Best of 2023 - Number 9

I had to go back and look over my "Best of " lists for the past 12 years to confirm this, but a doll from The Industry has never appeared in my Top 10.  That is until 2023.

I  really like the character Tulabelle True.  I like the backstory that she is Poppy Parker's granddaughter living in modern times.  I like the fact that instead of being a model she is an influencer and maintains a strong and respected presence in social media.   I like the clothing of The Industry, the characters, and especially Tulabelle True mold 2.0.  I think it helps matters that both Poppy Parker and The Industry are designed by Integrity Toys favorite David Buttry.  

I actually own every version of Tulabelle True mold 2.0.  Even though she did not make the countdown, Yeti for You is one of my favorite dolls from 2019 (no fault of the doll, 2019 was just a fabulous year for beautiful dolls).  I added glasses to Yeti for You in my photos and fell totally in love with her.  Here is one of my earlier photos.

You cannot imagine how excited I was to find a pair glasses included with Trending Tulabelle True.  David Buttry and I share an aesthetic when it comes to this mold.  It also doesn't hurt that this doll is just so gosh-darned photogenic!

Even though Trending Tulabelle True was announced in 2022, she wasn't received by collectors until early 2023.  She was Number 18 of my 2023 Collecting Cycle.  The minute I opened the box, I fell in love.  Best of 2023 Number 9 is Trending Tulabelle True.

Let The Countdown Begin - Best of 2023 Number 10

I can really appreciate the endless hours dedicated by designers to producing dolls for their collectors, so I decided to try and recognize as many individuals in this countdown as possible.  

I have been collecting Victoire Roux since the line debuted in 2011.  It appeals to the vintage side of my aesthetic.  Not only that, these dolls still have a shape to model pre-FR2 clothing beautifully, especially clothing from 2002-2005 since they have the shorter limbs.

I was skeptical when Integrity Toys (IT) announced that there would be a mold change for the Victoire character when the line switched over to being called East 59th Street and other characters were added.  It turns out this new mold is one of my favorites of all IT dolls across all lines.

In 2023, IT designer Chris Stoekel gave collectors "The Adornments Collection" with five beautiful dolls, including a new caucasian male friend.  The prices remained the same since 2020.  Although my overall favorite of this line was Enchanting in Amethyst Aurelia Gray, my favorite ensemble was Twilight in Blue Topaz.   My favorite East 59th Street doll was the Basics Aloha Waikiki Victoire Roux that was announced in 2022 but shipped to collectors in 2023.   So combine the two and get my Best of 2023 - Number 10.

Here is a full length of Aloha Waikiki wearing Twilight in Blue Topaz.  I changed out the jewelry because I preferred silver to match the dress threading.  You can see why other designers ask Chris for advice with patterning.  He has such an understanding of scale in this size.  

Such a beautiful doll in a beautiful dress representing East 59th Street as the Best of 2023 - Number 10: