A BEARel of Laughs - An interview with Jude

You have probably already seen the auction - for a BEARly used Tyler Wentworth doll.

The debut of Barney the Bear's OOAK artistry was a rousing success

I don’t know about anyone else, but I was laughing so hard that I could BEARly breathe by the time I finished reading it. The auction was for a Tyler Wentworth doll by the Tonner Doll Company, who had had an up close and personal encounter with Barney, a black bear in Colorado. Jude, a regular poster on Prego, posted her photos of Tyler and Barney, and eventually sold Tyler on eBay.

I love the wit that went into this auction posting:

For sale a poor pathetic older unknown Tyler BEARLY USED PLEASE EXCUSE THE STRAY HAIRS
I have used her for a wig model
Mint except for:
Hair has been cut off
Thumb missing on one hand
Fingers missing on the other hand
Slightly played with by bears
Bite marks on head and body
Smells like Bears
Hairspray on Face
She is kind of dirty but could be cleaned up with a magic sponge or NOT
No original box

Comes from a smoke free and BIG pet friendly area
Questions please email.
Emergency sale

Will be shipped in a padded envelope as more damage won't hurt her anyway

On Sep-04-12 at 15:59:52 PDT, seller added the following information:
Sorry the bear is not included in the auction. It would cost an enormous amount to ship and he doesn't want to leave the mountain.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Sep-05-12 at 06:49:19 PDT, seller added the following information:
COA included with doll and signed photos from Barney. He has sacrificed his beloved doll for auction and hopes the winner will be delighted with her. With a little TLC she might look better or maybe not. Barney is thinking of offering another one of his dolls from his private collection for auction at a later date.

BEARing this in mind, it seemed like a BEAR Necessity to interview Jude, and have her tell our readers a little about herself, and her big, hairy, artist neighbor, Barney the Bear.

Who you calling big and hairy?

Jude, how long have you lived in Colorado?

All my life

How have you adjusted to living with neighbors such as Barney? How did Barney introduce himself?

I have lived here on the mountain for 21 years and there are a lot of bears here. We have learned to adjust to them. We are just very careful. The photo opportunites are amazing.

I admire your bravery, I am a coward when it comes to bears. The closest encounter I ever had was while camping at Mt. Rainier when I was about 5 years old, and a bear made my dad teleport about 15 feet!

Barney at work on his first OOAK project, a Tyler Wentworth doll

Was this particular Tyler Wentworth doll, whom you used as a wig model, a favorite?

I have had this Tyler for about 7 years. She had a mishap with my dog when she was a puppy and has issues since. I thought she would be a great candidate for “Bearly played with” for Barney.

Hey, no photos until I'm done! 

Tell us something about your doll collection - what dolls do you have in your collection? Are there any Grails that you are still seeking?

I collect Numina dolls by Paul Pham, Sybarites and a few bjds and Tonners. No Grails at this time.

Ugh! The stupid brushes always fall just out of reach of my paws!

What Grails, if any, do you think Barney has?

Barney loves dolls. He seems to bearly think of anything else. He has a special love for Bearallina dolls. (ballerina)

That would be an interesting OOAK to see next - maybe a Night On Bald Mountain would be an appropriate theme to play to inspire Barney while he works.

A closeup of Barney's painstaking work

What inspired your eBay auction?

I was just thinking it would be cute to put a doll outside and see what the bears would do. Barney showed up first and was BEARy intrigued with her. I took the photos and got to laughing so hard and decided to post them on Prego. Someone on Prego suggested I should put it on Ebay. From there it was 3 days of constant laughter. The questions and answers were hilarious. Animal lovers came out in force and the auction turned out incredible.

I'll say - from a $.99 opening bid to a $430 close - that's pretty impressive for an OOAK debut, especially by an artist of a completely different species!

Not quite mint, but not bad, either!

How did you and Barney come to the decision to sell his OOAK work?

