Showing posts with label neema ellowyne friend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neema ellowyne friend. Show all posts

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Ellowyne and Neema: We're Back!

The ever delightful Ellowyne Wilde and her friend Neema by Robert Tonner return just in time for Virtual Doll Convention's TonnerFest, a celebration of all things Tonner and the presentation of new collection! And what a collection it is with four very different looks for Ellowyne and the reprise of Neema's"Life's a Beach" issue with a new make-up palette and wig colors.

Dolldom's editors were honored to collaborate with Virtual Doll Convention and Tonner creating the photo portfolio as well as writing Ellowyne's journal and poems. Believe it in the power of play? You bet we do! 

The dolls will go on sale tomorrow Friday, May 9 at Virtual Doll Convetion's Ellowyne Wilde Boutique.

“Life’s a Beach”

Behold the utterly fabulous “Life’s a Beach” basic Neema! Basic, you say? We are not sure of that! Neema’s long, luxuriously soft, wavy hair looks windblown and is perfect for creative styling. Neema’s short and ever-so-sassy sky-blue and white striped romper boasts three to-scale decorative buttons down the front, a cotton canvas belt with gold tone buckle, and white high-heeled sandals. Long, flirty eyelashes add even more depth to Neema’s sable-colored eyes.
 





"Life's a Beach"

The sea, the sun!

I love the fun 

Of going to the seashore.

As water sparkles

And seagulls circle,

I gaze at all the blue.

My hair is dancing,

In the breeze prancing! 

The beach! I just adore!

Whenever someone’s sad I’ll say: 

“Come on, oh, love, what’s up? 

Bring that pretty chin-up!

A little joy’s within our reach

Cause, baby, ‘Life’s a Beach!’”

Dear Diary, 

Dr. Bantam, for several years now, has advised me to keep you as close to my heart and feelings as I can muster. And I've been, I guess, consistent with my efforts. Well, in all truth, there's been an occasional gap here and there...

At our last session, to which I arrived on time this time, Dr. Bantam suggested that capturing moments of my emotional life, be it in prose or poetry, could have benefits other than the obvious. She explained, teacup in hand, that as notebooks pile up, a second book of my musings could be in gestation. Aghast, I opened my eyes! My expression must have alarmed her, for she immediately added that it was not a matter of sharing again a poetic anthology of my intimate explorations of mood and emotion, but rather of using it to write fiction, to create a character and give her life, a life with travails, doubts, and conflicting emotions, and also revelations and even a little light. I left the session feeling playfully interested in the idea. Ellowyne Wilde, a writer of fiction?

What I find oddly exciting, dear Diary, is that since this session with Dr. Bantam, I have noticed that life already resembles fiction...

Just the other day—and what a day it was, as drearily misty as days can be in this almost-always foggy hometown of mine—the greyness flooded the living room. 

There is something about this old Victorian house surrounded by fog—cool fog that drifts in from the Pacific Ocean—that does exacerbate my innate moodiness. I let myself fall on the chaise lounge, and simply stared into what seemed to be ever-multiplying shades of grey. Where's the sun? Is there a sun? Just when I was about to shed a tear, I caught eye of a most-magnificent happening! Next to the fireplace, underneath the landscape of Lands’ End, I saw a ray of light divided! 

One of my hanging glass prisms had gotten playful with this little escapee of the sun, and they both created a magical instant of seven colors! As small and ephemeral as it was, I understood this moment to be a metaphor for life. Why sit still and immersed in the vapor of sadness when I could be searching for rainbows? No matter the fog or the rain, when least expected, light is bound to appear. Excited, I texted my revelation to Pru! She texted back "Are you okay?" and a winking-face emoji...






"Chasing Rainbows"

My hometown is so often riddled 

With banks of fog from the Pacific.

One day the gloom was so prolific

That I sat blue with thumbs that twiddled.

I wished from the sun to get a token

That would have such dreary grey broken!

