Showing posts with label FDQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FDQ. Show all posts

10/07/2015

Kingdom Doll and MetroDolls Events — Review

The first ever Kingdom Doll event was held on Saturday, October 4, 2015 at a restaurant in New Jersey. Wine and hors d'oeuvres were served in the very noisy bar area and I was happy when we were called to go upstairs to our dining area. Upon entering the room we were treated to the sight of the actual Liberty doll we were to receive and the optional pink version of her fashion. This was the first time I've seen an event doll up front, not hidden under a table. It was a sophisticated way to present our doll. The tables were, of course, pre-determined but I was surprised that the actual seating at the tables was also set.

As far as the food went, the salad and appetizer were good. We had several choices for a main course and I ordered the steak. It was tough and I ate very little of it. I gave it to a friend to take home for his dogs. The owner asked me if I'd like something else but I wasn't very hungry. Others who ordered the fish or pasta said they enjoyed their meals. Dessert was a chocolate lovers dream.

During the meal we were given several table gifts. One was a fabulous pair of white boots trimmed in gold.

Several other gifts turned out to make a complete and coordinated fashion. Eire is modeling here.




Marie Nido or Machelle Dubriel made these red dresses with earrings for everyone! Sorry I don't remember which. I'm sure someone will correct me.

This miniature FDQ magazine was also a table gift.

We were treated to close-up, hands-on experience with the Kinsman Dolls. They are like no other male doll I've ever seen and will surely be a topic for a future post. We had fun with their being anatomically correct because underneath our shiny exteriors, we're all children at heart. Take it from me that they are very well hung. Picture Michelangelo's David without pubic hair but with a larger penis.

The first edition will come in briefs. With a body like his, why even bother with clothes?
However, clothes are being designed and will look fabulous down the line.

Attendees got the chance to pre-order the Holiday Angel doll. She will have the new and improved Kingdom Doll body.

Here's the gorgeous new Liberty and the optional outfit modeled by Chaucer. Liberty's jacket is black. Her skirt is hot pink with a black overlay. She came with a headband, necklace, hosiery, hot pink panties and shoes. The pink fashion came with a delicate silver bracelet and white panties. Every piece fits perfectly. The incredible detail that went into these jackets is mind blowing. The folds are origami-like and the beading was hand done. Truly little works of art.




Inspiration - Dior

There is a bit too much fabric in the origami folds of the doll fashion to allow them to lay flat like the originals. I may take a stitch from the inside to hold the lapels down more.
 

We went back to the hotel (and in some cases, home) with a wonderful collection of new 'toys' to add to our collections.

_______________

The Tenth MetroDolls event began at 10AM Sunday morning. There was much to see and do and so many doll friends to meet and greet. Many of my photos from the post immediately preceding this one show the range of offerings and vendors. 
I enjoyed Robert's talk as always. His topic was Ladies Who Lunch and he talked to us about his involvement with Bill Blass and the earlier era of society ladies who set fashion trends and the designers whose clothing they wore.

The food was awful, I'm sorry to say. The salad was drenched in dressing. There weren't enough rolls for our table so they gave us stale French bread. The main course was practically inedible. It was an overcooked, breaded rolled-up chicken breast stuffed with a spinach-cheese mixture. The texture was dry and the food was tasteless. The vegetables were limp. The food at MacDonalds is much better if I remember correctly.
Why do people think that everyone likes chocolate? 


I don't like chocolate cake or red velvet cake. But I tried it anyway and it wasn't good.  Of course the meal isn't the most important part of the event but when one is away from home, eating a decent meal and a good piece of cake is a plus. All I can say is that the hotel had good coffee. 

I bought the blonde Carmela companion doll. I bid on and won the Bashette bed which is incredible. Pictures in another post to come.

At first I loved Carbon Nite Marley but the more I look at her, the more I think she needs different hair and a different dress. One bit of unusual construction about this dress is that the faux turtleneck part comes off.  I may sell the dress and remove her wig. I'd like to see her in a glamorous Hollywood styled wig. I think this wig was originally meant for the Carmen Dell'Orefice line which is apparently not going to be produced. It ages Marley.



More, later.



3/11/2015

Upcoming Events and Conventions 2015

I kept staring at this picture in an email that was sent from FDQ and then I realized that the photo of the doll in the red dress was mine. She is Milou wearing Sandra Stillwell's "Tree" gown.



Read about Milou here.

The email announced several events.


