Best of 2021 - # 7

This is another doll promoted in 2020 that was received by collectors in 2021.  I remember when the dolls from the Dolly Days Collection arrived this past spring.  I kept thinking, "It's really too bad this wasn't scheduled in such a way that the dolls could've been promoted so that they actually arrived during the holidays."  It never felt "right" deboxing or displaying these dolls out of season.

From the three dolls in the collection, there was an obvious hit with collectors.  She is supposed to be the half sister of Victoire.  Here is Merry and Bright Della Roux in the box.

And a closeup.  This is one striking face!

This doll was a mini-giftset as she came with a second dress.  Here is a photo of the accessories (property of Integrity Toys).

I'm not a big fan of green in doll clothing, but this shade of green was perfect to reflect the holidays.  The fabric is very luxe and the details are beautiful.  The skirt is quite generous (I wish an underskirt had been designed and included to give added fullness when displayed).  She looks beautiful out of the box.

Merry and Bright Della Roux helped give the East 59th Street line more exposure, as collectors of other IT lines took notice of this doll.  She was an immediate sell-out.   Other East 59th Street and Victoire Roux dolls have fetched higher secondary market prices since the release of the Dolly Days Collection.  Regardless, she is a spectacular doll.   I decided to take her photo in front of a tree, so I could wish all of my followers "A Very Merry Christmas!"   Best of 2021 - Number 7: Merry & Bright Della Roux.

Best of 2021 - # 8

On July 26, 2020 a new doll line was introduced.  It started with a cartoon series on Youtube about a group of girls (and guys) that attended a magnet high school for individuals gifted in the fashion industry.

I saw these dolls often at the store.  I picked them up frequently and looked at them.  They were very interesting.  I was able to resist.

On December 8, 2020 MGA, the parent company, released a Cheer Series for the core six dolls:  Ruby Anderson (Red), Poppy Rowan (Orange), Sunny Madison (Yellow), Jade Hunter (Green), Skylar Bradshaw (Blue),  and Violet Willow (Violet).   There was a seventh doll in the original seven that was supposed to be a black character, but MGA didn't like the production and postponed its release.

My first doll purchase of 2021 was Ruby Anderson Cheer Series because she reminded me of a UGA cheerleader.  

Then on January 10, 2021 Series 2 was released.  

Collectors finally got the Indigo Color (Krystal Bailey), and there was also a boy character included this time, River Kendall.  I had figured that everything would center around the Rainbow High Colors, but it turns out there are many more colors in the the MGA Coloring Box.  Several "Special Edition" dolls have been released as well.

Excluding the Cheer Series, each doll came with a stand, a comb, and a second outfit which included footwear.  The retail cost in U.S. dollars was approximately $26.   There is a great deal of attention to little details in the clothing.  The dolls have fantasy hair colors.  Their clothing is very on trend.   The dolls have articulation.  It was very easy to be lured into this alternative universe!

This past summer MGA offered a Winter Break Series using the core dolls.  This time, there were snowboards and skis.  The price climbed to about $39.99.   When the Winter Vacation dolls arrived in stores, all of the older dolls went on clearance.  Some of these dolls sold for less than $10.  I lost my resolve.  

There is a very healthy adult collecting community for Rainbow High Dolls.  They have a facebook group, Rainbow High Adult Collectors.  The youtube channel continues to release video episodes and introduce new characters.  There are plenty of backstories.  Check out this website:  Rainbow High Character Information.

Adult collectors had one major complaint about these dolls.  They lacked neck articulation.  You could turn their heads from side to side, but not up and down.  MGA fixed that with Series 3, released in late Summer 2021.  Realizing they had attracted a strong adult collecting group, MGA decided to "amp" up their line.  Rainbow High became a pretty serious commodity.  Here is a photo of one of the dolls, Sheryl Meyer (if you are a fan of cult classic Clueless, you see the connection).

Rainbow High took off!  These dolls no longer "languish on the store shelves".  You can't hardly find them!  Not to mention the Slumber Party dolls just released (exclusive to Walmart) or the Rock Band dolls (exclusive to Target).    As popularity increased and production improved, the cost also started climbing.   Here are two of the dolls from the Rock Band series, Carmen Major and Vanessa Tempo (each doll retails for $49.99, but look at how extraordinary these dolls are).

