Walking On Gold Adele Makeda - #14 of 2018

Unfortunately it's not easy for teachers to take several days off from work to attend a doll convention.   I do, however, love watching from the sidelines.

When Integrity Toys (IT) released the theme for the 2018 convention, I felt badly that I couldn't attend.   The theme was "Luxe Life".  My mind reeled as I made the connection to the 2009 Iconic Convention Vanessa Perrin by the same name.   The dolls from the Iconic convention all represent grails.  I imagined luxury fabrics, jewels, furs, evening gowns, etc.

Jason Wu announced at the convention that he used 1980's Christian Lacroix for his inspiration.  Having lived in the 1980's "luxe" is not the word that comes to mind.   Yes, we had Dynasty, big shoulder pads, and animal prints.  But we also had parachute pants, over-sized denim jackets, and aerobic/workout clothes.

Even though there was a lot about the dolls of this convention that I couldn't appreciate, there were elements that I really liked.

The centerpiece doll for the Welcome Dinner was Walking on Gold Adele Makeda.  This version has the 2.0 mold, which is one of my very favorites.  Here is a full length photo in the box.

And a closeup.

She is wearing a gold long sleeve textured blouse with peplum.  There is a plum colored velvet bubble skirt.  Thigh high gold boots with plum colored laces finish the look.

The jewelry is gorgeous!  I really do like this doll's faceup.  The hair is simple, but the hairline is rooted beautifully.   Her skin tone is the new "sun kissed" color.  

This doll's ensemble was based on a 1988 Christian Lacroix design.  I really prefer the original version to the production doll.  

Although I prefer the original design, the gold blouse has potential when paired with other items.  The white skirt is from the 2006 convention and the black velvet pants belonged to 24k Erin.

I stole the idea of pairing Walking On Gold Adele Makeda with Love of Luxe Veronique's pink dress.  I added the Fame & Fortune Vanessa Perrin's jewelry.

I am in love with how Walking On Gold looks.  I think she is just about perfect.  I believe Walking on Gold Adele Makeda will be in my collection for a very long time! The hair is simple but very easy to maintain.  It is clean and soft.  The lips are a beautiful color.  The eye screening is awesome.  In my opinion, Walking On Gold was one of the best dolls from the Luxe Life Convention.  I don't understand why she isn't more popular and demanding a higher price.   I was fortunate enough to get her at almost her original retail cost.

Passion Week Elyse Jolie - #13 of 2018

I can be very skeptical when it comes to interpretations of designer dolls.  There are just so many factors that can go wrong - cut, fabric weight, pattern size, etc.   When the W Club design challenge winner was announced I was so excited because it was the design for which I voted.   When it came time to purchase, I was worried that the factory would never be able to get all those little details correct.

After almost two weeks delay (due to customs), Passion Week Elyse Jolie arrived today.

And here is a closeup in the box.

I literally was flipping out!  This is one of the best, head-to-toe, doll productions ever.   Love the eye colors and the deep crimson lips.  Love the pale complexion and hair color choice.   Love the slight side glancing gray eyes.   Adore the pale blonde eyebrows.

The little tan cropped bomber jacket with gold buttons is amazingly detailed in construction.  The wide gold belt with padlock detail is well made.   I am a huge fan of IT knitwear, so the mock turtleneck is wonderful to own.

I can't get over the rivets and ribbon threading in those pants.  AND they are done perfectly!!

I believe I set a new record in deboxing this doll.   I couldn't release her fast enough!   I dressed her so quickly I didn't even take time to photograph the accessories separately!!!  (There are chopsticks for the hair, a magnetic rhinestone pin for the jacket, a super cute modern over-sized handbag with tassels, NEW earring design, red gloved hands and glove sleeves, and a serpent bracelet!

I've never been a fan of neoprene fabric (I think that's what is used in the pants, boots, and gloves) because it can break down over time.  NOTE:  If you take this ensemble off and store it, DO NOT put it in a plastic baggy.  Apparently when neoprene comes in contact with plastic it reacts negatively.

My only criticism would be the boots - they are similar to those that came with the mini dresses at the Supermodel Convention.  Be patient and carefully work them onto the feet!  The good news is that she can stand on her own wearing these boots!

Her hair is styled in a long ponytail with two black holders (one at the top and one about halfway down.)  This doll is amazing!  I think she will be a future grail and I wish I had gotten another.  She is definitely doppelgänger worthy!

I usually like to remove the original ensemble and try something else on the doll to see how she redresses, but I love this so much!!  Redress pictures will have to come later.  I truly want to savor this ensemble and doll.