Collecting Cycle 2024 - Catching Up With Integrity #21, #22, #23

It is fair to say that David Buttry is one of the most creative people in the doll collecting community.  He has been the head designer for the Integrity Toys Poppy Parker line for 15 years now.  One would think this line would grow stale and repetitious, but somehow David has managed to keep it vibrant and exciting.  Poppy Parker has been the obvious "work horse" line for Integrity Toys since COVID in 2020.  

In 2012, Integrity Toys presented Poppy Parker as Audrey Hepburn from the movie Sabrina.  These dolls were very popular at the time and have become impossible to find on secondary market.  David decided to resurrect the screening from Sabrina Poppy for last year's W Club Exclusive When in Paris.  Here is the promo photo from Integrity Toys.

And here is a closeup.  What a lovely face.  I find it near impossible to pass up any giftset offered by this manufacturer.   Collecting Cycle 2024 Number 21 is When In Paris Poppy Parker.

IT collectors often gravitate to specific lines or molds/characters.  I have always had a goal to keep at least one version of each mold.  Unfortunately, there are a couple molds/characters that appeal to me less than others.  I have owned several versions of Luchia Zadra (mold 2.0), but they all seem to have moved on to other homes.  When IT promoted the "New Closeup" mini collection in 2022, I just couldn't help worrying about foreheads, hairlines, eye screenings, etc.  I passed on both initially, but I have managed to add them to my collection from secondary market at great prices.

Collecting Cycle 2024 Number 22 is Dusk in Bloom Luchia Zadra (mold 2.0).  Collectors generally agree she looks a lot like model Cindy Crawford.  I may even add a small mole above her lip.  Her hair is very luxurious and soft.  I'm glad I found such great production version.

As I mentioned earlier, some collectors have a soft spot (or multiple soft spots) for certain molds/characters.   The next Integrity Toys doll added to my collection was the only W Club upgrade doll I purchased this year.   I may not have purchased her if it was any other mold, but I find it very difficult to resist Rayna Ahmadi.  I own every version of gorgeous character.   

Collecting Cycle 2024 Number 23 is Sweet Retreat Rayna Ahmadi.

I apologize for not providing deboxed reviews of these lovely dolls, but I've been dealing with a lot time consuming issues with my husband's health.  Fortunately, he is finally on the mend and I had time to take some quick photos in the box.  I think these dolls represent what we've come to expect from Integrity Toys.  I hope their quality control in back on the upswing and this trend continues.  

Collecting Cycle 2024 - #20 - When Integrity Toys Gets It Right - Get Ready With Me Nadja Rhymes

It has been a minute since I've been excited for a new doll from Integrity Toys that wasn't Poppy Parker.  That changed recently when a very special doll arrived.

The 2nd exclusive doll for the 2023 W Club was announced last November.  It was a giftset celebrating urban culture and fashion.  It was also a "no-brainer" purchase at $199 + SH.  Here is the W Club photo used for promotional purposes.

Get Ready With Me Nadja Rhymes packed a powerful punch with so much mix and match opportunity.   Just look at all the pieces and accessories!

This was one doll that I was eager to get and paid immediately when the invoices went out.  Here is a full length photo of the giftset.  

No disappointment here!  You know there is going to be A LOT of redress and play value from this giftset.  Not to mention, the doll is quite gorgeous in that rich Dark A-Tone skin color.

For me, this was the urban, more edgy version of A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin from the 2021 Obsession Convention (and one of my very favorite gift sets produced by IT in many years).  

Get Ready With me Nadja Rhymes was packaged wearing her red lingerie (which could actually pass as a bikini) and flat feet on her lower legs.   This allowed me to dress her in the red lace ensemble right away.  Here is a full length photo. 

There were a couple corners cut on this ensemble: 1. The lucite purse is just a thick piece of plastic.  It doesn't open and loses its effect since there can never be anything in it.  2. I would've loved for the sunglasses to have folding arms.  I'm nervous about them snapping since they are one piece of plastic.  I do love the red lenses though!  The kitten heels are much nicer than I expected.  The dress is well cut and sewn perfectly.  The jewelry feels quite sturdy and is well made.  I actually like it quite a bit.

And here is a wonderful closeup.  

