Revisiting My Collection: Project Runway My Scene Barbie

My Scene Project Runway Barbie (2006) is one of the most beautiful and most colorful My Scene dolls. Her outfit is based on the winning design from Project Runway Season Two's "Design an Outfit for Barbie Challenge."  The winner of the challenge, Nick Verreos, was honored by having his winning design marketed and sold as a My Scene Barbie exclusively at Toys R Us.

If you take a look at the picture of the model next to the Project Runway Barbie, you will see that the production doll is very similar to the model's outfit that Nick designed.  The headband even features the fun flower accent.  The sleek vibrant green halter part of the dress is well made and the flowing multi-colored skirt is layered in a style reminiscent of the Copacabana era.  Barbie even has adorable Gladiator type sandals in the same green color as the halter to compliment her look.

When this doll came out she was a Toys r Us Exclusive and proved very hard to find. I remember calling Toys r Us to see if they were out yet.  When I saw her IRL (in real life) I was shocked at how gorgeous she was.  The boxes that Barbies came in in those days the "cake box" made it easy to lift off the box and take better close-up pictures.  Since I got a new camera last year I've been going back and taking better pictures of my dolls.  I have posted a few more of the Project Runway My Scene Barbie on Flickr.  I hope you enjoy them.

Barbie Fashion Week Report: Barbie by Pat McGrath

Barbie has been enjoying Fashion Week for the last few weeks.  Have you been following her Instagram posts?  In addition to jetting off to New York, London and Milan, Paris is Barbie's latest Fashion Week stop.  While in Paris, Barbie received an amazing set of make-up looks by Pat McGrath.  Pat McGrath MBE is a British make-up artist. She has been called the most influential make-up artist in the world by Vogue magazine.  You can see more of her colorful looks on her Facebook page.  The dolls featured are Barbie Fashionistas from the current wave.  I'm not sure about the base doll for the first picture below but her styling is impeccable.  The first Barbie has cat-eyes bedecked with gold glitter and Swarovski crystals reminiscent of McGrath’s recent facial jewelry creations at Givenchy. The second doll is the favorite LA Girl Fashionista Barbie with a geometric palette of primary colors transforming Barbie into the McGrath's ID Magazine look for Jessica Stam in 2004; The third look features blunt bangs paired with pigment-dense teal eyeshadow transport Barbie to last Fall’s Atelier Versace show.The last look features dramatic brows, a septum ring, and jeweled lips in a punk-inspired look McGrath applied behind the scenes at the 2013 Met Gala.  
Barbie continues to blow away the press with her amazing looks, why not have a super amazing makeup stylist to solidify her runway style? I'm loving these collaborations with artists and Barbie, as always the possibilities are endless.  These bold looks are amazing.... don't you agree?


Enjoy the following looks posted on Pat's Instagram and the Barbie Style Instagram.

This fashion week we’re getting the ultimate insider treatment, beauty looks by the one and only @patmcgrathreal. Here is the first in the series, Barbie by Pat McGrath I, created using @swarovski crystals. ✨ #gold001 #pfw #barbie #barbiestyle

A photo posted by Barbie® (@barbiestyle) on Oct 2, 2015 at 10:21am PDT

The iconic Barbie transformed!!! I collaborated with @BarbieStyle to bring a few of my makeup moments to life. Here's one of four, Jessica Stam i-D Magazine cover circa September 2004 shot by @richardburbridge...contouring and a primary color palette #OBSESSED #makeupbypatmcgrath ❤️💙💛

A video posted by Pat McGrath (@patmcgrathreal) on Oct 4, 2015 at 10:37am PDT

Barbie by Pat McGrath IV, a series of beauty looks by internationally renowned makeup artist @patmcgrathreal. 💙 #pfw #barbie #barbiestyle

A photo posted by Barbie® (@barbiestyle) on Oct 5, 2015 at 9:06am PDT

Barbie by Pat McGrath IV, a series of beauty looks by internationally renowned makeup artist @patmcgrathreal. 💙 #pfw #barbie #barbiestyle

A photo posted by Barbie® (@barbiestyle) on Oct 5, 2015 at 9:06am PDT

Barbie's punk-inspired transformation!! My collaboration with @BarbieStyle brought us back to the 2013 Punk: Chaos to Couture Met Gala... Dramatic brows, a septum ring, and jeweled lip #LOVE #PUNK #makeupbypatmcgrath 💥💥💥

A video posted by Pat McGrath (@patmcgrathreal) on Oct 5, 2015 at 4:05am PDT

Barbie Global Beauty

I am so impressed by the way that Barbie is described in this month's Italian Vogue:

"Barbie’s charm? Boundless, just like her popularity. There is no other doll that can embrace looks and styles so different and interpret cultures and traditions. Every moment of the life of a woman, every career, every dream has had a Barbie doll playing it out." 

