Skintone Jeans - Yellow

For fear of stating the obvious, these are the 'Skintone Jeans' in yellow, modelled by the superbly sublime 'Sushi'  from the 400 Club series. I just love the 400 Club girls, they really are beautiful and I think would be the hardest to part with as they were the 'first' commercially available Sybarites. They are over 15 years old now ... Wow! that time has flow by but I still get that 'buzz' when I look at them!

I think this is probably my favourite combination in this series of pictures I did for the jeans; yellow is my favourite colour so that's possibly why, but 'Sushi' is a perfect model for anything yellow or lime and she carries these off with pizazz.

'Sushi (LE 75) is modelling the 'Skintone' jeans in yellow, the silver paillette jacket from 'Apple', blue pearlised leather shoes  and belt from 'Meeow', 'Rock-It' hot pink PVC belt,  'Librium' wig,  'Rosemary' ankle socks and 'Disguise' yellow/blue/pink colourway scarf all by Superdoll.

Skintone Jeans - Magenta

 These are the magenta Skintone jeans modelled by the very beautiful 'Summer' (I have to say it again, she is probably in my top three favourite Sybarites!) and you have to agree that they look a million times better than the white Skintones that poor 'Skye' was wearing in the last post!

'Eaton' is wearing these at the moment as I washed her jeans and this colour best matched her jacket - well the buttonhole flower really - so she was happy to have a change after 13 years! She has never been out of her default outfit and sadly I noticed that both her belt and straps on her bag were perishing, along with the gold corset on 'Sloane'.

'Summer' (LE 100) is modelling the 'Skintone' jeans in magenta, her own sleeveless mesh top, the silver disk corset and studded shoes from 'Tick', the 'Basique Black' bolero,  'Seville' wig, black i_beans and 'Optic Lobster' clutch bag all by Superdoll.

Skintone Jeans - White

These white jeans were the 'free gift' when you purchased the full set of 'Skintones' from Superdoll. This isn't a good photo (probably my least favourite from the set) and I really do not like white jeans... I don't even think 'Skye' looks good in them!

The only people ever to look cool in white jeans were The Clash back in the 70s. They have got to be one of the most difficult things to wear, very unflattering, make you look huge even when you are not and filthy in five minutes!

'Skye' is doing her best to rock these white jeans ... maybe 'Summer' could carry them off better with her albino vibe? I'm not eager to try I'm afraid!

'Skye' is modelling the 'Skintone' jeans in white, the Ndeble cardigan from 'Meeow', pink metallic ankle boots from 'Parfum', pink metallic skull belt white purse from 'Sloane', pearl and ribbon necklace from 'No_Ballet', hat from 'DearHunter' and wig from 'Sushi', all by Superdoll.

 

Skintone Jeans - Blue

This time it is the turn of 'Inque' to wear the royal blue 'Skintone' jeans. I really like this 'Inque' and her flocked hair (which I did myself - she originally had a long centre part 'Cher-style' wig in inky blue/black) and she doesn't often wear a wig. She usually has
i-Beans on as I am not keen on her eyes but her skintone and blushing is gorgeous. I really need to take a pic of her wearing less to show what I mean.

She was an Angelic Dreamz Exclusive and was part of the 'It Girls' collection. The ‘It Girls’ were a series of basic lingerie Sybarites offered at several venues. Described as “Inner City Chique, Toast of the Town and Clothes Horse” ‘Inque’ featured the new clone 0601 with a new light tan skin tone and this sculpt has never been reproduced.

'Inque' (LE 200) is modelling the royal blue 'Skintone Jeans', yellow neon mesh vest and red capelet from 'Catnip', bag and shoes from 'Atomic' accessory pack and blue and white i-Beans, all by Superdoll.

Skintone Jeans - Green

These are the 'Skintone' Jeans in green and I like this photo of 'Savoy' who is my favourite Sybarite from the 'Chelsea Girls' trio. I think it's her purple eyeshadow and green eyes that I love the most. She was issued on 1st July 2007 so is now over 13 years old ... yikes! 

'Savoy' (LE 134) is modelling the green 'Skintone' Jeans, leopard-print corset top from 'Meeow', Gold beaded epaulettes from 'Tock', visor from
'Sno-Orchid', striped socks from 'Parsley', green 'i-Beans' and 'Hessiglam' bag and shoes, all by Superdoll

Skintone Jeans - Red

It is scary to think that I took this series of photos in August 2012 (almost 8 years ago!) as it certainly does not seem that long ago.

