Miss Kyori Sato

One of my favorite doll molds from Integrity Toys used to be Kyori Sato.   She was introduced in 2004, just about when I first started collecting Fashion Royalty dolls.  I remember the excitement in the the collecting community because IT was adding an Asian character to their lineup.

I own all three versions from that year.  Urban Geisha (middle) is now a more slim NuFace girl while  Red Blooded Woman (right) and Glam Slam (left) are on taller bodies of their own.  Red Blooded Woman's ensemble is one of the most exquisite produced by IT.   The robe for Urban Geisha has such extraordinary embroidery.  Glam Slam has stood the test of time and is still considered one of the better face ups.

Kyori Sato moved right in and made herself at home in 2005.   Although four of the five releases made their way to my home, only two still reside here.    I never purchased Something Hot from the IT Convention (Center), and Skin Is In (Left) and Fierce Subject (Right) have made their way to other collectors' homes.  (NOTE:  Photos are the property of Integrity Toys.)

As Born To Gamble was a tribute to the character Karen Walker on the television series Will & Grace, the purchase of this IFDC doll was a no brainer for me.  Even the bottle of booze sports a label "Karen Walker".   I love this doll.  She is one of the few that can hold its own with the AFL Vanessa twins.  In addition to the bottle of Karen Walker and a glass, the ensemble included black gloves, a cigarette holder, and deck of miniature cards.

Also in 2005, was the most expensive FR doll I had ever purchased (up to that time!).   I remember how reluctant I was to shell out $250, which included overseas shipping.  Personally, I believe this doll continues to be one of the top 10 FR dolls ever produced.  It came in a little suitcase with three ensembles and lingerie.  She is Ginza Blonde.

Fashion Royalty moved to taller bodies in 2006.   There have been many versions of her, but I have only kept three in my collection.  I can't explain it, but I still believe the best versions were the earlier ones.

In 2007, Kyori was graced with the honor of receiving the Atelier treatment.  (There have only been three dolls to packaged in these large folding boxes:  2005 Poesie Sans Coleur Vanessa Perrin, 2006 True Royalty Vanessa Perrin, and 2007 A Brighter Side Kyori Sato).  The gown from A Brighter Side is still my favorite ever produced by IT (photo property of IT).   I have never taken my doll out of her box.  She is going to need to visit the spa for a little work on her eyes.

I remember when this doll arrived.  I keep about 90% of my dolls in their boxes for several days (even weeks, months, or years) before taking them out.  I try to bond with them and make sure they are going to stay.  This girl was released within minutes of arriving.  She is Quick Silver Kyori.

There were only two dolls from the 2011 IT Jet Set Convention that I wanted.  One of them was No Reservation Kyori Sato.  No Reservation was the last Kyori Sato mold 1.0 produced (excluding a 2014 ITBE Limited Edition Morning Dove produced using a tan skin tone).  I believe she is one of the most under-rated FR dolls.

And a closeup.  Such elegance!

In 2012, Kyori Sato's mold was "refreshed".  Although I own every version of mold 2.0, I think most of them favor quite a bit.  Here are 2014 Faded Desert, 2012 And Another Thing, and 2013 Love the One.  (Left to right)

I recently added Nightshade from the 2014 Gloss Convention.  I got her for less than retail.  Most collectors prefer Evening Siren Ayumi from this collection - the other dark haired Asian doll with her hair pulled to the side.  Others believe Nightshade favors Faded Desert too much.   Here is a photo of Nightshade in her box.

I believe Nightshade may be my favorite doll produced using this mold.

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

Being a teacher, the title of this blog really grates on my nerves a little.   When I developed my Rules for Collecting (on the sidebar), my very first rule was the most important.  If I am to focus my collection, I need to stop adding different lines to it.  "If I don't already have some, I don't need one."

I've been able to stick to this rule for a couple years now.  I've even been able to eliminate a few lines from my collection.  However ...

I am a sucker for a good story line.   That was partially my weakness with the subject of this post.

Penelope Brewster is a production assistant working in modern day Hollywood.  While on set, she is accidentally hit on the head by a falling clock.   The result is flashbacks to previous lives.  She chalks the memories up to "Deja Vu".

The characters (all using the same mold) are:

1.  Anne De Legere - The Versailles Court from the Age of Enlightenment

2.  Lady Arabella - Maiden of The Renaissance

3.  Emma Jean McGowan - Roaring 20's Flapper

4.  Judy Watson - 1950's

No matter your collecting taste, the ensembles are amazing.  Collectors are scarfing these dolls up at an alarming rate.  The secondary market prices are surging.  It looks like Robert Tonner may have another hit!

When Tonner released its fall lineup of Deja Vu characters, I was curious.  I was immediately drawn to one doll, Ready to Wear Judy Watson.  She was a basic doll with platinum hair pulled back into a ponytail.  She sold out within hours from the website.

Two days before Christmas, Tonner had an incredible sell of 20% off with free shipping.  I thought it wouldn't hurt to wander over to the website and look at the Deja Vu collection once more.   WHAT!??
I couldn't believe it.  Ready to Wear Judy Watson was back in stock.  With 20% off and free shipping, she was only $80.   You can't even get a silkstone for that price anymore.

Even the packaging reflects the concept.

Here is a photo of the doll in the box.

I am not a fan of these "Monster High" hands.  (Even the actual body dimensions remind me of Monster High!  I wonder if the designer used to work with Mattel.)  I was very pleased to see that Tonner is now including graceful hands with these dolls.  You can even purchase a group of different shaped hands separately.

It's the face (especially the mouth) that is attracting hordes of collectors.   It's different than any other doll line out there.

So, what kinds of clothes can she wear?  It seems that she can wear the pants, skirts, and shorts from many lines:  Tonner 16", Clea Bella, Alex, Ellowyne, and even FR 16", including Tulabelle.  A friend wanted to see her in Tullabelle's Pomp and Circumstance, so here we go.

The blouse is a little loose, but it tucks in nicely.   Deja Vu has more narrow shoulders.   The pants are tight but fit nicely.  The coat is a little long in the sleeves (so I cuffed them inside).  Deja Vu has shorter arms.   The shoes were perfect!   Overall, I think she looks quite nice. She's off to another photo shoot!

Such a lovely purchase for $80.  (She has applied eyelashes.)   Somehow, in the long run, I think it's going to cost me much more….