Barney loves art and wanted to share it with all the doll and bear lovers. He is so thoughtful.

One thing's for sure, Jude, the two of you make a winning OOAK team. With his artistry, and your genius for publicity, the only limits are affording the dolls for Barney to work on.

Better start running, I want to look my best for the auction!

How did you feel when you found out that Robert Tonner, the owner of Tonner Doll Company (Tyler’s manufacturer) knew about your auction?

It was amazing!!!!! I was afraid he might be offended because Barney loved the doll so much.

I seem to recall telling you to send an email to Mr. Tonner, telling him you had photographic proof that his dolls are beloved by all species!

Did anyone at Tonner Doll contact you?

Yes, they did and said they loved the auction and would be bidding on it.

What is Barney’s next OOAK project, after this stunning debut?

Barney is working on 2 different bearalinna dolls. The next one will go on auction tomorrow. He is finishing up a makeover of a Miss Piggy. They try to dance. Barney picked a special song just for her  ”Swine Lake”

Jude and Barney's second auction - a Miss Piggy doll by Tonner

Does Barney have anything to add? I’m sure our regular readers would love a quote from him!

Barney is so touched about all the caring posts and bids on his auction. He wants to tell everyone how BEARy touched he is with all of this!

I don’t want to pry into anyone’s privacy, but a fellow Prego member is said to have won the auction, and thus, Barney’s first efforts at OOAK. Please tell the winner to take pictures of his or her new doll, and post them. I’m sure we would ALL like to see that Tyler has adjusted well to her new life as a piece of One of A Kind art.

The questions asked on this auction were pretty funny, and it seems that the potential buyers understood the humor Jude and Barney intended. Here are some of the highlights:

Q:  You mentioned in your listing that were a few stray hairs and this Tyler was used as a wig model. What size wig does she take. I suppose the stray hairs are what I see on her face. Since you said "Mint Condition" I assume they can just simply be brushed off and she is pretty well cleaned up. Or (reading between the lines) is the damage to her face so bad that she has filed for workmen's (women's) compensation and her face needs extensive plastic surgery if she wishes to appear normal in public again.

A:   She wears a 5-6 wig as you can also find in my store. Barney is taking wig styling so Mr. Barney may have some great creations on the horizon. Yes, she has been a model for about 6 years and that hair is embedded with hairspray. You might be able to clean it off with a power sander. That is a thought. She should file for some kind of compensation. She is bearly able to have any spa treatment at the time. Sad isn't it?

Q:  You mention that this OOAK Tyler is in Mint condition except for a few minor defects which you list-mostly to the hands. I was interested in possibly using her as a shoe model, but you don't show her feet in any of the photos. Does she even have feet? or have these modified in the artistic process? Thank you.

A:   Thank you for your question. I bearly remembered to take the other photos. Sorry. Yes she does have feet and one has a tooth mark on the bottom and the other has some mystery brown stuff? on it. Not sure what it is???? I'm sure she could be a great shoe model. The bite is on the bottom and bearly noticable. Thanks so much for your interest in Barney's creation.

Q:  Can you please take my pre order for Barney's next offering. I believe its to be a ballerina called " She Who Dances With Bears." Will you require a deposit. Do you have an anticipated price and ship date. Thanks so much.

A:   Barney will be working on edition #2 shortly. As a STARVING artist he is going to be working like a bear to get it done quickly. Please save him in your favorites so you can be first to see his new creation! He really thanks you for all your interest! Bear Hugs, Barney

Q:  Hi,does she come wearing any clothes or does she come bear ?,sorry I mean bare ! :)

A:   Thank you for writing. She comes Bare but I can cover her bits so she is bearly bare if that would help. Thanks for your interest. Barnmey thanks you!

Q:  But if she encounters further damage, my pristine Bear Art is ruined!! and the COA becomes invalid.......

