CandiChat January 2002

candichat@dolls.de

23 participants
96 discussions

OT: other fashion dolls
by Randall C Herman 07 Feb '02

07 Feb '02

Hello everybody! I still don't have any of the newer Candi dolls. I am stuck on the Mikelman ones but completely agree with you all that the new Jason Wu ones look great. To everybody who has the new ones or plans to buy, keep the reviews coming, I love to hear them. I know that I'll eventually break down and buy some. My collecting seems to go in spurts. For a while I was all into buying more Dawns and I finally found the new playline dolls and now I seem to be moving into the bigger fashion dolls, which is completely involuntary. LOL. I have no where to put them! For anyone who thinks they may be even remotely interested in Daisy and Willow you really should check ebay. The prices are SO LOW. I just got Daisy (the one with the neat hair peices, I LOVE hair peices for my dolls) and the Poor Boy fashion both shipped to me for only 46.00. Can't beat that with a stick. And, I am completely in love with my new Twiggy doll! I have been a fan of Twiggy, well for a long time. I have two of the older Mattel doll and just got this new one from Franklin Mint. She comes dressed in a lovely mod suit (very loud) and allthough Franklin Mint isn't selling any clothing yet a few extra outfits have shown up on ebay (I'm hoping to get the one that I bid on now), but that's the best place to go anyhow. Twiggy retails for 110.00 but on ebay I got mine for 80.00 (boy did that Christmas money from the family come in handy). They also have a Lucy doll out that I think is wonderful but I can't afford her just yet. I think finally a company has captured the beauty of Lucy and not just the goofiness. Randall

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Re: Integrity playline in stores - reply
by SuzW397026＠aol.com 03 Feb '02

03 Feb '02

Pat, I'm unsure as to whether or not Integrity is publicly traded. I will ask Percy but I don't think that it is. Integrity is a family run company. Besides Percy, the lovely voice on the other end of the phone when I call is Joan, his sister, and the gentleman in charge of the warehouse is Percy's brother. I know that when containers from Asia arrive they are all to be found working from dawn to sometimes early hours of the next morn checking in the merchandise and reshipping to dealers. They may bring in extra help at this time but I believe the extra help is temporary. This leads me to believe they are a closely held corporation and not publicly traded. I hear stories like Melissa's all the time from people across the US. Either the dolls don't appear at all, or, only certain ones appear and sometimes only briefly. The problem with these occurrences doesn't lay at Integrity's doorstep. It is the store buyers who determine the quantity that will be purchased and the distribution. I keep thinking that if the dolls consistently sell out that the numbers the buyers order will increase. Of course, I'm sure that economic factors effect the money the chains may budget towards a certain manufacturer. I'm not privy to the inside information a buyer for a large chain is working with. Perhaps talking to a manager of a store you frequent in your area with a small representation of the dolls requesting more variety would be appropriate. This could be followed up with a letter to corporate headquarters with the same request. If enough requests are received, the company may respond with increased selection. I'm sure Integrity would be happy to increase their sales, LOL! Suzanne In a message dated 1/24/2002 7:03:06 AM Central Standard Time, ebradfrd(a)crosslink.net writes: << Hi, Pat & all, I live in Southern Maryland & the only Integrity dolls my Ames carried this year besides the baby & toddler lines was the In Style Jordan & Alejandro which are still on the shelves. None of the "girls". One of our Walmarts occasionally has a couple of Janays from a couple years back. Our Super KMart had NO Integrity dolls AT ALL this year (2001). Our TRU had One case of the Cool Streaks & one case of the Ultra Divas & one case of the In Style Jordan & Alejandro mix, but that was it all year (2001). Since Integrity has its main office in MD, I'm really surprised that we don't see more of the dolls here. I am really disappointed in their "not showing"... What's it like in other parts of the country??? Melissa > I'm in a Northern Virginia suburb of the sprawling Washington metro area. > Our Ames store provides an interesting view of dolls, different from > Walmart, because Ames seems to be always trying some new doll line to > complement Barbie. Walmart doesn't get creative with its doll selections, > at all. The local Ames has always included Integrity playline baby dolls > but the fashion dolls are expanding with Janay, Alyssa Alejandro. (My > K-Mart is too far away for me to watch regularly, but my visit last week > there were a few Alyssas and Janays.) As a matter of fact, I'm starting > to notice that Ames has cut back a lot of the Barbie doll line and is now > carrying another playline called Steffi Love dolls--they don't do much for > me, but I always welcome variety to the doll shelf. Problem is, they've > started carrying too many of these dolls. They seem like a cheaper-made > doll and no imagination with face sculpts and screening or ethnicity. > > Integrity's dolls, however, have long been a staple, albeit in small > numbers, but present on Ames shelves. Within the year I've noticed the > Integrity fashion dolls are slowly increasing visibility and their numbers > on the Ames doll shelves. Integrity is a welcome alternative to Barbie > because I think it's evident that Integrity can make a doll whose quality is > comparable to any Barbie and the dolls offer some relief from the seemingly > all-white dolls on most shelves. I think it's curious that Walmart hasn't > put any of Integrity's fashion dolls on its shelves (at least here), but > they put Kid Kore on the shelves. It must be their off-brand name of toys > and dolls. I'd speculate, that once Walmart discovers Integrity fashion > dolls do sell, watching Integrity prove itself a formidable contender to the > Mattel fashion dolls throne will be a fun match to watch! Is Integrity > publicly traded? Regards, Pat Brown >>

