World On A String

When Integrity Toys revealed their 2012 lines this spring to the W Club, I was watching on my laptop, talking with my best doll friend on the phone.  We watched as each doll was showcased and had a comment on each.  I can still remember seeing World On A String Eugenia.  I can still recall my comment ... "Now, that's a HOT MESS!"

After the reveal, I , like many other collectors, contacted my dealer.  Eugenia did not make it to my preorders.  She was just too much for my senses to process in such short period of time. 

When I attended the Integrity Convention this fall, I got to see this doll in person.   That's when I realized there was much more to this beautiful doll than I had initially believed.  Her face-up is gorgeous.

She reminds me of the helper doll version of Point of Departure.  She has the most beautiful green eyes.  Sometimes when you deconstruct a doll, the parts surpass the whole.  I think this is the case in Eugenia.  Her accessories were fabulous.

The handbag is phenomenal.  It's lavendar, has a detachable shoulder strap, and the "leather" is patterned.

The hat is a dark charcoal gray and the shoes are very well constructed.

These shoes have a transparent panel in the middle.  This is what they look like on the doll.

One of the wonderful details that Integrity has initiated this year is the "detachable" fur collar.  This jacket, as well as And Another Thing Kyori's, has a fur collar that is attached to tiny buttons by little elastic loops.   Here is what the outfit looks like without the collar and belt.

It does look better when paired with the belt.  In this photo you can see the lovely green enameled ring and earrings.  The braclet is silver and has a "chunky" pattern to it.

Without the jacket, you can see the lovely blouse.  I wanted to show the length of the skirt.

As I was photographing this doll, I gradually realized the fabric to this skirt matched jacket to Kyor's suit.

This is one beautiful doll.  I believe she will be quite versatile to redress.  Red-haired Eugenia dolls are rare - and I love this one.

When I returned from the Convention on October 1, I quickly searched all Integrity Toy Retailers for a possible purchase.  I was surprised to find her still available at retail price for pre-order.  This surprise was only surpassed by the pleasure of opening the box Friday night. 

Mistakes ... I've Made A Few

First, I really want to apologize if my reviews come across negative sometimes.   I do not mean to hurt anyone's feelings - these are just my personal opinions.  I realize that collectors are very serious about their dolls.  I try to be honest in hopes of helping readers make educated decisions about money they spend in such an unhealthy economy.  I know I've made many purchase mistakes over the past several years.

My most recent mistake was "And Another Thing Kyori".  When she was unveiled, I had no interest in this doll whatsoever.  It may have simply been a "knee jerk" reaction to one of my favorite doll molds getting a make-over.  I just refused to pre-order this doll.

... Then I saw her at the convention ... I knew this doll had to come live with me.  I put my name on "wait lists" ... I sold several more dolls from my collection to afford her ... I made trade offers ... I think I was in full-throtle-panic-mode.   She was finally acquired from a dealer at a smaller markup than the going secondary market price.

Even though the dealer had taken a photo of the actual doll I was getting, I held my breath when opening the box for fear of the dreaded "wonky eye".  Not this girl.  Her screening is one of the most perfect I have received this year.  Deep sigh of relief.

Integrity Toys has been very generous with their "mini" giftsets this year.  It's going to be quite difficult to make a 2012 "Top Ten" list.   There are still three dolls on pre-order that haven't even arrived yet and it is December 1.

"And Another Thing Kyori" comes wearing a very modern interpretation of evening wear.

She also has a beautiful set of lacy, black lingerie.

Her hair is so thick and lush!

When she was initially released, I thought the skirt was too much like a Barbie Models on Location skirt.  The jacket reminded me of Dressmaker Details Busines Basics.  But this business suit is much better constructed and lovely.  However, my only complaint with this giftset is that the skirt is a little too long.  I will probably shorten mine.

But the jacket is wonderful and the collar is detachable.

This giftset rivals Optic Verve Agnes and is reminiscent of the Atelier collections like A Brighter Side, Poesie Sans Coleur, etc.  If "And Another Thing" follows suit, then it will be very difficult to acquire in the very near future.  If you like it, you better get one now.  We all know the secondary market on the other gift sets!

While I was photographing this girl, I kept thinking to myself - "This doll reminds me of a celebrity ... who is it?"   When I realized who I was thinking of, I burst out laughing.  I don't think RuPaul is the only drag queen to be immortalized in plastic.  I believe we now have a version of Jujubee ... (I found this photo in google.)

STATUS UPDATE:  I contacted Integrity Toys Patient Care on October 21 with a claim for my convention High Profile Eugenia whose hairline and eye had problems.  I sent a photo and an electronic copy of my receipt from purchasing her at the convention.  It is 40 days with no response.  I am going to report the status of my claim in each blog.