I wanted to take a set of photos showing a Sybarite each wearing a different colour of jeans from the 'Skintone Jeans' pack which was issued in September 2011. There were six pairs of jeans in total and the first 50 customers to purchase the set got a free pair of jeans in white.

I like some of the photos in the set and some I am not so keen on. This one is okay but I wish I'd added a black jacket.

'Karma' (LE 100) from the 'Fortune' collection is modelling her own tartan bumflap, the red jeans from the 'Skintone Jeans' pack, shoes from 'Librium', 'Trapeze as Napoleon' T-Shirt (a gift to attendees of the Sybarite event at the 2008 PFDF), black mesh gauntlets from 'Pony', black 'i-Bean' sunglasses and tartan bag and necklace from the 'Knife' accessory pack, all by Superdoll.

Voyage Rouge et Noir

Much to my shame, I have never had the two sets of luggage (Paris Fashion Doll Festival Exclusives from 2000 and 2001 I think?) out of their boxes; they are really cool and very nicely made and happened to fit with the red and black theme.

Gene and Ivy are off to New York for a meeting about Gene hosting a Christmas Special television show. They look pretty laden down - you'd think stars of their importance wouldn't have to carry their own bags would you?!

'Vixen' Gene is wearing the complete 'Cherry Smash' suit and is carrying the luggage from the PFDF 2001. 'Color Deal' Ivy Jordan is wearing a white blouse and black pencil skirt by Tonner, shoes by Fashion Boulevard, houndstooth bag by Tonner, hat from Gene's 'Embassy Luncheon' outfit and the super-cute Scottie dog pin is by Fil Baldowski. Ivy is carrying the luggage from the PFDF 2000. The two dogs are Gene's beloved terriers, 'Dottie and Dashiel'.

Filigree Flair

Even though the Integrity Genes are a lot more poseable than the Ashton Drake Genes, it is still quite tricky to do a full shot without reverting to shooting her just standing up straight, so I was quite pleased at how this turned out... she looks quite 'Dovima-ish'. If you are shooting her close-up and not full-length it is not as much of a problem.

'Ooh-La-La' Gene is modelling the complete 'Filigree' outfit ... looking at this now I wish I'd switched the gloves for black ones - they would look so much better! This is the text from the Storycard:

'Filigree' is a stylish cocktail dress circa 1949. A white cocktail dress provides the background for a lattice of lovely black. A flurry of black lace tops the bodice and a black ribbon highlights the back. Gene completes the look with a a scrumptious-looking hat, with black feathers jutting out from the centre of a small cap. Comes with white pearl earrings and thin ribbon shoes.

"Ohh-La-La' Gene by Integrity is modelling the complete 'Filigree' outfit by Ashton Drake. Chaise is a jewellery box from TK Maxx.

Día de los Muertos

This is the first doll photograph that I have taken for ages. I actually received 'Skaadu' today, she was a birthday gift to myself, and I have to say I totally love her, she's beautiful.

She was released as the Superdoll 'Halloween' doll last year and although I liked her I didn't buy her as I had only recently bought 'Faro' and as she has a latin vibe too, I thought that was enough!

But the more I looked at her the more I liked her ... her eye make-up, eyebrows, lower lashes and dark lip liner in particular. I was getting seriously tempted and ready to hit the checkout button on the Superdoll site but the Souls of the Dead must have been looking out for me as a doll appeared on ebay, in the UK, NRFB, 'Buy It Now' for almost half the price! Well I could not believe my luck and I am still pinching myself now!

She came in a large gold 'Salon-style' box and 'Skaadu' certainly did not disappoint - she is every bit as gorgeous in reality. The gown is amazing in its construction and the quality and detailing are fantastic (some of the roses are paper however, so not sure how well these will last) The jewellery is very dramatic with red crystal cube earrings and a multi-coloured rhinestone necklace and the rose-festooned headpiece finishes off the whole look. The gown is huge and would take up half a shelf on its own so I'll have to box it up until I have more display space but I'm delighted with the whole package and am so glad I got her!

'Skaadu' is modelling her default gown, headpiece and jewellery. Fan is from 'You Devil, You' Abbe Lane Sybarite, all by Superdoll.

Emerald Mood

This is the mesmerising 'Mood' from the 'Youthquake' Superdoll Convention of October 2012 and she was the second of the Sybarites that attendees received over the three days.

