Convention Review - The View From Outside

As I've mentioned before I was unable to attend the Integrity Toys (IT) 2015 Cinematic Convention although I would've loved to go.   While collectors were flying off to Long Island, our school was giving standardized tests to children.

To kick off the convention in style, IT offered a cocktail reception to early attendees on Wednesday.  Collectors were given an opportunity to purchase an exclusive doll prior to arriving that would be waiting for them upon arrival.   There was quite a scandal about this because two different dolls were offered in an edition size of 210 each.  The problem was that one was much more desirable than the other.  Things got heated when Kumi sold out almost immediately when the link went live.

But any convention goer knows that an IT Convention has something for everyone, and there is always more than enough to go around.   Every year, the IT team comes up with workshops during the convention where attendees can purchase tickets.  Usually a doll is included with the workshop registration.  The workshop dolls this year were waiting for attendees in their registration packets upon arrival.  All three were produced in an edition size of 450.

Conventioneers who prepaid for the collection arrived to find those dolls waiting for them also. The Convention Collection this year was very diverse with 7 dolls produced in an edition size of 600 dolls each.  Here are the first three:

I had been able to pass on all convention dolls up this point.  However, I had to do some serious "rule review" with the next four dolls.   When I consider the purchase of a new doll, I have to ask myself several questions:

1. Does this doll represent a better version of a mold than what is already in my collection?
2. Do I have another doll similar?
3. Could I reproduce a similar version from what is already in my collection?

The first doll I had to resist was Star Power Vanessa Perrin.  Although I prefer the first two molds of this character, Star Power is exceptional.  The only problem is that there have been several platinum haired Vanessa Perrin dolls produced in the past year.  Although I can appreciate the "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" Marilyn Monroe ensemble, I thought I might just be able to recreate something similar.

Even though she may not be as stunning as Star Power, I guess I can satisfy that need and avoid paying $250+ on the secondary market for this doll.  

Next up, was In Rouges Erin Salton.  I really do love mold 2.0 of Erin.   As much as I was tempted by this doll, High End Envy is a personal favorite in my collection, and I have Voltage on pre-order.   Easy pass - two dolls down, two to go.

I have had a weakness for Giselle Diefendorfer ever since her original release, Costume Drama, and have owned every version of her at some point.  Although Perfectly Suited gives us a short haired, more mature version of Giselle, I definitely prefer the 2014 Convention Giselle.  I also have the mainline doll on pre-order.  Another easy pass for me.

The next doll was one with which I had a real struggle.  Agnes Von Weiss is my second favorite mold being produced by IT.  Feminine Perspective Agnes Von Weiss is an obvious homage to Old Hollywood Marlene Dietrich. The doll was produced wearing gorgeous white lingerie, a white dressing gown, and came with a tuxedo.  Unfortunately, this was very similar to the Josephine Baker gift set "The Jazz Age" which I already own.  

Who exactly is my favorite IT character?  Eugenia Frost, of course, and, for the first time ever, W Club members were given an opportunity to purchase a Convention Exclusive, even if they weren't going to the convention!  She is Reigning Grace Eugenia Frost and was shipped prior to the convention to those who had paid for her.  Personally, I believe she is one of the best dolls from the convention and am very appreciative that IT gave W Club members the opportunity to own her.  She was inspired by Grace Kelly.

In the registration packets, attendees received tickets to purchase Direct Sales dolls in the salesroom.  There were five.  These dolls are definitely causing me some trouble!

In addition to these five dolls, there were six Color Infusion female dolls with six separate ensembles representing iconic Hollywood.

And six Color Infusion male dolls with six separate ensembles also representing iconic Hollywood.

Have you lost count?  1 W Club Doll + 2 Cocktail Party Dolls + 3 Workshop Dolls + 7 Convention Collection Dolls + 5 Sales Room Dolls + 6 Color Infusion Girls + 6 Color Infusion Boys = 30 Dolls and Welcome Banquet hasn't even started yet!

30 Dolls and I only purchased two on secondary market.  Do you think you know which ones?  Which were your favorite so far?