Fashion Dolls 101

  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