Friday, October 30, 2009

Sugar Daddy Ken


Mattel has announced a new addition to the company’s Barbie Gold Label Collection, Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken.

“Sporting a dashing jacquard-patterned jacket with a light pink polo shirt and crisp white pants, Ken doll is ready for Palm Beach social season, sunning by the pool and a stroll with his little companion,” reports Entertainment Earth, a website where you can preorder the doll for $81.99.
The Ken doll will include a jacket, pink polo shirt, white shoes, dog with leash, swim trunks and accessories, doll stand, and certificate of authenticity.

Sugar Daddy Ken is part of a Mattel collection that will also include Palm Beach Coral Barbie, Palm Beach Caftan Barbie, and Palm Beach Swimsuit Barbie. Available in April.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Mary Hoyer Auction

Preview the Collection

OnlineOr At the Shop and Museum
October 1 to October 31
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday10 am to 4 pm

Appointments and Private Tours Available
Silent AuctionOctober 3110 amRSVP

The dolls and clothing will be available for purchase at an exclusive silent auction October 31 beginning at 10:00 AM. The first tables will close beginning at 12 noon.
Please join us for this memorable day. RSVP for the auction by October 28.

Mary Hoyer Doll Co.
24 North Mulberry St
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
717-393-4121

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Twilight Tour Comes (Close) To Philly


Hot Topic Twilight Tour

2000 Route 38Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-2100(856) 662-3454
November 11th

Tickets go on sale October 31st!!!
Wonder which of the cast will be there?

News and Views

DOLLS publisher Joe Jones presents veteran DOLLS advertising manager India Thybulle with the Crystal Award for Industry Leadership.
Saturday night, Alexander Doll Co. closed the convention with a fun Halloween party banquet, where good times were had by all.

Eloise Goodreau dressed up as the Alexander doll "Eloise." A fan favorite, she took first place for the costume.

In 2010 the Modern Doll Collectors Convention will be held in Winston Salem, N.C., Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2010. The Doll & Teddy Bear EXPO will be held in the same location Oct. 1-3. We'll be launching a Web site with more details soon.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Alderfer Auction November 4th


"Fall" In Love - Doll Auction will presented by Alderfer Auction & Appraisal on Wednesday November 4th and Thursday November 5th. This will be an interesting auction featuring several large estates from New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Of note will be a large grouping from the Richard Wright Antique store in Birchrunville, PA.


Richard Wright was well known as an appraiser on the PBS Antiques Road Show and a highly regarded dealer in fine antique dolls and general antiques. We are pleased to represent the collection of dolls which include French bisque, early papier mache - Greiner, German bisque, early cloth folk art and Beecher type, miniatures, figurines. He was also known for selling antique parts and supplies for dolls including German and French bodies, antique children’s and doll clothing, hats, shoes, as well as doll wigs and other accessories.

It is interesting how one type of doll presents itself and then many others of the same type also come in from different consignors. A large grouping of Kathe Kruse and similar makers of cloth dolls of different time periods from the early 1930’s to the 1990’s will be sold. A nice grouping of the cloth Martha Chase dolls, originally made in Pawtucket, RI are represented. The Sasha dolls that originally were designed by Sasha Morgenthaler in Zurich, Switzerland, are also well represented.
In this auction, a collection of larger size German bisque character babies will be featured. These were collected over the years by a couple with a young daughter. Now that she is off to college, it was time to let them go. Byelo babies, K*R Simon Halbig, J.D. Kestner, Gebruder Knoch, Heubach, Cuno & Otto Dressel, K*R, just to mention a few.
Two nice automatons will be sold. A Simon Halbig lady is holding up two wands connected by a string; a brass pendulum moves back and forth when in motion. Three German dolls stand together with two older children playing instruments, and the other younger child moves back and forth.
Many German bisque dolls have come to be sold including Simon Halbig, Armand Marseille, Cuno and Otto Dressel, Heubach Kopplesdorf, Handwerck, CM Bergmann, K*R Simon Halbig, Schoenau and Hoffmeister, CM Bergmann Simon Halbig, Alt, Beck and Gottschalck and other manufacturers. There are all bisques, dolls under 13", and full size dolls up to 34" in the German category.