A:   Oh dear. That is a grizzly thought! I bearly thought of additional damage. I can certainly send her in a box. Barney will wrap her carefully so that she will arrive in the pristine mint condition as shown in the photos! lol

Q:  Do you think that if we ask him nicely he can sign her butt? also I would like to know if she had a given name and if a COA would be provided, thanks. I hope this is just the first of many pieces, Barney is for sure a promising artist!

A:   Thank you! Yes, Barney would be glad to sign her butt! I believe he named her Mauledeen. Yes, there is a COA included . Barney plans on doing a ballerina next called " She Who Dances With Bears. Please put Barney on your favorites list so you will know when his next ooak comes up for auction. Since this all started he has bearly had time to rest. Thanks for writing! Big Bear Hugs

Q:  Free shipping is really great~thanks. Does this include tracking and insurance for the winner Thank you.

A:   Thank you for writing and your interest in the Bearly played with doll. Yes insurance and tracking is included. Not sure what to insure her for tho as she has so much damage . Bear Art is hard to insure accurately. I am sending her in a padded envelope because more damage can't hurt her anyway. lol Thank you. Jude

Q:  Hi,I was wondering if Barney does commissions? I have a doll that resembles my X Husband's Girlfriend that needs a Makeover and I think Barney could help with that? What would he charge for the body enhancements? She wears a lot of Cheap Perfume, has Breast Implants, Facial upgrades and long hair so I think he would like this work. Price with photos please??

A:   Barney may start doing commissions. He is already going to do a ballerina called "Doll That Dances With Bears". If you add Barney to your favorites list you can be informed of his next offering. I'm sure he would love to do a cheap doll. He loves cheap and cheap perfume. lol He can bearly stand it!

Q:  Is this doll sold "as is"?

A:   yes, I'm afraid it is sold as is. As you can see she has some minor issues. Please ask any questions before you bid as I want to keep my good feedback and stars! Please look at the photos carefully. I have tried very hard to describe her as well as I can. As you can see she may require some "PLASTC Surgery". I am not an expert so hopefully this has answered your question???????? Feel free to contact me if you have other questions. I'm not sure what the true definition of "AS IS" really is. lol

Barney has left the building!

And that wraps up this edition of Fashion Doll Review. I would like to thank Jude and Barney for their gracious consent and use of their valuable time to be interviewed. All photos are by Jude, and starring Barney the Bear and Tyler Wentworth. All auction text is by Jude.

More dolls on the secondary market...

I've continued adding to my for-sale listings on my DollPage show and sell listings. My two newest arrivals:

• Nude (but as yet never-removed-from-box) Rocking Ever After Lilith from the W Club exclusive Rock Wedding, by Integrity Toys and
• NRFB Isn't It Romantic? Poppy Parker as Sabrina--she is is brown-eyed girl of the bunch and just gorgeous.

I still have many other items listed for sale--can you tell I have another convention coming up?--and while I do have some trades listed, I'm a little more choosy in those trades than I have been in the past.

I'm looking for a few outfits, and a stunning Tyler. You can see my complete want-to-trade list here. Thanks for looking, and thanks for your support!

Suggested Reading: The Toy Box Philosopher

The Toy Box Philosopher blog

If you're interested in the latest reviews of dolls, subscribing to The Toy Box Philosopher is an absolute must! Emily's blog is an honest, down-to-earth and extremely detailed account of reviews of all sorts of dolls and collector items--ranging from Monster High dolls to Tonner Dolls to Sybarite--with a lot of detailed photos and humor thrown in as well.

I love her photography--it's really fun to look at, and she considers all sorts of things collectors consider (and things I often wouldn't even think to consider) when purchasing dolls. She purchases the items and reviews them, but I bet if we can get her some additional readers, and doll companies start discovering her site, manufacturers would be wise to start sending her free goodies to review!

You can follow Em's blog directly and also on Facebook.

Seriously, people, I know I get a lot of readers here looking for photos and reviews of Monster High dolls--you must go check out some of her reviews of these products. Here's another courtesy screen shot and a link to one of my favorite reviews--Howleen and Clawdeen Sister set:

Also--did you know she did a giveaway in May? Of Cupid?

