|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
| News |
Have News you'd like to share? > email us
Mary Magpie
For someone as jaded as this writer, it takes magic and soul to create a doll that moves me. And Mary Magpie by Joey Versaw moves me in so many ways. Mary Magpie combines the play of fashion dolls with the power of engagement of an art object. Handmade and hand painted by this 21st century Geppetto, Mary is sturdy in her construction and undeniably beautiful when displayed. Mary Magpie is a 12-inch resin doll made by artist Joey Versaw in his studios in the Pacific Northwest, and each doll is a OOAK. Joey created this version of Mary for me after we discussed antique and vintage boudoir dolls, as I wanted my first Mary Magpie doll to embody that look. The end result is this unique and classic Mary Magpie wearing the always-chic Louise Brooks' bob and a stupendous gown made with vintage fabric and Swarovski crystal accents. For this Haute Doll exclusive fashion show, Mary dons fashions in the 1:6 scale by Liz Cole, Franklin Lim-Liao, and Mark G. Harris. For more information on Mary Magpie, visit her and Joey at www.marymagpiedolls.blogspot.com
*************************************************************************************
Steampunk Pullips
Torrance Ca. (May 2010)—In the world of highly collectable fashion dolls, there is one name that defines the hottest trend of 2010—Pullip. Pullip is a unique brand of Japanese fashion dolls that are huge in Japan and are now exploding in the United States. They are highly sought after dolls that key into the world of fashion and high-end collectables. Leading this wave into the U.S. this summer is a collection of Steampunk Pullip Dolls that have consumers and retailers buzzing as well as the fashion world. Steampunk is a noted and popular sub-genre that deals with fantasy, science fiction and the high flair of Victorian age steam power and style. Steampunk has been captured in novels, films, comic books, and has now found a sparkling home within the world of Pullip dolls.
The articulation and detail of each Steampunk Pullip is unmatched in quality, and will not only attract the intense interest of doll collectors, but that of the fashion world as well. “We are very excited about the Steampunk Pullip line for 2010 as well as all the new Pullips that we will be releasing in 2010 and 2011” said Yosuke Oba of Jun Planning, USA. For more information and details, please contact: Yosuke Oba
************************************************************************************* A Quest for Warmth
Not long ago, Muïo-Bix, the teen-age fashion doll by BillyBoy, decided to find himself a well-made sweater for his many adventures outdoors. He asked his friend Ken, who in the past, as well as in the present, has worn some pretty impressive cool-weather clothing. Ken was kind to gift Muïo-Bix with one of his vintage wonders - the Loden green classic from his Hiking Holiday set.
Muïo-Bix was so taken with the quality and fit that he had his assistants scout the world of freelance artists to find him a designer for a suite of sweaters that would make him look handsome while still pursuing his active lifestyle. And so he met Christine Ward. Christine immediately got Muïo-Bix's vibe and style and created some of the most amazing miniature sweaters, socks, and sandals that a young man has ever worn.
Christine also considered today's emphasis on being green and used eco-friendly yarns, including bamboo, and other organic materials such as hemp and organic cotton yarn as well as stretch wools for the socks. The needle gauges are considered "lace making needles" in sizes "0, 00, and 000". The smaller gauge keeps everything in scale with the doll and creates that natural look.
Ken was super impressed and is now also a frequent customer. Christine Ward also designs for Barbie, but it is the men who are now clamoring for her fine handmade wares and asking her to design sweaters as well as wrestling and bathing suits.
For more on Christine Ward and her label CW Designs, visit her blog and Etsy store.