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Re: New head mold Janay MAY be in your area NOW
by SuzW397026＠aol.com 02 Feb '02

02 Feb '02

A good day wish to everyone and another quick message from me. I spoke with Percy this morning and found out that you may be able to get a Janay with the new head mold in your area NOW. He forgot to tell me at our meeting that he had an early order from K-Mart for a line called Heat Wave because he had no samples or photos with him. Only Alysa and Janays were produced for Heat Wave. Some of the Janays produced for this line use the new head mold and could be at a K-Mart near you right now. He wasn't sure if any of the new Alysa head molds were used or not. Other than the fact that the dolls are dressed in swimsuits, I can't give you a clue as to other details. I did ask if the Janays were the regular skin tone or the honey skin tone and was told they are the traditional darker skin toned dolls. If you're planning a trip to K-Mart, be sure to be on the lookout if you are wanting a new Janay head mold. I sincerely doubt that I will find them around here. I never find Integrity dolls at my K-Mart, :-(. Happy Hunting, LOL! Suzanne

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Re: OT: BIG BEAUTIFUL DOLLS
by Randall C Herman 01 Feb '02

01 Feb '02

I highly doubt that we will see more fashions for these dolls because, if I remember correctly, these dolls have been out for a couple of years and I haven't even heard of anybody who owns one ... Randall

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New Janay at K Mart
by Patricia Feick 31 Jan '02

31 Jan '02

Thanks Suzanne for posting the information about the dolls at K Mart, I will check out our K mart in the coming week and let you know what I find, however, the stores here generally only carry one or two of the Integrity Toy Dolls. I have talked to managers of K Mart, Target and Toys are us about the dolls, and they all tell me that doll collecting in this are is not very popular. And according to my sale on e bay, in 4 years, I have only had 3 sales in Pa. Pat Feick

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New dolls to come
by Pat Brown 30 Jan '02

30 Jan '02

I know this List is all about Candi, and I shouldn't want to mention the names of other dolls, but folks, I have just seen 3 of the most incredible dolls to come this year and I have to share the excitement. If any of you are subscribers to the original FashionDoll Scene newsletter, you know that it is now an online subscription newsletter. Don't worry if you don't take the subscription because in February's Toy Fair issue of Dolls magazine, there will be a 4-page spread for three new dolls by Doug James and Laura Meisner. The dolls are 19.5", come in Caucasian, AA, and Hispanic (ethnic), and are each limited to 300 pieces. I know the prices of these dolls will be daunting to many collectors, but these dolls are worth every penny. I promise, you will not be disappointed. I know this because I personally know the artists and have had long discussions over the past couple of years with Laura about the project. Many of you are already very familiar with their work in the past on Gene and Daisy and Willow. You must know that these 2 designers do not skimp on detail. They meticulously researched the mod fashion designs for Daisy and Willow and filled a fashion doll niche with the "Mod Birds." With their latest collaboration, they have once again attended to accuracy for the couture fashions and have, most importantly, painstakingly developed the engineering on the articulation for these dolls. One day, I expect these dolls will fetch a great deal more in value than the initial investment any of us make. (Yes, I am coming out of the doll collecting woodwork to purchase these beauties. I have long thirsted for a pristine Dollikins and have never come close to finding one that doesn't cost a fortune.) At last I can come close to my ultimate fantasy of a perfect doll--jointing! Lotsa jointing. Dolls can never be jointed too much! I'ma a joint junkie! If I were advising a stock holder about a hot stock to buy, these dolls would be my best tip to a doll collector. Unfortunately, the pics at the FashionDoll Scene website don't do the dolls justice. But they are gorgeous. Anyway, I am feeling my dolly adrenaline and thank you all for letting me emote at you! Regards, Pat Brown

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Re: OOPS...sorry, here's the link: - reply
by SuzW397026＠aol.com 30 Jan '02

30 Jan '02

Lovely gown! Your step-mother is so lucky to be able to sew like this. Her work is also VERY reasonably priced. I'm astounded she felt she could start the bidding at only $5 on this gown. Suzanne In a message dated 1/26/2002 12:11:01 AM Central Standard Time, biz000art(a)yahoo.com writes: << Sorry, I'm in a rush (going to watch a video in a min) and forgot to add the link... CANDI DRESS and JACKET: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1327341615 Elizabeth >>

