Back To The Basics - Numbers 24, 25, 26, and 27 of Collection 2023 Cycle

Back in 2021, Integrity Toys tried something new for their collectors; they created a "Basics" line of open-edition dolls.  The dolls were released in production runs until they ran out; then there was another run offered.   The dolls were priced at $99 and were packaged less elaborately.  They came in swimwear or work-out clothes and had minimal accessories.   They represented the five main lines of Integrity Toys:  FR2, NuFace, Poppy Parker, Meteor, and East 59th.  This allowed collectors to add new versions of favorite characters at an affordable price.  I think it introduced Integrity dolls to more collectors, but the market wasn't big enough to entertain such seriously large edition sizes even though the dolls were actually quite extraordinary.  This "Basics" line showed up in my 2021 End Of Year Countdown at the #2 spot.  Here is the link to those dolls:  Integrity Toys 2021 Basics Line.

After saturating the market with these dolls, Integrity Toys made the smart move to retire the first Basics line and introduce a new set of dolls in 2023.  The edition size for these dolls was 5000 and all versions are still available for purchase on the website.  (If you've not been an IT collector but have been curious about these dolls, now would be a great opportunity to check them out:  Integrity Toys Web Storefront for Basics Dolls.)

The 2021 Basics versions of Agnes Von Weiss and Lilith Blair have become favorites with collectors.  Personally, I think they are fantastic versions of these characters, so it was a no-brainer when Integrity Toys opened the sales links for the 2023 Basics line.

Erin Salston was one of the original characters that introduced the Integrity Toys Nuface line in 2006.  Her mold was "refreshed" in 2012 to be "less cartoon-like" and mold 2.0 has been a collector favorite ever since.  My very favorite NuFace doll is actually 24k Erin Salston.  2023 Basics Erin Salston retailed for $110 to W Club members.  The price reflected the fact that the doll had a more elaborate ensemble.  To give collectors a choice, there is a "completer" accessory package called Bow-tique Details that goes with this doll and retailed for $65 to W Club members.

2023 IT Basics Night Out Erin Salston became Number 24 added to my collection this year.   

Natalia Fatale mold 2.0 is one of my favorite IT characters.  She isn't as popular with collectors as some of the other molds, but she is has been gaining ground over the past few years.  I was so excited when she was added to the Basics collection this year and this screening/skintone/hair color is extraordinary.  Number 25 of my Collection Cycle 2023 is Bombshell Beach Natalia Fatale.

I have a very complicated relationship with Poppy Parker.  I was on-board with the line when it debuted in 2009.  I fondly remember the early years when you could grab these girls on clearance sales!  (Yes, that is actually true.)   I owned many of the original versions, but only a couple managed to stick around in my collection as I prefer dolls with attached eyelashes.  Over the years Poppy Parker has developed a very strong fan base and has attracted a lot of scalpers on the secondary market.   It has become increasingly difficult to get Poppy Parker versions at retail price outside of the W Club.   Still, there are Poppy Parker dolls that have permanent spots in my collection.   At first I resisted the 2023 Basics Island Time Poppy Parker.  Then collector photos started showing up on the internet. I caved and added her to my collection.   Number 26 of 2023 is Island Time Poppy Parker.

Fortunately for my bank account and storage/display space I do not collect Meteor dolls, so I passed on this Basics offering of Pose Like An Egyptian Amirah Majeed.  Since I limit the males coming into my collection, Basics East 59th Street Honolulu Sunset Augustus Blake was also a pass.   I considered not purchasing the East 59th Street female doll, but I have such a weak spot for Victoire Roux mold 2.0 that I caved and added her to the cart.  Number 27 is Aloha Waikiki Victoire Roux.

As you can see from the photos of these dolls still in their boxes, there is nothing "basic" about the actual dolls included in the 2023 Integrity Toys Basics Line.  They are all very beautiful and worthy of spots in collections.  The price is just an added bonus!

Not So Basic - #11 of 2021 Natural High Lilith Blair

First, I need to point out that one of my very favorite NuFace dolls is Natural Wonder Rayna Ahmadi, which used the Hungarian skin tone with Dark Brown Hair and Brown Eyes.  Was Integrity Toys (IT) designer, Jessy Ayala, giving a nod to Rayna when he named his newest creation, Natural High Lilith Blair, Light Honey skin tone with Dark Brown Hair and Brown Eyes?  This Lilith has truly jumped straight to the head of the class in my NuFace collection and right up there with Rayna.