************************************************************************************
'Mad Men' Dolls in a Barbie World, but the Cocktails Must Stay Behind
By Stuart Elliott AFTER three seasons, “Mad Men,” the television series about advertising in the 1960s, has attained a level of popular-culture cachet. There have been magazine cover articles, calendars and an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” all devoted to it, spoofs on “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live,” and even a “Mad Men” category on “Jeopardy.” Soon, the show will enter a realm of the pop-culture pantheon that its creator, Matthew Weiner, says has surprised even him: Mattel plans to bring out versions of Barbie and Ken styled after four “Mad Men” characters. The dolls are part of a premium-price collectors’ series for adults that Mattel calls the Barbie Fashion Model Collection. Although there have been Barbies and Kens based on other TV series, among them “I Love Lucy” and “The X-Files,” the dolls will be the first licensed line for that collection, Mattel says, with a suggested retail price of $74.95 each. Mattel is licensing rights to the characters from Lionsgate, the studio that produces “Mad Men” for the AMC cable channel. There will be 7,000 to 10,000 copies of each doll, to be sold in specialty stores and on two Web sites, amctv.com and barbiecollector.com. The characters to become dolls are Don Draper, the show’s leading man; his wife, Betty; his colleague at the Sterling Cooper agency, Roger Sterling; and Joan Holloway, the agency’s office manager who was Roger’s mistress. That two dolls represent a relationship outside wedlock, and Don Draper’s propensity for adultery, may be firsts for the Barbie world since the brand’s introduction five decades ago. But for the sake of the Barbie image, her immersion in the “Mad Men” era will go only so far: The dolls come with period accessories like hats, overcoats, pearls and padded undergarments, but no cigarettes, ashtrays, martini glasses or cocktail shakers.
“The dolls, we feel, do a great job of embodying the series,” said Stephanie Cota, senior vice president for Barbie marketing at Mattel in El Segundo, Calif. “Certain things are appropriate, and certain things aren’t.”
The dolls are emblematic of the interplay between entertainment and marketing, which is intensifying as consumers become harder to reach through traditional means like commercials. “The overall revenue isn’t the issue in a licensing deal like this,” said Ira Mayer, publisher of The Licensing Letter, a newsletter for the licensing industry owned by EPM Communications. Rather, he said, the goal is the additional exposure, to help build “longevity” for the “Mad Men” brand. “It’s certainly great exposure,” he added, “for both sides.” The pairing of Barbie and “Mad Men” is more interesting than the typical licensing agreement because of their shared history. Barbie was introduced in March 1959, and the first episode of “Mad Men” is set in March 1960. “ ‘Mad Men’ represents so beautifully the universe that created Barbie,” said Robert Thompson, professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University, because the series is about the selling of the American consumer society. The personification of Betty Draper as Barbie is particularly resonant, Mr. Thompson said, because she represents “the wife who lives in her dream house whose soul is eaten away.” “I have this fantasy of an 8-year-old getting a set” of the dolls, he added, “and saying: ‘Mom, can Chelsea come over? We want to play “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit.” I’m going to be the organization man, and she’s going to be the soulless drone.’ ” Such considerations were, of course, not driving the executives of Mattel and Lionsgate to make the deal. Rather, the arrival of the dolls, scheduled for July, will help promote the fourth season of “Mad Men,” which is to begin that month on AMC. And postcards bearing sketches of the dolls by the Barbie designer Robert Best, which were used to produce the final versions, will be included in the DVD and Blu-ray boxed sets of the third season, scheduled for release on March 23. “Mad Men” is “not an easy show to promote,” said Kevin Beggs, president for television programming and production at Lionsgate in Santa Monica, Calif. “It’s not ‘Cougar Town’ or ‘Desperate Housewives,’ where you get it in one line.” As a result, Mr. Beggs said, Lionsgate and AMC are seeking nontraditional methods to stimulate viewership. Other such efforts include suits inspired by the series sold at Brooks Brothers and a promotion that advertised the show in windows of Banana Republic stores. As for fears that “Mad Men” could be devalued by too much kitschy merchandise, Lionsgate “is fairly restrained,” Mr. Beggs said, promising that “no sharks will be jumped” — the TV term for a