Stop wasting your time reading my drivel and go start reading the Toy Box Philosopher. And as always--don't forget to support your local bloggers by leaving thoughtful comments, clicking on their ads and buying their previously loved items.

Plus, I have to say--if you ever do business with Em on Prego--she is just totally 100% awesome, too.

Suggested reading: My Darling Dolls

My Darling Dolls blog - screen shot

I just came across this wonderful website, My Darling Dolls, as I was perusing Tonner's blog this morning. Marie's blog is fantastic resource for fashion doll collectors looking for real-life photos of dolls of all shapes and sizes. You really should subscribe.

If French isn't your first (or second) language, you can turn on Google translate on the right, and translate the page into the language of your choice. On this blog, you will find many gorgeous images of Marie's doll collection--ranging from Tonner Dolls to Fashion Royalty to Barbie--redressed and restyled in assorted fashions.

Each photo shoot is labeled with the outfits used, and the colors are lovely and cheerful. When I see this site, I see a collector in love with her dolls.

The site is easily navigated, so you can click on the sculpt or doll you'd like to see on the left, and this will bring on the posts which use this doll.

She has been publishing since February of 2010, and has very few followers--so let's get her some more! Go subscribe to her blog! It's wonderful!

Diamonds

Diamonds, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This wonderful 22" American Model doll was the centerpiece from the Marilyn Monroe dinner, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, from the 2012 Tonner Convention. She is called Diamonds, and she is a new licensed Marilyn Monroe sculpt.

Her gown is lined pink satin, with black detailing on the bow and slit in the back of the dress. She has a separate pink belt with buckle, and matching pink gloves (and nude gloves to prevent stains). She has pink satin mules that match her outfit as well.

Her jewelry is absolutely fabulous--diamonds really are a girl's best friend in this case--diamonds and dolls!

Marilyn is a limited edition of 100 dolls. She was for sale briefly on Tonner's website, and you might still be able to find her on eBay. After deboxing mine, I'm finding I'm loving her more each day!

See more photos of her on Flickr. I really love this version of her.

Back from my first Tonner Convention

The Parrot - Antoinette sculpt, LE 100, Flights of Fancy centerpiece - so gorgeous!

I'm back from my first Tonner Convention - and I really had a blast! I'm exhausted, and ended up shipping some dolls home, which will be here Friday. I do have some to shoot, which I plan to do today, and a lot of blogging to catch up on, and more will follow.

For now, please check out some (really lame, I'm so sorry!) photos on Flickr from the convention. I can say I am really thrilled about the convention dolls. And I have to say--I really am most surprised and delighted about the new Marilyn Monroe doll. I think she is gorgeous--the photos I've seen of her so far really don't do her justice, and I can't wait to see her more.

We saw an amazing presentation of her--so much I didn't know!--including that this "curvy" lady was 5 feet and 5.5" tall, and 140 pounds at her heaviest. To me, that's not very curvy! And certainly not today's size 14. At any rate, her usual weight was 117 pounds.

At any rate--lots more to come!

Dolls I miss...

Bordeaux Tyler Wentworth is a Paris Fashion Doll Festival doll from 2002. She was in my collection for a long while, and I sold her quite some time ago. She's dressed in a fabulous silk 1920s era flapper dress. It's so adorable!

If you like this doll, you can still find her for sale on Doll Expo. Click on Online Shop, then on Tonner Dolls, under Tyler. She is 95 Euros plus shipping. (I think they may be having issues with the English language version of the site, so use the French version and Google translate if needed.) They have great customer service, and lots of hard to find fabulous dolls!

My doll collection is pretty fluid, but I find that fluidity often brings nostalgia with it sometimes. I'm hoping to add a fabulous new resin Tonner to my collection this weekend. We shall see!

