Monday, October 1, 2012

A Change In Perspective

In the past, there have been times when I was a serious “complainer”.  I’m older, so I often resist change.  I play with my dolls, so I don’t like five different sizes of feet or four different arm and leg lengths.   I like my dolls to share their wardrobes and closets.
When previous convention collections were unveiled, I usually voiced a strong opinion about repeated hairstyles or embellishments or fashion designs that came up over and over.  This was my first doll convention, and I wanted to see a big variety of clothing, face-ups, and hairstyles.   I mentioned that I was disappointed to see so many dolls with crimped hair.  (Crimped hair is a fashion “don’t” here in the south - we spend quite a bit of money on hair product to tame those frizzies we get from the humidity down here!  We can’t imagine anyone would actually want to exaggerate them!)  I was also concerned about those “silhouette-like cutouts” in so many ensembles.
Then it all got explained to me in a way my thick head could understand.  I was looking at everything from the standpoint of a doll collector who was looking to add diversity to my collection.  I was looking at everything all wrong.  This is a “fashion collection”, and I am definitely illiterate when it comes to fashion.  I was looking at it from the perspective of someone who plays with their dolls – redresses their dolls – de-constructs their dolls. 
Jason Wu is a designer.  His vision is a fashion line.  There have to be elements that tie the line together.  There is a unifying theme, but the models (I no longer use the term “dolls”) have to be cohesive in appearance and there are style elements that repeat.  I have watched enough Project Runway to understand this concept.  It all makes sense now.
Although the models include NuFace, FR, FR2 characters, they work together.  The theme this year wasn’t so much tropical as it was Resort Wear.  It included items that were appropriate for younger models as well as more mature models.  It included casual, business, and formal wear.   I can actually imagine this collection walking on a catwalk fashion show.   (BTW, it was mentioned at the convention we’ll be seeing those silhouette cut-outs as a fashion trend in the future.  I often forget that Jason plans collections seasons ahead of actual production.  So these ensembles are mini-representations of what will be coming up in fashion for real women.)
I appreciate the whole process more now.  Although there isn’t room in my collection for all of these models, those who join my collection will fit in beautifully.  They will be individual representatives from this special creative vision of a team of individuals who work beautifully together.   I respect and admire the individuals behind Integrity Toys much more than I did when I left here five days ago - and that was a lot even then!

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Jason Wu Event IX The Summary ...

Here we go. 

The most memorable moments to me were (in no particular order):

1. When my darling husband traded in Ready Steady Go Poppy for the Dynamite Girl.  I had always heard the expression "Deer in Headlights" - now I have a visual to go with it forever! 

2. Putting faces with names.  There are so many wonderful, generous, and kind individuals.  I finally got to meet Rich (RichFL) - he will be my "Convention Husband" when my real one can't come to conventions.  That is a new expression I learned.  We will be lifelong friends.
3. Meeting Rebecca Barry (Inside the Fashion Doll Studio) and Deron Daniel - two of the most creative forces in the doll collecting community.  Listening to them trade photography techniques and diorama ideas had my head spinning!  They are two of the most amazing individuals ever.  I feel lucky to count them as doll friends now.

4. Talking with Rob ("Uriah")  before each dinner.  He is such a wonderfully kind gentleman.  Another truly creative individual who shares so much of his vast knowledge of doll styling.  Talking to PetraElise while standing in line in the sales room!  Having Veronica as my table hostess!  One of the most incredible OOAK artists in the community today.

5. Getting to meet the team behind IT and their significant others.  David Buttrey is so wonderful!

6. The long lines ... oh, the long lines .... 

7.  Color Infusion Lab - I am usually the very last person to get on the bus with a new doll line/body.  (I got my first FR2 at the convention!)  I hate different shoes for different feet.  I hate different tops, pants, etc.   But the Color Infusion Lab completely blew me away!   I'll be posting photos soon of the dolls I got from the Lab.  It was so great of IT to limit each attendee to only one of each mold for each 14 dolls they purchase.  Everyone got what they wanted.   I cannot wait to see future fashions.  With the convention over, most of these dolls SOLD OUT.  The boys were the first to go, the bleach blonde, the Asian, the redhead are all gone.  There a scattered few left yesterday afternoon.

8.  And the collectors!  Oh, too many to name!!  I understand now why so many in the W Club say they attend the convention for the people.  I had always thought that rather silly.  However, you really cannot put a price on the experience.  The dolls are wonderful - but the memories of the people and the friendships are what will bring me to my next convention!

My husband is the most generous and kind person I know.  This would never have happened without him.  I thank him from the depth of my heart for giving me this experience.  I hope everyone who collects IT doll gets to do this at least once.