Collecting Fashion Dolls by Terri Gold

Mars Rising Anais Perrin and Mystic Moon Aymeline Perrin

2026-04-09T11:52:00.004-04:00

The W Club is starting the year with two doll purchase opportunities from designer Jason Wu. These dolls are dressed in inspired life-size creations from his Fall/Winter 2023 Collection.

"Mars Rising" Anais Perrin and "Mystic Moon" Aymeline Perrin

"Mars Rising" Anais Perrin

Comparison to life-size fashion from Jason's 2023 show. This is one of the first times that I think the doll looks so much better than the model. This model looks as if she's half dead.

I like all of the accessories! This is a really lovely doll. The colors are gorgeous and I have always wanted an Anais Perrin.

For W Club members, the price is $189 + S&H. [There shouldn't be a tariff but if there is, it will be $7.50.]

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"Mystic Moon" Aymeline Perrin

Aymeline is the same price to W Club members as Anais ($189 plus S&H) in spite of the fact that there is no extra fashion, no extra pair of legs and shoes. What could account for that discrepancy? (sarcasm) Perhaps the gown was more expensive in 'real' life. Whatever.

I love Aymeline's hairstyle and face. She is a beauty.

I like both dolls. I'm just a classic Fashion Royalty collector at heart.

Barbie Atelier Doll #1

2026-04-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

An atelier (pronounced ah-TEL-ee-yay) is a French term for an artist's workshop or studio.

It specifically refers to a specialized workspace where professionals—often in fashion, painting, or sculpture—create, design, and produce high-quality, bespoke pieces.

Synonyms include studio, workroom, and workshop.

Details

Size: 14.5 inches (about 36.8–37 cm) tall — significantly taller than standard Barbie Signature dolls (typically 11.5–12.5 inches) or even taller Made to Move variants. This "Grand Couture Silkstone" body creates a statuesque, runway-model presence but means zero compatibility with regular Barbie clothing, shoes, or accessories.

Articulation: Over 23 points of articulation, including fully articulated fingers and toes. This is a major upgrade, allowing elegant, expressive poses (hand gestures, hip tilts, toe-pointing) far beyond typical Silkstone or Signature bodies.

Face & Eyes: Brand-new "Atelier" face sculpt with luminous glass eyes that give a serene, realistic depth and "wonder" expression— a step up from painted eyes in most prior dolls.

Hair: Intricate blonde styling (voluminous and elegant, evoking classic curly looks but with premium rooted quality).

Fashion: Fully removable, layered haute couture. #1 features a full pink ruffled coat with an oversized dramatic bow, tall pink boots with black bow details, pearl-like drop earrings, and an underlying embroidered sequin dress with grey tulle accents. The focus is decadent, removable glamour.

Stand & Accessories: Includes a dedicated display stand (she cannot stand alone due to the taller body and heavy fashion). Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity; packaging is premium collector-grade.

Price: $300 USD (retail; regional variations like ~$342–$500 equivalent in other markets due to shipping/taxes). Limit 1 per customer; sold out quickly on Mattel Creations, with possible restocks or secondary market availability.

Release & Availability: Unveiled at Mattel Creations REVEALED 2026 event (mid-March). Pre-orders opened shortly after; shipping targeted for on or before May 1, 2026. Exclusive to creations.mattel.com.

I asked GROK what reaction making this Barbie doll 14.5" tall has brought about from collectors. This was the information it provided:

Making the Barbie Atelier Doll #1 14.5 inches tall (on the new "Grand Couture Silkstone" body) has drawn significant criticism from collectors, despite the doll's praised innovations like glass eyes, finger/toe articulation, and haute couture fashion. Many argue it was a bad idea for several interconnected reasons rooted in Barbie's long-established ecosystem.

I agree.

1. Complete Incompatibility with Existing Barbie Wardrobes and Accessories

This is the most common and vocal complaint. Standard Barbie dolls (Signature, playline, Made to Move, Silkstone, etc.) are typically 11.5–12.5 inches tall. The Atelier #1 is roughly 2–3 inches taller, with proportionally larger features. As a result:

No shared clothing: Existing Barbie outfits, even from curvy or tall body types, are too small. Collectors must build an entirely new wardrobe from scratch (sewing, commissioning customs, or hoping Mattel releases separate fashions—which they rarely do in volume for niche lines).
No shared shoes or accessories: Boots, heels, jewelry, and props don't fit. One reviewer noted it's like starting over, unlike third-party bodies that collectors expect to be incompatible.
Historical parallel: Past larger or non-standard Barbies (e.g., certain Silkstone experiments) sold poorly precisely because they couldn't wear the vast 11.5" ecosystem that collectors have invested in for years.

This breaks the core fun of Barbie collecting for many: mix-and-match styling, restyling, and integrating new dolls into existing displays or dioramas.

2. Display and Integration Challenges

Doesn't fit in standard setups: She won't work well in most dollhouses, playsets, or group photoshoots designed for 11.5–12" scale. Collectors who have built elaborate 1:6-scale scenes over decades find her isolating or out of proportion.
Awkward "in-between" size: At 14.5", she's too big for classic Barbie scale but not quite aligned with popular larger fashion doll scales (e.g., true 1/4-scale BJDs around 16–18" or Integrity Toys lines). It feels like a "no man's land" that doesn't appeal broadly.

3. Reduced Versatility and "Play" Value

Many collectors view her as "shelf-only"—beautiful for static display but limited for posing in varied scenarios or swapping pieces. The heavy emphasis on one fixed couture look (removable but still one outfit) plus the size means less long-term engagement compared to standard dolls that can be endlessly restyled with affordable or existing items.

4. Price vs. Value Perception at $300

The high price amplifies the frustration. For $300 (Platinum Label exclusive), some expect more accessories, multiple outfits, or at least compatibility with the broader Barbie world. Instead, buyers get one doll + stand + earrings, with the need to invest further in custom clothing. Critics compare her unfavorably to ball-jointed dolls (BJDs) that offer similar (or better) articulation and glass eyes at competitive prices in their scale, or to standard Signature dolls that feel more "part of the family."

