Disco at the Pity Party

The title of this entry may sound complicated, but it's not! It's all about new fab doll intros!

Joey Versaw introduces a new character from The Daffodolly's Band and her name is Disco!

"Debut Disco"

Disco is the fun loving drummer of “The Daffodolly’s “ and Meadow's best friend from childhood. She comes in a color saturated bell sleeve stage dress, “Mua!” necklace, and a truly fab wig with hand painted headband to match her dress. 

Debut Disco is a limited edition of 20.

"Pity Party" Meadow 

It’s Meadow's Birthday but Irma (Meadow's frenemy) has intentionally delayed bandmate Kirby and Meadow is beside herself. Real friend Disco turns up to try to cheer the forlorn birthday girl. Meadow comes with party dress, black "Taylor" wig, and birthday invitations. 

"Pity Party" Meadow is limited to 30 pieces

Becoming Takeshi

The art of sculpting (be it via the artful manipulation of clay or the visually entrancing digital equivalent) is the foundation for the creation of a doll. These days, dollectors enjoy unprecedented diversity as doll producers - from Mattel to indie designers - offer faces and bodies to represent our evolving understanding and appreciation of the human race.

 
Paul Pham, creator of NuminaDoll, is a sculptor extraordinaire with a gift for capturing the essence of a character. His dolls defy conventions as he explores types of beauty often overlooked. And his gift extends to the realm of dolls representing male anatomy.

Two years ago, Pham introduced a new character named Ang, a beautiful depiction of a young man with Asian heritage. Dolldom immediately jumped at the opportunity to add Ang to its collection of NuminaDoll. Not surprisingly, Ang created a stir modeling a wide range of fashions, from Hakama pants by JAMIEshow to non-binary dresses by HvalaDolls.

Ang 2020

Still, a desire remained among Dolldom's editors to have a more mature Asian male character. A conversation with Pham about re-sculpting the mouth and redoing the face-up, accompanied by many inspirational photos, led to another beautiful OOAK creation. And so, Ang became Takeshi.

Pham's incredible talent transformed the athletic youngster into a smoldering hunk. For his first Dolldom entry, Takeshi wears a coat by Ayal Armon and slacks and boots by NuminaDoll. His wig is also by NuminaDoll.

Takeshi 2022

Woodland Magic

For this first September entry, Dolldom invites its readers to step back into the forest and experience the magic that is seldom seen but invariably always felt. For this forest is inhabited by Joey Versaw's Troglyns! 

“Why do you run so far away, I’m really not scary I’m just here to play. I may look different and scary to you, but I’m here only for good and my heart is loyal to you!” 

Piewacket is a purple monster with a “frozen Charlotte “ type body and a ball jointed head so it can swivel. You may customize his hair and eye color. An owl comb is included so you may keep Piewacket's tresses prettily styled. 

"Come to the forest to the magical tree, there, a circle of mushrooms you will see. Stand inside the circle and count to four, we will appear and, to the world of fairy, open the door.” 

The Troll Fairies are available in female and male representing. Each doll has a “frozen Charlotte “ type body with a ball jointed head so it can swivel. The Troll Fairies arrive with a fancy forest garment, a stand, a pattern so you can make your own clothing out of felt, and a comb. Each character has its own unique sculpt and is offered in “Fairy Dew”, a light slightly iridescent tone or “Red Earth”, a beautiful earth tone.

To preorder Piewacket and The Troll Fairies, visit Joey Versaw.

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. 

 

Ceci n'est pas (seulement) une poupée

We at Dolldom are of the opinion that there is nothing but pleasure in being surrounded by dolls. And while many enjoy living, cooking, shaving, dressing up and sleeping in the company of their dolls, others prefer to devote a separate space that functions as a realm of dolly delight.

But when codes are challenged and, as a result, broken, our consciousness evolves and appreciation for expression via the doll form augments. For it is not everyday that the dollector can combine doll and décor in a harmoniously seamless manner. 

Hvala Dolls' Mi is such a code breaker. Although very much a doll, Mi is designed to express a message of universal appeal: humanity (as young as it is) is being studied by an older (more experienced) form of intelligence. Mi is an intergalactic traveler who with every OOAK iteration brings an invitation to ponder such an illuminating and humbling idea. 

In this Dolldom entry, two Mi dolls hang out among a collection of vases. Two are Puerto Rican ceramic vessels designed to evoke the Cemí of Taíno people in the Caribbean. The third is a Jonathan Adler minimalist creature. As if trying to be incognito, the Mi and the vases function as observers that we, in turn, observe, perhaps completing a circle. But is it truly complete when, in the background, we discover eyes watching us watching Mi?   

Visit Mi by Hvala Dolls

Mi and their clothing by Hvala Dolls