Best of 2023 - Number 1

It's hard to believe that I have been collecting Jamieshow/Owensu Muses for three years now!   This line continues to impress me more than I can express in words, and I have amassed quite a number of dolls, ensembles, and wigs.  2023 was another outstanding year for Jamieshow/Owensu Muses.

The last capsule collectors received in 2023 was called Moments of Joy.   Similar to Integrity Toys, Jamieshow/Owensu Muses premiers a line to the public prior to production.  They take orders on their offerings to gauge popularity with collectors and then place their orders with the factory.

There were only three female dolls and one male doll included in the Moments of Joy capsule, but there were 13 ensembles, 11 shoe packs, four luggage/pet accessory sets, and three new wig cap designs in various colors.  This capsule had a more formal feel than previous collections this year.

Here is the promo photo for Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Moments of Joy.

From this collection I only added two dolls and three ensembles.   

The first capsule making its way to collectors in 2023 was Bonjour Paris.  This collection was more to my liking.  It was very "casual chic" and the dolls seemed younger somehow.  Here is the promo photo for Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Bonjour Paris:

I don't usually order so many dolls, but I wound up with all three females and one of the males.  I also succumbed to five ensembles!   What is so fantastic about the fashions is that they can be worn by other 12" fashion dolls.  Here is my Dominion Doll Nika wearing Look 2.

Arriving in the summer, we received my very favorite capsule ever produced by Jamieshow/Owensu (and it was the one I was most skeptical about when it premiered).   Here is the promo photo for Jamieshow/Owensu Go East:

I just pretty much lost all reason with this collection.  I ordered 5 of the six dolls and 8 of the ensembles!

Here are some photos of my favorite 2023 Jamieshow/Owensu Muses wearing some of favorite 2023 Jamieshow/Owensu ensembles.

First up we have Bonjour Paris Eileen wearing Bonjour Paris Look 7:

Also from Bonjour Paris is Sabina wearing my favorite Bonjour Paris ensemble Look 6

To showcase Bonjour Paris Look 8, we have Go East Natalie: 

While we are at it with Go East, here is Go East Lan wearing the most intricate and detailed ensemble in my collection Go East Look 5

How about Go East Sakura wearing Go East Look 8

And my favorite Go East girl, Sasha, wearing Go East Look 1:

From the Moments of Joy Collection, here is Moments of Joy Grace wearing a look from last year's Enchanted Look 4 (that I just purchased secondary market this year):

And probably my most photographed doll from 2023 is Moments of Joy Valentina wearing Go East Look 11

My dilemma with creating my countdown this year was that Jamieshow/Muses would've dominated the top 10, especially if I took into consideration these amazing ensembles.  All it takes is a change of the magnetic wig cap and you get a completely different look!  And all the dolls can share the same wig caps.  I know it doesn't seem fair to compare Integrity Toys dolls to these little resin works of art individually painted by hand, not using stencils.  And they do cost almost three times more than a Fashion Royalty doll.  And besides that, I wanted to try and include a doll from all the lines I collect.  My only solution was just to group them together as one collection as my Best of 2023 - Number 1, Jamieshow/Owensu Muses 2023

Best of 2023 - Number 2

Anyone who follows my blog or social media knows that I have favored sculpts when it comes to Integrity Toys (IT), and one of my very favorites is Vanessa Perrin (mold 1.0).  Summer in Taormina Vanessa Perrin (mold 3.0) already shows up in my 2023 Countdown at Number 4.  In 2022, my very favorite doll in my countdown was A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin (mold 3.0).  It's hard to believe that the very first doll I received in 2023 turns out to be Number 2 in my countdown.

Here she is wearing the Garden of Excess Fashion Pack from the IT digital convention 7 Deadly Sins.  This doll was so stunning I actually purchased a second to redress and photograph.  

Best of 2023 - Number 2 is Graceful Reign Vanessa Perrin (mold 1.0):

Best of 2023 - Number 3

One of the things I really like about the design team at Integrity Toys is that they are not scared to take a chance and produce characters in various skin tones.  I continue to be impressed and amazed by how different a mold can look simply by using a different color of plastic.  