Several doll artists will be represented incuding Annette Hemstedt and R.J. Wright. Three of Wright’s earlier adult dolls and more specifically what may have been a one of a kind Red Riding Hood doll with red hair instead of the traditional brown.
There are over 80 lots of Steiff and other mohair animals. Many groupings of miniatures and a small Bliss type dollhouse. Vintage Madame Alexanders and Shirley Temple lots, including books and ephemera. Some interesting cloth, composition and wood dolls including Schoenhut and a crèche figure.

One large collection from the House of Nisbet is being offered. This includes not only the beautiful plastic historical figures but china royal family children, Victorian Birthday dolls and historical figures in different sizes. These are all beautifully costumed.
The two day sale will open with body parts and doll supplies, doll books, and finally approximately 500 lots of discovery dolls and related items. There is definitely something for everyone over these two days.

W Club Exclusive Doll







Introducing the 2nd
2009 W Club Exclusive Doll...


Given the anticipated popularity of this doll, if you would like to purchase more than your one-per-membership allotment, email the liaisons and we will do our best to match you with another member not purchasing the doll**We are super-excited to introduce the 2nd 2009 W Club Exclusive Doll available only to W Club Members...

Presenting Agnes Von Weiss in Festive Decadence:This gorgeous mini gift set has it all! We received special permission to use event-exclusive character Agnes (based on your requests earlier this year) for the Club doll and here she is like you have never seen her before! Agnes is amazing in a pale skin tone (only used once previously and never done on Agnes before) with fire-engine red lips and deep brown hair, echoing a chic pinup from yesteryear.

Her elaborate and colorful mix and match fashions are nothing short of wonderful. First, she sports a fun and flirty royal amethyst skirt suit made of taffeta. The pencil skirt is embellished with an oversized rosette and her suit jacket features sleeves that gather just a hint above the elbow with pleating detail. Then, for under her suit, Agnes has the choice of two beautiful tops; a stylish two-tone sleeveless blouse that nips in perfectly at the waist and a second sleeveless blouse with a gorgeous pleated boatneck, both in shades of magenta.



Either top can also be paired with her full black taffeta skirt that has black rosette embellishments all the way around! Finish the look with a bevy of accessories including black strappy sandals, a chic black 'patent leather' belt and handbag with chain handles, gorgeous tiered drop earrings and a matching necklace!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Happy Birthday Marie!

Nifty at 50
Can you believe Marie Osmond is celebrating her 50th birthday this month? She just hosted a huge collector bash in Vegas (we were there - it was fabulous!), and now she's starring in a special birthday appearance on QVC. Tune in on Oct. 26 for new dolls, plus the debut of Marie's new jewelry collection. And, if you missed Doll Reader's coverage of her new fashion line, click here to order a copy.
Also, remember that Marie's company, Charisma Brands, is donating a new doll to Toys for Tots for every doll sold during the month of October. Visit Charisma for details, and learn more about Toys for Tots.

IDEX

IDEX: For the Doll Lover In You!
Love fashion dolls, BJDs, baby dolls, and everything in between? Make sure to register to attend IDEX Premiere at the end of January to see the newest dolls in the 2010 lines and sign up for events and workshops that cover every passion. In addition to company-sponsored events from Alexander Doll, Tonner, Horsman, Berdine Creedy, Goodreau Doll, and Belles and Beaux Doll & Toy Guild, you can sign up for exciting workshops and the 3rd Annual Tiny Treasures Conference, which is also being held in conjunction with IDEX Premiere! Get the details and register online today.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Michele Obama Doll


The new doll on the block stands six inches, is plastic-phthalate-free PVC, and debuts in November from Brooklyn's Jailbreak Toys. The doll comes in one of three outfits (see picture above) that are knockoffs of real Michelle O clothes worn at three high-profile events during the presidential campaign.