Heavenly

Heavenly, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Getting ready for Tonner's Convention?

I am!

This is Ultimate Glamour Ashleigh, an exclusive to Two Daydreamers, in a Glib wig and basic bodysuit. She's having "heavenly" daydreams, while I'm playing with Adobe Elements filters.

Daphne in Carol Peters

Daphne in Carol Peters, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another Carol Peters OOAK outfit--this time, the lovely Daphne Dimples (Effanbee) from the Brenda Starr collection is our model.

I think she's simply sizzling!

More photos can be viewed on Flickr.

Fabrizio Vitti's private doll collection

This may be slightly old news, which I unfortunately only discovered today. Originally posted in December 2011 on the Louis Vuitton website, you must visit the actual link for an amazing stop-motion video. (If you love dolls and shoes, that is.)

"Step back in time to 1944, following World War II when due to a shortage of resources, the Haute Couture fashion houses of Paris created the Thêatre de la Mode. Imagine a spectacle of fashion in miniature, designed specifically for dolls but with all the exquisite detail and perfection of the regular collections."

"Similarly, the shoe department at Louis Vuitton is inextricably connected to the sphere of dolls. Exactly the same workshop in Fiesso d'Artico, Italy, where the Louis Vuitton shoe collections are created is entrusted with the task of fabricating the parallel miniature versions for Fabrizio Viti’s private doll collection. The attention to detail is striking and in this short stop motion animation, his dolls and shoes come to life in another inspiring spectacle."

If you liked that article and video, you should check out Part I:

"Photography, the glamour in old style movies, especially French movies from the 60s, art and fashion books, are all an inspiration to Fabrizio Viti, Louis Vuitton’s shoe style director. Nonetheless, it is the history of fashion dolls and fashion dolls today that stimulate his imagination. He has been collecting dolls since he was three years old and as a result, today he has a collection with around 500 pieces."

"The creative process works in both directions, either using his dolls as a canvas for experimentation or adapting the Louis Vuitton shoe designs for his dolls. Fabrizio will often custom make shoes for his dolls and this year he made a specific shoe with a platform for one particular doll. After it was made, he liked it so much that he made it into a larger human scale version and it incidentally became the season must have."

Tonner Two Decades of Fashion and Design

This commemorative book, written by Pat Henry, covers the twenty year history of the Tonner doll company as well as a biographical sketch of Robert Tonner himself. Chapters include the early Tonner years, the evolution of Tyler Wentworth, Tonner's Theatre of fashion, expansion of the Tonner brand, famous faces on the big and small screens, Antoinette, Wilde Imaginations, Sinister Circus, and the future of the Tonner doll company. I found the history of Robert Tonner's design career particularly interesting. There are gorgeous color photos throughout the book. Softcover. 146 pages. The book is available for sale in my Ebay store.

Bigs and Smalls - more inspirational ideas for your collection

Autumn Gold Tyler from the 2007 Collection by Tonner Doll Company

 More ways to spruce up your collection and wish list this holiday season follow this post!

If you have the coveted Autumn Gold Tyler from 2007, you might consider adding an additional larger doll to your collection as a one-of-a-kin creation.

2006 Basic Redhead from Tonner's American Model collection

This gorgeous 22" Basic Redhead American model retailed originally for $99. Some dealers may still have her in stock. Then, what you'd want to do is hire a designer like Jennygrey Designs and ask if she might be able to make a dress inspired by Autumn Gold Tyler's dress for your new girl, in American Model size. It's really lovely.

If you do this, let me know! I'd love to post photos!

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Thankful IV

Well, looking through my photos of all of my lovely dolls, I came across a series of pics I took exactly a year ago today, which I called "Conan Logic."