There have been clothing racks, mannequins, a car, dressing closet, and even a house!  It just seems fitting that on Christmas Eve, when children are all nestled in their beds with visions of Rainbow High dancing in their heads (and I'm sure a few adults too), that I give my Best of 2021 - # 8 spot to Rainbow High.  (I came very close to having this doll line in the top five!  An articulated doll with such attention to detail, a second full ensemble, and so much creativity for $26; what's not to love!)

Best of 2021 - # 9

I expected this doll to appear higher on my countdown than #9.  I loved the promo photos of her and didn't hesitate ordering her from the W Club.   I was so excited for her to finally arrive.   Unfortunately, the version I received suffered from the quality control issues still being experienced at Integrity Toys.   I already have the form to send her back to Patient Care for a replacement.

Natalia Fatale is a favorite sculpt of mine.   Shapeshifter is one of my very favorite dolls ever produced.  Even with the white under the irises, this doll's screening is just perfection.  This is how forward looking eyes should look.

Enamorada Natalia Fatale was a W Club Exclusive offered in 2020 but she just arrived in the last couple weeks.   I tend to like my Natalia Fatale dolls to be blonde for some reason.  Most of the darker hair versions don't last long here.   Enamorada reminds me of Sweet Victory, Grandiose, and Inner Spark.   

Here is a photo in the box.

And a closeup.  Her eyes lack symmetry.  Her left eye seems to have less iris and appears to be looking upward.  Also, her hairline isn't remotely straight.  

 

So, let's see what she looks like out of the box.  I'm not a collector who usually keeps their dolls in gowns, but I really like this gown a great deal.  The colors are quite unique and special.  There is a luxurious sense to the fabric choices and construction.

Enamorada Natalia Fatale was a "mini-giftset".   Here are the accessories (photo by Integrity Toys).  The jewelry is quite nice and it's always special when you receive extra shoes!  The little cosmetics was a cute addition!

A lovely one piece lingerie set with lace robe was included.   The lingerie reminds me of that worn by grail Venus Secret Eugenia.  Resurgence Natalia Fatale graciously offered to model Enamorada's lingerie for us.

I had high hopes for Enamorada Natalia Fatale, but she fell short of my expectations. She is still a very beautiful doll though and the clothing pieces and accessories are quite extraordinary.   

#9 of 2021 is Enamorada Natalia Fatale 

Best of 2021 - #10

How can it possibly be the last 10 days of 2021?!  I got up this morning like a normal day, until I realized it was December 22; I totally freaked out!  It was time to begin my annual countdown of personal favorites for 2021!

I do not expect to receive any more new dolls this year, so I sat down with my list of dolls that were added to my collection in 2021.  I pondered.  I considered.  I narrowed down.  

The first doll to appear in my countdown was purchased in September 2020, but she didn't arrive until early 2021.  I haven't reviewed her yet, even though she appears as #8 on my "Collection Additions of 2021".    

I have never been a big fan of this Integrity Toys character/mold.  As a matter of fact, there is only one other version of her residing here.  Shake It Up Korinne Dimas was from the 2012 Shake, Rattle and Roll IFDC Convention.  There were only 300 in her edition size.  I can thank my dear friend Rich for guiding me to the purchase of this doll.  She has been transferred to a FR2 body and remains a staple in my collection.  She is wearing her original ensemble (which fits nicely on the FR2 body).

When Siren Silhouette Korinne Dimas was previewed for purchase in 2020, I was reluctant at first to buy her.  I kept looking at the details of the gown until I caved and ordered her at retail price from a dealer.  Her edition size is 1100 and she sold for $175.   

Here is a full length photo in the box.

Truly, I purchased this doll primarily for the ensemble.  It is amazing.  It came with some spectacular accessories:  the jewelry, shoes, and purse are truly fantastic!  Here is a photo (property of IT) of what was included with this doll.

To say I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box would be an understatement.  This doll has a gorgeous screening.  I love the eyes!  Her lip color is just perfect.  This is a closeup in the box.

When you get this doll out of the box, you realize just how gorgeous she truly is.  There are little beads in the seams of the dress.  She looks like a cross between an exotic mermaid and a Greek goddess.

She is so beautiful in stock and displays just as lovely.  She is much better IRL (in real life) than in her promo photos.  #10 of 2021 is Integrity Toys FR2 Siren Silhouette Korinne Dimas.