Best of 2021 - #2

This is going to be an odd blog entry.  My second place position for Best of 2021 isn't going to an individual doll or even a specific doll line.  Best of 2021 - #2 goes to the Integrity Toys Open Edition dolls that were introduced this year.   

This was a concept that was long overdue - make dolls in batches and sell them to everyone.   While we're at it, let's include dolls from each line!  And to make things even better, produce the dolls as Basic Editions with minimal packaging.   Then sell them for $99 each.  And to put the cherry on top, let's give them beautiful screenings and hair!  Bloody brilliant!!!

The first dolls offered were from the East 59th Street line.  Pin-Up Allure Victoire Roux is a raven haired doll.  She showed up as #6 of dolls added to my collection this year.

At #7 on my list of additions was her twin Summer Glamour Victoire Roux as a fiery redhead.

Sadly, these dolls were offered before the East 59th Street line became popular with collectors (which seemed to happen after the Dolly Days and Traveling In Style dolls were released).  IT decided to retire these dolls from the Open Edition line and have announced they will be replaced by something different.  I am thrilled that I was able to get them at retail.  They are quite beautiful in hand.

The next doll released as an Open Edition represented the NuFace line.  She is Natural High Lilith Blair and I reviewed her earlier this year as my Doll Addition #11 of 2021 .  This doll is nothing short of spectacular and has become very popular with collectors.  Since Lilith is supposed to be a twin anyway, I have two of this doll so I can have one rerooted.  And it didn't break the bank!

The next two dolls were released at the same time.  Malibu Sky Agnes Von Weiss was an instant success (she was reviewed as Doll Addition #35 of 2021).  The IT server broke when this doll was offered.  This is a truly grail worthy version of a very popular mold.  

For some reason Beach Babe Poppy Parker didn't receive the same reception.  I didn't think I would like this doll, but real life photos convinced I made a mistake not ordering her.  I got her in the second production round; she is one of the most interesting versions of Poppy Parker released so far.  I love her!

I do not collect the Meteor line (at least I am still making that claim).  The following photos are property of IT:

First there is raven-haired Slay All Day Keeki Adaeze

And her blonde counterpart Still Poppin' Keeki Adaeze.

I applaud Integrity Toys for this bit of marketing genius and putting beautiful dolls in the hands of loyal collectors at an affordable price.    (At posting time, the only Open Edition doll available for purchase directly from IT is Still Poppin' Keeki Adaeze.   Keep checking the Integrity Toys website as they advertise availability as shipments arrive.)  For collectors who like to display their dolls NRFB, this line probably isn't for you, but for collectors like me, who like to redress their dolls, this is just doll nirvana.   This whole concept, with such special versions of the dolls, was truly worthy of Best of 2021 # 2 - Integrity Toys Open Editions.

Best of 2021 - # 3

Strangely, the last doll received in 2021 is actually my very favorite Integrity Toys (IT) doll of 2021.   

I decided to limit my purchases from the IT Obsession Convention.  I promised myself I would not spend more than $300 on secondary market for any doll.  I also promised myself that I was only going to allow myself to buy a maximum of 5 dolls from the convention collection.  It turned out this was much easier than I expected.

When this doll was revealed, she was my second "must have" doll from the convention.   I knew this doll was going to be more phenomenal than her promotion photos.  I wasn't wrong.

This doll arrived just before Christmas and totally shook things up.  I finally received a doll this year that lived up to standards established by IT.  They have set such a high bar for themselves that it is difficult for them to keep producing dolls at that level.  It's caused quite a bit of frustration with their followers.

Here is a photo of Sovereign Adele Makeda in the box.  

Kudos to Alain for the packaging design on the convention collection.  It feels very expensive and decadent.

A closeup photo.

Here is the IT photo of the accessories.  The only thing I would change about this doll would be the purse.  I think it looks and feels less expensive than the rest of the ensemble; that is a minor criticism.

This doll is extraordinary right out of the box.   There has been a lot of complaining about the coat on this dress.  It actually feels and looks quite luxe in real life.  There is some beautiful gold embroidery with beadwork sewn into the pattern.  The fabric has a nice textured feel.  The coat closes in the back!  This is one amazing ensemble.

This doll is a knock out! 

This is a great example when IT pays attention to the little details.  When you take the coat off, you see the  beautiful design work on the side of the dress and can appreciate the fabric used.

There is something very sensuous about Sovereign Adele Makeda.  I love this doll's face.  I love this doll's hair.  I love this dolls' ensemble and accessories.  I even love the skin tone.  This doll is just perfect from head to toe.  (And for some reason she remind me of Pamela Sue Anderson.)  Once again, Adele Makeda stole the convention!   Best of 2021 - # 3 is Sovereign Adele Makeda.