Impressions of the Jason Wu Fall RTW 2011 Collection

Jason Wu - Image from his Facebook Page

I made some notes while I was watched Jason's Fall RTW 2011 collection twice. Link to the show here. It takes a long time to load so be patient! If that doesn't work, go to Facebook and the Jason Wu page.

Slide show at WWD

All about beautiful shape of the female body and surface embellishment. Spare. Toned down. No wasted energy. Body hugging slacks. Drapey slacks. Blouses with lacey faux turtlenecks. Skinny ribbon ties around neck.
Lots of skirts and blouses; slacks and blouses.

Brown, ivory and black A few jewel tones here and there. Beautiful embellishments: embroidered, dangly crystals. Embellished shoulders and arms.
Sexy, shapely, minimally made up models with hair tied back.
The very few gowns were shiny, sparkly, flowing and gorgeous.
Overall the designs looked fabulously wearable, sophisticated and classy but nothing daring here.
Most women would love to have these in their wardrobe, me included.
Happily gone are the gladiator and heavy, clunky shoes. Classic pumps.
Could have been gone: feathered garments and some of the lace head and face covers.

2010 Convention - Diorama and Fashion Competition

I think there were more diorama competition entries this year than I have seen in the past. People really put their time and effort into some great little works. There was one gigantic diorama which I can't really call a diorama - it was more of an installation. A separate category should have been created for it. It won and it certainly deserved an award for the electronic devices and the incredible amount of work that went into it. Unfortunately, the other dioramas were overshadowed by it's size. There were a few others that ought to have been recognized as well. I also believe that people who are part of a convention team including teachers, helpers, et al should not be eligible for prizes. Again, it is better to avoid the appearance of impropriety when running contests, raffles and such.

The fashion categories had delightful entries. Hopefully, after several  years the announcers will realize that a picture of the winning items ought to be projected onto the screen when the winner is presented. Very few knew what each person had created (except for the winning diorama.) It was nice to see that the winners actually got something besides a plaque or a ribbon for their efforts.

I thought they were all winners. When entering a competition like that you really put yourself out there and being recognized for the effort is important.

Several entries are missing from my photographs because I took the pictures early on Thursday before some items arrived at the hotel and there just wasn't any time after that! I apologize to all whose beautiful work is not represented. I wish I had them all with your names right alongside. If you can help to identify the images, please let me know. You can click on each photo to see an enlarged version. Enjoy!

Deb Buckner

Lori Lyon

Janice Delp

Karen Kolkman

Gin-O

Veronica Hage

Veronica Hage

Janice Delp (Halloween of the Future)

Janice Delp-left

Lisa Ramsammy

Tyler Wentworth Ready-To-Wear Boutique Collection is Back

  

I have always admired the fact that the Tonner Doll Company provides plenty of wardrobe options separately from the dolls. I don't think there is a single other company that produces such a quantity and variety of outfits. Yes, one comes upon an ill-fitting or poorly finished piece occasionally but for the most part, the clothes are excellent, attractive and long wearing. The separates hold their resale value longer than the dressed dolls and their outfits.

 My favorites for 2010 are right here in this photo provided on the Tonner site.

Left

Frayed Denim Jacket $49.99

Sequined Denim Bustier  $29.99

Frayed Denim Skirt $39.99

Center

Ruffled Evening Top $44.99

Lace Evening Skirt $59.99

Seated

Distressed Skinny Jeans $34.99

Classic Lace Blouse $39.99

Ruffled Cotton Coat $49.99

That's not all! There are three packs of shoes at $39.99 for each pack of two or three pair:

 two dresses and a sweater:

Uptown Dress $59.99

Soho Dress $69.99

Impressionist Sweater $ 39

an adorable black "swirled skirt" @   ($44.99),

several sparkly, metallic jackets:

The Love Jacket  $54.99

The Downtown Jacket $49.99

The Chelsea Hoodie $59.99

Most dealers sell Tonner items at a discount off these MSRP prices.
See more of Tonner's 2010 Tyler line by clicking here. 

Yes or No?

A Jason Wu Design

Hat and fur collar removed from Eugenia

I Know It's Not A Modern Fashion Doll But.....

I just love the little Madame Alexander dolls and their accessories. I adore my larger fashion dolls but these little creations make me smile and laugh. Just look at this creation called "I'm Melting Witch" from the Hollywood Series. It comes with 1-1/2 dolls. The witch is melting into a puddle. Water is splashing out of 8" Dorothy's bucket. Tulle is flying upward as the witch melts into nothingness. It's just so adorable and sometimes I need adorable. These images are from the Doll Market's website. It's fun to browse and sometimes they have sales...not very often, but last year I found two Cissy dolls for less money there than anywhere else.
This particular set goes for $69.97.

Here's a pretty 10" Cissette I'd like to add to my collection. The MADC does Rocketttes in different sizes. (The Radio City Rockettes Collection.) This sparkling beauty is called "Dancing In Diamonds" and her outfit is designed by Bob Mackie. It won't be released until May, 2010 and retails for $111.96.

I like so many different types of dolls. I'm so doomed.

Bessie Coleman (January 26, 1892—April 30, 1926) was an American civil aviator. She was the first person of African American descent to become a licensed airplane pilot, and the first American of any race or gender to hold an international pilot license. Here is a delightful representation of Bessie as a 10" fully articulated AA Cissette in a wonderful aviator outfit. Like most MADC fashions the details are well done and smart-looking.
Bessie Coleman was released in 2009 and retails for $103.89.

Just one more...
This is another version of Dorothy called "Dorothy And Ruby Slippers." She is a 10" Cissette who is clad in a modern version of the iconic fashion. Look at the accessories: three pairs of red shoes, little shoe boxes, Toto in a basket. Heavenly!The retail price at the Doll Market for this doll is $79.97.

I'm starting to rethink my title for this article. Perhaps they are fashion dolls after all. I think I may need to broaden my definitions or get rid of titles.

The list of dolls I don't like: freaky-smiling anorexic Barbies with blue eyelashes, Dead dolls, re-born life like baby dolls, scary vampire and monster dolls, Chucky, clown dolls, and most life-sized dolls.

What dolls don't you like? I'd love to see lists!