The first was 'Concubine' who is a DC sculpt at the Friday night 'Youth' dinner, 'Mood' was the second on the Saturday night 'Tantrum' dinner and finally 'Sherbert' was the third at the Sunday 'Therapy' brunch.

It is unusual for me to like all the dolls from a convention but this trio are an exception - I loved every one of them, so much so that a few days after the convention I traded another doll for 'Concubine' and bought 'Mood', minus her outfit, from another collector in November 2016 (as you can see I waited quite a while to get her!) I love her face and her updo, which is based on a reverse of Daphne Guinesses’ hair.

'Mood' (LE 50) is modelling the 'Emerald Oyster' gown from Christmas 2014, and the 'Acquired Wealth' choker and bracelet set 'Glistening Bandeau', all by Superdoll. Tulle and sequin stole by Doll-scum.

The 'Too Much' Girl

'As a major star of the late silent era, Zita Louise (as she was then called) was the epitome of the Jazz Age glamour. Known as the "Too Much Girl", Zita forged a reputation
as a party girl and was a favourite of the Hollywood gossip columns. Counts and Princes seemed always to be proposing to her in front of a fountain while the cameras were rolling. Everyone and anyone just wanted to be with Zita Charles! With her vampish look, sassy style and elegant vintage inspired gowns'.

This is the first 'Zita Charles' doll and she had her introduction in October 2008. Unfortunately for me, she was an FAO Schwarz Exclusive and at well over $250, plus shipping, out of
my reach.

There are various other incarnations of Zita -
I did toy with the idea of 'Wrap Party' as I liked
her outfit, but the only Zita that a truly wanted was 'Azalea Ice' - I just adore the streak in her hair - so I could not take the plunge and accept second best, as it were.

Needless to say I was delighted when trawling through the doll board I saw a post offering a NRFB 'Azalea Ice' for sale for $120! I emailed straight away and although the seller would not ship outside the US, they were happy to send the package to my darling shipping buddy in LA (thank you Andrew!)

Miss Zita Louise Charles arrived and as soon as I opened the box, I knew I had done the right thing in holding out for 'Azalea Ice' ... she is the BEST Zita, no contest! Her gown is really pretty and the chiffon drapes really nicely - the shoes are great too - I thought the jewellery was a bit lacklustre but nothing I cannot rectify! Here is the 'official' blurb:

Azalea Ice is the very first Zita Charles doll and is offered exclusively through FAO's online catalogue division. Zita wears a luscious one-shouldered gown with detailing at the bust that echoes the gown's incredible colorful train. Zita comes complete with matching gloves, shoes and jewelry so she is totally prepared to take on tonight's party, wherever it may be.

'Azalea Ice' Zita by Integrity models the 'Azalea Ice' gown, gloves and heels, Jewellery is a mixture of Franklin Mint and Tonner.

Entente Cordiale

Still on a wedding theme, the happy couple in this image are Sybarites 'Yves' (groom) and 'Patience' (bride) from the 'War and Peace' off-schedule event at the PFDF in March 2008.

They were betrothed at an exclusive invite-only ceremony in a grand Parisienne Salon on 13th March 2008. The guests were led up a grand marble and stone staircase to a spectacular room, where they were then shown into another room where the ceremony took place. The Padre declared them married and the guests toasted them with absynthe.

All the guests were in awe of 'Yves' and 'Patience' so imagine our surprise and delight when we were actually all presented with a huge box containing both dolls!

The dolls are unique given the fact that they are made of french resin and both sculpts have never been repeated. Superdoll decided against using this resin again as they were not sure of its properties and how it would age. I have to say that I have had these dolls since 2008 and they still look great to me.

The 'Yves St Evangelist' sculpt is based loosely on the likeness of supermodel Linda Evangelista. The Union Jack frock-coat is inspired by a David Bowie jacket. 'Patience Myristil' is based on the French legend 'Marianne'. Both dolls are studio pieces, hand-painted by Charles and represent a symbolic union of England and France and are an edition size of only 30.

'Yves' and 'Patience' (seated on the 'Discobum' chaise) are wearing their default outfits, apart from 'Yves' wearing the stiletto boots from 'Sabbatha', all by Superdoll. Diamond tiara off ebay and Union Jack sequinned cushion by Doll-scum.

June Bride

Isn't it supposed to be lucky to get married in June? There is something about June and brides as the song says, "when you marry in June, you're a bride all your life."

