I Didn't Have To Worry!
Well, the good news is that I really didn't have to worry! Although IDEX West, admittedly, was a smaller show than IDEX of years past, the smaller, intimate atmosphere was wonderful. It gave attendees the chance to slow down, focus on the dolls that were there, and enjoy visits with doll collecting friends, artists, and manufacturers.
The New Location
I did miss the old location in downtown San Francisco, which let IDEX-goers enjoy the restaurants, shops and attractions of the city during their down time. But, it was charming to not have panhandlers accost me each time I went outside the hotel. And, there were enough restaurants and excellent shopping malls in the airport area to create diversions when needed.
The Kids Had A Blast!
The children ended up really enjoying the show. My daughter was totally ecstatic the entire weekend, and was wowed by her first two doll events--the Tiny Kitty Velvet Sunrise breakfast and the Vintage Ginny Remembered luncheon. After the Tiny Kitty breakfast, I found her back up in the hotel room gazing lovingly at her Tiny Kitty, telling me "that this was the first real doll in her collection." Then, at the Ginny luncheon, she won the centerpiece (a new, not-yet-released "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus" Ginny), proceeded to jump up and down in her seat, and has talked about nothing else since. As for my 11-year old son, he wasn't as thrilled, but he truly enjoyed the "Art Of Collecting Dolls and Bears" presentation by Tim Luke from the Treasure Quest Auction Galleries. He also enjoyed the Ginny luncheon, including the slide show, but he didn't want to keep his Ginny souvenir doll.
The Dolls!
Of course, everyone goes to see the new dolls! Although a bit anti-climatic with most new 2004 dolls already seen all over the Internet and at the manufacturers web sites, you can never match the experience of seeing a doll in a photo--somehow, they just hit you differently in person. For instance, I was prepared to NOT like Daphne Dimples by the Effanbee company (pictured) because I just couldn't get over the seriously platinum hair in the photos. In person, though, it was love at first sight. Same with Tonner's Theatre de la Mode this year. I simply didn't like the three designs that much in the photo, but seeing them in person was totally different.
Tonner, Adora, Vogue, Wendy Lawton and others!
Dolls showcased at IDEX West included dolls from the Tonner Doll Company, the charming baby dolls of Adora Dolls, the amazing porcelain dolls of Wendy Lawton, and the new line of Ginny dolls from Vogue, including a first look at the lovely new line of retro-Ginnys that bring back the look and feel of the 1950s dolls. Bella! Productions had their lovely ballerina-actress--singer Clea Bella and friends, and Effanbee had their new line. Artists included Dianne Effner, Friedericy Dolls, Heidi Plusczok, Sherry Goshon, Maryann Oldenburg and many others.
Don't Miss Part Two
Don't miss the second part of this article where you'll find out about the IDEX Masters Gallery and the Haute Doll Fashion Makeover Contest, plus my hopes for the future of IDEX West.