Natural High Lilith Blair is the sixth doll in the "IT Basics Collections" - there were two dolls in The East 59th Street line, two dolls in the Meteor line, and one Poppy Parker.   Natural High is the first NuFace to be offer as a "Basic" doll.   The "Basics" dolls are open editions and will probably continue to be produced until there is no interest in them.  Each "Basics" doll is sold directly to the public via a Google Form that collectors fill out on line.  There is no limit to how many of each version a collector can purchase.

Natural High Lilith Blair sold out in less than 3 minutes of the Google Form going live.   That's 2000 dolls in less than 3 minutes!   I was very fortunate to snag one for my collection.

What makes these dolls "Basic"?  The packaging is minimal and similar to the Style Lab dolls from an IT convention.  They come with plain, strappy shoes and simple jewelry.   Their clothing is less detailed and there are fewer accessories.  Their retail price is $99.  

I paid for my Lilith within minutes of being notified and she came early last week.  Here is a photo of her in her box.

Instead of a swimsuit like all the other Basics dolls released so far, Natural High Lilith comes with Yoga attire in a beautiful shade of bright pale blue.  

And a closeup.

Those brown eyes are amazing.  They remind me of two of my other favorite versions of this mold, Hard Metal Lilith Blair (Blue-eyed version from 2013) and Sweet Nothing Gretel Eden Blair (Green-eyed version from 2012).  

So how does she look out of the box?

Another closeup.

The proof of any doll in my collection is how she redresses.  How about just adding a little cardigan?

Let's try on some Hazelstreet jeans.

And something more fun ... A Rimdoll Dress with accessories by IT (Miss Behave Style Lab Accessory Pack).

Truly not so basic ...

Legendary Convention Recap (NuFace)

Ever since Jessy Ayala joined the design team of Integrity Toys (IT), my NuFace collection has grown substantially.  Some of the most successful versions of dolls, as well as the most "new grails", have come out of the NuFace lines over the past few years.   

In fact, my very favorite convention dolls from the past three years have been from the NuFace line:  

2017- Natural Wonder Rayna, 24K Erin, Changing Winds Eden, and A Sweet Dream Nadja

2018 - Afterglow Lilith, Public Adoration Eden, and Optic Illusion Giselle

2019 - London Show Nadja

I was expecting a great deal from a convention labeled "Legendary".

Two NuFace girls showed up in the regular Convention Package.  The first is In Control Erin Salston.  She cost $150, and her edition size was 600.  

I didn't have high exceptions for this doll.  Jessy had the task of re-imagining an older version of Erin after establishing her newer versions as amazing grails.  Not an easy job.  He dug deep into the NuFace vault, all the way to 2008's Clash Control Erin Salston.

I never liked the original version of this doll.  I'm not sure why anyone would want to do a remake.  Although In Control Erin is attractive, she's no 24k, Metamorphosis, or Heiress.  Jessy was smart to use the 2.0 mold for the doll.   "Next ..."

The second doll was one that was eagerly anticipated by collectors ever since the Legendary Convention package was released.  She is Not Pretending Eden Blair.  Also $150 and an edition size of 600.

Easy nod to one of the biggest grails in NuFace, 2010's Great Pretender Lilith Blair.   

When Not Pretending Eden Blair's first pictures were released, everyone scrambled to get her.  Unfortunately, most attendees weren't willing to let her go.  Her secondary market has understandably sky-rocketed.  I desperately wanted this doll, but I'm old and need all my organs.   

That Teddy Bear book bag is an amazing homage to the movie "Clueless".

I will have to be very patient and keep my fingers crossed.  I really want this doll.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we have a new "Grail".

Speaking of "new Grails", another NuFace doll showed up as the centerpiece at Thursday night's Gala Celebration.  Jessy really outdid himself on this one.  She is The Enchantress Nadja Rhymes, edition size of 600 and a $175 price tag.

Her inspiration was The Illusionist Nadja from 2008.

I actually gasped out loud when I saw The Enchantress Nadja.  I immediately started begging, and was able to acquire her from a doll friend named Julia at a fair price.  I recognized that this doll was going to be a major hit, and I needed her in my collection.  I own every version of Nadja Rhymes mold 2.0.  The Enchantress Nadja was my "must have" doll from this convention.