I have been a fan of the character Isabella Alves since it premiered at the 2020 Integrity Toys Legendary Digital Convention.  I'm not sure whether it's the mold or the fact that Jessy Ayala has designed the three versions of this doll, but, to me,  Isabella seems more like a NuFace character than a Fashion Royalty.  There is something youthful about sculpt.

The 2023 7 Deadly Sins Online Convention brought us a third version of Isabella in the Dark A-Tone skin color.  When W Club members were sent promo photos, I was very intrigued by the hairstyle; however,  IT continues to experience quality control issues relative to exposed hairlines.   I was worried I would get a wonky hairline or cross-eyed doll.   When I had the opportunity to purchase one at retail price, I took a leap of faith that paid off.

When I opened this doll, I truly fell in love!   She was the last doll that joined my collection in 2023 and made it to the Top 3 of my favorite dolls of 2023.   She is one of the most beautiful dolls I own.  The hair is so intricate and rooted to just the right thickness.  Her faceup is glorious!   

Best of 2023 - Number 3 is Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty Glorious Vanity Isabella Alves:

Best of 2023 - Number 4

Anyone who says "less is more" definitely doesn't work for X Magia 2000!   2022/2023 saw an extraordinary collaboration between Integrity Toys (IT) and X Magia 2000.   There were four dolls offered through W Club lottery, three were NuFace and one was Fashion Royalty.

The Fashion Royalty doll was a collector favorite, Vanessa Perrin; however, they used mold 3.0.  Here are two photos of the doll completely redressed property of IT.  

And here are all the accessories.  Love the purse, the platform shoes, and those earrings!   

But what did the production look like?  This girl is just truly extraordinary!  Best of 2023 - Number 4 is Integrity Toys/X Magia 2000 Summer in Taormina Vanessa Perrin.

Best of 2023 - Number 5

Whew!  We're halfway there!  

Somehow Integrity Toys (IT) manages to produce some very nice dolls while simultaneously disappointing collectors' expectations.  This definitely happened with the Obsession Convention when collectors thought they were going to get some outrageously couture doll experiences instead of interpretations of military and athleisure wear!  I think it happened again this year for the 7 Deadly Sins.  Although the dolls were actually quite nice, collectors had envisioned the use of backstories to support the offerings.  Many of us anticipated Agnes Von Weiss representing Vanity or Gluttony, and how did Kyori Sato or Natalia Fatale not make an appearance as Wrath?

After the initial let down, if collectors took a closer look they would realize there were some gems in this collection.   Dania Zarr has always been a personal favorite IT mold.   Even though I wasn't a big fan of the ensemble (it's actually well designed, constructed, and executed), I am a sucker for smoky eyes, natural lips, and a fabulous hairstyle.  I was fortunate to get her at retail price and am very pleased with how she redresses.

First, I tried her in a Randall Craig OOAK from the 2019 IT Live From Fashion Week Convention Room Sale.  Isn't she wonderful?!

And here she is wearing a favorite dress from a new doll friend and independent designer, Sharon McNeill Parkin, of Shezzie Daisy Designs.  

Best of 2023 - Number 5 is Delightful Indulgence Dania Zarr.

Best of 2023 - Number 6

When I was putting together my Best of 2023 Top 10 list, I spent a lot of time considering which 12" dolls truly represented the most versatile, beautiful examples across the different lines that I collect.  I wanted to include an example from the East 59th Street Line (Number 10's Aloha Waikiki Victoire Roux) and Trending Tulabelle True was an excellent choice for The Industry (Number 9).  But Numbers 4 - 8 kept changing order.   These five dolls are equally impressive and it wasn't easy to choose which place to put each of them.  Poppy Parker finally wound up at Number 7.

Since Jessy Ayala joined the design team at Integrity Toys, my NuFace collection became a serious addiction; however, I do not find myself a fan of this "Moments" direction of producing variations of previously released dolls.   I decided I was not going to include any of these in my countdown because they are based on something we already have.  So, there will be no Print It Pink, Poetic Interlude, Naturally Cool, or Billion Dollar Beauty in my countdown.    Even though Wrath Erin Salston from the 7 Deadly Sins has caused such a fever with collectors, she doesn't appeal to me personally, so some of you will be surprised that she, also, is not on my countdown.