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Re: older Candi dolls including Christmas 97/98
by Patricia Feick 30 Jan '02

30 Jan '02

Hi I still have some of the older Candi dolls for sale, including the 97 Christmas Dolls and the I have 2 Sweedish 98 Christmas Dolls left. Please contact me by e mail if you are looking for any of these. I will also be carrying the new Candi Dolls as they are are issued. And I am currently taking preorders. I will be selling these dolls at the same price as Suzanne. I will also carry the Alysa, Janay and Jade Dolls, and will have pictures of all of the dolls that will be manufactured, when I return from the toy fair. I am so happy to see that there is a lot more activity on the board and it now has a new life. I hope that everyone has a wonderful day. Pat Feick kaydee3 on ebay

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OT: BIG BEAUTIFUL DOLLS
by Pat Brown 30 Jan '02

30 Jan '02

Dear CandiChatters, Do you all recall way far back there was the announcement of new line of glamour doll with larger proportions than the regular hour-glass-shaped dolls? There had been a lot of discussion on this List about the dolls because of the dolls' more realistic proportions to many of today's women. Please take another look at the dolls because I think they are lovely. I'm still not certain how the sculpts on the feet got resolved. That was a concern for the creators a couple of years ago and unfortunately, the pics on the website don't show the feet now. At the time, the feet didn't fit delicately into a shoe. Not that feet are a big deal. Afterall, it's the faces of the dolls that I find very appealing. And furthermore, feet on a larger body don't always look like the foot of a waifish Chinese Empress, anyway. If the pics are any indication, I find the facial sculpts and screenings to also be very realistic of women's expressions. And the story line of the dolls is a positive one, too. It's exciting to consider who and what these dolls represent and I would love to see these dolls take off. It's a bold concept these designers are promoting, but one that's time should be here. It seems to me that women, in general, are not built with ant-like bodies and it's about time dolls be made to reflect there's more to a woman's beauty than an hour-glass figure in a size 2 gown. Eesh, that bugs me... Also, the original sculptress for the dolls was the same lady who did the Star Wars dolls from that last 1999(?) episode (I didn't follow Star Wars from the beginning so I wouldn't know now). But I do not know if the project continued with that sculptress. Regards, pat Brown > -----Original Message----- > From: Georgette Taylor > Sent: Tuesday, 01 15, 2002 16:26 > Subject: Big Beautiful Dolls > Dear Friends, > Some time ago you inquired about our Big Beautiful Dolls. It gives > us great pleasure to let you know that the dolls are finally > completed and they will be arriving on January 25, 2002. > It has been a long struggle for us. There was a time when we thought > that we could not make this happen, but I am glad to say that Dasia, > Dena and Dawn can finally be a part of your collection. They have > been produced in a limited edition, so they won't be available for > long! > Many of you have stayed in contact with us over the past two years > and yes it has been two long years and we are really grateful for > your loyalty. > We received many letters from plus-size women who were so happy that > there is now a doll that represents them. We also received many > emails from doll lovers everywhere. We just want to say thank you to > all of you. These letters are what kept us going. We knew that we > were doing something good. > We have great plans for Big Beautiful Dolls, Inc. If you remember, > the dolls come with their own unique story line which you can read on > our website or in our soon to be published news-mag, 3D. > We will be introducing three new dolls this year, so we have our > hands full. If you would like to find out more about what's going on > with us, or to place an order, we have updated our website and you > can visit us at www.bigbeautifuldolls.com > Once again thank you for your support. > Sincerely, > Audrey & Georgette > Big Beautiful Dolls, Inc.

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Question
by Rene O'Brien 30 Jan '02

30 Jan '02

Hi all! While we are on the subject of Candi memories. I have a question: Which era of Candi do you like best? Is it the early beaded creations by Helena, when PD/Mikelman did Candi, Ken Batram's brief relationship with HDS, or the new "attitude" of Candis by Integrity. For me, personally I never collected the older Candis. I saw them in shows but nothing really caught my eye. I do have one of the older ones that I like which is the 1997 Christmas Candi blond. She is pretty. But what REALLY got me hooked was when I saw the "Candi is back" ad in Barbie Bazaar last year with the new and improved Candi, the AA International doll. I believe that was Integrity's first ad of the new Candi. Comparing the older Candis to the Newer Integrity ones I have to say Integrity's Candis' quality are much better. The sewing is consistant, and the face painting always perfect, and the packaging design is great! IMHO Candi can't be in better hands, and I really think she will blossom this year under the hands of Integrity. Can't wait to see the 2002 line. Rene __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! http://auctions.yahoo.com

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CandiChat January 2002