I will be atttending UFDC's 2015 convention in Kansas City in July.
Below each logo is a link an event.

MAY 22-24, 2015




Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel

Saturday, September 5th, 2015




May 29-31, 2015
Dallas, TX

Sunday, October 4, 2015


8/20/2014

The Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz

I've been MIA for a while attending convention and a family holiday which were just a few days apart. I'm exhausted!
I'm currently occupied getting a submission ready for FDQ.

There is an interesting, charitable function in the works and the best way to describe it is to copy here a letter from Joanne Canapini who handles PR at the Tonner Doll Company.

Hi there Terri!

My name is Joanne and I handle PR at the Tonner Doll Company.  We’ve met at many an event at the Tonner Company Store and Factory Sales over the years – I’m the gal with short dark hair :D  We are big fans of your blog, and you’ve been a great supporter of what we do, so I wanted to take the time and reach out to you because we have some super exciting stuff going on that you might want to cover! 

We’re currently in the middle of a major partnership with Warner Bros. and Habitat for Humanity on a thrilling design program called The Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz, in celebration of the 75th anniversary (the anniversary of the actual premiere is actually this Friday, though we have been celebrating all year long!).  Here’s a little background:

Twenty of the world’s top fashion, costume and accessories designers have reinterpreted
doll-sized couture versions for “The Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz” design program in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the classic film and in support of Warner Bros. and Habitat for Humanity’s “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign, supporting Habitat for Humanity’s work to create decent, safe and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families.

Each designer has created a unique makeover from head to toe, featuring hand-crafted outfits, dramatic hairstyles and makeup, and perfectly petite footwear for “The Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz.” The full collection of Tonner Dolls, starring Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch, and The Wicked Witch of the West will be unveiled at The Museum at FIT in New York, September 4-10, after which the collection will be showcased at the flagship Bloomingdales location on 59th and Lexington from September 12 - October 9.

The Tonner dolls that the designers have used for their creations are the 22” American Models – and they are stunning!

Bottom: Chris Benz

 __________________________________________________

Stay tuned for more pictures of the dolls along with some of the backstory.





1/14/2014

A Few Announcements

So Many Dolls; So Little Time

-3 Day Clearance Sale at Cherished Friends - Below wholesale prices. (Photo shows only a fraction of items on sale.)
http://cherishedfriends.com/WeeklySale1-13-14.html

-FDQ Interior Design Contest: 
http://www.fdqmedia.com/contest.html



-TonnerCon 2014 Registration Now Open
https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1328242


5/04/2013

Jamieshow Gene J'Adore Giftset

A surprise today for Gene lovers - the highly anticipated FDQ exclusive resin BJD J'Adore Gene popped up on the FDQ site for pre-order. This picture was posted (on the Studio Commissary board) but there was no actual caption or indication if this is the actual production doll.

The giftset price if you pay in full is $595. If you pay half now and half in July, the total is $600.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO GO TO THE ORDER PAGE
UPDATE: This is not the doll.
Now is your chance to pre-order this amazing new giftset from JamieShow and Mel Odom! This giftset is designed by original Gene Team member Doug James, inspired by the master himself, Christian Dior. Set includes doll with new facepaint, alternate hands, wig cap, two ensembles and accessories.

NOTE: This doll is a resin, ball-jointed Gene doll. LE100

Priority mail shipping, insurance and delivery confirmation will be added at checkout.

UPDATE: Pre-orders are now sold out until July, 2013 when the remaining dolls will be available for purchase.

4/17/2013

Heading Back to PA from IDEX 2013

I have a little time this morning before having to leave for the airport so I wanted to talk a little about the new Gene doll and post a few pictures.
Phoenix is a pretty doll who comes with two wigs caps and a plain cap for use with your own wigs. She comes with a set of white gloved hands and standard hands. They are easy to switch out once you get the hang of it.
Monday night Sandra Stillwell came over and we spent about 4 hours dressing and redressing Phoenix and an IT Madra in Sandra's designs from her last convention. My rudimentary photo studio consisted of an ironing board, a few dim lamps and a good camera with a small external flash unit attached. Certainly not optimal conditions but we made do.


Yes, the IT dolls were taller. Even blocking out Madra's hair, you can see that the legs or torso contribute to the height. Phoenix is closer to the old AD height. Every other part of the body appears to be the same size.
Here she is with her brunette wig cap.
Phoenix dressed in her own gown without her jewelry and train.
Phoenix dressed in one of Sandra's lovely fashions.
These are just teasers. I will have more pictures of the doll herself later on.