Unfortunately, there was only one other NuFace offering at this convention.  At the IT Convention, there is always a W Club Luncheon offered to members of the W Club.  Since this year was virtual, the W Club wanted to do something special for its members and offered every member the opportunity to participate in this program.  For the cost of the event doll, members got to attend the event online, receive the event doll, and get the opportunity to purchase the centerpiece.  (In the past, the centerpiece is usually a NuFace doll also.  This year it was a FR doll which will be reviewed in a separate blog entry.)

The W Club Event doll was Charmed Child Ayumi Nakamura.  

She was based on 2007's Miracle Child Ayumi Nakamura (mold 1.0)

Collectors "in the know" immediately made the connection between Charmed Child Ayumi and Pop Group Blackpink's member Lisa.

Once this connection got shared, the Charmed Child Ayumi became instantly more popular.  I think this is an excellent Nuface doll and different than anything else in my collection.  I'm not sure I would seek her out and pay secondary market prices, but I am glad I purchased the W Club Event ticket.  I can't wait to see her in person.

I am disappointed that there were only four offerings at the convention.  This has been a very lean year for NuFace, which has become my favorite line, by the way.  I was hoping to see a Rayna.  It can be argued that we got Optic Illusion Giselle at the 2018 convention, but she was a reimagined Optic Verve Agnes.  I would've loved to get a reimagined Costume Drama, Masterpiece Theatre, Smoke Signal (never produced), Old Is New, or Dark Romance.  And exactly where was Colette?  

So, to keep tally.  I was fortunate to acquire Red Hot Evelyn Weaverton from the East 59th St line at retail (see previous blog entry).  I got Charmed Child Ayumi Nakamura from the W Club Event ticket I purchased months ago.  The only doll I had to pay secondary market for is The Enchantress Nadja Rhymes, but I love her and felt the price given me by my doll friend was reasonable.

So far, I was doing quite well.  But trouble was coming ...

Best of 2019 - #8

One thing that is really great about Integrity Toys is that the designers really do listen to the collectors.  It was a very wise move to take a mold that collectors liked and give it a new character.  Vanessa Perrin mold 2.0 was turned into the third Perrin sister in 2019, and collectors received two outstanding versions.

The second version was one of the Spring Capsule, three doll, NuFace "Basic" collection.  She was called "My Love".   Fans love this version!  (She was purchase #55 of 2019 in my collection.)

I have already blogged about the other version:  Beyond This Planet Violaine Perrin.  This doll was received in 2019, but many collectors had problems with their production dolls; the foreheads were too high on most of them.  Even with the replacement heads with better hairlines, the gray sclera was just too gray with the pale blue eyes.  A lot of collectors wanted to love this doll but just couldn't.  I didn't find my love until I repainted the sclera on mine.

I like the extra rings in the ears and the one in the nose.  I even like the navy blue lips!  Best of 2019 - #8 would be Violaine Perrin, and I chose Beyond This Planet to represent the mold!

#16 and #17 of 2019 - Everything's Coming Up Dominique Makeda

I have noticed that, when refining their own collections, some collectors group all of their dolls by each mold and then choose the ones that need to stay versus the ones they can release back into the hands of the collecting public.  Being desperate to get some some control over my collection, I decided this strategy was worth a try.

For some reason, it seems that my collection has been very heavy with NuFace additions ever since designer Jessy Ayala joined the team at Integrity Toys (IT).   His relationship with IT has not been good for my wallet or my being able to control my collection.  My NuFace collection seems to have grown substantially over the last three years!

To start things off, I thought it would be easy (if not downright lazy) to choose a character that is already displayed on my workspace, so there's no better place to begin than with the character Dominique Makeda.

Let's get some history here.  Dominique Makeda was first introduced to the IT Community in 2009 at one of the best conventions ever, Iconic.  Her edition size was only 300, which is unheard of today.   Prior to her release, we only had a few characters in the NuFace lineup:  Erin Salston, Nadja Rhymes, Ayumi Nakamura, Colette Duranger, Giselle Diefendorf, and the Blair Twins, Eden and Lilith.   (You may want to note that four of these dolls have had mold revisions since that time!  Erin and Ayumi in 2012, Nadja in 2014, Colette in 2016, and Ayumi again in 2014.)

IT has a nasty habit of using the same mold for different characters.   The first Lana Turner became Tatyana Alexandrova (mold 1.0) and Jordan Duvall, Lana Turner (mold 2.0) became Dania Zarr, Luchia Z/Mme Jolie/Isha Kalpana all share one mold.