From the other Nuface dolls received by collectors in 2023, there was a true stand out version in my opinion.   This doll was originally promoted to collectors in 2021, but Integrity Toys was unable to get the production and shipment of the dolls completed until 2023.   The NuClassic Lilith Blair represents everything I love about NuFace dolls.  She is so sassy!  I love the hair style and the ensemble is one of the best designed and constructed ensembles I've received from Integrity Toys in a long time.  

Best of 2023 - Number 6 is Integrity Toys NuFace The NuClassic Lilith Blair.

Best of 2023 - Number 7

It has become a "norm" with Integrity Toys (IT) that dolls are often previewed in one calendar year but not received by collectors until some time the following one.  I do not include a doll in my countdown unless it is physically in my collection.  We all know a lot can go terribly wrong (or terribly right) between a promotional photo and the production of a doll.

One reason the IT Poppy Parker line is so popular is that designer, David Buttry, really knows how to pump out some fantastic versions of a doll.  It is hard to believe that we are coming up on the 15th anniversary of this character and it is only becoming more and more popular.

Over a dozen versions of Poppy Parker made their way into collections in 2023.  There were some truly extraordinary examples, including the Jason Wu Spring 2021 Collection that jumped directly to grail status.  The one that stood out for me though was a doll that I didn't think I would like.  Since I foolishly passed on this doll when promoted, I had to find her on secondary market.  She entered my 2023 Collecting Cycle as Number 16 and was reviewed here: Golden Glow Poppy Parker Review.

She is my very favorite version of Poppy Parker that entered my collection in 2023 and transcends the original storyline.  She is just so sensuous and can look quite modern when redressed - even with that outrageous hairstyle!  Here she is wearing an ensemble by favorite independent designer of 2023, Van Oscar.  (I purchased so many items from him in 2023, and I love every single one of them.)

Number 7 of 2023 for me is Golden Glow Poppy Parker!

Best of 2023 - Number 8

There are certain dolls in my collection that I return to often for redress and photography.   One of those is Shapeshifter Natalia Fatale.  She has always been in my Top 10 of all the dolls in my collection.  I've owned many other versions of Natalia Fatale mold 2.0, but most do not stick around for long.  

When Integrity Toys (IT) announced that Natalia Fatale would be part of the next round of Basic Edition dolls, I was skeptical.  Even the promo photos didn't impress me.  But ... when collectors started posting their production dolls pictures, I had to re-evaluate my position!  (After all, Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss and Natural High Lilith Blair are also Basic Edition dolls!)

Beach Bombshell Natalia Fatale looks good in everything.  Here she is wearing her original swimsuit, the skirt from 2009's Red Zinger Dania Zarr, and the blazer from 2012's Opium Ayumi Nakamura.  

The minute I saw her makeup pallet, I immediately thought of this Antonio Realli evening gown.  

Best of 2023 is Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty Basic Edition Bombshell Beach Natalia Fatale:

(BTW ... she is still available in the Integrity Toys store for $115 - if you are a W Club member, sign in to your account and get $16 off!  Here is the link:  Bombshell Beach Natalia Fatale - IT is closed for the holidays but you should be able to pick her after New Year's.)

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: 

Countdown Best of 2023 - Honorable Mentions

First, I need to post my usual "fine print" about my countdown list.  

1. I only include dolls that were shipped to collectors in the past calendar year.  There were dolls promoted in 2023 that are extraordinary but haven't been shipped to collectors yet, so those will have their chance at a countdown in a subsequent year.  Likewise, some of the dolls included may have been previewed in a previous year for collectors to pre-order, but they didn't make it into the hands of collectors until this year.   I do this because there can be quite a difference between promotional photos and the actual production doll. Sometimes they aren't as good, but sometimes they are much better.

2. Dolls included in the countdown are those actually purchased for my collection, so they represent my personal tastes.  I didn't include dolls that may have been more popular with the general collecting audience that I do not own.  There will be some omissions that standout, but I can only judge doll that I own.  Very few collectors have the space or budget to purchase everything offered in a collecting year, and I am not one of them.

