Desperately Chasing My Own Tail ... Collection Cycle 2023 #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6

 It's difficult to believe it's been almost six months since my last post - my Number 1 doll purchase for my Best of 2022 Countdown.   

Please excuse my extended absence from this blog; since my mother-in-law's illness and death just prior to Thanksgiving, we've had a lot to deal with.  I am finally taking a short breath and attending to some housekeeping.

Covid 19 just screwed up everything worldwide.  Plain and simple!   Supply chains.  Production facilities. Shipping.  Everything!

Since new doll shipments seem to come in tidal waves lately, collecting them has gotten more overwhelming and stressful.  My first shipment at the beginning of January actually contained SIX dolls added to my collection.  You read that correctly.  SIX!  At ONE time!

The W Club 25th Anniversary Edition doll was advertised in 2021, but she didn't start shipping to collectors until the end of December 2022.  Mine arrived in early January.  I was eager to see this doll because it used a favorite character mold, Vanessa Perrin 1.0.  Every time a blonde Vanessa Perrin 1.0 is produced collectors start screaming, "A revisit of Poesie Sans Couleur!"  Although there have been several produced over the years that may have given a nod to this iconic grail (especially Black Tie Ball), none have actually reached the aesthetic.   That is until now.  

Graceful Reign Vanessa Perrin is just stunning.  Here is the Integrity Toys (IT) promo photo.  

This doll comes with some nice accessories to go with that extravagant gown and cape.

As is often the case, the production doll is even better than the promo photos.  Here is a closeup of Graceful Reign in the box.

I fell in love with this face.  The hairstyle is even quite good.  In my opinion this doll can actually give Poesie Sans Couleur a run for her money!   But the proof is often in the redress, and this girl is amazing in a different ensemble.  Here she is wearing the boots from Afterglow Keeki Adaeze and the coat that came with Fierce Zuri Okoty (both of the IT Meteor line).  

Collecting Cycle 2023 Addition Number 1 - Graceful Reign Vanessa Perrin.

Also arriving at IT during this time was the last doll from the NuFantasy Coven Couture Collection designed by Mark Tinkey.  This was the only doll from that line to capture my interest.  I thought the dress was the best of the four doll collection and the character chosen is one that hasn't been able to develop a strong fan base with collectors.  I actually liked this version of the character quite a bit.  This is the production photo by IT.

And a look at the accessories.

Again, the production doll is much better than the promo photos and the dress is actually more of a cocoa color in person.  The metallic threads tend to shift the color in many photos.  In my opinion, she is one of the better versions of this neglected character mold.

Collecting Cycle 2023 Addition Number 2 - Elements of Enchantment Korinne Dimas.

All three of the 2022 W Club Upgrade dolls arrived in the same shipment.  When you join the W Club, you have the option of adding three different dolls to your membership payment, representing three popular IT lines.  These dolls are usually offered at a special new member price.  In 2022 there was a 15% price hike, so W Club members had to pay regular doll prices of previous years.  

The first 2022 W Club Upgrade doll represented their flagship line, Fashion Royalty, and was one of the most popular characters.

Here is the W Club promo photo from IT.

With the price increase, IT realized collectors would expect a little more, so that was reflected in the accessories.

Although a stunning doll in an interesting ensemble, this doll hasn't quite become as popular with collectors as previous versions.  

Collecting Cycle 2023 Addition Number 3 - Up With a Twist Agnes Von Weiss.

For many years now, IT has been mixing things up by producing caucasian character molds as dolls of color.  Many of these have become collector favorites and some have even become grails.   This had been limited to the Fashion Royalty line until last year.  The second doll offered to new W Club members as an upgrade was a very popular NuFace character.

Here is the W Club promo photo from IT.

Accessories?  Yes, please.

How do you resist this doll?  IT collectors have been begging for denim, so here it is.  This girl has gotten very mixed reactions.  Some collectors just do not like her (primarily due to her face up) but some collectors are mad for her.  I this she is gorgeous and photographs beautifully.

Collecting Cycle 2023 Addition Number 4 - Earth Angel Eden Blair.

The final upgrade doll was one that I was very "on-the-fence" about.  Sometimes a designer can do "too much" with a doll, which is an unfortunate failing for the doll.  Here is the W Club IT Promo.

Another group of accessories.