I love reading Robert E. Howard's Conan stories, and while I was growing up, I collected Conan novels, as well as collections of short stories by various other writers. What I found the most interesting about these books, was the cover illustrations, painted by such great fantasy artists as Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo. Many times, the strong, hunky hero is shown standing over monster he has just vanquished, with a scantily clad lady on his arm. The funniest covers had to be the ones depicting deep winter conditions, with the hero wearing a loincloth and a bunch of pelts tied together as boots, while the scantily clad lady, usually a plucky escaped slave girl, lounged at his feet.

My point, and yes, there is one, is that I am glad there is no snow on the ground THIS year. In the meantime, please enjoy Steffanie (Blush and Bashful Sydney Chase) as the plucky escaped slave girl, looking for the hunky barbarian hero, an homage to the great cover illustrations of Messrs. Frazetta and Vallejo.

I am a plucky escaped slave girl! I do not want to be the Evil Dude's love toy!

Oh, no! The Evil Dude has sent his monster minion to bring me back and make me his love toy! Can no one save me?

Thank you, oh, thank you, hunky barbarian hero! Uh, do you have any brandy? I'm kinda chilly in this getup!

Here's hoping all of Fashion Doll Review's readers have a nice, warm and snuggly Thanksgiving! Or at least warmer than the one poor Steffanie had this time last year.

Thankful III

Well, at the risk of sounding exceptionally greedy, I passed the mark of 100 Tonner dolls in April of this year. Not bad for someone who started collecting these lovely ladies in 2007!

Anyway, the doll that pushed me over the so-called "Century Mark" actually might have been a denizen of my so-called Bluebeard Drawer. I purchased her as a head, but decided that she had to have a body as soon as I could arrange it. One of my other dolls, whom I wanted to Frankendolly onto a different style of body "volunteered" to "donate" her body to the cause, and doll number 100 became a "real live doll," and not an occupant in my Bluebeard Drawer.

Kalypso Hart, formerly Egyptian Gold Betty Ann

I have long been a Greek mythology fan, and one of my favorite names from mythology was the name of one of the goddesses mentioned in The Odyssey, who tried to keep King Odysseus with her and make him Her immortal consort.

Oh, and for those of you who wonder what in the world a Bluebeard Drawer could POSSIBLY be or look like, here is your answer:

Gruesome, isn't it?

And don't worry - I am already planning my New Year's Resolution for 2012, and that is to get bodies for all of these lovely ladies.

Thankful II

Continuing with the more or less holiday theme, I am giving thanks for Pessimist in Purple Agnes Dreary. This little gal has turned into quite a muse for me, and I really enjoy writing short stories of her adventures with various members of her family. Here, she is shown with her "evil twin,"  greeting their uncle in typical fashion - namely bowling the poor guy over.

That new chandelier DOES look great, kids!

Tonner twins - in different colors

More dolls that you simply must have in your collection.

If your grail doll is:

Elegance Antoinette, limited to just 25 dolls, was a 2010 Paris Fashion Doll Festival. She's a gorgeous raven doll, and very hard to find. If she is out of your budget, you might consider...

Tranquil. Produced the following year, this lovely auburn Antoinette is a limited edition of 500, and will be much more reasonably priced. She includes a suit very similarly styled, only in hues of blues.

Both dolls are simple wonderful, and I'd want them both in my collection, ha ha!

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Another fashion inspiration by Tonner Doll

Ever wonder why you adore some dolls, and why they might end up in your collection? Check out these two:

From the 2006 American Model collection, this lovely dressed doll is Confection. She is dressed in a gorgeous shantung ball gown with a corsage at the waist. The bodice is shirred and sculpted. She includes a gorgeous necklace, earrings and bracelet.

If you like this doll, consider this one, too!

My favorite of all the Cinderella dolls, the Cinderella Rose gift set. She was an FAO exclusive, and she includes the convertible feet auburn-haired Cinderella doll, glass slippers and this gorgeous gown--with a similar silhouette to the American Model's gown. Wouldn't they be great in your collection, displayed together?

(Seriously, Dreamcastle's Tonner reference is simply dangerous. Don't just go browsing through there for no reason. Your wallet will start crying. Loudly. All these dolls that were on my list are coming up again!)

