IT: Saturday Night Gala Fashion Paradise

Saturday night's closing dinner theme, Fashion Paradise, seemed to carry on Tropicalia's bright colors and tan dolls with High Profile Eugenia's ivory and white gown with yellow and orange accents. Because table guests had each already had a chance to win a centerpiece purchase opportunity, numbers were drawn a second time for another chance to win.

The large gift doll box with the gown sewn in was filled with a new surprise as guests were treated to a brand new revamped High Point Vanessa Perrin, looking very much like the original sculpt. (She was given to attendees nude in plastic baggies, with the intent that she go in the dress included at registration. I'm pretty sure she was called a gift doll, rather than the souvenir--but I couldn't really be relied upon for valuable and accurate information at this point in the evening.)

After additional raffle prizes were handed out, the official convention doll (?) was unveiled: Fame by Frame Imogen. The giftset is presented in an adorable zippered beach bag and includes three cocktail dresses, a gorgeous tanned Imogen, and some fabulous accessories.

Finally, the location of next year's convention has been announced: October 31-November 2, 2013 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Save the date!

Update: I have to confess, this was my first IT convention, and I am aware that the official convention doll is usually given out to attendees piece by piece. I was actually at convention, and I'm still not sure if the convention doll was Imogen or Vanessa--but we got Vanessa first, and Imogen last, interestingly enough. I think there may have been a little... er, confusion in the set-up and/or manufacture this year, and things were done differently. Plus, while I'm confessing... I might have had a glass of champagne or two (or thereabouts) before this particular event, so I'm relying on W Club email in retrospect. ;)

Saturday W Club luncheon

One of the things I'd heard about Integrity Toys convention is: do not miss the W Club luncheon. I'm so glad I didn't!

All attendees (and there were a lot!) had the opportunity to purchase the lovely centerpiece doll, Escapism Elise Jolie, a new FR: Squared doll. Dressed in a lovely chiffon polkadot gown with an oversized flower detail, empire waist, and train, she comes complete with the fabulous accessories we come to expect from this higher end doll line.

Guests were each treated to a three-pack of FR: Squared shoes as well, when we were seated for our meal, which I also enjoyed. (We ate a lot of chicken during convention, which I can understand--this was on a bed of angel hair pasta, with avocado, tomato and cheese baked over the top.)

In front of each place setting there was an envelope in which we were to order the centerpiece doll, a "mystery doll," or both. The Mystery Doll turned out to be Victorie Roux, who has returned from a lovely tropical vacation on Saint Tropez. We've heard there may be more exploration for her from other fashion eras, as well.

Also in store for next year: Funny Face! The older Vero sculpt will be used on a Poppy body to bring this Paramount classic to plastic. The promo photos look delicious, but no photography was permitted.

IT: 16 at 1600 Tea Party

A new event for convention, 16 at 1600 Tea Party, this optional breakout event was held in the hotel's Cascade American bistro. Guests were offered buffet-style sandwiches, cookies and cupcakes, lemonade, iced tea, and coffee.

The centerpiece doll is Sheen Siren Elsa (the same doll as the FR:16 in the gold and black gown)--and her outfit and facial screening is just amazing. From the detailing of her truly micro-sequined jacket, to the scale of her striped blouse and jewelry, this doll is really gorgeous. Check out the mesh on her shoes!

Guests were each treated to a free three-pack of FR:16 shoes with incredible detailing. You must get your hands on a pack of these shoes--especially the pink and gold ones.

Additionally, we were given a sneak peek of what's to come with this size of doll--Poppy's granddaughter, Talulla. She is a fashionista and blogger, will have access to both vintage styles from her grandmother's closet and contemporary pieces from today's styles.

The three new prototypes that the designers displayed from table to table were quite adorable--from neon handbags and heels, leopard print "fur" coats, to high heeled sneakers, the details look really fun!

I really wish photography had been permitted--I loved these girls!

IT: Poppy Parker Luncheon

For me, the most highly anticipated event was the Poppy Parker luncheon. Sea Breeze Poppy Parker is the centerpiece doll, and she features a lovely open shirtdress with seahorse-printed capris, sorbet jewelry, a straw hat, and wedges.

Each guest was treated to a pack of vinyl inflatable pool furniture as well.

Lots of news was announced at this event--including the introduction of a new friend and broadway actress/singer for Poppy, Loni Lawrence. Lemon Crush Loni Lawrence was a gift doll for each attendee. (She uses the Holly Golightly sculpt.)

Designer David Buttry gave away a few secrets for next year's Poppy Parker line. It is inspired by the 1964 New York World's Fair! From what I could tell, these are structured fashions with navy, red, white and yellow.

IT: Color Infusion Style Lab

An ever-popular workshop at IT's convention is the Design-a-doll workshop, which was replaced this year with the Color Infusion Style Lab. There were (I think) 14 different dolls available--four different boys and ten girls. Several outfits were also available--I know not quite as many outfits as dolls. 

Interestingly, these dolls are not Dynamite Girls. The girls actually use the new Jem body (which is taller and has larger hands and feet than other IT body sculpts), and all the faces are new faces. The boys use the Chip sculpt, I believe.

The boys sold first--and several of the attendees at convention waited in line for 5 hours before the lab even opened to have first choice of the dolls on their list!

The outfits are fun, fresh, and feel 1980s inspired with their bright colors and styles. Girls came with straight hair, with designers on hand to help with hair styling.