5. Alienates the Core Collector Base

Barbie's appeal for many adult collectors lies in the consistent 11.5" scale, massive secondhand clothing market, and community sharing. A bold new scale feels like Mattel "losing sight" of what made Barbie collectible—versatility and community— in favor of "innovation for innovation's sake." Some call it an attempt to chase BJD or high-end fashion doll buyers without fully committing to those standards (e.g., joint quality concerns on Silkstone material).

Counterpoints (Why Mattel Did It Anyway)

Mattel positioned the larger scale as "daring" and "runway-ready," giving her a statuesque, diva presence with enhanced posability that shines in elegant, dramatic poses. It allows for more detailed couture elements and a fresh "unlike anything before" statement. Some collectors (especially those who also own 16–18" dolls) like the size and see potential for a new sub-line if Mattel supports it with future releases.

Overall Collector Sentiment (as of late March 2026)

While she sold out quickly on Mattel Creations (limited production, reportedly around 5,000 or fewer), much of the buzz highlights hesitation or outright disappointment over the scale. Secondary market prices hover near retail or slightly above, but long-term value may suffer if no supporting fashions or companions are released. Many say they'd have preferred the same innovations (glass eyes, extreme articulation) on a standard 11.5–12" body to maximize compatibility and appeal.

In short, the 14.5" height prioritizes dramatic uniqueness over practicality and ecosystem integration—core strengths that have sustained Barbie collecting for decades. For dedicated display-only fans of high-fashion experiments, it works; for most who value versatility, it feels like a misstep that isolates her from the Barbie world she belongs to.

Tell us what your reactions to this doll are in the comments.

Street Wise Misaki Dressed Doll

2026-03-17T07:56:00.000-04:00

Here is the newest addition to the FR: Nippon lineup, "Street Wise" Misaki, designed by the newest Integrity Toys' designer, Pamela Thompson.

The edition size is 500. 200 have been reserved for W Club members via RTB lottery starting immediately.

[Editor's Note: Although IT's original published announcement tells members to log into their IT account and then to try to ender the lottery by going to this link: cln59ecab.cc.rs6.net, the link server IP address returns a "site can't be reached." Perhaps it is too soon. Keep trying.]

Integrity says:

For those of you who are unable to secure this doll via the W Club right-to-buy lottery or would like to secure a pre-order through the normal channels, here are the usual pre-order details.

Pre-orders for this doll should begin approximately sometime in mid-May 2026 and she will be available from any one of these sources (check these sites out from time to time; we do not have an exact date).

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng

http://www.hlj.com

International collectors (including America) will also be able to buy from the following site:

https://www.azone-int.co.jp/azonet/

Japanese customers ONLY will be able to purchase her directly from this site:

https://www.rakuten.co.jp/azone-int/

Please note that we do not have the exact time that this doll will be going live. The information above is all that has been shared with us at this time.

Item # 81106

Street Wise

Misaki™ Dressed Doll

The FR: Nippon™ Collection

Edition Size: 500 Dolls Worldwide

(200 W Club USA / 300 Azone Japan)

Expected Ship Date (W Club RTB): July

FOR W CLUB ONLY IT DIRECT RTB LOTTERY PORTION PRICE: $175 + S & H

Head Sculpt: Misaki

Body Type: Misaki

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: Japan

Hair Color: Two-Toned Blue

Eyelashes: Yes, Hand-applied

Estimated Tariff/Custom Fee Surcharge, If In Place (Portion passed on to customers; subject to below)*: $10.00

(RTB winners will pay $175 + S, H, taxes & any tariff surcharge* per doll, in full once the W Club portion of the dolls arrive at the IT warehouse).

*As the tariff situation is in flux, we do not know if they will be fully removed or changed to another format or name. In order to ensure there are no surprises when the dolls ship, we are estimating the tariff or similar custom fee surcharges based on the levels of tariffs that were in place prior to the Supreme Court IEEPA ruling, and, per usual, only passing a portion of that on to customers. Should the actual fees (whatever they happened to be named) at that time be less, the actual amount charge will be lowered. If there are no additional fees incurred by Integrity Toys, there will be no surcharge. If the fees are higher at the time paid, the surcharge will likely be adjusted higher. Please contact us if any of this is unclear before pre-ordering and thank you for your understanding as we try to navigate this situation!

Included:

• 12-inch Misaki doll with rooted hair and face "piercings" (cheek “piercings” are applied with adhesive and do not pierce through the doll’s face; nose ring is inserted in/through the nose);

• Ultra-cool window pane jacket with graphic patches and 3/4 sleeves;

• Matching window pane mini skirt;

• Blue and black striped knit long-sleeved body suit;

• Black textured pantyhose;

• Tall black platform combat boots;

• Oversized black bag with skull graphic and chain detail;

• Textured black hip belt with chain detail;

• Separate black studded waist belt;

• Black studded thigh belt;

• Black choker with drop ring;

• Spiked hoop earrings;

• Black skull ring;

• Black tube rings;

• Pair of long-manicured hands

• Alternate pair of grip hands;

• Doll stand;

• Certificate of authenticity.

A Look Back: Barbie, Her House and the American Dream

2026-02-27T10:38:00.002-05:00

Take a stop-motion journey with the young, single homeowner of the Dreamhouse. Ken isn’t on the deed.

The live article from the New York Times was too varied to reproduce here so I have included the link to the unlocked offering from the paper. It is very enjoyable!

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/23/realestate/barbie-dreamhouse.html?unlocked_article_code=1.PVA.pVcT.SglC3oo99v2Y&smid=url-share

American Girl Dolls Get a Makeover By Gina Cherelus, New York Times

2026-02-27T10:30:47.423-05:00

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of American Girl, a beloved doll brand that is equally invested in girlhood friendships and the domestic hardships of World War II, the toymaker Mattel announced a new line of redesigned dolls from its historical collection. What immediately jumped out at fans about its new Modern Era collection, aside from the characters’ Gen Z-inspired fashion sense, was that the dolls now appeared skinnier.

Of course, the backlash on social media was swift; in the replies to an Instagram post unveiling the new line, Ozempic jokes abounded.