series that self-destructs through overreaching. Charlie Collier, president and general manager at AMC in New York, part of Cablevision Systems, said the goal was to “do things in a way that is appropriate for ‘Mad Men,’ high quality and sophisticated.” Any idea must survive the scrutiny of Mr. Weiner, he added, who in addition to creating the series is also executive producer and head writer. Mr. Weiner acknowledged saying no to “a lot of” bad proposals for licensed products because, he said, he does not “want the show to be exploited.” The dolls are “a realization of a fantasy, in a weird way,” Mr. Weiner said, because “on some level it’s such a measure of success to see your characters embodied by Barbie.” “Anybody who likes the show for its attention to detail will get that from the dolls,” he added, which earned approval from him; Janie Bryant, the costume designer for “Mad Men”; and Scott Hornbacher, an executive producer. As an example of their scrutiny, Mr. Weiner said he told Mattel that the sideburns on the Don Draper doll needed “to be higher” and the haircut needed “to be tighter.” The deal also provided Mr. Weiner with a moment evocative of the Rosebud revelation in “Citizen Kane.” “I grew up with two older sisters and lots of Barbies in the house,” he recalled, including “a doll named Midge,” a pal of Barbie’s. In retrospect, he said, she may have been the inspiration for Midge Daniels, a mistress of Don Draper’s in Season One. Album of MAD MEN images:
************************************************************************************ New York Toy Fair 2010 Coverage
Haute Doll correspondent Michael Williams is in New York photographing the 2010 Toy Fair, Feb. 14-17. You can view his Feb. 14 coverage by clicking on this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mawphoto/sets/72157623436767104/
***********************************************************************************
Fashion Doll Agency’s Story, fashion styling, and photos by Ernesto Padró-Campos
Fashion Doll Agency’s Manon enters not only the world of fashion dolls, but also the world of dolls that represent the African race. I was elated when Tyler Wentworth’s first friend was an African American beauty by the name of Esmé. I gave Tonner Doll Company much praise in view of this gesture that mirrored the realities of the fashion world in which some of the most famous models are black. Now, Fashion Doll Agency, based in Paris, presents Manon. With her lithe body and exquisite ebony skin, Manon is a character not to be missed, not only for her inherent beauty, but also for the relevance of her message as a European black woman. Fashion Doll Agency models are some of the most unique dolls in the 16-inch doll category currently in the market. Very much a fashion illustration in three dimensions, Manon and her colleagues at FDA, bring a refined, stylized, and most versatile look. The strength of these dolls lie in a superb sculpt that transforms depending on hair, vinyl color, and paint application. Manon captivated me immediately. While photographing her, I felt the
impacting simplicity of a vintage Sasha doll, magical dolls, that in a similar way as Manon, aimed to represent the human race by emphasizing our commonalities and celebrating our differences. In this portfolio, you will enjoy Manon wearing outfits put together from very disparate sources – from Agnes and Viktor Dreary’s dark and cold armoires to Barbie’s overflowing walk-in closets. For those of us dollectors who love the thrill of mixing and matching, Manon and her friends at Fashion Doll Agency bring hours of pure and unadulterated play time. For more information on Manon, Kaori, Pola, Petra, and Marcella, visit www.fashiondollagency.com
Resources for Haute Doll readers: Millinery by Peggy Feltrope Jewelry by Joy Jarred Agnes and Viktor Dreary by TDC
************************************************************************************ HAYWORTH
Michel-Audile HAYWORTH de BEAUMANOIR is pleased to announce the official launch of his own company under the MICHELCOUTURE label, to serve advanced collectors of the 29.3cm (11-½-inch) fashion model.
clothing ensembles. Over the past few years, it seems that all of these elements have been absent from the offerings of many doll lines that are currently available. Collectors are challenged to be creative in order to fill the growing void of quality clothing and accessories for 1:6 fashion models. Not being a "doll" designer or doll "costumier" himself but a couture trained high-fashion designer, Monseigneur HAYWORTH de BEAUMANOIR (who regards his muse as a "fashion model” rather than a doll) took advantage of unavoidable production delays in the first collection's journey to the marketplace, in order to address these issues, re-evaluating and restructuring the collection in an effort to respond to collectors’ mounting demands.
