Best of 2022 - Number 1

So, we finally made it.  Thank you to my followers for staying with me for this countdown.  

It doesn't take much digging to figure out that 36 dolls were added to my collection this year.   Six of those are not eligible for my countdown because they were purchased secondary market and were actually produced and received by collectors in previous years.  The four Jamieshow Muses girls, two male dolls, four Mystery Date Poppy Parkers, Varsity, Desert Dazzler, Wildflower, and Mademoiselle Annik have already been listed.   That only leaves sixteen contenders and ten of those were from the 2021 Obsession Convention; even though the virtual convention took place in late 2021, the majority of these dolls got delayed in shipping until 2022. 

With the economy in such a bad spot and budgets being tight, a lot of collectors are seeking the most bang for their buck.   That's why the last four spots in my countdown were all dolls/doll lines/manufacturers that provided collectors the most fun for their investments.

The doll that brought me the most joy in 2022 was purchased from a new doll friend.  He only collects IT Hommes but got a ticket for the Obsession Convention.  He sold his female dolls at very reasonable prices; selling the gifted dolls for appx 1/3 his convention ticket price.  From all the Obsession Convention dolls this year, this doll was easily my very favorite.  The giftset was phenomenal with so many accessories and mix and match possibilities.   I reviewed this doll earlier in 2022  Collection Cycle 2022 Number 4 .  

This doll is just gorgeous and redresses so well.  She's not just my favorite doll of 2022, she is probably my very favorite version of the Vanessa Perrin 3.0 mold.  She is "pretty in pink" in an Andymy fashion for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Number 1 of 2022 - A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin.  

Doll Collection Cycle 2022 - Number 10 Alluring Poppy Parker

My biggest complaint about virtual conventions is relying upon photos of dolls to make purchase decisions.   Lighting, cameras, software all play a part in the finished picture.  The buyer has to have a creative imagination to see beyond the presented images.  This has never been more apparent than the 2021 Obsession Convention.

After the convention, there were some very specific preferences among collectors.   Surprisingly, after the actual production dolls were shipped to collectors, the favorites quickly began shifting.

I remember how collectors were so excited about the Poppy Parker Style Lab and Gorgeous was on the top of so many lists.  That promo photo was amazing.

I threw caution to the wind and purchased this doll at secondary markup, fearing her price would only climb.   She was the second doll to arrive in my collection this year.  Here is the link to my blog review:    Review of Gorgeous Poppy Parker.

The production Gorgeous looks nothing like the promo.  The skin tone is very different as is the hair.  Although Gorgeous is a nice doll, I'm not sure I would've purchased her based on actual photos.  Her prices have fallen drastically over the past few weeks.  

On the other hand, Alluring Poppy Parker was running in the middle of the pack.  She looked nice but IT has produced several versions of Poppy Parker with long, straight red hair.  Although she was on my radar ... she wasn't a "must have".  Here is IT's promo photo.

She seems a little lifeless in this photo - her eyes look rather blank.  Then photos started appearing from collectors. I lost all resolve and was offered one at a very nice price I couldn't turn down.  

Although her head didn't perfectly match her body, she is still very beautiful.  I changed her to a FR white body.  Number 10 of 2022 is Alluring Poppy Parker.

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!

  

Integrity Toys Obsession Convention Day 2 Recap

So as the dust started settling down, so did the excitement and the prices on the dolls from Day 1.  

Today's "Luncheon" was combined with the "Style Lab" for online attendees.  David Buttry knows his fan base.  He truly "gets it" when designing Poppy Parker.  So let's see what he had in store for collectors.  (Photos are property of IT unless noted otherwise.)

The Style Lab consisted of five dolls that were sold nude.  They each cost $70.

#1 Beautiful Ginger Gilroy
Skin Tone:  FR White
Hair:  Auburn

Having just received Holiday At Home Ginger Gilroy a few weeks ago, I didn't feel the need to add this one.  I actually like Holiday At Home better.  (My personal photo of Holiday At Home)

The next four dolls are all Poppy Parkers.  

#2 Glamorous Poppy Parker
Skin Tone:  FR White
Hair:  Golden Blonde

This girl reminds me of other releases.   It has been noted by other collectors that she uses the same screening as Kicky from the 2019 Style Lab - my photo.  Kicky is a favorite around here.

She also reminds me of Glad All Over and Groovy Galore.  I have enough blue-eyed Poppy Parkers with long straight blonde hair already living here, so she was an easy pass.