Although this style is an accurate reflection of the fashion period on which it is based, I just think it is overdone.  Unfortunately, a lot of collectors agree as it has not been as popular as many of the other versions produced over the past few years.  I'm not sure this doll will be staying in my collection; however, I don't think she is selling well on secondary market at this time.

Collecting Cylce 2023 Addition Number 5 - Ultra Violet Poppy Parker.

The IT Online Convention for 2022 was called "Stay Tuned" and was quite a let down for collectors.  The only doll offered that I was remotely interested in purchasing was a Poppy Parker reminiscent of a television show I watched as a child, That Girl.  The doll was an obvious copy of the Marlo Thomas character.  Fortunately, I was able to win the right to buy this doll through a W Club lottery.

Here is the W Club IT promo photo.

A look at the accessories.

This doll was easily the very best from the digital convention.  Her screening is gorgeous.  Such a beautiful version.

Collecting Cycle 2023 Addition Number 6 - Miss Independence Poppy Parker.

Six dolls arriving at one time at the very beginning of the year was quite overwhelming.  So, how you feel if that were ten dolls arriving at one time at the very beginning of the year?  Stay tuned for my next blog post!

Doll Collection Cycle 2022 - Numbers 7, 8, and 9

The best time to purchase this year's convention dolls was during or immediately after the Virtual Convention.  There were 1300 ticket holders which made the dolls more readily available.  Many collectors were disappointed in the designers interpretations of the theme "Obsession", so several of these dolls were being sold at close to original retail price.  This all changed when the dolls showed up post convention and collectors started photographing them.

One of the dolls that most benefitted from post production photography was Chain of Command Natalia Fatale (although she stills seems a "sleeper" from the convention).   A lot of the Integrity dealers get tickets and convention collections.  They often sell their dolls for a modest markup.   I recently saw several convention dolls listed on a dealer's website and couldn't resist the prices.   After seeing photos of Chain of Command on flickr and the W Club and realizing I did not own a FR2-FR6.0 Natalia with dark hair, I went for it.

Here is a closeup in the box.  

When I look at the fully dressed doll, I can't help but hear the judges of Project Runway saying, "This is beginning to look like a costume".  

Chain of Command Natalia Fatale comes with a lot of interesting accessories.  I'm not sure about white shoes with this ensemble though.  I would've chosen to use black shoes, but I wouldn't be considered a "fashionista" by anyone I know.  Here is Integrity's photo of the accessories.

Here is a closeup showing those beautiful eyes.

Since I'm not a big fan of this ensemble, I started looking for something more casual.  Here is a photo her wearing Main Event Adele Makeda's skirt and blouse from the 2012 Tropicalia Convention.

Number 7 of 2022 is Chain of Command Natalia Fatale.  I just have to work a little more with her hair and find her "personality".

When I purchased Chain of Command, I rationalized that I was buying these dolls without having to pay sales tax (which is required on e-bay).  This made them even even less expensive than going secondary markup prices.  And the more dolls I purchased, the less shipping per item!  Also, since I was purchasing from a dealer, I was helping a legitimate small business owner.  Or maybe, it's just been this doll drought.  It was probably a combination of all these things, because I couldn't resist purchasing two more.

Number 8 of 2022 is Vendetta Agnes Von Weiss.  It's hard to go wrong with the purchase of Agnes Von Weiss.  Her mold is one of the most popular for Integrity Toys.  Her secondary market prices always climb.  Here is a photo by Integrity Toys.

Here is a closeup of the actual doll in the box.

My final purchase from this dealer is Number 9 of 2022, Belle Mariee Poppy Parker.  I tried to talk myself out of this doll several times but finally caved.  The Integrity Toys promo photo.

And a closeup of the actual production doll in the box.

Even though I've not released Vendetta or Belle Mariee from their boxes yet, I wanted to make sure I posted their additions to my collection to keep myself honest.  I think all three are lovely dolls in their own right.  The biggest surprise for me was Belle Mariee Poppy Parker; she's actually quite extraordinary!