3. I base my decisions primarily on the aesthetic of the overall doll.  Although the ensemble the dolls comes dressed in may play a factor as a whole, I do redress and photograph my dolls.  I prefer a doll that photographs well in a variety of styles.   That's not to say I can't be swayed by a perfect presentation ... My Number 1's of 2013 were Midnight Star Elyse Jolie and After Tonight Eugenia Frost, and my Number 1 of 2020 was The Enchantress Nadja Rhymes.  These three dolls have been displayed in their original ensembles since arriving here.  They truly are perfect as presented.  

4. I'm sure there will be dolls included in the countdown that you disagree with me about.  Like I wrote earlier: my countdown, my choices.  We all have different favorites and that's what makes doll collecting so awesome.  I love seeing dolls through the eyes of fellow collectors.

5. Although Integrity Toys has given us very good 2023 "reimagined examples" of previously released dolls, I did NOT include any of them in my countdown.   There is less creativity involved in changing the color of a doll's ensemble, skin tone, and hair.  I am not a fan of this trend and am bored by it.  That being said, The 2023 NuFace Moments and Summer Rose Eugenia Frost were all very beautiful dolls but they do not show up in my 2023 countdown.

... So let's get going!  Here are some Honorable Mentions.

2023 gave us the whole Barbie Movie phenomenon!  Talk about giving a line of toys a serious shot in the arm!  This was the most brilliant and much needed marketing plan for a company that has been struggling over the past few years to reach their adult collectors!

Margo Robbie and Ryan Gosling were ideal in the roles of Basic Barbie and Ken!  There was just enough kitsch and satire for a humorous nod without poking fun at the brand.  With so many "easter eggs" built in and references to famous products of the past, it was a true joy for collectors to watch!   Although there was some negative feedback from the conservative right, the movie reached blockbuster status.  I actually enjoyed it quite a bit.

Then you get the merch!  Dolls sold out within minutes of premiering on the Mattel Creations website.  Collectors didn't have better luck with major retailers or Amazon.  Barbie movie dolls were a hot commodity!  You had to have deep pockets if you wanted everything but had to go to secondary market to get it.  And there was something for everyone!  We got a pink corvette, a dream house, ensembles, and a whole bunch of dolls!  It was a great year to be a diehard Barbie collector.

Probably my favorite scene in the movie was when Barbie and Ken are rollerblading in California.  It was a great reference to the 1982 Rollerblading Barbie that was recalled because when you pushed her across the carpet the rollerblades shot out sparks.  These were the only two dolls that I purchased.  Here they are in their original packaging.  They cost $24.99 each at my local Walmart.

My ONLY complaint with this concept is that they used the same doll molds with similar faceup and hair for all the Margo Robbie Barbies and all the Ryan Gosling Kens.  If you purchased any one of the versions, you pretty much didn't need the others unless you wanted the ensemble.  Even though I personally would've favored some variety, I'm not sure how that could've been achieved since the actors kept the same look throughout the movie.  And where is my #1 Margo Robbie from the opening scene?!  

Another wonderful thing worth noting is the "Kenough" at the end of the movie.  What an amazing affirmation.  Awesome concept and execution throughout.  Kudos to Mattel!

My other Honorable Mention actually represents two of my very favorite dolls added to my collection in 2023.  I decided it was only fair to include dolls in my Best of countdown that were available to the general collecting audience.  That would exclude these dolls since they were created to my personal specifications.  In 2023, I was introduced to Dominion Doll by a good doll friend.  I reviewed these dolls last month: Review of Dominion Doll  .

These dolls are truly extraordinary.  I have enjoyed redressing and posing them so much.  I hope to add more to my collection in 2024.  

Here is Dominion Doll Aura in Caramel skin tone.  She is wearing the top and skirt from Integrity Toys X Magia 2000 Runway in Milan Colette Duranger. 

And here is Dominion Doll Nika in Cream skin tone.  She is wearing Look 2 from the Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Bonjour Paris line.

Such amazing dolls that are true standouts in my collection; however, they are more like OOAK artisan works of art than dolls you can buy from retailers.   Although they are my very favorite dolls added to my collection, they will not be included in my Best of 2023 countdown.