Sophia Elizalde, a 20-year-old cosmetology student in Provo, Utah, said she loved the four American Girl dolls she owned as a child. “They had those little cloth bodies and they resembled little girls,” she said. “I didn’t look at them and see a skinny Barbie doll.”

The new Modern Era collection, unveiled on Feb. 11, plucks the first six American Girl characters from their historical contexts and imagines how they might look and dress if they lived in our world today.

For the 40th-anniversary transformation, Kirsten Larson, a Swedish immigrant in the 1850s, had her braided tresses pinned into space buns and saw her classic blue calico dress swapped for a fitted, over-the-knee frock with ruffles.

The Addy Walker character, who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad, was now wearing her hair in long twists with slicked-down baby hairs, instead of her classic straw bonnet.

Since the 1980s, the American Girl brand has held a special place in the hearts of not only those of doll-playing age, but also adults who have grown up with the characters and maintain an abiding fondness for them.

So how can a self-described “multigenerational” brand remain committed to its traditional ethos that satisfies older fans, while also tapping into the trends and culture of its new ones?

“We want to spend the year honoring the legacy of the brand and the ongoing legacy of our characters because that’s what first ignited consumer passion,” Jamie Cygielman, the global head of dolls at Mattel, said in a phone interview. “And so Modern Era is a creative extension, really meant to celebrate the original historical characters in a different form.”

According to Ms. Cygielman, the new dolls weren’t redesigned to look thinner or to resemble teenagers. Unlike the original dolls, which were 18 inches tall, the updated dolls are 14½ inches, an established size that has existed in other American Girl product lines. The primary reason for the change of size and weight was for “ease of play” for younger consumers, she said.

“We are still deeply committed to the original 18-inch dolls and their stories,” Ms. Cygielman said, adding that American Girl would continue to sell “reissues of the original dolls, but also tell some new stories too.”

One American Girl fan, Emily Marks, 31, said she thought the new dolls were cute and was excited for this new collection.

“They still look like kids to me,” said Ms. Marks, who lives in Charlotte, N.C., and owned an American Girl doll as a child. “I like that it’s an entry of more interest into the historical dolls.”

Still, some fans claim that the style and beauty alterations gives the dolls a mature appearance, unlike the modest and historically accurate clothing they traditionally wore.

“I feel that the heads on these new ones look a lot bigger compared to the body,” said Adriana Ryan of Blackwood, N.J., 32, a recreation director at an assisted-living community, who also grew up playing with the historical dolls. “They’re almost very cartoonish-looking to me.”

“Maybe the dolls might appeal to kids today, but I think it’s definitely missing the historical appeal,” she added.

A former children’s textbook writer named Pleasant Rowland debuted the first three American Girl dolls in 1986, with characters from different historical periods and accompanying books for each telling their story. Mattel acquired her company in 1998 and, since then, has released a number of new products, books and doll lines.

Ms. Cygielman said when she joined the company in 2019, American Girl was finding that most of its adult consumer interests revolved around the original characters, but that younger consumers were gravitating toward the contemporary collections.

“I think the opportunity has been for us to merge history and modernity and get kids interested in storytelling and talking about the past,” Ms. Cygielman said.

Emily Kokidko, 28, who started the Instagram account @ModernAmericanGirlDolls, creates parody memes of different American Girl characters, including one who is obsessed with her air fryer and another who enjoys bagged salads and shopping at TJ Maxx. Ms. Kokidko says she believes her content is popular because of the universal nostalgia surrounding the brand.

“To see them in a new light, as maybe around their age, is fun for them,” she said. When she saw the announcement of the Modern Era collection, Ms. Kokidko said she was “excited at first.”

“And then when I saw the dolls themselves, I was kind of taken aback,” she said. “I was like, Wow, they are kind of skinny.”

Membership is now open for the 2026 W Club

2026-02-26T16:44:00.006-05:00

From the promotional advertisement:

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN THROUGH 3/24/2026 ONLY

SCROLL DOWN TO REGISTER NOW!

Join the W Club for 2026 and be part of the premier doll club and collector community on the planet- now in its 21st year!

The W Club is the one and only Official Collectors' Club for Integrity Toys, covering all their hottest brands including Poppy Parker®, Fashion Royalty®, NU. Face™, NU. Fantasy™, East 59th®, The Monarchs: Homme™, Meteor™, Tulabelle True & Co.™ and much more!

Registration is only open once a year, so make sure to register by 9 PM ET on Tuesday, March 24th! You definitely won’t want to miss out!

VALUABLE CLUB PERKS

A base membership (one time $50 fee) covers all of these perks and more for the 2026 membership year:

Please see our registration video or contact us if you have any questions.

In addition to the first-to-know information, members-only forum, online chats, priority customer service and special events, W Club members will receive the following opportunities:

Enhance your membership by adding one, two or all three of our Registration Exclusives™ when you register (only available during the W Club registration period!)
Five additional W Club exclusive made-to-order dolls are guaranteed throughout the year (we cannot guarantee which lines they will be from or how many from which line, but we are currently expecting that these will come from Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty, NU. Face and/or NU. Fantasy during 2026).
Special pricing for most* IT Direct releases that are also made available to the public.
Priority access for online and in-person events, if any**.

*THIS IS FOR MOST, NOT ALL of the items. There may be some items excepted, including but not limited to collaboration projects or sales outside of Integrity’s control, such as through dealers.

**If there are any limited attendance events, priority access does not guarantee every W Club member a spot. Some spots may be held for the public or other purposes. Access to any online events does not guarantee access to event-specific products offered.

______

As noted above, you can pay to enhance each membership with one, two or all three of these beautiful dolls!

The Registration Exclusive dolls are $175 for each doll above the price of the base membership. Only $30 per doll is due now and the rest will be due at shipping*.

*Taxes, tariffs and shipping are extra. Estimated tariff/custom fee surcharge, if in place (portion passed on to customers; see the FAQ page for more info): $7.50 for each Poppy Parker doll and $10 for each Nadja Rhymes doll and each Vanessa Perrin doll.

{Why is the tariff lower for Poppy Parker dolls?}

Poppy Parker® Dressed Doll
The Poppy Parker® London Look Collection

Soleil
Vanessa Perrin® Dressed Doll
The Fashion Royalty® Collection

Sakura Season
Nadja Rhymes™ Dressed Doll
The NU. Face™ Collection

If you are ready to join the W Club for 2026, first, please review our membership rules here and make sure you have agreed to them to proceed.