When suddenly a playfully glow

of seven colors gave a show!

A metaphor, I understood,

As every day we always should

Up in the sky be "Chasing Rainbows"!

Speaking of whom, she and I and Neema, we've gotten quite tight. After last year's misunderstandings with the berries and the ballgown fiasco, we've been able to find commonalities in not only our interests, but also in our personality . Neema is truly talented, and her artistic expression is taking her places. Last week, she invited me to the opening of her first solo show. As I could not be prouder of her, I accepted the invite... only to regret it later. For as you know, dear Diary, I am not a big fan of crowds! In fact, large numbers of gathered people tend to make me want to retrieve, to go home and sit with Sibyl by the fire. But as Dr. Bantam advises, I cannot allow myself to miss out on life. To hype myself up for the outing, I decided to visit one of my favorite hangs on Valencia Street for something vintage for the event. As the evening for Neema's show approached, I started to get the customary butterflies in my stomach, so before leaving I grabbed a bucket hat—a necessity for protecting my hair in the fog and for covering my face in case of an anxiety attack. The gallery was a scene with a crowd that overflowed onto the street. I thought of turning around when suddenly – and it may have been the combination of my plaid get-up and my trustworthy hat – I heard myself whispering: "Carpe diem, carpe diem, carpe diem!" I passed the crowd by, entered the exhibit space, and gave dear Neema a strong congratulatory hug! She had sold every piece already! 





"Artful Ease"
So many times, I 've gone to art
to give my heart a fresh new start!
Portraits, Pop-Art, what fascination!
Hours I pass in contemplation.
Today, I 'll go to a friend's show:
It's Neema's first solo endeavor!
My suit so rad in kicky plaid,
My blonde short shag, I feel well-clad
Beneath a cute brown bucket hat!
Despite the artful crowd I see, 
so loud and proud, I do not freeze,
As I fit in with "Artful Ease",
The moment I decide to seize!

Are coincidences really accidents, or is there a book or plan written for each of us? And if so, by whom? Are we characters in a story ignorant of our fictional nature? I am starting to believe that I may be indeed one after what happened to me prior to the fashion gala at the SFMOMA. I felt lost in a whirlpool of doubt as the invitation requested that guests dress in monochrome. I started to hyperventilate, triggered by the assumed limitation. I laid down and closed my eyes...waves of green washed over me, then clouds of orange surrounded my head, then a sandstorm of purple came from behind, followed by a waterfall of blue that startled me out of the hallucination. As I moved frantically around my crafting room, I bumped against a pile of books and folded fabrics. Plunk! On the floor, a forgotten bundle of bright-red pleated Swiss dotted net told me to go red or else! An added bonus: if I dressed in red, I could blend with the carpet and feel invisible and go unnoticed. Alas, no red carpet at this event! So red I was amidst a sea of partygoers who had opted to be clad in the essential hues of evening wear! So many approving looks from black ties and white gowns make me wonder: was that bumping incident mere chance? 





"Bright Ideas"

The invitation read in all caps:
"YOU MUST BE DRESSED IN MONOCHROME."
Only one hue? I ask myself,
How shall I meet this limitation?
Creative sparks direct me to
Explore so many hues' emotions.
Shall I go green? Yellow or blue?
When suddenly my eyes connect
With a forgotten stash of pleated crimson
That'll make a dress of great distinction!
Once I get to the fashion fest,
Amidst a sea of black and white
I shine in my cerise confection,
Cause "Bright Ideas" can be yours
With just a little cerebration!