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

More biggies and smallies by Tonner Doll

On the topic of Biggies and Smallies - here are two more of my favorite "twins" from Tonner:

Winter Solstice American Model from 2008, a platinum blonde babe with a fur-trimmed embroidered peplum jacket, mermaid skirt, gloves, parasol and oversized hat - she's a winter dream.

In contrast, a similar outfit in black, the jacket embroidered in silver, on Tyler 2.0 - this lady is so classy and elegant, and is one of the most dramatic dolls Tonner has produced. I adore them both.

All photos property of Tonner Doll Company.

Large and Largess?

I love playing with scale in my doll collection, and I'm always struck when similar dolls and styles come out with from prior collections from doll manufacturers. 

Two fabulous examples were released in Tonner's latest release.

Above, the gorgeous 1920s styled Platinum Luxury American Model. She is the large(ss) version.

Below, the amazing grail, Classic Elegance Sydney. People, I will trade my brand new, mint condition Blue Alice for this Syndey. Why, you may ask? I have, what the laywomen refer to, a keeper. 

I was having a difficult day yesterday. Jokingly (and in a rather bitchy manner, if I admit it), I forwarded a photo  of the new American Model to my husband via email, when he asked what he could do to make my day better. "Buy me this doll." And to my utter surprise, he did! (From Dreamcastle!) With the caveat that I not complain about various Christmas parties or do anything embarrassing there. (People who know me, please--no comments about work parties.) I am delighted!

Now, I'd like to add the smaller version to my collection as well. (I'd hate to press my luck by having another bad day--so a trade perhaps?) Wouldn't they look wonderful together?

The other set can be seen below:

From the Gowns by Anne Harper collection, Anna Karenina is close to selling out. It's still available from Toni's Collectibles. The outfit is designed for wigged 16" dolls such as Tyler Wentworth.

For a larger scale, there is the beautiful Anna Karenina American Model, still available for purchase. The two displayed together would be simply stunning in your collection!

New Tonner items released!

Madame Bovary American Model, $399.99 LE100

Tonner Doll's last release of 2011 has been announced, and there are quite a few gorgeous new dolls. Visit your favorite Tonner dealer today to place your order.

I'll go through the list alphabetically.

Above, two new dressed dolls have been added to the American Model collection, Madame Bovary ($399.99) and Platinum Luxury ($349.99). Madame Bovary's shipping date has yet to be announced, but Platinum Luxury (who reminds me of Sydney Candescence) is shipping now. Both are limited to 100 pieces, and have inset acrylic eyes. Madame is rooted, Luxury is wigged. Wow!

The latest addition to Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland collection is Mallymkun the Doormouse, a dressed Tonner Character Figure, made from resin. He's limited to 250 pieces, and retails for $69.99. Ship date is to be announced.

Two wonderful new dressed Antoinette dolls have been released. First, dressed in yellow (she says hello) is Allure. She's limited to 300 and retails for $169.99. She has light brown rooted hair, Tyler's skin tone, green painted eyes, and a gorgeous gold dress, which appears to me to be inspired by the 1920s. She includes a black feathered hair piece, gold and black jewelry, black shoes, gloves, and black hose.

Second, is Simplicity. This gorgeous red-haired, grey-eyed Antoinette is dressed in a lovely navy outfit, including pants, jacket and halter top, and includes boots and a silver necklace. She's limited to 300 and retails for $179.99. Both dolls shipping dates are to be announced.

Several new exciting items have been added to the Cami & Jon collection. Two new wigged Basic dolls (Cami and Jon) will ship on December 21. They both have inset acrylic eyes (Cami's are green, and Jon's are brown), and both include two wigs (Cami: blonde and black, Jon: brown and red). Both dolls are limited to 500 and retail for $109.99.