It has never been more evident that Barbie can embrace every woman when you peruse the current releases of the Barbie Fashionistas line.  I had stopped buying a lot of the playline Barbie dolls but these last two waves of Fashionistas have really caught my attention.  Just a few days ago I was able to find the last few that I was looking for.

You can see how beautiful and representative of many cultures that these current Barbies are when you see these Barbie Fashionistas commissioned by Vogue Italia to be displayed during fashion week in Milan starting Thursday, September 24th.  There are a total of 20 dolls designed by 10 known designers and 10 up and coming designers "in a project that sought to express the global appeal of Barbie’s beauty."

Here is the entire collection:

(From Vogue Italia)

Here are a few edits I created of my favorite dolls in this collection.  If you are able to stop by and view the collection please take pictures and have an amazing time!

I'm loving the new face sculpt for this #barbiefashionista designed for the #barbieglobalbeauty exhibition. Designed by Piccione.Piccione. See more at bit.ly/Barbieglobalbeauty #barbiestyle #thedollcafe #dollsofcolor

A photo posted by The Doll Cafe (@the_doll_cafe) on Sep 18, 2015 at 3:11pm PDT

So happy I recently found this sweet #neko #barbiefashionista!! This custom #barbie designed for the #barbieglobalbeauty exhibition is divine! Designed by Arthur Arbesser. Read more at bit.ly/Barbieglobalbeauty #barbiestyle #thedollcafe #dollsofcolor

A photo posted by The Doll Cafe (@the_doll_cafe) on Sep 18, 2015 at 3:27pm PDT

Gorgeous #barbie designed for the #barbieglobalbeauty exhibition in Milan. Designed by Stella Jean. See bit.ly/Barbieglobalbeauty for more pics. #barbiestyle #vogueitalia #thedollcafe #dollsofcolor

A photo posted by The Doll Cafe (@the_doll_cafe) on Sep 18, 2015 at 3:02pm PDT

Gasp, can it be...? Yes, I'm back, but I never really went anywhere

Just a quick post to let you know that The Doll Cafe blog is still around. I'm really working on posting more, even if it's a pic or a link or something. I do post very regularly on facebook, twitter, tumblr and instagram these days and have even revived my Flickr.  I've even created a Periscope account but I've only broadcast two times.  I've been buying a variety of dolls and of course still collecting but my camera broke and I ran out of time to regularly blog and communicate with my doll friends here so I'm back.

I lost interest in collecting Barbie a bit last year. I was so sad not to be able to obtain the Karl Doll! But alas I was able to obtain the much talked-about Platinum Tokidoki. I'm pretty sure I'm going to de-box her, I think I really need to since I was also able to obtain the pink one and I do have the original as well....
It's just a matter of time....

 

 On that note, I wanted to signal boost my dear friend in Australia Yvonne's Tiny Living adorable tokidoki clothes. More pics and more fun very soon! I promise...

Please place your name in the comments of each photo if you would like to buy the item and then I can send you a paypal request. PM me your paypal email :)Thank You!
Posted by Yvonne At Tinyliving on Saturday, September 12, 2015

About the Availability of the 50th Anniversary Skipper

Very quietly on January 3, 2014 Skipper® 50th Anniversary Doll went on sale.  And just as quietly she sold out!  By January 6th she was shown "Sold Out" on the Barbie Collector website.  This news caught many collectors by surprise especially when many had not received advance notice that she would be available.  Many collectors ran to dealers for help.  Most dealers pre-orders were already closed.  Oh, no we all hate paying the higher secondary market prices. 

Skipper is a doll that many doll collectors hold dear, so of course she would be in high demand, but few collectors had even realized she was available, and much less that she was already sold out.  The doll is already blowing up on Ebay as you can imagine.

Not to worry... I'm happy to report that the Barbie Collector listing has been updated and the doll now appears as "Coming Soon" with a note "Currently Out of Stock."

Watch this space and I'll report when she goes on sale again.

Before I close I would like to wish all my dear readers a very Happy New Year.  Thank you for your support since 2008 and even back to 2005 from the FF Multiply site and later the FF page.  There are so many of you that are still followers of the blog and now the FB page.  xoxo

Here is a pic of one of my Skippers customized by Robin Connor of Designs by Robin Studio.