My countdown starts tomorrow ... I hope you enjoy it.  Thank you for taking this joyous ride with me in 2023.

2023 Collecting Cycle - Number 46 - Glorious Vanity Isabella Alves

 ... What can I say?  I'll admit it when I'm wrong.  I had reservations about this doll from the promo photos for the  Integrity Toys 7 Deadly Sins online convention, but collector photos of this doll post production could not be denied!  

As has become the norm, quality control is still a little all over the place with IT dolls.  (It shouldn't be a "norm", but that is a topic for a different blog entry.)   I have seen some cross-eyed dolls and some dolls with terrible hairline rootings.   But when this doll is "right", she is just drop dead gorgeous.  

I didn't enter the lottery for this doll, but she was not an instant favorite among collectors.  There are several collectors who purchase a lot of W Club memberships to improve their chances in lotteries.  Many of these collectors speculate that they can sell multiple wins for markup on secondary market.  Fortunately, IT has started producing lottery dolls in higher numbers.  Gone are the days of the 300 or even 500 edition sizes.  Since the edition sizes are now 1000+, it takes an extraordinary example of a doll (or a Poppy Parker) to elicit those elusive secondary market profits.  Good news for collectors.  Many of the 7 Deadly Sins dolls have been selling at, or even slightly below, original retail cost.  The only exclusive to this is Tantrum Erin Salston which became an instant IT grail.  

I was able to acquire Glorious Vanity Isabella Alves for original cost.  The doll I received is exceptional, so I couldn't be happier.  

Here is a full length photo in the box.

And a close up.  See what I mean??

Unfortunately, IT has gotten in the habit of producing multiple dolls of the same mold recently.  It is aggravating to collectors.   Although advertised in 2022, collectors had already received Dawn in Bloom Isabella Alves a few months ago.  (I thought Dawn in Bloom was gorgeous, but she is actually eclipsed by Glorious Vanity.)  

Maybe it's because Jessy Ayala designs for both Fashion Royalty and NuFace, but Isabella Alves blurs the lines between the two.  She looks so much younger than other Fashion Royalty dolls.  I am a fan of Jessy's aesthetic even though I may not always agree with some of his choices.  In the case of Glorious Vanity, she is just perfection.  Her hairstyle is so extravagant!  

Here are her profile photos:

I've seen some collectors complain about the length of their doll's ponytail, but I think mine is just about right.  It comes all the way down to her buttocks.  And the right side ...

I am so glad I went looking for this doll when I did.  She is truly a goddess!  If you're interested, you better grab one quickly; I can easily see this girl reaching grail status over time.  Number 46 of 2023 is Glorious Vanity Isabella Alves.

2023 Collecting Cycle Number 45 - Delightful Indulgence Dania Zarr

I have often mentioned in my blog that sometimes a post production doll is much better than the promo photos.  When the Integrity Toys 7 Deadly Sins Digital Convention was premiered, I wasn't overly impressed with this doll.   Collectors' photos made me take another look.

As a long time collector, it takes a special doll to be added to my shelf.  I have several versions of Dania Zarr.  I was afraid that Delightful Indulgence was too much like Tweed Couture, but they actually are quite different.  Delightful Indulgence has a very intricate hair style.  I don't have another doll exactly like it.  I really love the blonde hair color with the smoky eye/natural lip.  

Integrity Toys has started producing dolls in larger edition sizes lately.  A lot of collectors enter multiple times for a doll, hoping to use it as "trade bait" or to sell it on secondary market for a profit.  Unfortunately, only a few dolls make it worth while.   That means speculators are often holding multiple tickets and may have to actually sell a doll for a loss!  I was able to acquire Delightful Indulgence as a "take over" for retail cost.  

Here she is in the box.

And a full length photo.

The ensemble is actually quite interesting and folds beautifully.  I really do like the skirt quite a bit.  The train is a separate piece and can even be used as a cape (which is especially nice the way it cups her shoulders).  The skirt is detachable and there is a beautiful sheath underneath.  (There is an even a lace half slip under the sheath which will get a lot of use in my house!)  