Next up was the black denim ensemble.  Now, let me tell you, be prepared to spend some quality time getting this ensemble on the doll.   The halter system of the denim top is just some cheap thread.  Besides not being easy to get the intended pattern for the thread on the doll, it's nearly impossible to tie it and get it to stay tied.   The denim part is lovely and the concept is interesting.  The execution leaves quite a bit to be desired.  It took me forever to get this on my doll and I wound up crossing it at the waist to get it to stay put.  It's lovely, but I don't plan on taking it off anytime soon.

The metal belt was sewn onto the denim skirt, so I didn't try to take it off.  I did have trouble getting it to close in the back.  It would've benefitted from a couple more links.  I used some jewelry pliers which helped get the crab claw clasp to reach the loop.  (Had I detached it where it was sewn onto the skirt, it probably would've been easier to get to close, but it wouldn't have fit so low on her hips.)  The hooks on the back of skirt were extremely tight also.  I finally managed to get it on though, and Nadja will remain in this for a while.  One nice detail is that the skirt has a sewn in black panty.  Sadly, the skirt isn't lined but that was probably intentional.  A nice lining would have elevated the look considerably.

Apparently Tyla wore a similar ensemble on Jennifer Hudson's talk show recently.

I didn't try to put the jacket on at this time.  I was so stressed out from getting the top on, I didn't want to take the chance of the ties coming undone again.  Although the pleather pieces are well made, I'm not sure there will be much shelf life of the jacket, boots, or purse.  This fabric usually starts disintegrating after a couple years.  I guess time will tell.  I would've rather seen a nice denim jacket.

Even though there are a couple criticisms, they are quite minor compared to the quality of the giftset and doll.  I do believe the giftset was well worth the retail price.  (One of the reasons IT collectors should join the W Club.)  Nadja Rhymes 2.0 is one of my favorite molds produced by IT and this one is truly exceptional.   I can't wait to pose her with A Doll's Life Vanessa.   

And here is a closeup of my beautiful new Nadja in her denim ensemble.  Collection Cycle 2024 #20 is Get Ready With Me Nadja Rhymes.

EDIT:  I was able to convince one of my Muses dolls, Moments of Joy Valentina, to try on the pleather jacket to this ensemble.  Here she is wearing the jacket with the pants from Color Infusions Crazy Sexy Cool.

Now, for my biggest complaint.  IT has a habit of using zippers that are impossible re-zip because they cut corners.  Here is a diagram of an open zipper.  

This jacket is such an exceptionally designed piece of wardrobe.  There are those little belt loops on the waist and sleeves with the leather straps that have grommets and hooks.  The silver color blocking is gorgeous.  The neck detail and waist detail are amazing.  Why would Integrity Toys want to ruin this by putting in a zipper without an insertion pin?  This is a common shortcut with IT items with zippers and it drives me crazy.   It's near impossible to get this jacket on a doll without unzipping it (I suggest taking the poor doll apart at the torso and then removing the arms.  Slip the jacket over the armless torso and then reattach everything.  That's the only way to do it without unzipping it.  I took the head off my Muses doll and the arms have elastic bands so I could pull them up out of the way to get the waist band on.  Even with all that, the zipper came undone on its own when I was taking it off the doll.  VERY FRUSTRATING and UNNCECESSARY).

Collecting Cycle 2024 - Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Versailles I and II - #16, #17, #18, and #19

On May 30th of this year, I celebrated my three-year anniversary collecting Jamieshow/Owensu Muses.  Where Integrity Toys has fallen short delivering quality dolls to collectors since the pandemic, Jamieshow has truly excelled.   Integrity Toys has several doll lines and several designers.    They have a private networking club on the internet.  It wasn't that long ago when they were releasing upwards of 100 or more different versions of dolls in one year!   They really need to straighten out whatever is going on.

Yes, Jamieshow/Owensu Muses are more expensive, but I've come to the conclusion that my collection, which is bursting at the seams, needs to focus more on quality than quantity.  Integrity Toys still has many quality control issues such as crooked hairlines and head/body mismatching skin tones.   They need to revisit their quality control.  There will still be extraordinary examples of IT dolls that make their way into my collection, but my focus has generally turned to Jamieshow/Owensu Muses.

Last year, Owen Su introduced his Versailles I Line, Mademoiselle, which was very Rococo.   I didn't want to love this line, but I did.  There were only two dolls offered:  Sabina, a favored model around here from her Bonjour Paris release, and Astrid, first offered in the previous collection La Vacanza, but this time with freckles.

