For many years now, Integrity Toys has been giving a doll in the Welcome Package. Some years there have been "build-a-giftset" dolls and ensembles. I really like this concept because it's a lot of fun getting the little pieces and putting everything together.
When attendees picked up their registration materials this year, they were treated to a doll from the new line "The Industry". This doll is simply called The Industry Tulabelle. A pink shorts suit and funky fur outfit were given at other events to complete the giftset.
I really like the pants, but the doll's pink face-up is just too pink for me (and that's saying a lot).
Strangely enough, the welcome party included Poppy Parker dolls. The gift to attendees was
Big Eyes Poppy Parker. As much as I adore this doll, I already have
She's Not There who is similar. Both dolls remind me of Twiggy.
If your number was drawn you won the opportunity to purchase the centerpiece doll. She is
Kicks Poppy Parker. I would love to find this one on secondary market at a price I could afford. She is one of my favorite dolls from the convention this year.
Usually Poppy Parker is reserved for the luncheon, but since a real super model, Veronica Webb, did a question and answer session at the luncheon, it was decided the dolls featured at the luncheon should reflect the super model theme. The gift doll was
Shade Kyori Sato. (Dolce & Gahbana 2008) Poor Kyori Sato mold 2.0 is often produced in this similar screening - dark hair and red lips. This doll seems to be the easiest to purchase on secondary market.
The centerpiece was
Legendary Natalia Fatale. This gown was based on a Versace Couture dress. This is the only mainline doll I have purchased from the convention. I had to have this doll and this gown. Natalia is hungarian skin tone. Even though the screening is similar to the retail doll, the skin tone, hair, and gown were must-haves for this collector. I LOVE this doll.
The sales bazaar is now a regular function for Friday nights. This eliminates one dinner and two doll opportunities. The W Club luncheon was Saturday and is a separate purchase for W Club members only. The gift was a Colette with a new mold 2.0. Her names was
Checking In Colette. (Ensemble inspired by Azedinne Alaia's Tati collection - 1991) Many collectors loyal to the original mold have been resistant to this doll and it is also easily attainable on secondary market.
The centerpiece was
Full Speed Erin - channeling Helena Christensen from the 1991 American Vogue "Wild Ones" photo shoot. (There was a 1:6 scale motorcycle that attendees were able to purchase if they were one of the lucky 40 numbers called.) This doll has been very popular with collectors.
The banquet centerpiece was
Tweed Couture Dania Zarr. This time the fashion nod was to John Galliano's 1997-1998 Haute Couture collection for Dior. For some reason, I just don't care for this doll as it reminds me of the earlier Lana Turner dolls.
The Event doll was
Diva Dasha based on Christian Lacroix's Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1995 collection. For some reason this doll hasn't been as popular as expected.
It turns out that Diva Dasha was supposed to be in the Convention Collection, but the Event doll didn't make it through production in time. Here is a photo of the five in their Versace dresses.
All attendees were given an opportunity to purchase Jason Wu's
La Vie en Bleu Elyse Jolie from his very own collection.
Every attendee got four gift dolls. If your number was drawn you got the opportunity to purchase at least two of the centerpiece dolls. If you paid to attend the W Club luncheon, you got a fifth "gift" doll and the opportunity to purchase another centerpiece doll. All attendees got the additional perk of the opportunity to direct purchase Jason's doll (which was intended to be the official convention doll).
The only doll that was a "must have" for me was
Legendary Natalia. However, I will probably be tempted by Elyse Jolie and
Kicks Poppy Parker will be joining my collection if I can ever find one at reasonable price.
All of these dolls are really quite extraordinary. Again, the collection was well-rounded and included quite a bit of diversity.