An exercise in pathetic fallacy is what I will name this next entry, dear Diary! In my studies of art, I learned that to a certain Mr. John Ruskin, the Romantic painters were making a huge mistake by bestowing nature with human emotions. I'm glad that they prevailed since, to me, nature and I are in perfect unison. For it's not possible that my moods and the weather just coincide day after day! Earlier this spring, Pru invited Neema and me to a concert in Napa Valley at the vineyard of friends of her parents. Classical music and a respite from the fog? Count me in, as I can always lose myself in the melodies and the fragrance of trailing jasmine everywhere. I chose a dress of utter delicacy, as its print, to me, evoked the beauty of Degas' Impressionism! Flowers amongst flowers? Why not! As excited as I was,  I would have never anticipated what the evening had in store for me. We arrived at sunset and immediately I felt awash with the sun's golden glow, and I couldn't but feel—classical music aside—that "Wildest Dreams" by Taylor Swift was being hummed by the same gentle breeze that played with my wavy curls and the ruffles of my dress. I will go ahead and entertain this moment of emotional alignment as a veritable Romantic possibility!




"Romantic Possibilities"

An evening filled with spring perfume,
A concert in a vineyard setting,
Call for attire ever-so-fetching. 
Inspired by Monsieur Degas,
A blissful dress with sky-blue blossoms
To wear tonight will be so awesome.
When I arrive, in golden light,
I seem to float in the soft breeze.
Tonight's so grand! I feel such ease!
Flounces and waves define gracility;
I sense "Romantic Possibilities".












Friday, August 26, 2022

Her Name is Neema

Nothing imparts more excitement to a doll line than the introduction of a new character. For what would Barbie do without Midge? Or Gene without Madra? Or Tyler without Sydney? (We are unabashedly dropping first names, here, we know).

Ellowyne Wilde is not an exception. Back in 2006, when she debuted as the star on Wilde Imagination's cast, Ellowyne Wilde opened up a world where ennui, earthquake faults and vintage clothing store finds melded; a richly defined enclave that would soon be inhabited by an eclectic cast of characters: Prudence, Amber, Rufus, Lizette, and Penn. Fast forward to 2022, and Ellowyne, enjoying a much deserved renaissance, is ready to get her ongoing storyline rolling. And it will come to happen on August 26-28 at Virtual Doll Convention's upcoming "Better Together" Pop-Up event where Neema, Ellowyne's new acquaintance (is she friend or foe?) will be presented by Robert Tonner and Rachel Hoffman.

The event will have both live and virtual components so that every interested collector may partake of the fun. 

Dolldom was honored to produce photography as well as copy and poetry to accompany the introductory line of Neema, all of which we share with you in this exclusive entry. 

"Life's a Beach"

The sea, the sun!
I love the fun
Of going to the seashore.
As water sparkles
And seagulls circle,
I gaze at all the blue.
My hair is dancing,
In the breeze prancing!
The beach! I just adore!
Whenever someone’s sad I’ll say:
“Come on, oh, love, what’s up?
Bring that pretty chin-up!
A little joy’s within our reach
Cause, baby, ‘Life’s a Beach!’”







Behold the utterly fabulous “Life’s a Beach” basic Neema! Basic, you say? We are not sure of that! Neema’s long, luxuriously soft, wavy hair looks windblown and is perfect for creative styling. Neema’s short and ever-so-sassy sky-blue and white striped romper boasts three to-scale decorative buttons down the front, a cotton canvas belt with gold tone buckle, and white high-heeled sandals. Long, flirty eyelashes add even more depth to Neema’s sable-colored eyes.

"Straight and Narrow"

The urban vibe,
I feel alive
While greeting all my neighbors.
That’s how I get to craft my art,
My people are my inspiration.
I love to walk the bustling streets
Of my beloved community.
As I pass by, in this cool style,
I hear ten enthusiastic bravos.
I turn to wave and with a smile
Exclaim: “I’m wearing ‘Straight and Narrow!’
Take not all glam aficionados!"







Cause a girl has every right to rock the block, “Straight and Narrow” Neema arrives in a coral soft-as-silk cotton-knit jumper that’s hugging her every curve. An ultra-versatile light pink long sleeved turtleneck lets Neema keep her cool in case it turns chilly, while her fire-engine red, high heeled, lace-up boots communicate that Neema is going places. Big gold tone hoops add restrained bling. “Straight and Narrow” Neema debuts a rooted plaited hairstyle boasting wires in each braid, an open invitation for hair play! Eyelashes, long and dark, finish the urban vibe look.

