Best of 2018 - #5 Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss

Agnes Von Weiss is no stranger to my "Best of" countdowns.  As a matter of fact, she has showed up in six of them and has even appeared multiple times in one year.  

Queen of Everything set the bar pretty high in 2017.  She was my #1 doll that joined my collection.  She is still in my top five Agnes versions ever produced.   Such an amazing face.  #1 of 2017 Queen of Everything Agnes Von Weiss

There were three versions of Agnes available to collectors in 2018.   All three were notable candidates for the honor of the "Best of 2018" list.   The convention version, Affluent Demeanor, is such a beautiful doll and would've joined my group here had she not competed with another brunette doll with a updo - most notably Queen of Everything.  In my personal opinion, there is no contest between these two dolls.  Vamp was another extraordinary version of Agnes, but she is so similar to 2013's Nightfall and 2008's Firefly.  The version that was most special and unique was Merveilleuse. Blog Review of Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss

This is the first short-hair version of Agnes.  She came dressed to look like Carolina Herrera.  She was the third doll to join my collection in 2018 although she was a W Club Event Exclusive from 2017.   She is also my Avatar on the W Club.

She is wearing the AFL Vanessa gown.  She looks good in everything.  I love her eye screening.  She is easily in my top five dolls received in 2018 and definitely fits the bill as Best of 2018- #5.   Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss.

Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss - 2018 - Doll 3

Some doll purchases are just a "no brainer".   One of the perks for joining the W Club is that members get a "Sneak Preview" of all lines before the general public.  These previews are often presented through a webinar by the design team, hosted by the W Club founder Carol Roth.  Following every preview, there is a special event doll offered to members only.

The 2017 theme for the FR2 doll line was "La Femme" and the event doll was Merveilleuse Agnes Von Weiss.   This doll was so well received that she has an edition size of 1225.  She was received in early 2018.

Here is a photo of Merveilleuse still in the box.

And a close-up.  Short blonde hair!  Very chic!  She has aqua colored eyes.  I believe this is the first time Agnes has been produced in the Caucasian skin tone.

Here is a photo of the accessories.  I like the new enamel necklace very much that came with the simple matching earrings and ring.  I really wish there had been a bracelet.    The color of the enameling matches her eyes!  She also comes with a cute animal print evening clutch, an extra pair of hands, shoes with very long ties.  (Photo property of Integrity Toys)

So, out of the box ...

And another close up.

Everyone is comparing this doll to Carolina Herrera which was her obvious inspiration (the designer Jessy Ayala has confirmed this as well).  I immediately thought of Grace Kelly when I opened the box and had to put her in Eugenia's Reigning Grace ensemble.  NOTE:  This blouse does not have hooks, velcro, buttons, anything.  I had to take the arms off the doll to remove the blouse.

I think Reigning Grace Eugenia just got voted off the island ...

Because I voluntarily joined the 52 Week Doll Diva Photo Challenge, I find myself deboxing my girls more.  This week's theme was St. Patrick's Day Green.  Now we head to Lana Turner territory ...

Merveilleuse Agnes has quickly moved up to my second favorite FR2 version of this mold (she's right up there with Queen of Everything from last year's convention).   Such a beautiful doll!