IDEX Masters Gallery Show and Sale
On Saturday night, the IDEX Masters Gallery Show and Sale was held, which showcased incredible one-of-a-kind dolls by some of the best-known artists in the industry. The show benefited a San Francisco AIDS Hospice.
HauteDoll Fashion Makeover Contest
A new event this year at IDEX was the HauteDoll Fashion Makeover Contest. This contest included entries from both professional and amateur dollmakers. Winning dolls included a doll from Charles Josef in the Professional category (first place) with second and third place being won by an up-and-coming doll makeover artist and dear friend of mine, Jewelianne. Look for photos of the winning dolls in all categories, and more winners from this contest in an upcoming article.
Doll Events
There's nothing like a doll meal event. Its like Christmas and a meal out with great friends all rolled into one, with great entertainment, too! The Christmas part comes from the lovely, limited souvenir doll that usually accompanies these events. The meals are usually extra-special because you either spend them with long-time doll friends, or, if you go alone, you meet new ones! The meal events at IDEX were no exception. Door prizes were given out (OK, that's like Christmas too, especially if you win something), the Tiny Kitty breakfast even had a raffle, and both the Ginny and Tiny Kitty meals had interesting slide presentations for entertainment after the meal. The Tiny Kitty breakfast actually had two presentations--one based on the recent article about Tiny Kitty in HauteDoll magazine, and a humorous look at Tonner's Jane doll (the child doll) photographed in Paris. The Ginny luncheon focused on the souvenir dolls from 25 years of Modern Doll Conventions, as well as the 2004 line of Ginny dolls.
Reflections After The Show
Stuck in traffic on the Bay Bridge after the show, I had plenty of time to think about IDEX, and what a good time I had there. I didn't even mind missing the Superbowl (although...ahem...I think I'm a little disappointed I missed the Janet Jackson stripping episode during the Superbowl, since I had NO idea what EVERY TV station was talking about the second I walked in the door at home!).
Hopes For The Future of IDEX West
Even though I had a marvelous time, I admit that I'd like to see at least a slightly bigger show next year--doll manufacturers and artists shouldn't forget their collectors and retailers on the West coast, and they should try to make it a priority to build IDEX West. I would also like to see seminars added back for doll retailers, since they help inspire and encourage retailers, which then inspires and encourages the collectors. Many of the doll retailers on the West coast simply can't afford a trip back East where nearly all of the other doll trade shows take place. So, here's to looking ahead to IDEX West 2005!