Gene Marshall has certainly been a bride a fair few times; we are not sure if it is for real or as parts in her films, but she has appeared as 'I Do' (1920s Bride), 'To Have and To Hold' (1940s Bride, 'I Thee Wed', (1950s Bride) and 'Monaco' (a copy of Grace Kelly's wedding gown). She has even had a pegnoir set in blue lace with blue fluffy high-heeled mules called 'Honeymoon'.

This wedding gown is by Franklin Mint and not surprisingly is for their Jackie Kennedy doll ... as you can see it is a copy of her wedding ensemble. It is a wonderful copy, all in scale, even down to lace on the veil and the head-cap and is very faithful to the original. Even the bouquet is pretty accurate.

It's not a bad fit on Gene either - a little large on the waist and the shoes do not fit but overall it looks good.

Franklin Mint do a lot a bridal gowns - they have one for their Lucille Ball doll which is typical 1950s below the knee full-skirted tulle and also one for their Grace Kelly doll, which again is a very good copy of the original gown (better than the Ashton Drake 'Monaco' one for Gene).

If I could get them at a good price I'd go for it but I'm not desperate for them - maybe Ivy Jordan and Marsha Hunt would look good in them?

I'd like to think that Gene finally tamed Trent and they got married and had a long and happy life together ... who doesn't want a happy ending?

'Blue Parasol' Gene by Integrity is modelling the complete Franklin Mint Jackie Kennedy wedding ensemble, with the pearl necklace from 'Palm Springs' Jackie Kennedy outfit, also by Franklin Mint.

Pink 'n' Black

Apparently this was the favourite colour combo of Elvis and if it's good enough for him, then it is certainly good enough for me!

The shoes are by Rocket Originals who make excellent reproductions of mainly 1940s shoes, here in the UK. They are made by meticulously copying an actual old shoe and they certainly do a fantastic job - they are identical but have the benefit of being made for today's feet which are usually a lot wider (but not in my case as I have to go a size down with their shoes). They do take quite a bit of 'breaking in' and I would not say they are particularly comfortable even when you've had then a while but they do look good!

This particular style is called 'Esther' (after Esther Williams - all their ladies shoes are named after famous stars of the era) and they came in this colourway and also in navy/red, black/grey, green/cream and burgundy/grey. 

The lucite handbag was a lucky ebay find from a UK seller, which is a rarity and is by Jerri's of Miami. It is fabulous and one of my favourite handbags - the lucite lid has tribal dancers on it and a scattering of rhinestones (a few were missing but that was easily rectified!)

The costume jewellery parure if by Trifari from their 1956 Summer Collection and is called 'Valencia'. It is a 'Crown' piece (which basically is a higher-quality) and was designed by Alfred Philippe, who is the most known designer for Trifari; his designs are still an inspiration today. This set also came in white, aqua, yellow and coral red. It is very well made and has certainly stood the test of time - the pieces originally retailed at between $8-$4 and a full parure can now command around $80-$100.

I don't know much about the sunglasses, they are original 1950s but have no makers mark so are probably just a cheap pair that you would buy at the seaside but the colour and style are spot on!

Summer Bzzz

I just love this old photo of 'Summer' but then I'm biased as I love 'Summer' a lot! This was taken in 2009 and she's still a favourite of mine.

I know some people do not like her but she is easily in my top five Sybarites. The only thing I wasn't mad on initially was her original wig but it has since grown on me (this is not her original wig incidentally but an early attempt at a 'Headskin' type wig - I have since bought her a couple of proper 'Headskins' and she looks great in both of them.

At the moment, I have her dressed in the grey 'Headskin' and the dress/leggings from 'Precious' and she looks so cool ... I really do need to take some new photos.

'Summer' is modelling the sweater, bag and shoes from the 'Bzzz' accessory set, the silver lame corset which was a gift for attendees at the 'War and Peace' PFDF Event in 2008, the pleather skirt from 'Parsley' and is sitting on the 'Discobum' mirrored chaise all by Superdoll. Mongolian wool wig by Doll-scum.

Sheer Glamour

This is 'Special Appearance' Violet Waters and is the only Ashton Drake Violet that I have kept. She does have a beautiful hair-do (40s rolls) and face and I must get her a new 'Wu' body sometime.

I always seem to want to dress Violet in gowns and do not have any photos of her in anything other than gowns so I must try to take some of her looking more casual.