First out of the gate we have Sabina.  These dolls were sold nude for the first time but with special face-ups.  They came with dressing hands and a wig.  Sabina had two small flat backed pink crystals applied under the outer corner of each eye.

And here she is wearing Look 4 and Wig 2 in Platinum.

You need to see the full length to fully appreciate these ensembles.

The ensembles weren't cheap (Look 4 was $250), but Owen Su spared no expense with the details. Underneath the skirt is this big form to make the dress stay flared out.

Collecting Cycle 2024, Number 16 is Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Versailles Mademoiselle Sabina.

My favorite thing about Versailles I and II were the extravagant wig caps.  The really big ones weren't cheap - upwards of $145.  But they were handmade using a scalp form.  This means they can be worn by other 12" Fashion Dolls with similarly shaped bald heads.  

Next up is Versailles I Mademoiselle Astrid.  Here she is right out of the box.

In addition to the extravagant Rococo wigs, Jamieshow/Owensu offered a more budget friendly wig cap version at $45 each.  They came in four colors.  Here is Astrid wearing Look 7 from the 2022 Summer Kisses Line, Wig Cap 1 in Blonde,  Crown (used upside down intentionally) from IT, and blue thigh high boots from the IT 2020 Legendary Convention Style Lab Fast Fashion Accessory Set.  One of the things I love about Jamieshow/Owensu Muses is the versatility of mixing and matching with Integrity Toys.

Yes, you need to see the full length.  

Collecting Cycle 2024, Number 17 is Jamieshow/Owensu Muses Versailles Mademoiselle Astrid.

There were four looks that went with this collection.  I purchased three of them.  Look 2 was selected for a doll that I already owned, Enchanted Lilly.  Here she is wearing it with Versailles Wig 1 in Black.  Even though Lilly is from a previous collecting cycle, this ensemble needed to be shared.

Versailles I - Rococo Mademoiselle - was so popular with collectors that there was another mini-capsule offered in the spring of this year, Versailles II - Rococo Let Them Eat Cake.  This time the ensembles offered were "cakes".   Here is a promotional photo from Jamieshow since I did not purchase any of these as their price was $125 and you had to buy the accessory set separately for $85.

I did however buy this accessory set (mainly for the white gloved hands).  Here is a mix n match combination using the Versailles Accessory Set Fraises with Jamieshow/Owensu Look 2 from their Go East 2023 Collection, and Versailles Wig 1 in purple.  The model is 2020/21 Premier Eshe (my very favorite Muses doll ever produced).

It was so much fun using these wigs on previous editions and mixing and matching fashions!

Two dolls were offered in the Versailles II - Rococo Let Them Eat Cake collection.  In response to collector input about posing these dolls, the bodies were revised to have double-joints at the elbows and knees.  In my opinion, this was an excellent enhancement! 

At first I passed on the Let Them Eat Cake Camille because I had just purchased the La Vacanza version that had just been released.   Also, the eye shadow reminded me of Go East Sasha.  When collector photos started showing up on social media, I reconsidered my decision.  She reminds me of a relative of Integrity Toys Agnes Von Weiss/Giselle Diefendorf.  Here she is right out of the box.

Since I had already used the three ensembles from Versailles and the accessory set I had purchased, I scrambled to find her something to wear.  Here she is in Versailles Rococo Mademoiselle Wig 3 in Blue, Jamieshow/Owensu Bonjour Paris Anya's sequin mini-dress, the ostrich feather peplum/cape from Dangerous Love Look 18, and Integrity Toys Meteor Afterglow Keeki Adaeze's boots.

Collecting Cycle 2024 - Number 18 is Jamieshow/Owensu Versailles Let Them Eat Cake Camille.

This brings me to the fourth and final doll from this collection.  One of my very favorite Muses dolls is Bonjour Paris Eileen.  She is just an extraordinary mold that looks good in everything I've dressed her wearing.  I was excited to see another version of Eileen offered in Versailles Let Them Eat Cake collection.  Here she is right out of the box.  For me, personally, she was the best of the four dolls and looks like an artisan's OOAK doll.  She is just exquisite.

This doll had a more exotic look to her.  I love her brown irises and cat's eye liner.  I put her in my favorite look from the Versailles collection, Look 1, and Let Them Eat Cake Chocolate wig.