Next, three new outfits for Andy Mills (and Matt and Russell) have been announced. Central Park, Washington Square, and Chelsea Look retail for $89.99 and are limited to 300 each. Chelsea look will ship December 21, and the others will be determined.

The most exciting additions to the line are two new Theatre de la Mode dressed dolls. Both dolls use the TDLM sculpt on the Antoinette body. Midnight #83 has blonde rooted hair in a braided up-do with blue eyes in a cameo skin tone. She is wearing a black velvet and chiffon dress with crystal buttons, black feathered headband, crystal earrings and black shoes. She retails for $199.99 and will ship December 21.

My favorite of the two is Royale #2, with grey eyes and fancy auburn updo of curls. She's dressed in a pleated purple gown with a petticoat, gold and rhinestone jewelry, black gloves, hose, and black shoes. Her shipping date is to be announced, and she retails for $224.99. Both dolls are limited to 100.

Available for shipping now, this lovely 16" Scarlett O'Hara doll, Christmas 1863, retails for $249.99 and is a limited edition of 300. She includes a green printed gown with embroidered collar and cuffs, antique cameo brooch, petticoat, gold earrings, green shoes and a green and red hair decoration.

Lots of excitement from the Gowns by Anne Harper collection. Two new outfits are available for preorder. Anna Karenina (sized for 16" dolls) includes the wig shown, black dress with silk flower trim, rhinestone jewelry, black shoes and white gloves. It's limited to 150 pieces for $149.99. It's gorgeous!

Additionally, there is another outfit, Matinee Luncheon, a pink suit with black "fur" cuffs, including a pearl necklace and black feathered hat and black shoes, which has photos yet to come. This outfit is limited to 300 and retails for $99.99. Both outfits have delivery dates to be decided.

Tow gorgeous new basic wigged dolls are also available. Ready to Dress Carol Barrie retails at $119.99. She's limited to 500, and includes a black swimsuit with a white collar. She's in the cameo skin tone with painted blue eyes, and includes red and platinum wigs.

Ready to Dress Diane Evans is also limited to 500 dolls, and includes the same swimsuit as Carol. She has brown painted eyes and uses the Friday Foster head sculpt. She has the spice skin tone. She includes brown and black wigs. She also retails for $119.99. Both dolls have delivery dates to be announced.

Delightfully, three new outfits are available for the 13" Revlon dolls. Silver Shimmer retails for $79.99 includes a black and silver dress, sparkling tights, beaded earrings and matching shoes.

Midas Touch retails for $84.99. It's a gold sequined dress with gold shoes and rhinestone bracelet. Photos are still coming.

Velvet Dazzle retails for $79.99. This outfit includes a velvet strapless dress, matching black gloves and sash with a rhinestone buckle, red lamé coat, rhinestone necklace, and black pumps. All three of these outfits are limited to 500 each, and have shipping dates to be decided.

Evening in Paris Vintage Revlon has also been announced with a shipping date to be decided. She is limited to 500 with a retail price of $139.99. She includes a solo-in-the-spotlight style black sparkling gown with white stole, black gloves, tights, crystal jewelry, and black molded shoes.

Dazzling Tyler Wentworth is a gorgeous dressed doll with wigged platinum hair, green painted eyes, and a purple sequined metallic dress. She also includes matching fingerless gloves, a crystal necklace, and silver shoes. I love her facial screening! She's limited to 300, retails for $224.99 and her shipping date is to be decided.

Additionally, several other products have been added to the line:

Betsy McCall Prints, Prints, Prints gift set, LE500 $149.99, includes wigged 8" Betsy and two wigs, three outfits.

To the Harry Potter collection:

19" Viktor Krum, LE300, Photos still coming, $249.99

12" Draco Malfoy, LE300, $124.99

7" Small Dobby, LE500, $99.99

12" Slytherin House Robe, open edition, $29.99

17" Deathly Hallows Harry Potter, LE350, $170 (in stock)

16" Deathly Hallow Hermione Granger, LE350 $170