At the 2009 IT Iconic Convention, Dominique Makeda was introduced to the collecting community as Adele's younger cousin, a character in the NuFace line, using the Josephine Baker mold.  (Photo from IT)

Evening Glow is the only doll released on the NuFace body using the FR Black skin tone. The only other black character in the NuFace collection was Nadja Rhymes and she was always produced using an ebony skin tone.  (Annik Vandale became IT's third black NuFace character in 2011, but not using the FR Black skin tone.)  Although the ensemble is lovely and was the dark version to a similar white ensemble worn by Giselle at the same convention, the screening just didn't quite work; collectors rejected her immediately.

In 2010, IT tried her in a caucasian skin tone at the Dark Romance Convention.  She was the Vaughn Sawyer Workshop doll.  Collectors immediately jumped on the resemblance to a pop icon with a hit song title very similar to the name of the convention, and she is lovingly referred to as Gaga.  (Photo from LBX Website with no credit to photographer.)

Collectors refused to give this doll the "Dominique Makeda" identity.  She appeared only one other time - in 2015 as a Christmas Grab Bag doll called Cloudscape Josephine Baker.  Again, as a caucasian doll which is odd since she even used the name "Josephine Baker mold."

In 2011, Dominique Makeda resurfaced in the FR2 Line.  IT hit collectors hard with three different versions, all in edition sizes of only 300.

First there is Grand Gesture Dominique Makeda. (IT Photo)

Second, we have Impossibly Beautiful Dominique Makeda. (IT Photo)

And finally, there is Rare Appeal Dominique Makeda. (IT Photo)

The FR2 line started at the 2010 IT Dark Romance Convention.  The first dolls were promoted as a specialized line with a newer body design highlighting true designer couture.   In 2011, FR2 was released to the general public for the first time.   Unfortunately, they cost $175 (approximately 50% more than the regular FR line), so collectors were cautious with their purchases.  From the 2011 "The New Closeups" line, I purchased two dolls, with Impossibly Beautiful being my favorite version of Dominique.  This is a gorgeous doll.

FR2 was IT's segue between FR/Monogram to their modern doll productions.  As such, these dolls were more mature.   At first the NuFace line kept its original doll body, but that changed when IT took a break from NuFace production in 2013 to revamp the body to a "young version" of the FR2 aesthetic.  

At the 2014 Gloss Convention, collectors got their first glimpse at the NuFace2 body with four characters making an appearance.  One of those was Dominique Makeda, reprising her role as "Adele Makeda's little cousin".  In an edition size of only 300, she was a workshop doll called Tantalizing Dominique Makeda.  It was a surprise to collectors that this doll actually did not sell out at the convention.  I actually won the chance to purchase her through a W Club lottery.  Here she is full length in box.

And a closeup.

Sadly, collectors did not receive this version well, and word quickly spread throughout the collecting community that her body was a good replacement for the Miami and some Tan skin tone dolls.  Tantalizing Dominique quickly became a body donor.

... But not so fast.  Originally, it was my intention to use the body for High Frequency Kumi.   Being the lazy collector that I am, paired with my stray hair phobia, I had procrastinated in this body transfer until this spring.  Since the 2018 IT Convention, I had fallen helplessly in love with Afterglow Lilith, another blonde, tan Blair girl with green eyes.  Having straight hair, I don't need to worry about stray hairs.  That allowed me the freedom to sell my High Frequency Kumi at a great secondary market price!  It also allowed Tantalizing Dominique to keep her body.  I believe the hairstyle is part of her problem, so I released it, shampooed and conditioned it, and gave it a little restyle.

Now that's better, don't you agree?  Even though the hair is a little wilder, its quite manageable and suits her carefree vibe.  Although I have seen photos of this dress looking great on other dolls, I don't think it does Dominique any fashion favors.

Finally getting released from her box after almost four years, #16 in my collection for 2019 is Tantalizing Dominique Makeda.

One of my first blog entries this year was when I was able to give 2015's Electric Enthusiasm Dominique Makeda back her body (see blog entry Electric Enthusiasm Dom).  Although I didn't give this doll an official number in my collection since she had been deboxed prior to 2019, she definitely found her own place in my display case.