___________________________________________

The above is a brief version of the 'invitation.'

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I have been a member of the W Club since its inception. It was a lot of fun the first few years as we would meet in Manhattan at FAO for a reception and see new dolls. Two years in a row, there was a snowstorm that began while we were in the store in the evening. That wasn't as much fun but we survived.

The chat board has changed a great deal and it's much bigger with better oversight. The liaisons answer questions very quickly. One still runs into the attention whores who have to comment on everything. Best to ignore them. They've been on for a long time and nothing changes. The craziest thing to happen was when a Nazi lover doll collector from Finland insisted that it was OK to post dolls in Nazi uniforms! Seriously. I wondered if she knew the Germans lost the war. No, I never saved any of her photos.

The Club is still the same $50. We used to get a $20 coupon per membership and a few dealers would provide certain perks to members. Those days are gone.

Prices of the dolls seem very high. Even Barbie dolls are priced ridiculously high. If you don't like the price, don't spend the money. It's a business for Integrity Toys. Businesses must make a profit or what's the point?

I don't buy many IT dolls any longer. If you have been following my posts on Facebook you know that about 10 years ago, I became involved with Kingdom Dolls. If you buy 6 Integrity Toys' Dolls now, you are spending just more than the same amount of money as for one basic Kingdom Doll!

Have fun. Play dolls.

Terri

Defa Lucy Dolls

2026-02-26T15:51:00.002-05:00

This is it. No more Lucy unless they sell a cool fashion pack.

She's cute and she can wear Integrity Toys' fashions but I'm not convinced about the shoes.

DEFA Lucy

2026-02-13T17:58:00.003-05:00

Here is my second and last Defa Lucy. I say last because the quality of these dolls is inferior to my other 12" fashion dolls. This is unfortunate but they are priced 50% less so I don't expect much. However, the clothes are another story. They're very cute and nicely designed.

I never planned to start another collection and I like the two I have now. Apparently there are a total of 13 different dolls. Series 1 started out priced at $65. and $75. Series 2 are priced at $85 and $95. I suppose as they get more and more popular, the price will keep going up.

I'm very curious if their heads would fit onto Fashion Royalty bodies. I have several brand new bodies. I also have a very dark skinned FR who I don't particularly care for. I'd love to switch heads with my .02 Paris Model.

This is Series 2 PARIS Model No. 04. She was $95.

With my first Defa Lucy, the stand did a very poor job of holding her up.

The boxes hold a handbag, extra hands, shoes and socks.

I like how the clothing and accessory layer was on top of the doll layer. Nice packaging.

I like the clothing that they have offered but everything is sold out. I did manage to get a pair of white pants, a striped long-sleeved T and faux leather shorts.

Here is PARIS .02

Superdoll

2026-02-13T07:43:00.013-05:00

The 4th W Club Exclusive Of The 2025 Membership Year "TRITON"

2026-02-08T10:42:00.003-05:00

When I saw this photo I had to check to make sure I was not on the Mattel website. I could not believe my eyes. I agree with many W Club members that it is a good looking doll but Triton looks like a boy of 12 years old.

I like the human outfit he comes with.
What do you think is in his carry bag? His tail?

I prefer my Mermen to look like men rather than children.

He'll do very well, thank you.

This one seems like the right age for Integrity Dolls.

Cage is a little depressed-looking but the other fish flock to him.

The designer, Jessy, had so many choices in the face department and he came up with a sweet, young thing. Why?

Why didn't he hide his carry bag on shore?
Perhaps there's an underwater mall to which you have to bring your own bag.

Seriously? This is a child.

MSRP: $225 + S & H

Special W Club Price: $199 + S & H

Tariff Surcharge (Portion passed on to customers; estimated based on 20% at time of receipt, subject to below)*: $10

Sales method: These fashion figures are guaranteed made-to-order for 2025 W Club members only- 1 per membership.

Item # 75035

Triton

Thiago Valente™ Gift Set

The NU. Fantasy™ Collection

2025 W Club Exclusive Fashion Figure

Edition Size: TBD

Expected Ship Date: Summer 2026

Head Sculpt: Thiago

Body Type: FR Homme 1.5

Foot Sculpt: Articulated Ankle

Skin Tone: Light Honey

Hair Color: Light Sandy Brunette With Lagoon Blue & Seaweed Green Streaks + Sandy Flocking

Eyelashes: No

Constellation Anais Perrin Doll By Jason Wu 1/18/26

2026-01-18T12:58:00.002-05:00

I received the Constellation Anais Perrin Doll by Jason Wu a few days ago. Integrity is very fast with shipping when a doll is in stock! It came two days after payment. Of course, I'm only one state north of them but still, they sent it out quickly.

Normally called a shipper box, this was inside of another box.
That is a whole lot of packaging!

First view

Without removing Anais, I was able to turn her head forward for the photo.

I like her sculpt.

I also liked it when it was on an Avantguard doll. See below.

Avantguard Goldmine

This is the contents of the small Jason Wu Collection box that rests on her inside the larger white box. Black (elastic ankle) strappy shoes, extra grabbing hands, a black clutch purse and pretty dangly small pearl earrings.

I'm keeping her boxed for now as I do not have room to display her well enough.

Here are a few promotional photos which are better than mine as they show the entire contents including the stylish black coat.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the doll and the dress. I'm also pleased that the shoes will be easy to put on because they do not have tiny buckles.

If you are interested in seeing a post I did a long time ago about the Avantguards, here is the link. https://terrigoldphoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/avantguards-integrity-toys-gold-mine.html

White and Winter Wear on Kingdom Dolls

2026-01-17T10:19:00.005-05:00

One of the themes for my Facebook board, Fans of Kingdom, Kinsman and Monarch Dolls, this month is the color white and or winter wear.

So, the other day I went into all the drawers and boxes stored in my doll room and pulled out white garments. How did I get 6 pairs of white pants????

Anyway, I've redressed some of my dolls for the theme and I want to show the results here.