  

W Club Registration Until March 16

You have until 5 p.m. EST on March 16 to register for the 2023 W Club.  There are several perks to joining this collecting community for the upcoming year:

• You have the opportunity to purchase 3 upgrade dolls (more below)
• There will be at least five exclusive club dolls for purchase
• W Club members get "first to know" information about lines before they are announced to the public
• There are lottery opportunities for limited edition dolls that are only available to W Club members
• All W Club members will be allowed an opportunity to purchase tickets for the IT Virtual Convention this year
• You have access to a private forum where members interact to post messages and photos of their creativity; there is also a Market Thread to buy, sell, and trade dolls

The cost to join is only $50.  Each doll shown below costs $160.  When you register you choose any of the doll purchase options to add to your membership and have to pay a $30 deposit per doll.  Here is a link to the W Club announcement with detailed information for each doll:  2022 W Club Upgrade Dolls and Registration Information .

The W Club is really great about trying to provide something for the varied interests of its members.  The upgrade choices include a Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty, and NuFace option.  

The Nuface Option is Earth Angel Eden Blair.  Here is a full length photo (photo courtesy of Integrity Toys)

I'm not really crazy about the ensemble here.  She reminds me a great deal of 2018's Free Spirit Poppy Parker.  One of the few Poppy Parkers that I just didn't like and was sold off the island.  The big selling point of this doll is all those accessories!

Eden Blair is a twin to Lilith.  One of the W Club exclusives this past year was The Nu Classics Lilith Blair.  

Since Earth Angel is the companion to that doll, the purchase of this version was an easy choice.  Into the cart she went.  

The second doll is a favored character mold for IT collectors.  She is Up With A Twist Agnes Von Weiss.  

Anyone else see 2019's Ocean Drive Agnes Von Weiss when they look at this doll?  She was a favorite doll of mine that year and still resides here.  Are they too similar?  I do like the dress Up With A Twist is wearing.  And the accessories are really great.

Unfortunately, I find it difficult to resist Agnes Von Weiss, so she went into my cart as well.

This year's club Poppy Parker is Ultra Violet.  At first I was confused by the hime hair; however, upon research, discovered that it was a style in the 1970's, so it is appropriate for Poppy Parker.  I didn't like it on 2020's Charmed Life Ayumi and I don't think I like it on Poppy any better.    

Another beautiful group of accessories though.  Those purple boots are needed in my Poppy wardrobe! 

I've learned the hard way about not purchasing Poppy Parker.  If you miss an opportunity at retail, you'll wind up paying more than double on secondary market.  Just to protect my interests and bank account, I added this one to my registration as well.

Apparently, Integrity Toys production has suffered from the global effects of Covid 19.  The design team announced that they had limited choices for production of these dolls relative to materials, screenings, hair, etc.  Scarcity of materials and man power has caused prices to climb this year.  The owner of the W Club tried to explain that the loss of the $50 coupon to members upon registration would result in W Club members getting retail dolls at special pricing.  This "perk" fell on many deaf ears.  

Mattel seems to have abandoned its collectible lines including Silkstones and Model Muses.  The upscale doll lines that use resin casting cost almost triple the amount of an IT doll.  IT continues to control a monopoly in the 1:6 plastic fashion doll community and has quite a  loyal following, so they can get by with a lot more at this time.  I'm not sure how long this will last, but I'm sure there will be a record membership in the W Club this year.  You better sign up if you don't want to be left behind.

Best of 2021 - #2

This is going to be an odd blog entry.  My second place position for Best of 2021 isn't going to an individual doll or even a specific doll line.  Best of 2021 - #2 goes to the Integrity Toys Open Edition dolls that were introduced this year.   

This was a concept that was long overdue - make dolls in batches and sell them to everyone.   While we're at it, let's include dolls from each line!  And to make things even better, produce the dolls as Basic Editions with minimal packaging.   Then sell them for $99 each.  And to put the cherry on top, let's give them beautiful screenings and hair!  Bloody brilliant!!!

The first dolls offered were from the East 59th Street line.  Pin-Up Allure Victoire Roux is a raven haired doll.  She showed up as #6 of dolls added to my collection this year.

At #7 on my list of additions was her twin Summer Glamour Victoire Roux as a fiery redhead.

Sadly, these dolls were offered before the East 59th Street line became popular with collectors (which seemed to happen after the Dolly Days and Traveling In Style dolls were released).  IT decided to retire these dolls from the Open Edition line and have announced they will be replaced by something different.  I am thrilled that I was able to get them at retail.  They are quite beautiful in hand.