Here is a closeup out of the box.  Number 45 of my 2023 Collecting Cycle is Delightful Indulgence Dania Zarr.

NOTE:  Several collectors have commented that the fabric of this dress stains Dania's body at the sides of the bodice and lower legs.  Mine has minor staining but a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleans it off.  This is not a doll to "save" in the box to open at another time.  

Happy Holidays 2023

Every year I try to complete a digital holiday card for my followers.  I always choose a "new favorite" from the dolls I received over the past twelve months.  This year's model is my very favorite doll in my collection.  She was created from a photo I sent Petr of Dominion Dolls in Russia.  She is the Nika mold in cream skin tone.

May the holiday season bring you joyful memories as you create new ones to look back on during the years to come!   May you be unimaginably blessed with good health, good fortune, and a life filled with love.

Thank you for traveling with me on my doll journeys in 2023.  I look forward to 2024.

2023 Collecting Cycle - Number 44 Billion Dollar Beauty Alejandra Luna

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I had passed on the 2023 W Club upgrade doll Billion Dollar Beauty Alejandra Luna because I thought she is was inferior to earlier versions.  I also noted that, after seeing collector photos of the production doll, I may have made the incorrect decision.

Recently, I was able to purchase this doll at W Club price!  Can you imagine how excited I was?  She is actually quite extraordinary.  I love a good red haired doll and Billion Dollar Beauty Alejandra Luna is an awesome one!  I'm not afraid to admit when I make a mistake.

Number 24 of 2023 Collecting Cycle is Billion Dollar Beauty Alejandra Luna.

She has very striking green eyes!

 

2023 Collecting Cyle - Number 43 Monsieur Thiago Valente

When this doll was first introduced to W Club members, I was not adding male dolls to my collection.  Muses males weakened that resolve and I have very cautiously entered this world.  After seeing collector photos of NuFace Monsieur Thiago Valente last year, I knew I missed an opportunity for something special.  I believe he is the only male Integrity Toys doll that has an open mouth.  

Fortunately, I was in the right place at the right time and was able to add this doll to my collection for almost retail price.  I'm really glad he is here.

Number 43 of the 2023 Collecting Cycle is Monsieur Thiago Valente.

Surprises in collecting - Number 42 of 2023 Collecting Cycle

In 2022, Integrity Toys announced a collaboration with X Magia 2000 for a group of four dolls.   The first two dolls were a  NuFace Male, Carnival Gala in Venice Lukas Maverick, edition size 1500 sold IT Direct: (Photos property of Integrity Toys)

And Fashion Royalty female Summer in Taormina Vanessa Perrin, mold 3.0, also in an edition size of 1500 but sold through a W Club Lottery.  

I was fortunate to win the opportunity to purchase Vanessa at retail price.  Her price      seems to be consistently climbing on secondary market as she has become very popular with collectors.  She was Number 12 of my collection cycle 2023 as both dolls were not made available until earlier this year.

The other two dolls were Nuface.  X Magia 2000 chose molds that aren't very popular with collectors.  The fashions are very avant garde.  First up we have Grand Gala in Rome Karolin Stone.  I am a big fan of the color pink, but this doll is truly just off the pink scale.  I thought I was going to like this doll but waited until collector photos starting showing up.  For some reason, I still can't find a place for her in my collection.

When these dolls were first announced, I had a very strong aversion to the second doll, Runway in Milan Colette Duranger, mold 2.0.  She is in the Nubian skintone which is difficult to capture in photographs.  She has platinum blonde hair all the way down to her calves and blue eyes.  Very difficult combination to digest.  Here is her promo - she is like a mini giftset since she has so many clothing pieces. 

I figured I would wait and purchase the clothing pieces I wanted on secondary market.  But when collector photos started showing up on social media, I quickly realized I had judged this doll too quickly.  It's hard to believe that both these dolls are still available for purchase on the Integrity Toys website at retail price!  I decided to bite the bullet.  When she arrived, I couldn't believe the quality of the clothing pieces.  The doll is actually quite striking as well.  I love the red coat (and added the red Hazelstreet Design pants).  

Number 42 of my 2023 Collecting Cycle is X Magia 2000 Runway in Milan Colette Duranger.