*********************************************
Haute Doll Kaori - A Versatile Model Story, fashion styling, and photos by Ernesto Padró-Campos
Fashion Doll Agency’s Kaori is the new girl in town. With her slender body, amazing articulation and unique face, this fashion model from France is one to watch. I fell in love with the Fashion Doll Agency line when I first saw the resin models in the pages of Haute Doll. It was with much enthusiasm that I acquired this exclusive Kaori as I found the face and body sculpts intriguing and different from any other 16-inch doll. My first Fashion Doll Agency model has been having fun, getting her photo taken and finding out what fits her. Although FDA offers separate outfits and two more models, Petra and Manon, Kaori did not want to wait. Surprisingly, she found a perfect fit in an unlikely source - Agnes and Viktor Dreary’s armoire. Granted, Kaori is four inches taller and has an adult figure, but as if by magic, she got stylishly redressed. In fact, Kaori neutralized the Victoriana vibe and made the looks all hers, very today, very chic. With a pair if Sister Dreary’s black tights and a Tyler-sized pair of high boots, Kaori has a weekend wardrobe others will envy.
********************************************************************* Dylan Lauren Celebrates Barbie’s 50th at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco On Saturday, April 18, Dylan Lauren, creator and owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, visited San Francisco, CA to celebrate the Barbie doll’s 50th anniversary. The gathering took place at the posh Neiman Marcus store where fans of the vinyl diva got to meet Ralph Lauren’s gorgeous daughter and indulge in her sweet confections. Raging in price from $7 to $28, the chocolates were dressed to impress in colorful wrappers featuring photos of the current line of reproduction of Barbie’s iconic styles. Franklin Lim-Liao was the delight of young and old when he made a grand entrance in his rendition of Solo in the Spotlight. To find out more about Dylan’s Candy Bar and the exclusive 50th anniversary candies, visit:
*************************************************************************************
Story, photography, and styling by Ernesto Padró-Campos
Tonner Doll Company’s Dreary twins have captivated many collectors in fashion doll land. As dark and sad as they can seem most times, the twins enjoy great popularity. A Yahoo! group by the name of Cheery About Agnes Dreary boasts 127 members who write beautifully crafted narratives inspired by the Dreary clan as well as share their handmade creations for them. Check it out at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cheeryaboutagnesdreary/
Additionally, there are many talented artists creating beautiful fashions for them. Jim Ash, famous for his glass eye installations, also has shared his expertise with the Dreary twins. Collectors today have rich resources in the doll community. When a doll company does not produce what you desire, chances are that there is a freelance artist ready to accept a commission and make your doll dreams come true.
*************************************************************************************
Roger Haack II, known by Barbie doll collectors as a master restoration artist as well as creator of some of the most luscious vintage inspired Silkstone doll repaints, has created a new doll for the 12-inch fashion doll set. The debut series, “First Impressions” of Les Muses Collection, offers blond, raven, and titian dolls that come dressed in a versatile white body suit, a silky negligée, high heel silver sandals, and her own silver necklace with the initial “E” pendant. Very Carrie from Sex in the City. Evoni is created with an anatomically correct body, sculpted with artistic realism. Evoni is made of vinyl and plastic with ball jointed knees. She comes with a hand numbered certificate from Roger, a clear acrylic stand, clear tube (Very Bild Lilli!) and shipper box. She is available at the low introductory price of $59.99 for a limited time only. Evoni and Les Muse Collection are registered trademarks of Roger Haack II and Ri Van Inc. ©2007. All rights reserved. For more information, visit: For on-line fun, join Evoni’s Yahoo! Group: Photo Credits: Blue bolero, gold and brown halter dress, and beaded cloche hat by Liz Cole for Retros Cloche hat with jeweled buckle by Marirose Black platter hat by Maryann Roy Earrings by Joy Jarred of De-Zyns by Joy Story, photos, and styling by Ernesto Padró-Campos
|
 |
|