#3 Gorgeous Poppy Parker
Skin Tone: Dark A-Tone  
Hair:  Golden Brown/Dark Brown Two Tone Hair

This doll commands attention.  I may need to add her to my collection.  She is very different than anything else I own, even though I pre-ordered the W Club Resort Ready Poppy a few weeks ago which has the same skin tone.  Gorgeous is the most popular doll from the Style Lab and is difficult to find at a reasonable price.  I've missed out getting her several times already.  

#4 Alluring Poppy Parker
Skin Tone: Hungarian
Hair:  Light Red

Another beautiful Poppy Parker.  There is something special about this one as well.   Another Poppy that may find her way in to my collection.  Although I have several redheads, we don't see Poppy in this skin tone very often.  She really is quite "alluring".

#5 Darling Poppy Parker
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair: Purple

It has been noted this doll is the fantasy hair version of the grail Kicks! Poppy Parker from the 2016 Supermodel Convention.

I just don't care for Poppy Parker with fantasy hair, so this was a pass for me also.

Since IT combined the Convention Poppy Luncheon with the Style Lab for an online convention, ticket holders also received a free Poppy Parker.

#6 Boudoir Noir Ginger Gilroy
Skin Tone:  FR White
Hair:  Strawberry Blonde

Collectors are calling this doll "Honeymoon Homewrecker" which is hilarious!   They have developed a backstory that Ginger interrupts Poppy's honeymoon and steals the groom!  This hair color/skin tone combination was used for Hello New York!  (My Photo)  I like the ensemble but don't feel she's different enough from Hello New York! so she is a pass.

Collectors were also given the opportunity to purchase a "centerpiece" Poppy Parker.  

#7 Belle Marlee Poppy Parker

Skin Tone:  FR Black
Hair:  Black

Cost:  $160

Since collectors got the "Homewrecker", they need the bride to go with her.  Although this is a lovely doll, collectors are already comparing her to other Poppies who are similar.  Most notably Mad for Milan.  Since I already have Mad for Milan, Belle Marlee was another easy pass.  (My Photo)

One of the most exciting things about The Style Lab is the ensembles that offered.  This year there were five.  Each ensemble was sold separately and cost $80.

#1 American in Paris

#2 Pink Vamp

#3 Le Chic

#4 Gothique

#5 French Disco

Once again, there is a little something for everyone's taste.  The only ensemble that was a "must have" for me was American in Paris and I've already purchased it.  LOVE everything about this one.  I like the classy casual feel of everything here.  Gothique is also a lovely idea.  These ensembles offer a lot of mix and match possibilities.  A truly lovely collection.

In addition to these ensembles there were two accessory sets.  Each cost $75.

Accessory Set A

Accessory Set B

I passed on each of these.

Saturday night was the "Gala Event".   There were two dolls. 

Centerpiece 
Sovereign Adele Makeda
Skin Tone: Sun Kissed
Hair Color: Golden Blonde
Price: $180

Thud!  This doll is a modernized version of one of my very favorite IT dolls, Paparazzi Bait from 2007.  (My Photo).   This was my second "must have" doll from the convention and I found her for sale for a very reasonable price (and I didn't have to pay tax or exaggerated shipping charges).   

Obsession Event Doll
Fall 2020 Elyse Jolie
Skin Tone:  Dark A-Tone
Hair Color:  Black

Even though this doll represented an actual Jason Wu original dress in miniaturized form, I  just received Bijou within the past few weeks and didn't feel the need to pursue this doll either.  (my photo)

Final thoughts.  I really do not like virtual conventions.  Everything seems rushed, less formal, less special.  I don't like that you can't handle the dolls and look at them in a showroom where you can inspect a doll before purchasing it.  

Many of the dolls this time seemed similar to things already in my collection.  Even though that is a hazard of collecting for such a long time, a lot of these dolls seemed similar to dolls received within the last couple years.  

IT informed collectors that the term "Obsession" was used for the name of this convention to represent the designers' obsessions.  Apparently they are obsessed with military fashion and athleisure.   Like many others, I was expecting opulence. 

From the 18 dolls offered attendees, there was a nice diversity this year.  Two dolls represented hispanic characters and five were created in black skin tone variants.  This is the first time the Gala Event Doll and Gala Centerpiece were both black dolls.   Unfortunately, our Asian girls were missing.  There were eight Poppy Parkers, four NuFace, one East 59th Street, and five Fashion Royalty dolls.   It really did seem as if there was something for everyone.

The Poppy Parker event pretty much saved this convention for many ticket holders.  It was a strong showing from David Buttry.  Many collectors have voiced dislike with the military and athleisure stylings - disappointment has expressed by several.