The Michelle Obama Action Figure sells for $12.99 and is a doll you can play with -- the head, arms and waist move. Jailbreak founder and creator Jason Feinberg earlier came out with the Barack Obama Action Figure priced between $12.99 and $20.09.With the addition of the Mrs. Obama doll, Feinberg is banking on the popularity of the First Couple to be Jailbreak's economic stimulus."As we learned with the Obama Action Figure a lot of the sales from the Michelle Obama Action Figure will be motivated by the mood of the country even though the First Lady is considered an apolitical figure.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Backstreet Boys - Everybody (Backstreet's Back)

Everybody dance now!

Mad Monster Party? - Trailer (c. 1967)

Oh-My-GAWD!!
I LOVED this movie!!! Anyone else?!

Dr Shock's Weekly Greetings

Share with us your memories of local TV personalities. We watched Dr. Shock's "Mad Theatre" on Saturday afternoons (after the cartoons).

You gotta love the low budget, low tech era!

Cult Classics from NECA

The classics return in this newly packaged assortment offering up some of the most popular Cult Classics figures of the past 5 years.

This series includes Pinhead from Hellraiser, Brain from Gremlins 2, Michael Myers from Rob Zombie's Halloween, Eric Draven from The Crow, and a new version of Beetlejuice in his wedding tuxedo from Beetlejuice.


Figures are on new slimmer blister card packaging and come with accessories.










Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Charisma Is Adora-ble


On Oct. 13, 2009, Charisma Brands announced the acquisition of Adora Doll founded by David Lin and Frank Ren. Charisma is already shipping 2009 Adora product to customers and will introduce 2010 Adora designs at IDEX and Toy Fair tradeshows beginning in January 2010. Adora’s longtime customer service and sales administrator, Sandy Fawzi, will join the Charisma team and will continue in her important role as in the past.




“The decision to sell our business was not easy. We chose Charisma and have confidence in their commitment to the Adora brand and their ability to maintain the reputation we have worked hard to build. Charisma has a fine reputation and I believe they will continue to be very successful with Adora as they build upon what we started. Charisma has the team that make Adora even better,” says Lin.


“We thank David and Frank for their confidence in Charisma to be stewards of Adora—a brand that they passionately built nearly a decade ago,” states Anthony Shutts, president and CEO of Charisma. “We continue to focus on building Charisma’s portfolio of amazing collectible brands and are thrilled to welcome the Adora to our family. We are constantly looking for unique, well-respected brands to compliment our existing brands.”



Adora joins other award-winning collectible brands of Marie Osmond, Paradise Galleries, Kewpie and Penny Brite.

You WILL Comment on THIS!!

Billy Herrington - Man or Pumpkin?

I understand he's popular in Japan.

You can bet Glenn's getting one!



Thursday, October 8, 2009

Meet Gwen

Meet Gwen Thompson, American Girl's newest
addition to its doll family. Credit: American Girl

American Girl released an addition to its collection of sociologically accurate dolls this year -- and she's homeless.The Wisconsin-based company, whose Web site declares that it celebrates girls and all they can be, is well-known for its tasteful, well-researched dolls reflecting certain periods in American history.

Now, Gwen Thompson joins the company's line.Gwen's story is told through another doll's biography, which, according to The New York Post, is decidedly modern: Her father ran out on the family and her mother lost her job. By winter, the fatherless family is living in their car. The doll sells for $95 and is available online or at American Girl retail locations.

Pole Dancing Anyone?

Gizmodo has an item about a new doll. Does it burp? Does it breastfeed? Nope. It dances. On a pole.If anyone was wondering if the world was doomed, here is your confirmation.The scoop on this new plaything came from Gizmodo's Jesus Diaz, and features a somewhat grainy photo of a doll in a shiny dress hanging on a pole. A giant heart emblazoned with the word "Pole Dance" is at the top.

The box promises "Style." "Interesting." "Music." "Flash." "Up and Down." "Go Round and Round." It might've said "Ewww," "Gross," "Criminal"," but in all likelihood the upstanding manufacturers ran out of room. No mention is made of inserting money anywhere.In an email message, Diaz told us today: "As far as I can tell, it's a real product. It didn't seem PhotoShopped to me. It feels more like the typical Chinese-made product you can only find in low cost stores."