Videos: Jennifer Lopez and Robert Best Bring you the J-Lo Barbies

At first, I wasn't too sure about the Jennifer Lopez Barbies, but if I see them, I will most likely buy them. Here are two videos featuring Robert Best and Jennifer Lopez which discuss the process of working on the doll.  There are some nice close-ups of the dolls displayed. There are actually two videos, so when the first one ends, stay tuned for the next one.

I like the dolls as-is, but I can't wait to see how they can be customized and redressed.  Sometimes I think they look very much like J-Lo, and other times not so much.  Guess I will have to pick one of these Barbies up and see for myself.  A few of our members on the Doll Cafe Facebook group already have the doll.  Please check out these amazing pics.  The link will take you to an amazing re-root but there are various pictures of J-Lo scattered throughout the page.

Spotlight: Antarctica - The Queen of the South Pole

 

I am very pleased to bring you the breathtaking Antarctica Doll, The Queen of the South Pole designed by The Black Swan Doll Company.

You may remember my news report on The Black Swan Company from a few months ago.  I've been eagerly watching the rise of The Black Swan Doll Company in the past couple of months and their creations never cease to amaze.  Please take a few minutes to view the video featuring Antarctica. 

Antarctica is a tribute to the acclaimed designer Bob Mackie and the beautiful Barbie Fantasy Goddess of the Arctic.  The designers at the Black Swan Doll Company's Antarctica is a "sister" doll.  She is the Queen of the South Pole.

I hope you enjoy Antarctica!  Here are some pics of this beautiful creation! Click to view!

Madrid Premiere Beauty and the Madrid Fashion Doll Show Charity Auction

I wanted to share the beautiful Madrid Premiere Beauty the Convention Doll for the Madrid Fashion Doll Show held in Madrid last month.  I was fortunate enough to be offered this doll.  As a Steffie fan I was thrilled of course!  I will share more detailed pictures of her and my review and impressions in a post later this week.

As with most Barbie and Fashion Doll Conventions, the Madrid Fashion Doll Show has selected a charity to donate the proceeds of their convention funds.  That charity is the Cruz Roja España, or the Spanish Red Cross.  The Spanish Red Cross helps the most vulnerable parts of society in many ways, all of them very important. With the current financial crisis and the difficulties that many Spanish families have to face, The Spanish Red Cross helps with many different programs; one of them is collecting toys and donations for the Christmas campaign "No child without a toy."

If you like the Steffie doll, one auction I want to bring to your attention.  This is the OOAK doll "Madrid Premier Beauty Winner." She is a variation of the convention doll created by designers "MonLew."  Also known as Luis Manuel Gómez (Lewis) and Mónica Núñez.  Their dolls are "Made with the finest materials and quality fabrics... and "love is included in each of their creations."

Please take a look at all the other amazing dolls on auction that will support the charity.  They are all currently on ebay and ending very soon.   There is a gorgeous Steffie, a GaGa doll by Ovaz, a beautiful creation from The Black Swan Doll Company, an amazing OOAK from Arists Creations, a Magia Showgirl from Magia 2000, and a sketch by Linda Kyaw.  There are all types of dolls in all price ranges, please consider supporting the Spanish Red Cross and the Madrid Fashion Doll Show.

It's still October..., but Happy New Year!

If you are a member of the Barbie Fan Club on Barbie Collector mark your calendar for October 9th.  The next Holiday Hostess will be available for $75.00.  I'm excited about this doll.  I was able to see the doll in person at the 2013 Barbie Convention and I was able to snap a few pictures.  I love her vintage look and gold dress with blue accents with the crown, makeup and jewelry.  Bill Greening has done it again!

Happy New Year™ Barbie® Doll | Barbie Collector

See More pics on Flickr!

Happy October

2009 Target Happy Halloween Barbie, a photo by The Doll Cafe on Flickr.

This month I will be featuring new pics of some of my older Halloween dolls. Today I have uploaded various pics of the 2009 Target Happy Halloween Barbie. I remember when i bought this doll I really liked the little Barbie ponytail necklace. Barbie is dressed as a Halloween witch with a pink hat and pink witch dress with black accents. Barbie also has a pink streak in her hair.

Don't forget to download the October Barbie Collector calendar.   The link also contains the exclusive member's only calendar. 