Morgana

Queenie

Rafaella

It's hard to believe how long it takes to redress one doll!

Belle

Deteriorating Shoes

2026-01-17T09:55:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to redress my older Tonner dolls. The clothes are still in fine condition but the shoes…ugh. I have (had) a fairly large collection of shoes to fit Tyler and Co. What I’m finding are limp straps, most of which have cracking and peeling. I’m also finding many detached heels. They glue together OK but the shoes are weakened.

Most of these are unworn shoes!

The same can be said for every fashion doll company that produced vinyl shoes.

It's not just shoes that are peeling, it's belts and any clothing item made of vinyl.

Disappointing.

Brief End-of-Year Round-up for 2025

2026-01-01T18:30:00.004-05:00

I used to do a post at the end of the year called "The Best and the Rest." This year, I'm going to discuss a few items I added to my collection...not necessarily the best or the worst.

In January, MinTu showed this delightful, sparkling mini dress. My Kingdom Doll Darcy is modeling.

In February, Kingdom Doll offered "Scarlet Cobra" which was a dramatic color change from Aurora's pink and blue version. My KD Draig is modeling here.

Those of us who could not attend the KD convention in the autumn of 2024, were able to purchase an Aurora Giftset which consisted of the doll and three fashions. The pink rhinestone chandelier earrings and pink KD heeled pumps were very cute. Yes, the dress style is the same as that of "Scarlet Cobra."

In June, Kingdom Doll released "Paradise." She is a beautiful doll. Yes, she came as a dressed doll.

Paradise's Gown

I have her dressed below in a fashion by AlmaDoll some of whose garments I have collected for a few years.

Poeme d'Amour by Integrity Toys

June and July saw me do something I have not done in years. I ordered two Integrity Toys giftsets.

These are not included in this little review as outstanding items of 2025 but as a behavior anomaly from someone who used to be an avid Integrity collector until about 10 years ago.

One was Poeme D'Amour which was supposed to be a re-interpretation of the beloved Poesie Sans Coleur from 2005. It consisted of a Vanessa with a poorly designed hairdo that was so hard it crunched. I washed it out with tap water and combed it out and let it dry. If I had decided to keep her, I would have set her hair.

The wedding gown wasn't haute couture IMO but it was well made. The veil was a very large rectangle of white tulle with raised dots which were supposed to represent pearls,

Stylized Image by Me

As of today, I still have the bridal attire, a nice cocktail dress, two pairs of shoes, handbags and lots of jewelry. I just wish the wedding gown didn't look like a mini dress over a mermaid's tail.

"Popular" Gift Set by Integrity Toys

In July, 2025, IT announced a re-issue (resurrection?) of the Monogram sculpt along with three fashions designed by Chris Stoekel, I was all in.

Once I got the set, although it was beautifully designed and made well, I felt that the fashions overwhelmed the doll. There was too much PINK (screaming) fabric and too much processing. What seemed at first to be beautifully enhanced fabric with embroidery just gave way to a crowded feeling.

Chris does much better designing.

I sold the fashions and have kept on the Monogram doll.

*Ungapatchka (or ungepatchket) A Yiddish term: It implies a busy, cluttered, or over-embellished appearance, like a blouse with excessive embroidery and sequins, or a home filled with clashing, fussy decor.

MinhTu Gown — Royal Blue Gown with Gold Sequins

This is Kingdom Doll Envy modeling. IMO She needs a more dramatic wig to balance this stunning fashion.

Oobie Mohair Wig for Smart Doll

I had not even redressed my Smart Dolls for 1-1/2 years, then I saw this wig. It's stunning on this Cyber Shell Legion (Black/Navy) gorgeous doll. I still don't know if I'll go back to playing with them, but for now, she looks great.

Monster High x Barbie Frankie Stein Doll

With Original Barbie-Inspired Swimsuit and Solo in The Spotlight Black Evening Dress and Accessories

This was too unique to pass up. I'll leaving it in the box as I know I won't play with her but she is packaged beautifully and is adorable.

The two ends of the box close-up over the central portion.

Taras Kozak Gown "Darkness" for Kingdom Doll

This is a beautiful, deceptively simple design in a lush black fabric. It is a one-piece gown with a torso opening under the bust. Optional puffy half sleeves can be worn. Head ornament was included.

Kingdom Doll Avarice

The Nymphia Wind Doll by Designer: Jason Wu

2026-01-01T18:29:00.002-05:00

This Article is From WWD. The first three photos are mine.

Jason Wu is in a playful mood.

The 42-year-old fashion designer has launched Atomic Lab, an e-commerce platform dedicated to limited-edition dolls inspired by icons in fashion, entertainment and contemporary art.

The inaugural release features international drag performer Nymphia Wind, the first East Asian winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Season 16. The doll will retail for $150 and is available exclusively on AtomicLabToys.com. Only 1,500 dolls will be produced and the doll is available now for pre-order with estimated delivery on Oct. 30. {She shipped at the end of December, 2025}

Atomic Lab will spotlight influential personalities through collectible drops, blending high fashion and pop culture.

“I started playing with dolls when I was, like 6. There’s something so glamorous about doll playing. And it was so forbidden in Taiwan. My parents bought me dolls anyway,” said Wu, in an interview Monday at his New York headquarters.

When Wu moved to Canada at the age of 9, he discovered the world of designer dolls, and his mother bought him a Bob Mackie Barbie. “I learned fashion through that, and I begged my mom for a sewing machine. I started copying things from Vogue, and made them mini-scale,” and that’s how he learned how to sew and design. The designer has been designing fashion for 18 years.

At 16 years old, Wu joined Integrity Toys, where he launched the now iconic, “Jason Wu Dolls.” His early work included the introduction of the RuPaul doll in 2005, celebrating the drag icon long before mainstream recognition. In 2006, he released the first transgender art doll, a limited-edition collaboration with transgender model Amanda Lepore, featuring photography by David LaChapelle and sold exclusively at the New York City retailer Jeffrey. In 2008, Wu partnered with Capitol Records to create a doll inspired by then rising star Katy Perry, just ahead of her chart-topping debut, “I Kissed a Girl.” Since then, Wu has continued his partnership with Integrity Toys releasing exclusive dolls in partnership with Net-a-porter, Bergdorf Goodman and others.