"Shining Example"

An invitation with gold seal read:
“You are most cordially invited.”
Quite an event, but what to wear?
I surely wish to sparkle!
Sequins of gold, beads caramel,
Like magic gems shine on my dress!
In such fashion effervescence
The room I enter, prideful.
My hostess smiles, revelers rise
I’m a “Shining Example”.







Evocative of Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring-Summer 1967 African Collection, “Shining Example” Neema is a sight to behold and a must in any fashion doll collection! A silk little black dress peeks from underneath a sensationally luxurious black net overdress embroidered with abandon in copper and honey-colored sequins and beads. Statement-making beaded necklaces and bracelets augment the glow, while sexy black faux patent leather boots play foil to this fashion extravaganza. Marcel waves and soft curls create a hairstyle sophisticated yet playful. Black eyelashes emphasize the serenity of Neema’s gaze.

"Charmed, I'm Sure" 

The nighttime sky, all velvet black,
Enveloped stars like diamonds.
An evening grand and magical
Began with music classical.
I needed no crown in my regal gown.
It was an evening enchanted!
Aside, I watched dance and romance
Of partiers in luscious velour
When suddenly, a voice demure
Surprised me with: “‘Charmed, I Am Sure’,
A gem, your gown, of haute couture!”






Unadulterated and undiluted glamour is what “Charmed, I’m Sure” Neema is all about. And to be frank, we were not expecting anything but from the creative mind of Robert Tonner for his very first Neema doll in a formal gown. The one-shoulder bodice of silk shantung is appliquéd with embroidered and beaded lace. A billowing skirt of cut-to-look-like-feathers yarn adds textural balance and is made for dancing the evening away! Pink net gauntlet gloves receive the same embroidered and beaded appliqued treatment as the bodice. Pendant earrings of pink-champagne faceted beads drop elegantly from Neema’s ears. Two braided buns crown the side-gathered, long haired rooted hairstyle. Velvety-black eyelashes, of course!

"Charmed, I'm Sure" (Ellowyne's version)

Those who know my ennui,
My moods, and all my sighing,
Are quite aware that I find peace
Indulging in high fashion remedies!
Last evening was the opposite
Of alleviating sadness, for at the ball
What do I see? My gown, its exact likeness!
But not reflected on a mirror grand
But rather on another partier!
The fear of feeling ridiculed,
For this was not on April Fools’,
Hastened my Cinderella’s exit!
My host, confused and most surprised
“‘Charmed? I’m Sure’” in haste inquired.
With tears cascading, I did reply:
“I wish I were, my dear sire,
But every time that I see double
Most surely means I’ll get in trouble!”



“Charmed, I’m Sure” Ellowyne’s Version
Just like her Neema counterpart, “Charmed, I’m Sure” Ellowyne is the epitome of glamorous dressing. Robert Tonner’s idea for his very first Neema doll in a formal gown is built on a dramatic storyline that calls for Ellowyne to arrive at the ball wearing the same gown with one-shoulder bodice of silk shantung appliquéd with embroidered and beaded lace and billowing skirt of cut-to-look-like-feathers yarn. Pink net gauntlet gloves receive the same embroidered and beaded appliqued treatment as the bodice. Pendant earrings of pink-champagne faceted beads cascade from Ellowyne’s ears like her tears later will. Two braided buns crown the side-gathered, long haired rooted hairstyle. Velvety-black eyelashes frame her soon-to-be-wet eyes. The drama!




It's not every day that such a luxurious line with a new fashion doll character is offered to collectors. Kudos to Robert Tonner and Rachel Hoffman for realizing this dream doll project. Make sure that you bookmark Virtual Doll Convention's Ellowyne Boutique.