Fashion Dolls 101

by KATHRYN DARDEN Twilight Rumba made her grand entrance at the FAO event in Feruary at the swanky Fifth Avenue store. When I first saw the photos of the competition doll that inspired this outfit, I was not enthused, but when I went to the Gene event at the Landmark, I got my first look at the finished product. There she was, a vibrant red head with a sexy attitude. From the intricate twisted coiffe with its HHH curls  that graced her head to the dainty silver strappy shoes that adorned her feet, Twilight Rumba was a portrait of elegant detail. Designed by Doug James in a dazzling lavender sarong, open on the side to allow freedom on the dance floor. Both the sarong and its matching crop top feature an intricate pattern of lavender, white, gold and crystal beads and lavender sequins that cascade down the front of the sarong from the flower cluster at the waist all the way to the hem. The top is similarly beaded. The delectable outfit features Gene’s first hair comb, a floral pat

LOOK OUT FOR MADRA LORD!     by Kathryn Darden Look out, Gene! There's a new girl in town! Ashton-Drake is releasing a new character doll to step into Gene’s world, the infamous Madra Lord. Combining “Beauty, Talent and Temper,” Madra, although slightly taller than Gene, is the same scale, so their outfits will be interchangeable. However, there the similarities cease. Gene is sweet and innocent; Madra is bold and brassy, with just a hint of evil in her nature. If you don’t believe me, read the names of her costumes! Madra is a 15 3/4" doll inspired by the more flamboyant and temperamental divas of Hollywood’s golden age. To further pique collectors interest, Madra comes with bend knees and elbows, another first for the Gene collection, as well as her own provocative storyline.  Madra's "story" is of a hard working, self-assured woman who knew what she wanted from an early age - stardom - and she wasn't afraid to do whatever it took to get to the

©2000 by Kathryn E. Darden The House of Wentworth unveiled their elegant fashion designs in New York, but if you think this unveiling took place in a chic fasion salon, guess again! These divine fashions were presented at Toy Fair and at a very posh party two days before Toy Fair. As most readers are aware, the House of Wentworth is the fictitious fashion design business run by Robert Tonner’s hit new doll, Tyler Wentworth. Tyler took the world by storm when she premiered in late December/early January, and her new line leaves nothing to be desired. The basic doll for 2000 is Something Sleek . For swimming laps at the health club Tyler dons her sleek black maillot swimsuit trimmed in white with accessories: sunglasses, black slides, and a monogrammed towel. Dressed doll. In 2000 Tyler gets a friend, the lovely African American Esmé . While shopping in a bookstore Tyler is struck by the natural beauty of the clerk, a pre-med student named Esmé. Tyler signs the ethnic beauty to

by Kathryn Darden One of the highlights of Toy Fair Week was the Tonner Fashion Show at Parson's School of Design, located in the garment district of New York City. Robert Tonner's alma mater played host to several hundred Tyler fans as fashion models donned Tyler's fashionable duds. Those in attendance for the evening's festivities were permitted to purchase a special limited Tyler ensemble, Market Week, a trendy little number comprised of a black body suit, a leopard print mini skirt and a black jacket, along with black hose and black "suede" boots.  I waited until today to put my outfit on Tyler, and I am sharing my first impressions as I remove the outfit from the box and put it on Tyler. The body suit is not anything to brag about IMHO. As was noted with A Little Night Music, the male snaps were sewn on with black thread while the female snaps were sewn on with WHITE thread. In addition, the seams are finished with white thread. The collar is faced

by Kathryn Darden When A Little Night Music arrived, I had already heard the disappointing news that the dress did not have much beading. However, as I opened Tyler's box I was struck with how pretty the coloring of the doll was with her blond hair. Having already received a brunette and a red head, I was pleased to finally add a blond to my collection. My first impression of the doll was her lovely face. Then I noticed that her hairline at the forehead was set slightly lower and her hair was thicker than Signature Tyler, two vast improvements. As I slipped the doll out of her box I was struck by the black glitter spots glued onto her dress; it looked pretty but more of Barbie quality and less what I expected from Robert Tonner. The shape of the dress is elegant, the lining is nice, but I agree with Cheryl that the beige thread on half the snaps is a tacky touch that needs to be changed. I did not remove the dress as I am sure from all reports my Tyler is stained. I don&#

  by Kathryn Darden   Towards the end of December, the reports started to come in. Tyler's outfits were the first to arrive, then the dolls. "Tyler is here!"  was the message of many emails that flew across the web. Tyler arrived to enthusiastic accolades. "She looks just like the prototype!" was the resounding first response to the doll.    There were a few problems: Fashion Design Weekly Awards arrived with a few beads  missing and loose shoulder straps according to some; Gallery Soiree caused staining;  Tyler's eyes are a little plain, her hair is a little thin, and there is a hole in her head. However, these were three negatives experienced by a few  people as opposed to an overwhelmingly positive response by the vast majority of collectors.    My personal take on Tyler?  She is a lovely, elegant doll, much more realistic than Gene but perhaps slightly less artistic. Her face is plain in comparison to both Gene and Willow's exotic mien, but

2000   ** = Tennessee event     ** September 9 - Doll, Bear & Miniature Show at Holiday Inn Conference Center, Morristown, TN.  From 9-4 . September 9 - 22nd Annual Doll Show & Sale at Eureka Springs, AR, Inn of Ozark Convention Center, HWY 62W, 9-4pm, $3, Ruth Chase, 327 Combs Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, 501/442-4596 October 20 - 22 - Gene Convention at the Arlington Heights Hilton (just outside Chicago). The Registration fee is $325 per person. The fee includes seminars, workshops, a special signing with the Gene Team, competition, one of a kind doll, auction, Friday night welcome party, three meals on Saturday including a banquet dinner, souvenirs including a limited edition Gene doll made exclusively for the convention by Ashton- Drake, and more surprises. Registration is limited to 700 conventioneers and will be done on a first come, first serve basis. There is no absentee registration. You must attend an event in order to receive your souvenirs, no on