I've only purchased two dolls so far (mainly because I was able to find them from super kind collectors who were selling at reasonable prices):  A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin and Sovereign Adele Makeda.  I also purchased the "An American In Paris"ensemble from the Style Lab and got the W Club event dolls.

I plan to wait until actual photos before deciding about Gorgeous Poppy Parker, Alluring Poppy Parker, and Varsity Alejandra Luna.

There has been so many quality control issues with IT over the past several months that I am going to be more cautious about purchasing dolls for which I don't have an actual photo.  The Customer Care team is being picky about replacing problems unless the complaint is filed by the original owner of the doll.   Quality Control issues must be identified within 3 months of production release.  Many sellers are requiring payment by IT Gift Certificates or PayPal Friends & Family which doesn't afford the buyer any protection for problems that could come up.  

If I had to list my top dolls based on IT photos, in order of preference, they would be ...

1. A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin
2. Sovereign Adele Makeda
3. MVP Rayna Ahmadi
4. Gorgeous Poppy Parker
5. Varsity Alejandra Luna
6. Alluring Poppy Parker
7. Adrenaline Rush Dominique Makeda
8. An American in Paris Ensemble

Of course when actual production photos start appearing, these could change.

Integrity Toys Obsession Convention Day 1 Recap

 As my followers know I did not secure a ticket to this convention and was very disappointed.   After seeing the Convention lineup, my disappointed faded a little.  Without further ado ... here we go.  (All photos, unless noted, are property of Integrity Toys.)

There were five dolls announced to attendees in the convention package sent out earlier this year.  The five dolls were ...

#1 Chain of Command Natalia Fatale

This Natalia is mold 2.0, has dark brunette hair, and is in the Light Honey skin tone.   Convention attendees could purchase this doll for $180 (that's a $20 increase from previous convention prices for individual dolls).  Wasn't it just 2014 when convention dolls were selling for $125 each?

I really love the Natalia 2.0 mold, but I'm not sure I care for the military vibe of the ensemble.   I wouldn't mind owning the shoes or necklace though.  The doll itself reminds me of the 2015 Cinematic Convention Inner Sparkle Natalia, which I owned and sold.  I refuse to pay secondary market prices on this particular doll.  (Photo of Inner Sparkle for comparison.)

#2 Vendetta Agnes Von Weiss

Vendetta has pale blonde hair, the Japan skin tone, and also sells for $180. 

 

Although I love red clothing, it usually stains a doll's body if left on for any duration of time.  I'm not fond of the screening/color combination on this face-up.  The doll itself reminds me of the 2006 W Club Dressing the Part Agnes.  Dressing The Part is a sentimental favorite for me and still resides in my collection.  Another pass.  (Dressing the Part photo from my personal collection)

#3 Varsity Alejandra Luna

Alejandra is a new character that debuted this year.  She is in the Hungarian skin tone, has dark blonde hair, and retailed for $175.  

Alejandra seems to be the collector favorite from the convention lineup.  I even like this ensemble and those killer boots.   Her prices seem to be steadily rising.  I think I may even like her better than her debut version, Billion Dollar Baddie.  I am just a little tired of those high ponytails right now.  We just got Fit to Print Nadja Rhymes in the mail, and Isabella Alves from the Legendary Convention seems to have a similar vibe as well.  I may wind up adding this doll to my collection at some point in the future, but I refuse to pay secondary market prices without seeing an actual photo of the doll I am spending that kind of money to buy.  The dolls aren't expected to be shipped until January/February.  Since quality control continues to be a problem with IT dolls, I will wait until I can purchase a doll with an actual photo.

#4 En Pointe Violaine Perrin

Since changing Vanessa Perrin mold 2.0 into a separate NuFace character, Violaine has become quite popular with collectors.  En Pointe has brunette hair, is in the FR White skin tone, and retails for $175.

This doll has also secured a following with collectors.  The avant garde ballerina ensemble is probably the most interesting from the convention so far.  Those shoes are definitely worth a second look.  Even though she is a "Perrin sister", I don't like my Perrin girls to resemble each other too much.  En Pointe reminds me a great deal of Sweet Smell of Success Veronique Perrin which is a favorite of mine.  Since I already have SSOS, En Pointe was a pass.  I may try to secure the ensemble later.

From my personal collection, Sweet Smell of Success Veronique photo for comparison purposes.

#5 Silver Soiree Poppy Parker

Poppy Parker is the golden goose for Integrity Toys.  Collectors just don't seem to be able to get enough of this doll.  I had high expectations for this doll.