The next doll released as an Open Edition represented the NuFace line.  She is Natural High Lilith Blair and I reviewed her earlier this year as my Doll Addition #11 of 2021 .  This doll is nothing short of spectacular and has become very popular with collectors.  Since Lilith is supposed to be a twin anyway, I have two of this doll so I can have one rerooted.  And it didn't break the bank!

The next two dolls were released at the same time.  Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss was an instant success (she was reviewed as Doll Addition #35 of 2021).  The IT server broke when this doll was offered.  This is a truly grail worthy version of a very popular mold.  

For some reason Beach Babe Poppy Parker didn't receive the same reception.  I didn't think I would like this doll, but real life photos convinced I made a mistake not ordering her.  I got her in the second production round; she is one of the most interesting versions of Poppy Parker released so far.  I love her!

I do not collect the Meteor line (at least I am still making that claim).  The following photos are property of IT:

First there is raven-haired Slay All Day Keeki Adaeze

And her blonde counterpart Still Poppin' Keeki Adaeze.

I applaud Integrity Toys for this bit of marketing genius and putting beautiful dolls in the hands of loyal collectors at an affordable price.    (At posting time, the only Open Edition doll available for purchase directly from IT is Still Poppin' Keeki Adaeze.   Keep checking the Integrity Toys website as they advertise availability as shipments arrive.)  For collectors who like to display their dolls NRFB, this line probably isn't for you, but for collectors like me, who like to redress their dolls, this is just doll nirvana.   This whole concept, with such special versions of the dolls, was truly worthy of Best of 2021 # 2 - Integrity Toys Open Editions.

Best of 2020 - Number 5: Ocean Drive Agnes Von Weiss

The next doll in my countdown was a 2019 W Club Exclusive that didn't arrive until January 2020.  (She was #5 of dolls added to my collection in 2020.)

In the past 10 years of my "Best of" countdowns, this character is tied with most appearances at eight times.   When you give us this mold in a giftset, it is a no-brainer.  And it doesn't hurt that this is the first time Agnes Von Weiss has appeared in this skin tone!

Here is Ocean Drive Agnes Von Weiss in her box:

And a full length photo.  

She comes with the most wonderful lavender colored bathing suit and wrap.  She even had shoes that matched her swimsuit!

Integrity Toys was not stingy with the accessories on this one!  She had two sets of jewelry!  The swim wear is just fantastic!

... And the gown fits her like a glove.

Best of 2020 - Number 5: Ocean Drive Agnes Von Weiss

Best of 2019 - #6

I was feeling badly about the fact that my Best of 2019 countdown list was filled with either dolls advertised in 2018 but not released until 2019 or W Club and Convention dolls.  I was feeling badly until I checked the statistics for doll releases in 2019.

If you were a collector of Integrity Toys dolls but weren't a member of the W Club and did not attend the 2019 "Fashion Week" convention, you had an extremely lean collecting year.  A few of the 2018 dolls weren't released until 2019 (FR2: Divinely Luminous Elyse, Resurgence Natalia, Devotion Agnes, and Secret Garden Eugenia; NuFace2: Beyond This Planet Violaine, The Awakening Annik, Nirvana Dominique, Reliable Source Eden, and Unknown Source Lilith; Split Decision Poppy Parker; et al).

From the two mainlines, there was only one FR2 female doll available for purchase to the general public, Female Icon Dasha, and the FR2 Retrofuture and NuFace Off Duty collections weren't even advertised until "Dolly Days" earlier this month.   Collectors are still waiting on three NuFace and four FR2 dolls that were advertised earlier this year.

There were fewer NuFace characters at Fashion Week since they came out of hiatus in 2014 (2014: 5, 2015: 9, 2016: 4, 2017: 6, 2018: 4, 2019: 3).   If you only consider female characters, there were fewer FR dolls at Fashion Week than any convention in over ten years (only seven this year).

For the sake of collectors, I sincerely hope IT can correct the production problems they are facing in China and can move forward.   I think collectors are beginning to feel the stress and frustration but are unable to figure out exactly where it is coming from.

This brings me to my Best of 2019 #6 doll - she represented purchase #34.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I registered at the W Club Convention and was handed a bag with this doll inside!  I don't believe Agnes Von Weiss has ever been a Welcome Gift before.  Attendees felt very special indeed!

Best of 2019 #6 is Fresh Perspective Agnes Von Weiss.