Work That Body ...

NOTE:  The FR2 body in this blog post is from Evermore Vanessa.   An "improved" FR2 body was introduced this year; however, I did not have a headless body for the photoshoot.  The ONLY difference between the two is that that knees on the newer body are designed to be more attractive.  I will include a comparison photo soon.

I finally decided to sit down and spend some time with the FR2 and FR bodies.   I started collecting Fashion Royalty dolls in 2004; my very first one was Flame Rouge Veronique.  I owned seven dolls when  Integrity Toys added articulation to the body.  It was so exciting.  I had added nine more dolls when IT announced they were moving to a taller body.  I didn't know what to do … I already owned 16 dolls!

As with all things related to progress, you have to move with it or get out of the way.  I remember sitting and carefully looking at my dolls.  I decided to sell five of my dolls to other collectors.  As the earlier bodies turned yellow and brittle, the eleven I kept were transferred to taller bodies.

The good news was that pants and long-sleeved tops could still be worn by my Silkstones and other mattel dolls.   All other clothing pieces easily transferred to the taller bodies since the main changes were in the arm and leg lengths.

When Integrity Toys announced recently they would be moving the mainline dolls to the FR2 body, I just couldn't face going through all of this again.  In addition to the 11 dolls that started my collection, I have added 10 more of the shorter dolls to my collection over the past several years.  They, too, have all been transferred to taller bodies, so I'm not new to playing "Frankendollie"; however, I also have 78 other dolls I have purchased since 2006.

There simply is no way to transfer all of these dolls to the FR2 body - even if I wanted to try.  IT has further complicated matters by changing the tone of the Caucasian skin tone.  Almost all of the convention dolls were on FR2 bodies.  What makes these bodies so great?  How difficult will it be to adjust my collection?  Do I even want to convert my older dolls?  Do I want to rebody newer dolls to original FR bodies?  Let's see.

I tried laying the dolls side-by-side with their waists at about the same place.

You can tell that the FR2 body has a longer torso and limbs.  The regular FR body has longer thigh areas whereas the FR2 has longer legs below the knees.  The FR2 feet are bigger and have a much higher arch arch.

The arms are surprisingly longer on the FR2 also - I think the photo exaggerates it a little.

Then I turned them over.  The hips and upper thighs on the FR2 are much "roomier" (as Hannibal Lecter might say).

The difference in actual lengths is more apparent in this photo.  The wider bottom of the FR2 body, although more lifelike, may look less aesthetic to some.

When I sat them up, I was surprised at how much better the FR2 sat.  She has better posture.

Here they are compared at the sides.  You can see how much straighter the FR2 sits.

Here is a back-to-back look.

From above, you can see the difference in width of the hips.

And here is a photo from behind.

As the old saying goes, "The proof is in the pudding."   And the pudding for me is how they wear clothes.   The FR2 doll are NOT able to wear most FR/NuFace pants, a-line skirts, sheaths, coats, shoes, or long sleeved shirts.  This really stinks as I have amassed quite a collection of clothing.  Anything with a "fitted" bodice is too big on the FR2 body.

I did find that some items made for the Victoire/Bride of Dracula body and the Monograms could fit.  Many Nuface short-sleeved blouses worked also.  I found that the Rock Me Baby Rayna shoes fit fine.  The pants required some patience to get up and could not close in the back - WARNING- it did stretch the pants a little.  I put the Heart of Glass lace top with the pants (it wouldn't close on the regular FR body in the back).    Here is a side-by-side comparison

I do see benefits to the FR2 body - it sits better.  The torso looks more natural when showing belly-button area.  Someone said the body was supposed to look like a fashion drawing - thin with exaggerated limbs.  I can see that.  I still appreciate the hourglass shape of the regular body.  I may still prefer the height and limbs on the regular body as well.

I guess I stand looking at the line in the sand.  Maybe instead of getting out of the way or forging ahead, I'll just pull a Johnny Cash and choose to walk it for a while.  I'm not going to do anything drastic with the dolls I already own.  I may reduce my numbers more and only keep those dolls I truly love.  There are a couple Convention dolls that I intend to switch to the regular body (I know "sacrilege" and all).  

Before the Convention, I owned a handful of FR2 dolls - one of which was a FR character moved to this particular body.   They had their own separate place in my collection like the Poppies, Vintage Barbies, and Silkstones.   I do struggle with having the same character on both body types.   I'm sure I'll find a solution.

In Real Life ...