Now, this is what Fashion Doll collecting is all about.  I just sigh when I look at this beautiful doll!  Collecting Cycle 2024, Number 19 is Jamieshow/Owensu Versailles Let Them Eat Cake Eileen.

The fashion I did not purchase from Mademoiselle was Look 3.  Here is a photo of it.  (I included this photo because it shows the construction of the underskirt used on three of the ensembles.)

I was not a fan of the dark purple with the white lace; the white lace, in my opinion, was a little out of scale and cheapened the look for me.

In addition to the four short looks offered in Mademoiselle, there were ultra limited edition gowns, designed and created by Owen Su himself.  They were little works of art, selling at $1475.  Here is a photo of my favorite from the three that were offered.

Now, that is truly decadent.

Even though I couldn't justify a Mademoiselle gown, I purchased all three wigs from the Let Them Eat Cake collection.  This time the wigs were named after flavors of cake.  There was chocolate, strawberry, and lemon.  That lemon wig was a hard sale, but I knew exactly who and what was going to go with it.  Even though the gown is actually Look 7 from the Moments of Joy collection (my very favorite Jamieshow/Owensu gown ever produced) and the doll is Go East Sasha (another of my Top 10 Jamieshow doll versions), the wig is the Let Them Eat Cake Lemon Wig.  To make up for missing the couture gowns from Mademoiselle, I created my own formal look.  So, I leave you with a last image which should further explain why I am an avid Jamieshow/Owensu Muses collector.  (The jewelry, including the ship hair ornament, is from Integrity Toys.)

Collecting Cycle 2024 - Poppy Palooza #12, #13, #14, and #15

No matter what is going on in the world, David Butry always seems to find a way to deliver Poppy Parker and her friends.  Even though I may not be a fan of all versions of this doll, I am not immune to her demure seduction.  My first Poppy, all the way back to 2009's year of launch, was Summer Magic .  I still have Summer Magic and she has a permanent place in my collection since she is the closest doll to a Mini-me ever created.

One of my very favorite doll lines is Integrity Toys Misaki.  They captured my heart way back in 2006.  Although some of these have come and gone, there are several of them that remain.  Three of the best versions of Misaki dolls are from a mod 2006 mini-collection.  Each had an edition size of only 300.  They are a treasured part of my doll collection, so you cannot imagine how excited I got about the 2023 Poppy Parker Neutral Code Collection!

These dolls made their way into collectors' hands earlier this year.  Although I've not released mine from their boxes yet (since I am still in the middle of boxing my collection for a move), I wanted to share production photos of these wonderful versions.

The first doll I was able to secure at retail price ($165) from a favored retail doll shop, The Doll Peddlar.  She was a "no-brainer" choice since David used the "Hold That Tiger" screening.  Hold That Tiger Poppy Parker is one of my Top 10 all-time favorites.  Here is the Integrity Toys promo photo:

And here is a production closeup in the box.  Just a very lovely pale blonde girl!

Collecting Cycle 2024 #12 is Integrity Toys Checkmates Poppy Parker.

The next doll was offered through a W Club lottery.  I was so excited to have my lottery number selected to purchase this mini-giftset at retail price ($165).  Here is the promo photo of Chain Reaction Ginger Gilroy.

And here is a production closeup in the box.  We don't get dolls with freckles often, so it is so much fun when one shows up!

Doesn't she remind you of 2006 Get Graphic Misaki?  They will look so great displayed together!  

Collecting Cycle 2024 #13 is Integrity Toys Chain Reaction Ginger Gilroy.

Unfortunately, my lottery number wasn't selected for the next doll, but I was able to acquire directly from a dealer at reasonable mark-up.  (I have an aversion to paying secondary market prices to collectors that scalp these dolls, so I always check online dealers first)  Here is Integrity Toys promo for Travel Togs Poppy Parker.

This doll's burgundy hair and ensemble are irresistible and she quickly climbed in price on the secondary market.  

She was so worth the extra cash I had to spend to add her to my collection.  Collecting Cycle 2024 #14 is Integrity Toys Travel Togs Poppy Parker.  

The last doll in this collection hadn't made her way into my collection when I started this blog entry.  Here is the Integrity Toys promo photo of Op Art Opening Jolie James.  

I didn't order this doll because she reminded me a great deal of Mattel's 2008 Pop Life Barbie (I still have this doll!).   Another personal concern is that the screening on Op Art Opening Jolie James lends itself to dolls looking like they are cross-eyed.

