Strategies

Strategies

Marl & B Inc.

Strategies

Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears

Strategies

Mary T's Doll House
1625 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. Unit C
Altoona, PA
(814) 949-2907
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Strategies

Bearzabout

Strategies

My Favourite Doll Inc.

Strategies

Strategies

Barbie in Chiba: BIC Co. Ltd.

Once upon a time, girls played with dolls and boys played with action figures. For the gen-X and millennial generations, however, that gender division has been erased. Whatever you call them, pose­able character figures with detailed costumes are essential for pop culture collections. Fans want accurate images, authentic gear and lifelike movement.

After introducing her first vinyl collection 22 years ago in 1986, legendary dollmaker Annette Himstedt has made the decision to cease production. The combination of using increasingly higher quality materials through the years, resulting in increased production costs, and the downturn in the economy, are key factors in Himstedt’s decision.

Hildegard Günzel’s Latest Dolls Fill our Hearts with Joy

Hildegard Günzel has done it again. Celebrating 35 years of dollmaking this year, the German artist’s creations continue to smile and jump and laugh and take us to where the livin’ is easy.

Integrity Toys’ Celestial Convention Collection “Slips the Surly Bonds of Earth”

In the doll-collector community, “Gene Marshall” is synonymous with “classic.” Mel Odom launched his 15½-inch fashion doll in 1995, forever changing the face of doll collecting. Depicting an actress’ life throughout the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, the mini-icon with a big backstory took hold in doll collectors’ hearts the world over, creating an unprecedented market for fashion dolls for adults. Prior fashion dolls had largely been children’s playthings. Dozens of mimicries followed in her wake, but 13 years later, Gene continues to captivate collectors with her archetypical allure. They anticipate each new incarnation Odom and his team at Integrity Toys will dream up.

“Barbie®”of the 1970s Could “Move and Groove”

In 2007 when Mattel introduced its Pivotal body for the “Barbie®” doll, fans of the legendary doll were thrilled. With 12 points of articulation, the posing possibilities were endless. Debuting on the Jazz Baby dolls, the articulation was the most seen—up to that point—on any Barbie doll.

Tonner Doll Co.’s New  Flappers Personify the Freedom and Fun of the Era

Emerging from the bleak reality and sobering horrors of World War I, Americans during the 1920s were bursting with the need to celebrate life. Diversion became the order of the day. Established social mores were shed in favor of fun and frivolity. Rebellion and the desire for change were in the air. Americans—chafing at restrictive social traditions and laws such as Prohibition—became intoxicated with the idea of breaking loose. Jazz music thrilled the ears and stirred the soul; Art Deco reached its zenith; modern appliances and inventions added to leisure time; the automobile brought increased freedom and mobility; women won the right to vote; and social roles were redefined.

Deep in the hub of the Mile High City’s LoDo district sits The Oxford Hotel. Built in 1891, the historic inn showcases turn-of-the-century opulence enhanced by modern amenities. It is, to say the least … nice.

From April 25 to 27, the hotel bustled with the activity brought in by the Kish & Co. Collectors Conference & Convention. The hotel’s Victorian extravagance set the stage for an extended weekend of fine company, food, entertainment, learning opportunities and, of course, dolls. The event, dubbed Twice is Nice, kicked off Friday with store specials and collector interviews, which ran throughout the weekend. There were also workshops on BJD maintenance, artistic footwear, decorating with dolls, sculpting with Helen Kish, glamour photography and the special guest—acclaimed fashion illustrator Jim Howard. The convention picked up full swing at the opening dinner where enthusiastic attendees dressed as their favorite Kish dolls to participate in the theme.

A Pageant Theme Inspires NiniMomo’s Barbie® Creations

Long Islanders Nik Moronese and Marie LeBreton may not have taken a conventional path to becoming doll artists. But even though the duo behind NiniMomo took some career detours, their one-of-a-kind (OOAK) designs are a testament that dolls were their true destination.