Wu described Atomic Lab as “a pop culture project."

“It’s a project that is more than fashion. It’s more than dolls,” said Wu. He said dolls become miniature mementos of the time they’re made. “So it’s always been very important, and it reflected what people looked like at the time,” he said. Because of his career as a fashion designer, he’s been able to meet so many people from different walks of life. He plans to release one new doll a month, and it will be available exclusively on his website, atomiclabtoys.com. The dolls are made in China.

Wu said he always likes to have his finger on the pulse and figure out who’s next. Wu believes that fashion and pop culture are completely intertwined. “It always was, but now more than ever.”

He said the doll could be a living or deceased person “in a movie, it could be a TV show I like, it could be somebody in music, it could be a cartoon. I have six very different people [so far],” he said. He gets in touch with the people or their foundations to license the doll.

“You know how there’s Comic-Con and Marvel and Superman, and people really go crazy. This is the gay version,” he said.

“People love dolls. I don’t know any fashion designers who didn’t grow up playing with dolls,” he said.

Atomic Lab’s first doll, Nymphia Wind, is also from Taipei and is famous for her signature color banana yellow and her couture-campy aesthetic. She began her drag career on the stages of Taipei and New York City, before spreading banana fever all across the globe.

“It’s kinda surreal and a great honor,” said Wind, when asked what it means to collaborate with Wu. “Because growing up I knew about Jason Wu from the news as an up-and-coming designer that had a background in doll designing. So to be able to collaborate on a doll years later is so full circle,” she said.

Commenting on how the Nymphia doll reflects her personality, Wind said, “She is obviously in full signature banana yellow. She’s bright, she’s playful, she’s dramatic just like me.

“It’s pushing fashion and fantasy forward. Dolls are art, and I always imagined my drag persona as a doll that I’m dressing up. So to have a dollifed version of me is very exciting,” she said.

The signature, Nymphia Wind is quite cool as it looks as if the box were signed.

Blowing in from Taipei, Nymphia Wind is the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 and the first East Asian queen to ever snatch the crown.
Famous for her signature color banana yellow and couture-campy aesthetic, she began her drag career on the stages of Taipei and New York City before spreading banana fever all across the globe. Get your daily dose of potassium from Nymphia, and she will make you into a banana believer.
Hair: Banana Yellow Saran
Eyelashes: Rooted
Sculpt: QUEEN
Body Type: GlamFlex™ fully articulated body with 14 points of articulation and interchangeable hands.
The Nymphia Wind doll, first in our ICONS ONLY series, celebrates the drag performer’s signature “banana queen” style. Our debut product features a brand new, 1/6 scale (12") articulated fashion doll body with 14 points of articulation for endless posing possibilities. From her contoured features to her glamorous eye makeup (complete with rooted and curled eyelashes), she mirrors the makeup artistry that Ms. Wind is renowned for. The Nymphia Wind doll comes dressed in a yellow, lace-up corset lingerie set, complete with “pearl” embellished hosiery and working garter belt. To top off this fabulous ensemble there is of course a dramatic floor length bright yellow faux fur coat, fully lined in matching charmeuse.
Accessories include faux diamond necklace, chandelier earrings, and intricate clear yellow PVC pumps.
Doll stand, extra set of hands, and numbered certificate of authenticity are included.
NOTE: Prototype doll is shown and final product may vary slightly

IMO, the real image of Nymphia Wind is much more attractive than the doll.
I love the partially opened mouth.
Too bad they didn't get the nose right or the sensuality of the mouth.

I just read that the extra head is a different sculpt. There are only minor differences. The face needs improvement. If we were supposed to get a smiling face, we didn't.

The packaging is beautiful. The box is a very heavy-weight cardboard in banana yellow. When you take off the cover, you are greeted by a clear plastic, removable insert so she can be displayed without removal.

More information on Nymphia Wind: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphia_Wind

Barbie Fashion Model Collection #4

2025-12-04T09:38:00.002-05:00

Barbie Fashion Model Collection #4

This lovely Barbie Fashion Model went on sale today. I had planned to sell all of my Silkstone dolls because of our move and downsizing. Ha. When I opened their boxes to plan my selling, I changed my mind. They are so beautiful. I'm not a collector who keeps her dolls in boxes, so I've tabled the deboxing until I find a safe place to display them. I'm so weak.

WHY do they have to stick bows on the dresses???

I'm posting the text from the Mattel site below along with some of the photos. Will you be ordering her?

Chic and alluring, the fourth addition to the members-only Barbie Fashion Model Collection is a vintage-inspired vision. Her timeless yet unique look features a full cage crinoline, made even more dynamic by cascading layers of white organza and a tulle-ruffled trim for extra volume. Black floral embroidery and tiny crystals add visual depth to the skirt, and her matching pink satin opera gloves and pumps add a pop of color to the otherwise monochromatic ensemble.
Barbie® Fashion Model Collection Doll #4
Doll Designer: Robert Best
Packaging Designer: Laydiana Chiv
Label: Gold
Face Sculpt: Vintage Silkstone
Body Type: Posable Silkstone
Includes Certificate of Authenticity
Doll cannot stand alone. Doll stand included. Colors and decorations may vary. Purchase limits subject to change at the sole discretion of Mattel.

Members Only, New

$125.00 (There are promo codes to be had. Search.)

Mattel's LeBron James Kenbassadors Doll

2025-11-24T10:16:00.005-05:00

LeBron James Kenbassadors Doll is a great-looking doll and would be a wonderful addition for any Ken collector.

"We’re thrilled to introduce LeBron James as the first doll in our Kenbassadors line. He's a true leader—an activist, philanthropist, and champion for others both on and off the court. A changemaker and tastemaker, this LeBron James Ken doll embodies his signature elevated streetwear style while proudly representing the LeBron James Family Foundation, his nonprofit dedicated to empowering inner-city youth with the tools they need to succeed in life."

