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.

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.  

#4 of 2021 - Mothership Dania Zarr

To say this doll took her sweet time arriving, would be an understatement.   Mothership Dania Zarr was a W Club Exclusive that took over a year getting into the hands of collectors; the Retro Future line was previewed in mid December 2019.  I have read that the metal pieces had to be tooled multiple times to get everything fitting correctly.

After completing my Best of 2020 Countdown, I was saturated with new dolls that had just been deboxed.  It was a blessing in disguise that my first three dolls shipped in 2021 were held captive by the USPS for almost a month.

Here is a quick closeup photo of Dania in her box.

And a full length photo.

This doll's selling point is the accessories and ensemble.   (Photo property of Integrity Toys/IT)

The boots are Tom Ford, the visor is Alexander McQueen, the coat is a nod to Balenciaga, the belt is a Dior piece, and the metal corset is from the iconic Thierry Mugler.

I have heard that collectors have trouble getting the belt to close once it has been unhooked.  I looked at it and there is enough room to sew in additional loops to let it out a little.

So, here she is out of box in the coat ...

These boots are amazing.   I have read horror stories from collectors who have broken the straps trying to get them on.  I noticed that they do seem quite fragile.  This raises concerns about the life expectancy for them.  I don't think they would hold up to multiple redress uses.  That's why my Dania will be wearing them for a while.

Another closeup.

I'm not very fond of the hair.  I've seen a couple versions where the skunk stripes look well done.  Mine is sort of all over the place.  My doll's Certificate of Authenticity states it was product #20.  (We all know these number really don't mean anything, but it always feels nice to get a low number for some reason.)  I LOVE that they have returned to the Optic Clash lips.

The thing about Mothership Dania Zarr that elevates her above your average Fashion Royalty doll is the chrome bodysuit.  (Both the bodysuit and the necklace use magnets to hold them together.  VERY NICE!)

It is very difficult to photograph this ensemble because the chrome reflects the light so much.  For a better view here is the IT promo photo.

Let's answer my two collecting questions.

1) Does this release rank in the top 3 versions of this mold/character? There are currently six other versions of Dania Zarr in my collection.  

I actually like the Dania Zarr mold quite a bit and have owned many other versions, including Red Zinger, Exclusive Interview, Optic Clash, Day, Irresistible, and Nostalgic.  I also owned the Iconic and Perfectly Suited versions of the Dania Zarr mold as Lana Turner.

The thing that truly makes Mothership stand out is that iconic ensemble.   It leave me speechless.  I applaud IT (and especially designer Jessy Ayala) for successfully translating it into 1:6 scale.  It is spectacular.  If you take the doll presented in stock, the answer would be a definitive "yes".  Not including the ensemble, I'm not sure.  

2) Would it be possible for this doll to make my Top 10 Countdown at the end of the year?  Again, if you take Mothership Dania Zarr as "presented", it would be near impossible to leave her off the Top 10 list (if there are 10 better, this is going to be an amazing year for collectors).  Separate from her ensemble, she's a lovely doll, but I'm not sure she would make the Top 10.

Because I do not plan to redress her any time soon, Mothership Dania Zarr will be staying here, in stock, for a while!