This gown is a Tonner gown from one of the very first Sydney Chase dolls called 'Sheer Glamour' and I think the pale yellow looks great against Violet's skintone. Tonner do have some nice gowns and I still have about five of the earlier Sydney Chase dolls that I can't part with. I think the later Sydney leaves a lot to be desired though!

'Special Apperance' Violet is modelling the Tonner 'Sheer Glamour' gown, opera-length gloves and heels (not seen). The microphone is from the Ashton Drake 'USO' accessory set and the white mink stole is by Dimitha.

I Get a Tick Outta' You

As mentioned in the post below on 'Peep', this is the only other PFDF Sybarite that I have kept; 'Tick'.

'Tick' (LE 100) was the Event doll at the PFDF in March 2010. This was the same year that Superdoll held their 'Speak & Spell' Unconventional Convention at the Paris Doll Museum where the lucky attendees received 'Librium' (LE 50). As if that were not enough, the Paris Doll Museum also had an exclusive Sybarite 'Slipper' (LE 300) and there was a 'sister' for 'Tick'
by the name of 'Tock' (LE 100) who was sold from the PFDF Sales Room on the Sunday.

I did not like the original wig on 'Tick' ... it was a strange beehive thing and my best shot at a description would be a cross between Ronnie Spector and Marge Simpson ... so I removed it and I think she looks great with this black bob. The nicest things about her outfit are probably the silver 'powder compact' shoes (there is a a hinged powder compact in the sole of each shoe) and the flat wire headband that she had under her wig that enabled her to wear earrings (as far as I am aware 'Tick' was the only Sybarite with this feature which was called 'Earwigg').

'Tick' is modelling her default outfit (minus the wig and 'safety shield') by Superdoll. Wig by Chewin.

Peep Show

The Paris Fashion Doll Festival takes place in March each year and Superdoll have had an exclusive Sybarite since 2008 - the first was Epocholypse Rouge in 2008 and I wasn't overly keen on her so I sold her to a friend for what I paid for her.

I seem to have a 'hit or miss' thing with the PFDF Sybarites and it is more miss than hit but this girl is an absolute winner and easily my favourite PFDF Sybarite. The only other one I have is 'Tick' who is pretty underrated and looks great without her default wig and outfit.

This 'Coffee Peep' (LE 100) has a colour variation - 'Blanc Peep'  (LE 20) with a white outifit and platinum hair  - who is very sought after but I do actually prefer the darker version. There is also a 'Necro Peep' (LE 10) who has the same face-paint but with black lips and she is dressed in a black satin corset with a black 'galleon' hat and a sheer 'bat-wing' cape.

'Coffee Peep' is modelling her full default outfit - doll and outfit by Superdoll. Mirrored pedestal is a candle stand.

Puppy Love

I got this Gene in June 2009. Great price too ... $70 including shipping and NRFB. She originally retailed at $99 so that was what I'd call a deal ... you can't get an Integrity Gene/Madra etc for less than $200 now so they have more than doubled in price.

She is really, really pretty; her eyes are more of a turquoise blue than the standard Gene blue and her make-up is lovely too. She is called 'Special Scene' and was from the series of three sweater-girl dolls (with Madra and Violet). I initially liked the Madra but did not want her but when someone posted a picture of her on The Studio Commissary board, she went on my list!

'Special Scene' Gene is wearing her original outfit and shoes all by Integrity. The pink stole in the hatbox is from 'Blue Evening', the hatboxes, shoes boxes and ornament boxes (tied with pink organza ribbon) are all from the Ashton Drake Gene line. The white Maltese terrier is from ebay.

Oi Bondage Up Yours!

The beautiful 'Cosma' or 'Cosma Shiva Galaxina' if you are to use her full title, is the stunningly gorgeous DC sculpt and was an Edition size of only 30 for attendees at Superdoll's first ever uncoventional convention 'Syb-a-Festo' back in October 2006.

Her name is taken from a piece of music by Nina Hagen and she is hand-painted by Charles so each doll varies slightly. She was supposed to come with an extra 'hand with chainsaw' but a lot broke in transit and only a few are believed to have survived intact.

She photographs beautifully as you can see as her skintone is almost pearlescent and glows like real skin... she really is special and very rarely ever appears for sale. I only recall ever seeing a couple of sales.

'Cosma Shiva Galaxina' is modelling the
gold-cage corset and platform boots from 'Sanctuary', mohair wig from 'Sloane' and 'Acquired Wealth' Salon-Exclusive gold 'Slave' cuffs and collar set all by Superdoll. Gold hoop earrings by Doll-Scum.