LeBron James Barbie® Kenbassadors™ Doll
Doll Designer: Javi Meabe
Packaging Designer: Charis Ceniroz
Label: Black
Face Sculpt: LeBron James
Body Type: Ken Tall
Includes Certificate of Authenticity

"Doll cannot stand alone. Doll stand included. Colors and decorations may vary. Purchase limits subject to change at the sole discretion of Mattel. From November 18, 2025, at 9:00am PT through November 19, 2025, at 8:59am PT, only Barbie Club 59 members can buy this doll at MattelCreations.com, while supplies last. During that time, the doll may also be available at participating Target and Walmart locations, as well as Amazon.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com. "

Available for Pre-Order

$81.

The Bodies and Skin Tones of Integrity

2025-11-22T09:58:00.002-05:00

From the time I stopped religiously blogging to now (which is several years,) Integrity has come up with several new body combinations.

I found a page online that shows nine bodies. There are probably more but this is a brief overview of the most popular ones.

At first glance, it's difficult to see the differences, but keep looking. They're there.

It would be great to have the actual measurement and I will look for that on-line now so I can add it to this post.

_______________________________________________

Skin Tones

Thinning The Herd

2025-11-18T13:07:00.002-05:00

We moved to a smaller house with an enormous basement and tons of storage.

Problem is, I don't want to keep my dolls in storage.

It's always been my habit to unbox. I couldn't wait to get my hands on a new doll.

I'm not doing that anymore with my dolls, mainly those that are under 16" and not resin BJDs.

So...I'm listing everything I can bear to part with and I'm not done.

See the list on the right hand side of this page where it says SHOP HERE. —>

Nu.Face EDEN BLAIR as BOHÉME First 2025 W Club Exclusive

2025-11-02T10:53:00.005-05:00

Here's the first W Club doll for 2025. Is it a bit late? I don't know. Perhaps this is the way it's done now. She is certainly dramatic all decked out and accessorized to the hilt. In fact, the accessories are the bits I really like. Her handbag with its charms, her name belt and the necklaces are appealing to me.

The faux fur stole does look pretty ratty. I've gotten many faux fur pieces from IT that are nice and silky-looking. This drags the fashion down to grunge bohemian status. Hmmm....Bohème may be an apt name.

She is a very pretty sculpt and her face makeup is lovely. I like the long, smooth hair which has several design possibilities.

The dress is sheer which seems to be the favorite design signature of Jessy Ayala.

Along with the dress-up fashion is a pair of blue jeans and a stretchy tank top with matching dusty purple underpants. Is that what brought the price up to $250. plus shipping and probably tariff of $20. The Club price is a bit less but still sky-high for one nicely dressed doll with 3 additional unnecessary, low value pieces.

This is not a giftset in my opinion.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Superdoll's 2025 Halloween Offering - PYRRAH™ Dressed Doll No. 200 and CABERNET FUGU

2025-11-01T08:36:00.004-04:00

PYRRAH™ is Superdoll's 200th dressed doll. Her sculpt is a remastered Voltaire and she has a new Generation 8 skintone called Japan. PYRRAH™ introduces Superdoll's INTEL body.

From the Superdoll Website:

TITLE: Pyrrah™

SYB/BD-0200

CLONE: 808 VOLTAIRE
BODY: Gen 8
SKINTONE: Japan
🔥 Be Afraid… PYRRAH Plays with Matches.
From the molten depths of couture and shadow rises **PYRRAH**, a vision ablaze with defiance and seduction. Draped in burned tones of guilt and dust sequins and scorched lace, she smoulders beneath a mantle of distressed plaid applique — an infernal fusion of ruin and refinement. Her flared bodysuit clings like ash to skin, whispering danger with every glint of copper and jet., yet her plastic bodice remains un-molten.
Her hair — a torrent of flame — crowns her like vengeance made beautiful, while her sculpted face bears the calm of one who commands both fire and darkness.
**PYRRAH** is not for the faint of heart. She is the flicker before destruction, the last spark of elegance in a world gone to embers. A true Superdoll masterpiece — fierce, untamed, and entirely herself.
*Limited Edition — once she cools, she’s gone forever.*
Comes dressed in Jumpsuit, Cape, Heels and Lashes!

To purchase you must make a non-refundable deposit of £200.00 GBP.

The item's full price is £750.00 plus postage.

_____

I would love to see her face up with different eyes and eyebrows. However, I can see the attraction. She is certainly different.

I love the burnt look cape over the black sequined jumpsuit.

https://www.superdollonline.co.uk/products/voltaire-halloween

_________________________________________________

CABERNET * FUGU

TITLE: Cabernet SYB/BD-0191
CLONE: 807 FUGU
BODY: Gen 8
SKINTONE: *(noidtrial-code8)

ED -30

Comes dressed in Hose, Shoes and Lashes!

Apparently Cabernet's skin tone is a trial color. I like it. Her body is lovely and I like the sculpt very much.

It's great to see designers change up what they're doing - but not so much that your collection of gorgeous clothing becomes useless.

The changes are beautiful. Her chest is less exagerrated and her body appears to be more proportionate. It's a great update. Congratulations to Superdoll!

The item's full price is £910.00 GBP. plus postage.

The non-refundable deposit is £290.

https://www.superdollonline.co.uk/products/cabernet-fugu

Rome Fashion Doll Convention - Golden Jubilee - RFDC 10th Anniversary Tribute Exhibition

2025-10-31T12:46:00.002-04:00

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to fly to any event I fancied?

This one is in Rome, next week. Sigh.

The Rome Fashion Doll Convention (RFDC) is celebrating its 10th Anniversary, referred to as the "Golden Jubilee," with events on November 8th and 9th, 2025, at the Eurostars Roma Aeterna Hotel in Rome, Italy. The convention includes a salesroom, which is free and open to the public, and special events like a welcome party on November 7th for registered attendees. This year's tribute exhibition will feature a special centerpiece doll and diorama designed by Spanish artists Beatriz Mateos and Mary Martinez, and Viviana Liuni and Andrea Guidi, respectively.

Event details

What: Rome Fashion Doll Convention (RFDC) "Golden Jubilee" - 10th Anniversary Tribute Exhibition.
When: November 8th and 9th, 2025.
Where: Eurostars Roma Aeterna Hotel, Piazza Del Pigneto 9a, Rome.
Salesroom: Open to the public from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM with free entry.
Special guests: Barbie designer Robert Best will be a guest at the exclusive welcome party on November 7th.

