Muses - 5th Anniversary Collection - Pre-order Open Now!

To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the re-imagined JamieShow Muses line, the designer, Owensu, has produced a phenomenal capsule of high-end couture!

Here is the promo photo showing the ensembles!  Photo property of Jamieshow/Owensu.

There were ten complete Looks offered in this collection.  All of them are formal.  As much as I love the Muses line (and if you follow me, you know that I do), I was slightly underwhelmed with this collection.  Owen's designs for the Time & Timeless and Masterpiece collections set the bar very high for future purchases from me.  Although Muses items are quite elevated in comparison, I can't help but see Silkstone and Integrity Toys items that are similar:  Silkstone Gala Gown, IT Pink Perfection Poppy Parker, Monogram ensembles, FR Spectacular Spectacular ... to name a few.

Since I don't own Spectacular Spectacular and it only fits the older, tall FR body any way, my pre-order included Look 5 and Look 10.  Everything is beautiful, but I couldn't justify ordering color variants of a similarly styled gown at $300 each.  I don't usually have criticisms for Jamieshow/Muses but this collection seemed rushed and under-designed compared to the last few.  As a five year Anniversary Celebration, I definitely expected more.  Unfortunately, it pales in comparison to the  Premier Collection that inspired it.

There were no Accessory Sets included in this capsule.  Wigs included three regular magnetic skull cap designs based on previous issues and two hand-made new couture hard cap offers.

As a nod to the first five characters from the Premier Muses Collection, Jamieshow/Owensu chose to offer newer versions inspired by the originals.  Here are the promo photos of the 5th Anniversary Muses dolls posted by Jamieshow/Owensu placed next to their Premier inspiration conterparts (photos of Premier dolls borrowed from Muses Dolls Reference Site.)

First up is 5th Anniversary Sasha.

It's super easy to see the inspiration here.  The dolls are actually so similar it's almost difficult to justify the $475 (plus taxes and shipping) cost of adding the Anniversary version if you already have Premier.   Again, I am going to complain about the dolls being sold with a repetitive wig choice.  I thought they had stopped doing this with Legends.  It's one of the things I most appreciated about the Time & Timeless, Masterpiece and Wild At Heart dolls.  They came with newer wig styles, sometimes the ones offered separately in the collection.   I think this will be the fourth center-parted long silver wig in my collection.  C'mon guys you can definitely do better than that!  Especially at these prices.

Here is the gal that started it for me five years ago, Eshe.

Again, the inspiration is apparent; however, unlike Sasha, there is enough difference to justify purchasing the Anniversary edition even if you have the Premier one.  Love the red lips!  Easily going into my cart.

Next up is Ginnie.

I'm confused by this one.  I don't see any resemblance at all.  Premier is gorgeous, but I must say there is something special about the Anniversary edition.  Another easy purchase choice.

There is only one version of Lilly in my collection, Enchanted, and she is one of my very favorite Muses girls. 

I'm really not a fan of pencil-thin eyebrows.  I think the anniversary version completely pales in comparison to Premier and I fail to see any inspiration at all.   Anniversary Lilly reminds me a lot of Go East Sakura.  She will probably redress beautifully, but she's not in my pre-order.

The last Muses in this collection is Nicole.

I'm not sure what to write here.   I hope those who love her truly enjoy having her in their collection.  How's that for being diplomatic?  Again, I only have one version of Nicole in my collection, Summer Kisses, and it looks like she will continue to be the only version in my collection for the time being.

Whether you are new to Muses and curious or have been with them since the Premier release, it's worth going over to the website and checking them out.  You will definitely find something you love.  (Remember that the ensembles fit most other 1:6 scale fashion doll bodies!)  Here is the link to make it a little easier:  Jamieshow/Owensu Five Year Anniversary Collection .  The pre-order window has already started and ends December 22.  Collectors pay 20% deposit on their order and are billed the balance with the collection is ready to ship.

So what do you think?  Share your opinions by leaving a comment.  I would love to hear other collectors' thoughts!