Also from 2015, this time showing up in the IT Convention Supermodel lineup, we have Evening Blossom Dominique Makeda.   Collectors immediately made a connection between this doll and Pop Icon Rhiannon.   I am so confused this doll didn't sellout immediately at the convention.  She even remained in the IT store for weeks.   I think she is one of the best NuFace2 dolls ever released.  She has been a staple in my collection for the past 3+ years.  I adore this doll!

This brings me to the doll that was the subject of my last post.  There was almost 3 years between the release of Evening Blossom and Nirvana.  Fortunately, Jessy Ayala had not given up on this mold and recognized its true potential.  Nirvana was #15 in my 2019 doll collection.

... This leads me to #17 of 2019.   There was a mini capsule of Basic NuFace dolls released earlier this spring.  They were only available through a lottery at the W Club.  Fortunately, my number came up.   Here is My Essence Dominique Makeda.

And a closeup in the box.

Although I prefer the eye screening on Nirvana, I think My Essence is probably the best version of this mold yet.  I love the hair, the lips, eyebrows.  She is just everything.  

I believe she could actually hit grail status.  It doesn't hurt that she has the rich chocolate A-Tone color skin tone.

So ... That means there are five versions of the Dominique Makeda mold 2.0 living here.  Who stays?  Who goes?  Whose body becomes a donor?  What do I do?  "Talk amongst yourselves".

Best of 2017 - Number 2

If 2016 was the year of Poppy Parker, 2017 is definitely the year of NuFace.  Already on the countdown I've listed Giselle, Nadja, Rayna, Lilith, and Eden.  It's no surprise that another NuFace character shows up at the Number 2 spot.

I've never been a big fan of Erin Salston, especially mold 2.0.   But then along comes She Owns Everything from the 2016 Reckless line.  What an amazing doll.  I completely missed this version until collectors' photographs started appearing online.  I had to break one of my guidelines and purchase her secondary market.

She Owns Everything had to be a fluke of production.   Right?  Then alongs comes 24k at the Fairytale Convention.  I have already reviewed this doll:  Review of 24k Erin Salston.

Here she is modeling inside the pop-up diorama offered to W Club members as an upgrade option on their membership.

This doll looks phenomenal in everything she wears.

This doll has quickly become a muse of mine; the only adjective that comes to mind is "ethereal".   Best of 2017 - Number 2 is 24k Erin Salston.

Best of 2017 - Number 4

I may be cheating a little on this choice since there are two dolls, but Poetic Beauty Lilith and Eden Blair were packaged together in a giftset.  This sculpt has a very strange history.   There is supposed to be two separate characters with the exact same sculpt who are twins - the dark haired doll is supposed to be Lilith and the blonde is supposed to be Eden (but their hair colors change often).  This sculpt has also been used with NuFantasy where Lilith becomes Kumi and Eden is Yuri.  Examples (all individually packaged):

2008 Red Riding Hood Yuri/Eden
2008 The Wolf Kumi/Lilith
2009 Snow White Kumi/Eden
2009 Red Rose Yuri/Lilith

The Twins giftsets also started in 2008 with Elements of Surprise at The Heist Convention.  Then Wild At Heart in 2010 at The Dark Romance Convention (I actually passed this giftset at retail price - stupid, stupid, stupid!).    We got Lead Singles in 2012, Never Ordinary in 2015, and Poetic Beauty in 2017.  Although they were sold separately, the 2016 Reckless girls wore almost identical versions of the same ensemble in different colors and had mirrored hairstyles.

In addition to the giftsets, the sculpt has appeared as individuals twelve times (if you count the reckless girls separately).  Eden has appeared as a redhead twice  (2009 Style Mantra and 2016 Trouble) and a brunette twice (2015 Wouldn't It Be Lovely and 2017 Changing Winds).  Lilith has appeared as a blonde three times (2010 Great Pretender, 2015 High Frequency, and 2016 Smoke & Mirrors).  It's very difficult to keep up with these girls!

Poetic Beauty was purchased through a W Club lottery, which I was fortunate to win the chance to purchase at retail cost.  Here the girls are NRFB.

A close-up of Lilith in the box:

A close-up of Eden in the box:

Here are the accessories for Eden.

Out of the box and fully dressed.

Here are the accessories for Lilith.

Out of the box and fully dressed.

These girls are quite extraordinary.  Each could easily be listed in my Top 10 individually.

Number 12 of 2017 - Poetic Beauty Lilith and Eden Blair.