I apologize for the length of this blog and how long it will take for photos to upload.  It is a full review of the actual dolls I have from the Jason Wu Convention X.

Buying dolls based on promo photos is like playing the lottery.  As Forrest Gump might say, "You don't always know what you're going to get."  Sometimes the doll is better than the promo, sometimes it  isn't.

For the first time, I registered for the Integrity Convention with a proxy. If ever there was a convention to attend (and bring your spouse, your children, your parents and even in-laws), this was the one.

I have never seen secondary market prices like this.  Below is a sampling of what can be made on this collection.  (If you paid for your convention packet and took advantage of early-bird pricing, you would've spent $425.  The four centerpieces would add $530.  Purchasing the best-selling workshop Elise for an extra $65, and the Integrity-Direct Lilith for another $65 for a grand total less than $1100.)

Here is an "average" sampling of secondary market prices - (not the high end):

Gift Dolls w/Convention Price
  Nightfall Agnes $275
  Especially for You Poppy $225
  Dangerous to Know Kyori $200
  Interlude Monogram w/accessories $200
  Midnight Star Elise $400
Centerpieces (extra charge see above):
  After Tonight Eugenia $350
  Bellissima Natalia $325
  Elegant Evening Poppy $400
  Black Orchid Vanessa  $400
Other:
  Hard Metal Lilith $350
  Workshop Elise $250

Holy Guacamole!
Total:  $3375
Triple the retail price!
Any way you dip that chip, you're going to make money on this collection if you took a significant other.  And I didn't even include the Victoire dolls, In Sequins Anja, or Tricks Up Her Sleeve Poppy.  Not to mention the ridiculous prices the Color Infusion males are bringing.  And almost all of the 7 Convention Collection dolls that were purchased in the sales room are selling at least 50% above retail. WOW!

Here are "real life" photos of the dolls from the Integrity Convention that I own.  Fortunately for me, I had the offer of a proxy this year and was able to get two of the centerpiece dolls at retail.  I had to purchase three other dolls on secondary market since I wasn't there.  I do not collect Color Infusion dolls or male dolls, so those are not included. Although fourteen of them have found a way to sneak into my collection, I still claim to not collect Poppy Parker; therefore, I did not get the Centerpiece Poppy.

I have decided to list these 17 dolls in order of preference. The countdown starts now.

17.  Star In the Making Poppy Parker
Convention Collection - $125
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this ensemble.  Wish it were longer and am wondering if I can use it with my Funny Face dolls.  Ideally, it would be for Dovima, but she is too tall.  The Let's Kiss and Make Up Veronique may be able to pull it off.  Since I got the Barefoot in the Park doll with her up-do, this seems like a duplicate effort.

16.  Paparazzi Darling Adele
Convention Collection - $125
This doll just doesn't photograph well in closeups.  She looks more like the full length photo in real life.  I'm not sure who is designing the screenings for Adele but they definitely are no "soul sister".

15.  Bewitching Veronique
Convention Collection - $125
This doll's screening reminds me of Modern Comeback.  As much as I like the doll, I am not a fan of the eye screening.  I'm not sure if I love the ensemble enough to keep it.  It looks like a black version of Vanessa and Eugenia's dresses from last year.  They were so bad last year, I can't help but wonder if the design team refused to accept defeat and thought, "Let's give this one more try - we'll get it right sooner or later."

14. Especially For You Poppy Parker
Gift Doll at Luncheon - Included with registration
IF I collected Poppy Parker dolls, this would definitely be one for my collection.  She may need to hang around a little while with some of the other girls who are loitering at my house.

13. Interlude Monogram
Build-a-Doll Registration Gift - Included with registration
Such a valiant effort and retirement presentation.  Collectors are wondering, "Why wasn't this what was being offered in the past?"  The line may have survived had the design been consistent and the quality control kept in check.  The line was never able to rebound after the fiasco of the "Basics" line of 2011.  Too bad.  This is an example of "coulda, woulda, shoulda".

12.  Breathless Veronique
Convention Collection - $125
I can't believe how crazy I am about this doll.  I don't know why, but she reminds me of dark haired version of Sharon Stone from Basic Instinct.   She is so classy.  Unfortunately, someone with this level of taste would never buy lipstick in such a garish color.  I will probably have to get the lips repainted to live with her.  Although the center parted hair is severe, it seems to work with the eyes and character of the doll.  Had she had better lips, she'd been easily in my top ten.

