Eight of the first 10 additions to my collection of 2022 have represented dolls from the 2021 Obsession Convention. Most were added after seeing "real life" photos of the dolls. The strange thing about the Obsession Convention photos was that the dolls that looked best in the promos, looked least appealing in production and those that I wasn't interested in adding to my collection were the best. I took a chance on Sovereign Adele Makeda and A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin because those are two of my favorite molds - and I'm glad I did because they were amazing when received by collectors and prices continue to climb. It has been strange watching how secondary markup prices have reversed with most dolls!
As someone who photographs and posts pictures of my dolls, I know there are many considerations during the production. Lighting, camera, and software editing can make a tremendous difference in what is captured of each doll. Personally, I try to use natural light and minimize software editing as much as possible. I try my best to have my photos represent the doll in front of me.
For some reason, IT's promo photos have gotten off for the last few months. I'm not sure if the photographer or the software has changed. Regardless, many of the dolls received by collectors aren't representative of the promo photos. One of the most obvious examples was Gorgeous Poppy Parker (shown in my last entry).
Another example is Number 11 added to my collection in 2022. When the new Meteor dolls from the Roaring 20's Remix Collection were promoted, they were an easy pass for me. I don't actually collect Meteor dolls, although I have a couple that I plan to re-body soon.
One of these dolls was Dangerous Curves Zuri Okoty. Here is her promo photo by Integrity Toys.
And IT's closeup ...
I can see where they are going with the concept, but I just don't like anything about this doll. It tries to merge the 1920's with modern styling. I don't like the hair. I don't like the makeup. I definitely do not like the ensemble.
But then ... collectors started posting photos. Some collectors were disappointed and were stating, "This doll doesn't look like the promos." My response was, "No, this doll does NOT look like the promos. This doll looks REALLY GOOD!"
Here is a closeup of the actual doll in the box. The hair actually doesn't have that burnt henna color from the promos. It's not as frizzy either. The bangs are actually parted into two separate "pom poms" (some collectors have been taming them with product and making them lie down like the promo).
And a full length photo. The dress is actually much better in production and the color is quite lovely.
When I saw the first "real life" photos of this doll, I immediately saw Whitney Houston. I was a young adult in the 1980's, so I have many fond memories of dancing to her songs and watching her videos on MTV. Here is my interpretation of Dangerous Curves Zuri Okoty as Whitney Houston.
This doll looks so good in more casual attire. It takes a little handwork with the hair, but it's actually quite nice when manipulated into a more modern style. Here she is wearing one of my favorite playline dresses. Her hair was produced pulled back into a big ponytail. I pulled the hair down more to give it a modern look.
I'm so glad I caught on to the post production potential of this doll early. I was able to still pick her up from an IT dealer at original retail price! She should become more popular as more collectors receive her and post photos. I think she is definitely a "keeper" but will need a FR2/Nuface2 body to be perfect! Number 11 of 2022 is Dangerous Curves Zuri Okoty!