Haunted Beauty Vampire Barbie Doll by Barbie Collector

Now here is a Barbie I've been waiting for. If you were a fan of last year's Haunted Beauty, The Ghost Barbie, then here is another amazing gothy-looking Barbie. I was fortunate enough to see Bill Greening's OOAK from the 2013 Barbie Convention and we were told that the Haunted Beauty Vampire would be a similar doll. She really does not disappoint. I love dolls in all black but I love the red accents and the cape this doll comes with. Here is a first look from Barbie Collector.

Hervé Léger by Max Azria Barbie® Behind The Scenes

Will this Barbie be joining your collection? There have been photographs of her popping up on the net for months. She has now been released and will be available soon. I have not ordered her yet but I do hope to order her soon. She features the Louboutin face mold and a tiny red reproduction of the famous "Bandage" Hervé Léger dress. Also featured is the black harness and matching gladiator boots. The alternate look features a black-and white jacquard dress, open-toe booties. 

I hope you enjoy this video featuring Barbie Designer Robert Best and Lubov Azria.

Video: Barbie Collector Designer Interview with Bill Greening

Enjoy the latest video from Barbie Collector:  Designer Interview with Bill Greening!  Be sure to look for the sneaks of the 50th Anniversary Skipper and the next Holiday Hostess new year Barbie!

More updates, and more regular updates coming soon! 

Barbie Convention: Sunset Parade Barbie: Buy a Barbie and Help fight Cancer!

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 Barbie Conventions are a place to have fun with your friends and fellow collectors but did you know that Barbie Conventions are arranged around charitable purposes?  Typically, convention organizers seek donations of OOAK dolls and these Barbies are auctioned off during conventions or on ebay or similar sites.  All proceeds (after allowed expenses) are donated to a charity of the convention committee's choice.

This doll is the beautiful Sunset Parade Barbie, a one of a kind design by José Luis Montesdeoca, of El Blog de Ken with sewing skills provided by Yolanda Cañete.  Convención de Coleccionistas de Barbie en España is sponsoring the auction. For this auction, all of the proceeds will support Asociación Española contra el Cáncer, a Spanish cancer charity.

Sunset Parade, was inspired by the classical origins of Barbie and the sunsets on the beach where she first fell for Ken.  Barbie, shines in a wide neck sheer top buttoned in the back, which allows you to peek at a blue and gold bikini bra, a nod to the legendary zebra striped swimsuit she in her debut. The layered styled full skirt is turquoise silk, knotted at the waist by a golden bow tie!  A perfect touch reminiscent of a big hug from Ken. Sunset Parade Barbie's subtle makeup and  nude color eyeshadow channel the golden sun.  Isn't she a dream?

I hope you take a look and spread the word.  Let's use our hobby to contribute to great causes.  Well done Jose!  Hope this Barbie brings lots of bids for your charity!  Don't you just love her?!?

Dolly Tally 001: Tarina Tarantino by Designs by Robin Studio

Tarina by Designs by Robin Studio, a photo by The Doll Cafe on Flickr.

Many of you know that the Steffie mold is my favorite mold. When the Tarina Tarantino Barbie came out in 2008 I was just floored by her beauty. This doll is an OOAK Tarina Tarantino I purchased at the 2010 Barbie Convention at the sales table of Designs by Robin Studio. I was immediately drawn to this doll. Shockingly I did not buy her right away. I think I came back later or the next day and was so happy she was still there. It was so funny because earlier that year I had purchased another OOAK Steffie doll (Barbie Basics, Collection 1.5, Model No 3.) from Robin on Ebay. Since that time I have bought many dolls from Robin and recommend her work. She is also on Ebay, Pinterest and Facebook. Check out her work and enjoy dolly number 001 in my Dolly Tally Project.

News: The Black Swan Company Q&A Hosted by Coleccionistas de Fashion dolls en Madrid

Today Coleccionistas de Fashion Dolls en Madrid ("Coleccionistas") hosted a special online Q&A with Black Swan Company's Francesco Catalano.

Coleccionistas is an active doll community based in Madrid, Spain, who will be hosting the Madrid Doll Show this fall. 

The Black Swan Company is an emerging OOAK doll based in Italy.  You can also find their creations on their Ebay page.  Please see their latest offerings.

This is the first OOAK Silkstone produced by The Black Swan Company is "White Swan Prima Ballerina."  Isn't she amazing?

White Swan Prima Ballerina Silkstone OOAK Barbie

The Black Swan Company was named after their first OOAK doll "The Black Swan" which caused a sensation in the collector world.  The company features beautiful styling with a focus on ballet, dance and fantasy.