11.  Brazen Beauty Natalia
Convention Collection - $125
There have only been two Natalia editions that I have been able to love.  I really struggle with dolls that have "stray" hairs.  I hope this won't be an issue with Brazen Beauty.   I think she'll be on the island for a while!

This doll immediately suffered from being compared to the FAO Shapeshifter from 2008.  Although they are similar, I am still very partial to Shapeshifter.

10. Bittersweet Eugenia
Convention Collection - $125
My favorite Integrity Mold is Eugenia.   I have more Eugenia than any other character and continue to add to my army.  I believe Bittersweet is going to be the "sleeper hit" of the mainline collection.   She is not recognized for her potential and is being overlooked due to there being so many other phenomenal dolls in the collection.  Give it time, and she will definitely come into her own.

9. Workshop Elise
$65 Workshop Fee
This is the doll that I've been "playing" with.  She is getting the most redress time and the most time in front of the camera.  Unfortunately, I am still trying to find the right light and angles.  Engaging Elise has been on my "grail list" for years, and I have never found one that I can afford.  Scratch off "Engaging" - I've found my raven Elise.

8. Black Orchid Vanessa
Table Centerpiece at Closing Banquet -
Limited to Lottery Draw - $140
I have not "warmed" up to the Vanessa 3.0 face mold.  I am not a collector who likes some of the modern runway couture.   Somehow Integrity got this doll right in so many ways.   I love the hairstyle.  The balance in this presentation is perfection.  I am so happy that I was able to get her at retail.  An all-around amazing doll.

7. Bellissima Natalia
Table Centerpiece at Friday's Banquet
Limited to Lottery Draw - $130
Okay, you had me at "Rita Hayworth".  This doll is a nod to the movie Gilda.  Although I have Red Desire Mini Gene - which is also a version of this presentation - this doll truly moves me.  What a difference from Power Game.  It's been a long time since I've seen a red-haired doll with such a perfect face!  LOVE this doll.

6. Nightfall Anges
Gift Doll at opening ceremonies banquet
Included with registration
One of my very favorite dolls ever produced by Integrity Toys is Firefly Agnes.  I love her so much that I have twins.  It's only natural that this doll comes in so high on my list of favorites from the convention.  You can't go wrong with Agnes.

5. Dangerous to Know Kyori
Gift Doll at Friday's banquet
Included with  registration
Another huge surprise for me.  I love Kyori.  I especially love a Kyori with an Asian screening.   This doll is everything anyone could ask for in a Kyori.  Just breath-taking.

4. Hard Metal Lilith
Integrity Direct in Sales Room - ITBE $65
This is one of the dolls I couldn't resist from secondary market.  Her price seems to be sky rocketing as she sold out at the convention.   Sweet Nothings Gretel is one of my very favorite NuFace dolls.  This Lilith is the perfect yang to her yin.  This doll is definitely a classic that I expect to become equal to Style Mantra in desirability.

3.  October Issue Agnes
Convention Collection - $125
I've come to accept the fact that there is one Integrity doll I'll never own - Saks Fifth Avenue Agnes.  I needn't stress about that anymore; I believe October Issue is a very close second.  I am excited about the possible redress opportunities in this doll's future.  It may be sacrilege, but this doll may get put on the old FR body.  I believe if I put her in the Dressing the Part bodysuit and pencil skirt, she will have an amazing resemblance to Saks.  This doll is a definite stunner and the only FR2 from the "Convention Collection" that sold out.  You don't have to look closely to see why.

2.  Midnight Star Elise
Convention Doll - Included with Registration
I went back and forth several times with numbers 1 and 2 in this list.  This doll is truly perfection.   This is the best Convention Doll ever.   I don't think any convention doll has ever been so popular or so coveted.   It's hard to go wrong with a raven-hair, red-lipped, blue eyed doll with smoky eyeshadow.  But then add to it an impeccably elaborate hairstyle and a outfit actually designed by Jason Wu, I can just hear Emeril Lagasse screaming, "BAM!"


1. After Tonight Eugenia
Table Centerpiece at opening ceremonies banquet
Limited to Lottery Draw - $130
This doll is another doll that completely takes my breath away.   As I mentioned earlier, Eugenia is my favorite character; she earned the coveted #1 spot.  What a doll!

This list was very difficult to put together.  There has never been so many gorgeous dolls presented at one time.  I cannot imagine in what order to open and enjoy them.  I can only compare this to eating too much at Thanksgiving, so this blog post is season-appropriate.   Which doll does one open first?