they showed a video clip of him answering questions about the collaboration and being very enthusiastic and happy about it. he even got an OOAK mini Olivier done from Mattel. which he posted on his instagram account days before the collaboration became known. He said:

“Having Barbie in my Balmain army, making a collection inspired by her where there are no boy clothes or girl clothes, is my small revenge,” said Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain. “I think Barbie represents a joyful dream world. There’s nothing wrong with a dream. But let’s push the dream and not dream of the 1950s or 1960s, but 2022. For me, it’s a lot more than just a commercial project. It’s very emotional.”

He also said that he got derided when he was playing with Barbie as a kid, a very familiar feeling to most male fashion doll collectors, and that was one of the reasons he was interested in taking the collaboration with Mattel beyond dressing the doll.

Richard Dickson, the president and chief operating officer of Mattel, said:

“When you combine the seriousness of high fashion with the fun of toys, it’s very powerful”

and it is actually true. It is one of the reasons fashion brands collaborate, not only with Barbie, but with other toy brands as well, or even sell limited editions of their own toys. It is one more branded/logo thing to display/brag about. Or maybe even feel sentimental about. “People are looking for optimism and joy, especially now when life is very heavy,” Dickson said. “Toys are that by definition.” That applies to fashion as well.

Talking about fashion, what about the clothes? The pricing for the Barbie x Balmain collection ranges from $295 for a T-shirt to $42,494 for a gown, definitely more expensive than usual Barbie prices, but also less than classic Balmain, where a basic logo t-shirt retails for $495. This is not H&M stuff. There are giant puffer bags logoed with Balmain Paris in curving Barbie script under the 1970s Balmain logo and clear plastic shoppers that remind me of Barbie doll boxes. There are pink silk satin suits with wrap jackets and striped pyjama sets, sequinned mini dresses and a strapless mermaid gown. Overalls, sweatshirts and sharp-shouldered bouclé jackets with gold buttons complete the collection.

And what about the digital art? The auction started yesterday and will end on January 14. If you had registered for the online presentation, limited to the first 5,000 was a simple NFT video of the invitation for the event. And of course you can see the NFT videos and even download them. The prices have reached somewhere around $1600 for each at the time of writing. Let’s check them out. And yes. I’d love to have the dolls as collectibles, properly released. Maybe some other time. I include the blurb for each NFT from their website.

NFT1

“This stylish avatar is wearing a striped sweater dress with a shoulder cut out and carrying a pink maxi pillow bag featuring Balmain’s signature monogram and Balmain x Barbie logo”

Below you can see the actual doll clothes made by Balmain and Barbie - we must mention here that the talented Linda Kyaw and her team supervised the project for Mattel. It is a knit dress with a leather and chain belt that matches the handle of the puffer bag that comes with it. Pink mules complete the look. I love it, even though my favourite dress from the collection is the one with the Balmain logo as a print (which Olivier had already done in other colours for his main collection).

NFT2

“Barbie avatar makes a huge statement in a short voluminous dress with maxi bow detail in a pink silk satin. (if needed: the background of the NFT features a white lacquered Balmain signature monogram with a Balmain x Barbie logo frame) Fashions and accessories on the Barbie avatar are from the Balmain x Barbie collection; NFT comes with bespoke set of Barbie size Balmain pieces.”

This one is a more couture style dress, with the puffed sleeves and bow front. It does bring to mind a certain pink dress that Zac Posen did for Iman a while ago. Event though it should not have translated in doll size, it actually looks great, like a peony blossom. Feathered mules, a gorgeous bag, disc earrings and a necklace complete the look.

NFT3

“Ken avatar looks chic in a white cotton t-shirt with pink trim topped with a double-breasted blazer and a long peak collared coat paired with loose pleated trousers- all in pink back satin crepe. A Balmain ball cap finished the stylish look. (if needed: the background of the NFT features a white lacquered Balmain signature monogram with a Balmain x Barbie logo frame) Fashions and accessories on the Ken avatar are from the Balmain x Barbie collection; NFT comes with bespoke set of Barbie size Balmain pieces.”

This piece looks amazing, the doll clothes are very well made and the tailoring is so sharp. Tailored jackets never look so well made in doll size. Gorgeous. The pieces comprising it are an overcoat, a jacket, a t-shirt, pants, a cap, a pair of disc earrings and a pair of sneakers. Can we also have a Ken with this handsome face? No plastic hair please.

This collaboration is not and never was about fashion doll collectors. It was conceived and made to be a major fashion and tech event to show that both companies have their hearts and minds firmly set in the now and the future, and it succeeds. And it is of course always about the money, no matter how many sugary words you hear and read in the presentations. The collection will go live on the Balmain website on January 13 and some of the items will be available from other online retailers as well.