We were unable to confirm the actual existence of this product. Google searches turn up nothing more than references to the Gizmodo item. So perhaps there is some hope for the planet.Then again, maybe not.In case you haven't noticed, pole-dancing has become mainstream. Miley Cyrus' recent performance on the Teen Choice Awards on August 10th generated a lot of controversy.

Young at Heart Doll Club Halloween Luncheon

Trick or Treat With Ginny ~ Event Doll
The YAHDC and friends honored Arline Shapiro of Meyers Doll shop on Saturday, October 3rd with a Ginny luncheon at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, NJ.
With many attending dressed in colorful costumes and a huge doll raffle and sales room, there was no shortage of fun!
The above event doll is available for $85. Along with this
delightful doll, you'll receive the table favor and a paper doll designed by YAHDC's very own Pat Rooney!
Call 215-627-5790 for ordering info.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

More from Intrgrity's Convention



We could hardly believe that it was Saturday already! The final day of the convention proved to be another busy day, full of activities. Guests had workshops, the Museum, the Souvenir Shop (in case they had not already received enough goodies), the raffle room and the Design-A-Doll Studio to take in on this final day of the convention. Guests also had the opportunity to view the incredible competition entries. Every attendee could vote for their favorite doll but had to wait until the final evening's event to know which entry won.




The W Club luncheon proved to be, yet again, one of the highlights of the convention. After the ballroom doors were opened, members were left breathless when they saw the AvantGuards Vanishing Point centerpiece doll. Guests were given a wig and shoe set as a special gift for attending the event and the chance to purchase the centerpiece doll as well.

There were a number of items on display during the luncheon, including Fashion Fuel, the W Club exclusive AvantGuards fashion and a brand new Integrity Toys Direct Poppy Parker gift set (the one that was sneak-peeked at Friday's luncheon!). Information on pricing and when the gift set will be released will be announced later but we have a few quick photos for you.


Poppy Parker Gift Set

*Props in photos not included.


Also, among some other gossip and sneaks, attendees were privy to some sneak peek photos of 3 new Poppy Parker dolls that are scheduled to arrive in January. W Club members went away from the luncheon with happy smiles on their faces!


The Saturday night ballroom looked magical as guests entered to see that t he centerpiece doll was another new star in the Integrity Toys line up...Dania Zarr in Optic Clash. Every attendee wanted the chance to purchase this beauty!


Dania Zarr Optic Clash



Not only did each table look incredible, but the final piece to their Fashion Royalty Gift Set was also waiting for them. The Fashion Royalty character was none other than Natalia Fatalé! Natalia looked ravishing in her pale blue lingerie, her long, flowing mane of red and her fine porcelain complexion. Our super sleuths managed to discover that Natalia had been busy developing a skin lightening formula and decided to test the cream on herself (her assistant refused and was promptly fired). You can see the results of Natalia's little experiment in the photos.


This completed gift set is called Power Game Natalia Fatalé and contains a complete mix-and-match set of fashions and accessories for every convention attendee!


Natalia Fatalé Gift Set Power Game



After yet another fabulous meal, the moment we all had been waiting for arrived. With thunderous applause, Jason unveiled the exclusive Jason Wu Event VI convention doll....Elise Jolie in Blue Blood! This new character has an important tie to Veronique's past...Elise is the daughter of Veronique's former finishing school teacher, Mademoiselle Jolie. Elise uses her mother's maiden name for business purposes.
Elise Jolie in Blue Blood

*Luggage in photo is included.Time really does fly when you are having so much fun. The convention ended after the events on Saturday night and now the Integrity Team is trying to recover from this incredible week. We would like to thank everyone who attended this year and made this convention absolutely fabulous! We hope we see the rest of you that were unable to attend at some future event.

News from the Integrity Convention

Exclusive convention fashion Successful Ascension


This year, a Friday night dinner was added to the convention agenda. Guests were encouraged to dress in their wildest couture creations. Once again, the attendees went all out and the costumes were fantastic! Let's hope some members will share some of their photos in the forum.The centerpiece doll was a FR Monogram doll and she looked absolutely fabulous! The FR Monogram series has become very popular with collectors and the centerpiece doll, called Curiosity, was no exception. Convention guests were given the exclusive convention fashion, Successful Ascension, at this event as well.

