Doll News Feb 25 2002

Look out World...Here Come the Integrity Gals!

One of the biggest surprises I had at Toy Fair was seeing the exquisitely beautiful new line of 12" fashion dolls at Integrity Toys. The promise shown by designer Jason Wu last year has blossomed into a full-blown and highly collectible line. Mr. Wu’s work has long been favored by collectors but, the new 2002 Candi line has got to be seen to be believed. There are two stunning new doll models named Adele and Veronique. The other dressed dolls and fashions show a flair, sophistication and elegance that has been rare in the 12" fashion doll market lately. The color palate is clean, subtle and rich. In many ways, it delivers what Barbie collectors have wanted in the Mattel line. Jason Wu’s collection for Integrity delivers high quality, fresh and original designs along with affordability. The high-end feel of the collector Candi line also spills over into the Janay playline. I predict that the new male character named Tariq will be a favorite among male fashion doll collectors in 2002.

Make sure to stop by MasterCollector Online’s coverage of the NY Toy Fair 2002 to see much more. We have uploaded photos and videos of many of the hundreds of dolls we previewed during our 5-day stay in the Big Apple. I will be covering the details of the treasures we saw in coming weeks in this column. In the meantime, our photo spreads will provide you with lots of eye candy to tide you over.

The 2nd International Tammy Collectors Convention will be held on April 26-28 2002. Registration deadline is coming up quickly so now is the time to act if you are interested in attending. The convention will be held just outside of Chicago at the Radisson Hotel O’Hare, 6810 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018 1(847) 297-8464. Registration is $150 per person (spouse/guest rate $60).

Convention activities include workshops, competitions, display of Tammy and family items including the rare and unusual, auctions and a swap and sales meet. Convention goers will have the opportunity to win prizes and receive some unique Tammy convention souvenirs. Cindy Sabulis, co-author of Tammy, the Ideal Teen, will be at the convention selling and signing her books. Your convention fee also covers transportation and admission on Sunday to the nearby Antique-Collectible Toy & Doll World Show at the Kane County Fairgrounds where you will have the opportunity to purchase dolls and toys from more than a thousand dealers.

Registration forms need to be returned by March 1st, 2002. Registrations received after March 1st, 2002 are subject to a $15.00 late fee. Room reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 1(800) 333-3333. We have a block of rooms at the hotel, so be sure to ask for the special Tammy Convention rate. If you haven’t yet received your registration packet, email tammyconvention@yahoo.com.

Fashion Designer Barbie, the latest FAO exclusive in the Fashion Model Collection has begun shipping. Collectors who have already received their dolls are thrilled with her. Barbie is the epitome of a vintage fashion designer in her black and white tweed slim skirt, red vest that is accented with faux pearl buttons, and fashionable red coat. A black and white polka dot scarf is attached at her neckline and she is wearing black pantyhose and heels. Her jet-black hair is pulled into a bun, to make it easier for her to see her work. To complete the look, she has golden and faux pearl jewelry and black-rimmed glasses. Around her neck hangs a pair of golden scissors. She comes complete with a portfolio including her sketches. She is available for $95 at www.fao.com or at their retail locations.