I have been watching secondary market for a great example at a good price, and finally found one at a small markup.  

Collecting Cycle 2024 #15 is Op Art Opening Jolie James.

This is a group of Poppy Parker girls that deserve to be kept together and displayed as a unit.  I am blessed to have been able to add the four of them to collection at a great price.

Collecting Cycle 2024 - Jamieshow/Owensu La Vacanza

Similar to Integrity Toys, Jamieshow/Owensu Muses dolls are premiered prior to production.  The actual number of items pre-ordered determines how many dolls and ensembles will be made.  There were three strong capsules previewed in 2023.  The first arrived to collectors in March and was called La Vacanza.  There were two new versions of previously released characters, Ginnie and Natalie.  There were also two additional females representing new molds/characters.  

This time around the dolls were packaged wearing spa ensembles.  Each doll came with a terry cloth robe, turban, cute little mules with bows, a pair of dangle earrings, and a pair of sunglasses. Also included was a Jamieshow stand, dressing paddles, a cleaning sponge, and a wig cap.  The retail cost of each doll was $475.

One these girls is actually the first Jamieshow/Owensu Muses doll to feature a mold with an open mouth.  Her name was Astrid.  Here are Jamieshow promo photos.

This doll falls into a younger looking category than most of the Muses dolls.  She looks fresh and more like an Integrity Toys NuFace character.  In addition to the four female dolls, there were twelve ensembles offered in the La Vacanza line.  Here is Astrid wearing the full Look 5 ($175).  I am showing it from behind so you can see how nice the attached bow is placed off-center.

And a closeup of this beautiful face!  She is wearing La Vacanza Wig Cap 2 in pink.  Collecting Cycle 2024, Number 9 is Jamieshow/Owensu Muses La Vacanza Astrid.

The shoes for Jamieshow Muses are a perfect fit for Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty and Nuface dolls.  Although many of the Jamieshow/Owensu ensembles will fit both Fashion Royalty and NuFace, the fit may be a bit snug on Fashion Royalty.  They are a perfect fit on NuFace.  This allows the dolls to share wardrobes.

The second new character mold is called Camille.  Here are her promo photos from Jamieshow.

Here Camille is wearing LaVacanza Look 1 - $200 (which is my very favorite ensemble from this collection and looks like it was based on a produced design by Chanel).  

A closeup.  The wig is La Vacanza wig cap 3 in platinum.  Collecting Cycle 2024, Number 10 is Jamieshow/Owensu Muses La Vacanza Camille.

This doll is probably one of my very favorite molds ever offered.  She is like a cross between Lauren Bacall and Michelle Pfeiffer.  However ... when La Vacanza was released I had just finished binge watching Emily in Paris.  I picked up on the fact that the La Vacanza line was based on European fashions and there was a female character named Camille and a male character named Gabriel.  Here is a photo of Camille Razat the actress who plays Camille in Emily in Paris.  Is there a resemblance?

NOW, I bet you are wondering about Garbriel, right?  Here is the promo photo of the male La Vacanza character Gabriel.

And a photo of actor Lucas Bravo who plays Gabriel in Emily in Paris.  Again, I believe there is a small resemblance.

Even though no other La Vacanza characters are listed by name, the second male character, Dusan, definitely reminds me of Lucien Laviscount who plays Alfie.  

And here are Jamieshow/Owensu's promo photos of Dusan.

When this dolls started showing up in post production photos, I was fortunate enough to get one in the "leftover" sale.  When the staff of Jamieshow places their order for a capsule, they "pad" the order a little. After all collectors have received their orders and any quality control issues have been handled, Jamieshow releases the "leftovers" for sale on their website.  That is a wonderful way for collectors to pick up something they missed in their preorder.  

Here is Dusan wearing Jamieshow/Owensu Look 13 (there were four looks for the guys included with this capsule - Look 13 retailed for $225).  This is such a modern look and is designed immaculately.

How about a closeup of that handsome guy?  Collecting Cycle 2024, Number 11 is Jamieshow/Owensu La Vacanza Dusan.

The Jamieshow/Owensu Muses "leftover sale" is still available on the website  Jamieshow/Owensu La Vacanza Leftover Sale.  Some of the dolls haven't sold out yet and a couple ensembles can be purchased as well.  These items go pretty quickly after collectors see post-production photos.  I have been sitting on my hands to keep from hitting the purchase button on Gabriel myself!