I felt sort of let down.  Silver Soiree is a nice doll ... she really is.   She's just not spectacular enough to add her to my already overflowing collection of Poppy Parkers.   She does look quite a bit like the Pull Yourself Together Poppy from the Miss Behave Style Lab of 2018.  (Here is a photo from my personal collection.)

This summer I took my Time of the Season Poppy and put her hair in a ponytail.  She sort of reminds me a little of her also, but TOTS has no challengers here for her position in my collection.  

Also revealed was a limited edition (700 pieces) East 59th Street doll.  Apparently, attendees will be entered into a special lottery for a chance to purchase this doll.

# 6 Limited Edition - Black Ice Victoire Roux

Victoire has a high silver ponytail (similar to 2019's Paris Runway Giselle sans the black extension) and is in the Japan skin tone.  Her price is $160.

This is a very interesting doll.  I collect most of the East 59th Street line; I'm just not comfortable with how this doll fits into the retro collection here.  Still on the fence for this one.

When you attend a convention in person, there is usually a registration giveaway you receive when you arrive and register.   Sometimes the registration gift is an accessory pack, a part of a giftset, or an actual doll.   Although a rare occurrence, in the past there have been pre-convention cocktail parties on Wednesday night for early arriving guests (and sometimes there are dolls involved).    At live conventions, there is always a Welcome Dinner on Thursday night where each attendee gets a gift doll and there are centerpiece dolls available to purchase through a table lottery.  At live conventions, there is also a W Club luncheon.  This year, IT combined all of these into one day.  There was an online "Welcome Event" where the convention collection was revealed and the "attendees" were given a "Welcome Doll".

# 7 2021 Welcome Giftset A Doll's Life Vanessa Perrin

This doll has the Vanessa 3.0 sculpt, the FR White skin tone, and a light blonde/platinum mix hair color.    (She was included in the registration cost to attendees).

Now this is a giftset that I can really sink my teeth into!   There are so many wonderful items.  There are three pair shoes, three pair of earrings, JEANS!, outerwear, etc.  Vanessa is probably my favorite character in the Fashion Royalty lineup.  I just knew I wasn't going to be a able to acquire this doll.  But the old saying, "Being in the right place, at the right time" found me in favor.  I was blessed to be on Facebook at the exact moment another kind collector posted this giftset for sale without ridiculous secondary markup.   This one is coming home to me!

For some reason, this giftset makes me think the designer, Mark Tinkey, saw the Barbiestyle Series 1 doll and said, "Anything you can do, I can do better!"  (Photo by Mattel)

The W Club "Event" was held on Friday night.  W Club members are given an opportunity to purchase a ticket to this (even if they didn't get a convention ticket).  

# 8 W Club Event Doll (included with event registration)

Adrenaline Rush Dominique Makeda

W Club membership is ridiculous this year as this doll has a production of 2750!  Adrenaline Rush used the Dominique 2.0 mold, has nubian skin tone, and black flocking for hair.  

I did register for this event, so the doll will be coming to live here.   I am not disappointed in the least.  She reminds me of a modernized, Nuface version of Bionic Jordan Duval from the 2009 Future Perfect line.  

Included in this event is the opportunity for each W Club ticket holder to purchase the centerpiece doll.

# 9 W Club Event Centerpiece

MVP Rayna Ahmadi

MVP costs $175.   She was produced with the Japan skin tone and has copper colored hair.  

Although I'm not a fan of the ensemble, this doll is actually quite beautiful.  I have a few days to decide if I am going to purchase this doll or not.  I am on the fence.

... So ... on Obsession Convention Day 1:

Nine dolls were revealed.  I only purchased one of these secondary market.   (I had already purchased Dominique with my Event Ticket).  I wouldn't mind picking up the En Pointe ensemble.  I feel very comfortable and confident in my decisions so far.

This year there were 1300 convention registrants.   There should be plenty of everything to go around.   I expect secondary market prices to drop considerably.  I can wait out Alejandra until I see IRL photos of her.   I may break down and get Rayna since she would be at retail cost.   

I am surprised at how events are being combined and there are a lot fewer dolls this year, including fewer gift dolls to convention registrants.  It's odd that the cost of convention registration stayed the same ($525) but there are fewer gift dolls.   

I am also surprised that the cost of the dolls increased and does not reflect the discount to IT for not having to staff or pay convention physical costs.  When there is a live convention, there are three actual meals included in the registration fee,  IT has to pay for floor space for the salesrooms and events, and there is the additional cost for travel to and from the location, not to mention hotel room expenses for their staff.  Seems like someone other than scalpers are putting some coin in their pockets.

Convention Day 2 will give us the Poppy Parker Style Lab and the final "Gala Event".