Best of 2025 - Number 7

The next doll in my countdown is a controversial one - it has actually been quite  polarizing among collectors.  

As I mentioned earlier in the countdown, in 2023 Integrity Toys (IT) started re-imagining some of the best giftsets from their archives.   Redefined Luxury Kyori Sato (re-imagined from Ginza Kyori 2005) made it to Best of 2024 Number 5 in last year's countdown.  We've already seen Optic Gold Nadja Rhymes as Best of 2025 Number 9.

The next doll was another designed by Jason Wu himself and was a re-imagined version of the one of the rarest giftsets ever produced by Integrity Toys.   This time it wasn't so much a re-imagination of a giftset as the doll from a giftset.  

In 2010 Integrity Toys/Jason Wu teamed up with a luxury lingerie brand, Venus Secret, to offer a free IT doll giftset with the purchase of $2000 in lingerie.   No COA was included with this giftset and the edition number is by sheer speculation; however, it is believed to be less than 200 worldwide.  I am fortunate to own this giftset; here is a photo of mine.

As a world-famous fashion designer, Jason Wu's dolls often focus solely on the ensemble.  Although I love the gold version of the "Optic" gown and he used the same hairstyle when producing Optic Gold Nadja Rhymes, I really wish it had been more of a giftset like the original.   The only commonalities with Venus Secret and Venus Rising are the bleached eyebrows, the use of the Eugenia Frost mold, hair color, and use of the colors nude and black in the ensemble.  

The edition size of this doll was only 1450 (not that much higher than the 2008 Going Public Eugenia).  Collectors either hate or love this doll.   Regardless, the ensemble is GORGEOUS!   

Best of 2025 - Number 7 is Venus Rising Eugenia Frost.

Best of 2025 - Number 8

In anticipation of the 20th Anniversary of Fashion Royalty, Integrity Toys started producing "re-imagined" versions of some of the most iconic giftsets they ever produced in 2023.   The IT design team was inspired in 2025 to also revisit some of their retired lines.

One of my very favorite IT lines ever produced was the Monogram Collection that was introduced in 2009. We haven't seen a new Monogram since 2019.   This past year, IT gave us an incredible giftset with three complete ensembles.  Here is the IT promo photo:

IT designer Chris Stoeckel's name is all over this giftset.  Even though it is from the Monogram line, the Victoire Roux/East 59th aesthetic is obvious.   For me, it is reminiscent of the 2014 Depart pour L'Orient Victoire Roux.  It feels like a nod to a more vintage time, but I am not mad at it.  Regardless, the doll is quite lovely (who can resist a great redhead), the clothing is well-tailored, and the suit quickly became a favorite ensemble in my dolls' wardrobe.  The suit is inspired by John Galliano for 2007 Christian Dior collection.

I think IT did a fantastic job reproducing this in miniature.  I appreciate the removable lapels and the flowers added to the hat.  Where on earth did they find this perfect fabric in miniature? Even the shoes are an exact replica. 

The giftset's ensembles also fit my Jamieshow/Owensu Muses girls perfectly.  Here is my photo of Legend Daphne wearing the suit with the added gloves from an Enchanted ensemble and different shoes.  It just takes my breath away.  I love it so much, Daphne hasn't been redressed in months!

I would love to see more Monograms in the near future!  Best of 2025 - Number 8 - Popular Monogram.