Principal designer Francesco Catalano's focus stemmed from his love of music:  "The inspiration about ballet and dance depends on my love for the music. I am a musician and I study piano and flute since I was 9 years old. I have been in the conservatory of music with flute and I got a degree. In the world I lived I had the chance to see opera and ballet and I fell in love with The Swan Lake, Cinderella, Emerald, Don Quixote and many others I had the chance to see. I [have] love[d] Barbie since [the age of ] 5 so I tried to mix my two biggest passion in my life. The Black Swan Company is the final result of who I am.

The doll making process is not easy!  Francesco notes that, "In one year we were able to produce more than 50 dolls. 5 artists work about a week 8 hours at day to create one of our dolls."  [This does not include those] who work for the boxes, printings and certificates. Sometimes a doll requires more time, like Evanora the Witch of East who required almost 20 days of work.  

Francesco's favorite Barbie is Wind Rider, a true beauty and one of my faves!  I encourage you to learn more about OOAK artists and support these artists.  They are the ones who bring our favorite dolls to life in new and exciting ways!  Don't forget to check out The Black Swan Company's Facebook page and follow this amazing OOAK doll company and their future creations.

News: The Doll Cafe Lives!

LOL, no, I wasn't dead but you'd think I was.  I'm shocked that my last post was April 28, 2012.  It seems like this time of year my doll collecting passion is re-awakened.  Well, maybe it's more of my my pre-Barbie Convention panic mode!

Convention this year will be held in New Orleans!  Wow, that's so exciting.  Being the homebody that I am, I have never traveled to that area of the country so I'm seeing the World with Barbie once again this year!!  I'm excited to report that my daughter Steff will be joining me for the second year in a row.  Her first Barbie Convention last year was a blast!  Here is an amazing picture of the beautiful dolls we both received as gifts from our generous table hostess last year Jen M.  Do you see some Steffies and Basics in there?  Boy aren't we lucky!!??!!

I hope that you have been following our Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr, or Instagram posts.  Did you know we also have a Tumbler?  Just choose your favorite online platform and join us for the dolly fun.  Also, be sure to check out our Facebook Group and the Model Muse and Steffie pages online.


For future blogging I will be tagging posts with useful titles with labels and will try to post daily (ok, you've heard that before).  Most of our news will be posted on Facebook and Twitter so I will use this blog to feature pictures from our collection, doll news, and in a continuing attempt to count our dolls we will also be featuring a post on each doll in our collection so we can keep a handle on it all.

Thanks for all your support, comments and suggestions.  Keep reading for more dolly centered fun.

-The Doll Cafe

See What Great Marketing Can Do . . .

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Dolls: Behind the Scenes

I didn't have a strong opinion either way about this set.  There are things I like and some other things that are so-so to me.  I do love the Catherine doll.  If I saw her loose on ebay I'd probably get her.  Well, after seeing this new Barbie Collector vid there is something in me saying buy this set, buy this set!  I love the closing scene the best but it's just too short.  Would love to see some still pics of that scene.  Let me know what you think.

Four Years Ago Today Barbie came to my house!

On April 16, 2008 a film crew came to my home to film a personal interview with my daughter Stephanie and me for inclusion in the Barbie in a Christmas Carol DVD! I found out about this opportunity through a friend who was also a member of the Barbie Fan Club board. She said there is a post requesting mother and daughter collectors for a special project. I responded to the post and sent a picture of us and about a month later we heard from Mattel and Universal about the project. We had a conference call and they let us know they wanted to come to our house and interview us and then later invite us to the Mattel Design Center in El Segundo, California. Wow, we were so amazed! We spent the next several weeks cleaning up the house and setting up all our favorite Barbie in Stephanie's room. To this day I have never forgotten this fabulous experience. We visited the Mattel Design center on April 18, 2008. I still pinch myself today. I miss Sharon a lot and am happy to have met her and spent the day with her! A few years ago I found out this DVD was on You Tube. I hope you enjoy it.

My Tarina Obsession

Tarina Tarantino in Kari Michell, a photo by The Doll Cafe on Flickr.

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter. Spring is finally here and warmer weather greets us. Actually it's raining here today but no matter. My Tarina is ready for spring fun in her Kari Michell dress. Please check my Flickr for my continuing month of Daily Tarina pics in the 2012 Dolly Daily. I took so many pics at the end of March that I decided to make a month dedicated to Tarina. As soon as I'm done posting this set of pics I have a new set ready for publication. Enjoy your dolly days ahead!