FR Monogram Curiosity

New Edition of Dolls Magazine



Dear DOLLS subscriber,
Your December 2009 digital edition of DOLLS is now available.
This issue includes great stories on:
The Jason Wu Event VI: Iconic
The debate about what a BJD really is
A round-up of artist dollmakers' magnificent works
The “Bad” Twilight vampires
And much more!
We sincerely hope you enjoy your issue of DOLLS and we look forward to hearing from you about this latest innovation for our readers.
Sincerely,
Carie FergEditorDOLLS


Please do not reply to this email. Send general and subscription inquiries to subscriptions@jonespublishing.com, and technical questions about the digital magazine to mailto:webmaster@jonespublishing.com?subject=Dolls%20Digital%20support%20request.From: DOLLS Magazine, P.O. Box 5000, Iola, WI, 54945

Friday, October 2, 2009




Mary Hoyer Presents:
Jan Thomson's fabulous collection of vintage and contemporary Mary Hoyer Dolls
On Display
October 1 to October 31
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday10 am to 4 pmand Saturday,
October 17Appointments and Private Tours Available
Silent AuctionOctober 3110 amRSVP

The Mary Hoyer Doll Company is privileged to have Jan Thompson's lovely collection of Mary Hoyer Dolls on display at the museum October 1 to October 31. The dolls will be available for purchase at an exclusive silent auction October 31 beginning at 10:00 AM. Please join us for this memorable day. RSVP for the auction by October 28. Stop by to view Jan's wonderful collection during our business hours Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 4:00 or Saturday by appointment.

Evolution - Fabric to Fashion
Mary Hoyer Doll Co.
Fall ArtWalk 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
10 am to 5 pm
24 North Mulberry StreetLancaster, PA

Welcoming fashion designer MeeAe Oh-Ranck and an exhibition of her original artwork featuring her fabrics and fashions that were inspired by the artwork. In addition, the Mary Hoyer Doll Museum presents a delightful collection of dolls from 1938 to the present. Artist reception.

Mary Hoyer Doll Co.
PO Box 1508
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17608
717-393-4121

Controversy

Citing her own positive experiences playing with Barbie dolls as a child, Stacey McBride-Irby, a Barbie designer for the past 12 years, has now created her own Barbie line, So In Style. There used to be a time when African American dolls were hard to find; now, there are a number of offerings for black girls to play with, including So In Style, which further diversifies the offering.

The So In Style line boasts a "positive play experience," where girls are not only inspired by their trendy playmates but are also exposed to a toy that actually mirrors their African American features. The dolls, with their hip kicks, stylish poses and modern accessories (i.e., hoop earrings and neck chains), offer a contemporary cultural experience for girls.

According to a New York Daily News article, though, some of these "modernities" are not being wholeheartedly embraced. Some are arguing that the dolls draw on the wrong things and have too many "rap-inspired details":"Not all black people like hip-hop," said Barbara Mootoo, 15, of Manhattan, looking at Kara's silver rope chain necklace. "They gave her a chain like a 50 Cent video."

Another feature being criticized is the long, flowing hair of each doll:Tyaine Danclaire, 15, of the Bronx, liked Trichelle's straight, long hair because it looked like "a weave," but she thought the idea "was sorta racist."
Dodging the controversy, McBride-Irby exclusively maintains to Black Voices why her new line of dolls should be the next present to the beloved little girl in your life:

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Integrity Convention Collection

The excitement for the Jason Wu Event VI has been building for months and now it is finally here! We are having a fabulous time here in Chicago and wish everyone could be with us. The convention collection has been incredibly popular with the conventioneers! Since you were unable to be with us, we would like to present the 2009 Convention Collection for your viewing pleasure...

RE-Edition: LiveWire Clone, AvantGuards 1:6 Scale 12" Dressed Doll


RE-Edition: Morning Dew, Giselle Diefendorf




RE-Edition: Luxe Life, Vanessa Perrin




RE-Edition: Evening Glow, Dominique Makéda




RE-Edition: Poésie Enchantée, Agnes Von Weiss


RE-Edition: Diamond Society, Eugenia Perrin Frost