Here are pictures from Saturday, the day of the presentation. The room itself was very dark so there is only one picture from there. Most of these are from the hall outside the venue and from nearby.







Mel went around like a proud Papa showing Gene to attendees. He was glowing with pride and joy.
During his verbal presentation he talked about how much he enjoyed the collectors over the years, sharing with them and traveling around the country to events. Sounds like he wants to pick that up again.
There are a handful of naysayers complaining about the price which was $525. at the event and $550. on line. But there were many more who defended the price of this exclusive resin convention doll as being similar to other resin BJD event dolls.
Apparently there is a market in this price range for resin BJD Gene because Phoenix Gene sold out lightning fast. Another one is on the way from FDQ according to the magazine distributed to attendees by Pat Henry.  More information on that doll will be forthcoming. What we do know is that she will be in day wear a la Dior.
This revival will be very interesting to watch. I'm looking forward to any individual fashions that may be designed and released. No, I do not have insider information on that aspect - I'm just hoping.

In the meanwhile, Sandra Stillwell has some beautiful, era appropriate designer fashions for sale on her website. I photographed many of them for her on Monday and will be sending her the images shortly so she can post them on her site. I'll post some of them on my blog, too.



Robert Tonner
John Dean, Philip Myers



2/10/2013

Mel Odom: A New Doll?

Very exciting news just out: Mel Odom has teamed up with Jamieshow Dolls and FDQ in a new venture. It will be a doll. Jamieshow dolls are resin. Mel does Gene. So will this be a resin Gene? One can only hope. Gene collectors are just now reviving from fainting at the news.

If you want to be one of the first to see the doll and hear more about the future line (?), you will have to go to Orlando, Florida in April. Perhaps I'll see you there.

When:

Saturday April 13, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Where:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Universal
5780 Major Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819


Lunch with Mel Odom 

Come celebrate Gene's 18th Birthday with Mel Odom. Hosted by JAMIEshow Dolls and FDQ Magazine.  Join us for a two hour luncheon featuring guest of honor Mel Odom, as he talks about Gene Marshall and announces a new collaborative effort with JAMIEshow Dolls.  This is Mel's first public appearance since the retirement of Gene Marshall in 2010. Meet and greet Mel in person, and watch a history of the Gene through the eyes of Mr. Odom. We will be presenting a special new Ltd. Edition doll at the event, which will be available for purchase and to take home!

Mel Odom’s art first attained prominence in the mid-1970s with a series of exotic illustrations done for glossy magazines.  These pencil and watercolor drawings soon attracted assignments from art directors of other magazines, leading to a seventeen year, free-lance relationship with Playboy magazine, and covers for Time and Omni magazines as well as countless books. During this period, a successful line of posters and greeting cards using Mel’s iconic images was published by paper Moon Graphics.
In 1995 Mel retired from illustration and focused on a three-dimensional project, a fashion doll for adults named Gene Marshall.   Gene’s story of being a movie star during the 1940s and 50s was irresistible to collectors, and within a year of her 1995 launch at Toy Fair, Gene was in fact a star.  Bits of her story came with each doll and costume and in 2000 her lavishly illustrated biography: “Gene Marshall, Girl Star” was published by Hyperion Press.  Gene has been voted in Doll Reader the most influential doll since Barbie.

Note: A full sit down luncheon will be served with three meal options. Choose meal options at registration.  Click below to register.

Event Cost is $65.00
Event is limited to a Maximum 150 people.
We are sorry absentee packages are not available.
 

3/30/2012

FDQ Spring 2012 Cover Features New Jamieshow Doll

Featured on the cover of the Spring, 2012 Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine is a new Jamieshow doll. She is called Evil and has the Grace sculpt. She looks kind of dangerous with flaming red hair, black lips, sharp weapons and a black vampire-like fashion.
Evil is LE50 and retails for $450. She will be ready at the end of April for delivery.
Evil
Evil is a Grace Sculpt, she features Flaming Red Hair wig cap, and comes with an additional smooth cap for wigs.  She wears a black chiffon dress, with metallic laser cut breast plate, and is covered in a velveteen cape with laser cut metal epaulets and black feather collar.  She carries with her a deadly knife and a finger holster in silver.  Her shoes are wickedly delicious!  Her eyes are a blue green color with just a touch of wicked!  
Grace is made of SmoothJ Resin, has 19 points of articulation.  Doll stand is included.
 LINK to Angelic Dreamz for more information and to order.