Tribute exhibition highlights

Centerpiece Doll: A special centerpiece doll is being designed by Spanish artists Beatriz Mateos and Mary Martinez.
Centerpiece Diorama: A diorama for the centerpiece is being designed by Viviana Liuni and Andrea Guidi, with artistic collaboration from Federico Venzi.
Sponsor: Lisa Johnson Alford is the sponsor for the centerpiece doll project.

Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romafashiondollconvention/

Barbie Styled by KidSuper Ken Doll, Styled by Design

2025-10-19T10:17:00.005-04:00

When I saw this Ken Doll, I didn't think it WAS a Ken Doll. Mattel is so conservative...but things appear to be changing. This doll was released on or about May 9, 2025.

Colm Dillane, AKA KidSuper, a Brooklyn-based artist and designer, is the creative force behind KidSuper Studios, a collective known for its unconventional fashion, art shows, films and music.
For the Styled by Design doll, KidSuper puts Ken doll in the spotlight, literally, in a bright lime green coat with vintage illustrations of Ken and Barbie, inspired by KidSuper's "Everything Is Fake Until It's Real" show at Paris Fashion Week.

The lowest price I've found it for today is $45 fro KidSuper who claims they have it in stock.

The highest price by far is $175 from StockX. In between $72., $84.99 on eBay.

It's an interesting addition to any BarbieKen collection.

DEFA LUCY DOLLS Body Update - You're going to love this!

2025-10-15T09:22:00.002-04:00

*Retail: $85.00 per doll plus shipping
*Deposit: $20.00 per doll
*Limit 1 of each style per customer
*Must Get a ORDER CONFIRMATION via DM / PM / Email before you send deposit. No Confirmation Deposits will be Refunded.

*Pre Ordering Starts:
Oct. 15th, 5pm Eastern USA time.
This will be 5AM Taiwan time so I will be later in replying. But we will go by the order requests are received.
😃😃😃

For USA collectors:
wwww.defalucy.com

International Collectors: DM me here 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
#RNDDolls #PreOrderRND

And be sure to join the DefaLucy VIP Club on Facebook for all news and updates!!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19heeAhx9a/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Series 2 Available to order in a few hours!

October 15 at 5PM EST.

She looks like a really great fashion doll and she's so well priced at $85!

I think she will sell out quickly. There are only 650 units of each model

_____________________________________________________________________________

Series 2 Paris

Model No. 01

Edition Size: 650

Hair: Pink Saran

Eyelashes: Rooted Saran

Sculpt: DF01

Body: GlamFlex™ Body Ver 01 with 14 points of articulation, high heel feet and interchangeable hands

Skintone: Cameo

Fashion: Off-White Coordinated Tweed Set (Jacket + Camisole + Mini Skirt)

Accessories: Pearl Stud Earrings, Pearl Necklace, Sheer White Socks, Beige Leather Boots, Quilted Round Bag, Doll Stand, Interchangeable Hands, Numbered Certificate

_____________________________________________________________________________

Series 2 Paris

Model No. 02

Edition Size: 650

Hair: Jet Black Saran

Eyelashes: Rooted Saran

Sculpt: DF01

Body: GlamFlex™ body Ver 01 with 14 points of articulation, high heel feet and interchangeable hands

Skintone: Espresso

Fashion: Black Coordinated Tweed Set (Jacket + Bandeau + Mini Skirt)

Accessories: Pearl Stud Earrings, Pearl Necklace, Sheer Black Socks, Leather Boots, Quilted Round Bag, Doll Stand, Extra Interchangeable Hands, Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

https://defalucy.com/collections/dolls

JASON WU SPRING 2024 READY TO WEAR COLLECTION: "ABSINTHE" Doll

2025-10-08T12:01:00.055-04:00

The W Club was shown this new doll, Absinthe, which is described best below:

12.5-inch articulated doll with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes;
Elegant asymmetrical fit and flare dress made of luxurious Jason Wu custom couture fabric (note: the original fabric used for the human version of this gown did not work in doll-scale, so Jason sourced the final fabric from the couture custom mill as his desired replacement);
Jason Wu branded shoebox;
Jason Wu branded protective pouch;
Viper green slingback heels with buckle detail;
Viper green satin clutch;
Statement golden "emerald" earrings;
Matching golden "emerald" ring;
Pair of FR hands;
Pair of long-manicured hands;
Alternate pair of grip hands;
Doll stand;
Certificate of authenticity.

When you open the offering you see Elyse Jolie in several poses one of which follows.

There is a little video that shows the doll spinning on a stand.

Then a few more pictures of Absinthe and her accessories.

And THEN...you see the actual human model with the human version of the dress.

Wow! What a difference. The human dress fabric is so much more luxurious in how it falls and the fabric colors are more sophisticated than the contrasty light and dark green of the doll's dress. The flat-chested model (poor thing - she should eat something,) shows off the dress best.

It reminds me of a theme I have running on my Kingdom Doll board called "Who Wore it Better?"

The model does.

___________________

Item # 12336

Absinthe

Elyse Jolie™ Dressed Doll

The Jason Wu™ Collection

MSRP: $220 + S & H

Special W Club Price: $199 + S & H

Tariff Surcharge (Portion passed on to customers; estimated based on 30% at time of receipt, subject to below)*: $20

(RTB winners will pay $199 + S, H, taxes & any tariff surcharge* per doll, in full once winners are notified).

{Thanks Donald}

*The tariff surcharge is the portion of tariffs in US dollars that will be passed on to the customers. The estimate of the portion to be passed onto customers above is based on a 30% tariff rate at the time that this product is received by Integrity Toys out of Customs. If the tariffs are lower at that time, the surcharge will also be lowered. If the tariffs are eliminated at that time, there will be no surcharge. If the tariffs are higher at that time, the surcharge will likely be adjusted higher. This amount above is provided as a courtesy to calculate the cost based on the information and tariff levels as they are today, but are subject to the aforementioned changes. Please contact us if any of this is unclear before pre-ordering and thank you for your understanding as we try to navigate this situation!