ALL THE NEWS FROM THE MODERN DOLL COLLECTORS CONVENTION!: I just returned from the Modern Doll Collector Convention "Magic Moments: Focus On Fashion," in Las Vegas.  The convention was wonderful--I met many great collectors, attended several of the meal events, enjoyed the show room and had a fantastic time!  Here is a summary of some of the news from this convention; look for a FULL report and photos later this week. 

GENE CONVENTION DOLL "Moments To Remember":  This doll is a special edition of the FAO very limited "Moments To Remember." The FAO version of this doll is dressed in a delicate pink and limited to 800; this version is in deep navy (see photo!) and is limited to 250 dolls.  The dress was designed by Dolly Cipiolla.  The background story that comes with the doll is about Gene being a doll collector AND attending a collector's convention--its wonderful! (I've posted the entire background story in the Forum HERE, and will include it in the article as well).   This doll is already becoming highly sought after by collectors, and is currently going for over $400 on eBay (not that it matters to me, since I wouldn't part with mine!  One of my favorite Genes ever!).  The doll ALSO comes with an evening shawl that is not pictured.

A MAN (OR TWO!) FOR OUR FASHION DOLLS!:  It's MORE than a rumor! Basil St. John (Brenda Starr's boyfriend) will be available in 2001 from Effanbee!  I saw a prototype photo of him, and he is quite handsome!  He will be fully articulated, AND his eye patch is removable (since it might look silly if you pair him with Gene or Tyler...).  Oh, ALSO dealers are starting to take pre-orders on the male companion doll to Gene.  No word yet, for sure, if the doll will be Trent Osbourne (mentioned in the book "Gene Marshall, Girl Star" and also mentioned during Mel Odom's dinner presentation.

SPECIAL ALEX: MODERN ROMANCE ALEX:  This Alex, the souvenir doll from the Alex dinner, is a stunner and has turned me into an Alexandra Fairchild Ford collector.  The doll has luxurious curly auburn hair!  The favors for the dinner didn't make it because of a train crash in Arizona!  The centerpieces were a VERY limited Alex doll (as were the Kitty Collier centerpieces) and highly sought after.  

iDOLLS SALE:  POPULAR GRAB BAGS AND MORE!:  This week's sale includes the VERY popular grab-bags, on sale ALL for between $5.95 and $9.95. These grab bags offer an assortment of accessories and clothing perfect for 18-inch, slim vinyl play dolls. Also on sale are their 18" vinyl play dolls for up to 50% off.   Go to iDolls.com.   

VISIT THE CHAT ROOM!:   Its open 24 hours a day, and its free!  Just invite your friends in any time, or stop by to see who's there!  http://collectdolls.about.com/mpchat.htm. 

NEXT YEAR'S MODERN DOLL COLLECTORS CONVENTION!: IN NEW ORLEANS!:  If you are interested in attending next year's convention, the theme will be "Bewitching Beauties" and it will be held at the new Orleans Airport HIlton.  Registration is limited to 400, but since MANY of the attendees from this year (250 attendees) have already pre-registered, don't wait TOO long to register if you want to go.  The cost for registration is $225.  Next year's convention will be held from October 4 to6, 2001.  As SOON as I have details on how the general public may register, I will pass it along here. 

Mystery Guide Of The Day:   Did you know that we have over 700 Guides at About, all bringing you the best on their topic? HINT: A site about one of my favorite travel destinations!  You might say g'day, mate at this  site!

October 30, 2000:  ABOUT.com and Doll Reader parent companies to merge; Special Gene "Moments To Remember"
October 23, 2000:  Eve arrives; American Girl Holiday Catalog; Joan Nerini Antique Costuming Seminar
October 19, 2000:  Halloween Kellys; Sothebys.com leaves Amazon; Doll Costuming Magazine Premieres, more! 
October 13, 2000:  Middle-Aged Barbie; KB Holiday Toys; Vintage Barbie by Mail Auction, more!
October 6, 2000:  TRU Big Barbie Event; Robert Tonner Showcase; Holiday Toys; Sad Toy Story
October 3, 2000:  New doll books; Barbie Volkswagen Beetle, Chuck E. Cheese Doll; Barbie Hallmark Ornaments
September 28, 2000:  Mattel Buy-out rumours; Elle dolls; Barbie Fashion Models
September 25, 2000:  Ginny and Vintage Barbie Auctions; Online Toy Store Wars
September 22, 2000:  Daisy and Willow Line In Turmoil; Olympic Dolls; Lee Middleton Showcase
September 18, 2000:  Top Holiday Toys List; Barbie Markets to Moms; Black Widow Released
September 13, 2000:  New American Girl Kit; $15,000 Gene Package; Robert Best; eBay and Featured Items
September 11, 2000:  $8,000 Fashion Model Barbie Doll; Lee Middleton Dolls; eBay tackles fraud; Encore Gene shipping
September 8, 2000:  eToys; The World's Biggest Toy Store; Some Alexs' Sold Out; No AA Fashion Model Barbie
September 6, 2000:  Doe Barbie Manipulate Children; Venus and Serena dolls; Baby Boomer Toys; Robert Tonner 18" dolls 
September 1, 2000:  Modern Doll Convention; New Barbies; John F. Kennedy Doll; ViewMaster 
August 30, 2000:  Reproduction Dawn; Electronic Toy Shortage; Theriaults Upcoming Online Auctions; Paper Dolls
August 28, 2000:  Auction-Site Shake-Out; Barbie in the New Millennium; New Links
August 25, 2000:  Ask the Editor Chat; AA Prince Ken; Doll Reviews

• Doll Cirque:  November 10 - 12, 2000.  Theriault's special once-a-year event--a doll show with 30 of the world's best antique doll dealers, AND two doll auctions. At the Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, Florida.   www.theriaults.com 
• McMasters Barbie Auction: Catalogued two-day Barbie auction, November 17 and 18th in Cambridge, Ohio.  Just got the catalog--its showcasing some LOVELY in-box dolls!   McMasters 
• Timeless Treasures: The Story of Dolls in Canada is on display now through  March 30, 2003 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. For more information on this huge (over 400 dolls) landmark exhibit, visit http://www.civilisations.ca/cmc/cmceng/pr113aeng.html 
• Theriault Premier Marquis Auction Weekend:  January 5 to 7, 2001, at the Western Coast Plaza, Newport Beach, CA.  3 catalogued auctions PLUS a Disovery Day.  Stop by and say hello to your Guide--I'll be attending!
• National Gene Convention 2000 will be held Oct. 20-23 at the Arlington Heights Hilton in Arlington Heights, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). Registration is $325 and limited to 700. For more information, contact genecon99@aol.com
• Baton Rouge Doll Show:  February 10, 2001.  Ramada Inn and Convention Center, 1480 Nicholson Drive, from 9 am to 4 pm. Competitive and special exhibits, helpers, and door prizes. Proceeds to  benefit local charities such ads JC's Christmas programs for needy children and Easter and Thanksgiving programs for seniors and shut ins; and the UFDC. For additional information contact Pat Duncan pduncan@premier.net or George Orgeron at 504-386-4291 or orgeron@i-55.com.  Stop by and see your Guide; I'll have a table at this show!

Be a Roving Reporter!! Become a Roving Reporter and write a report on a doll event!  Or, do you have a doll event to promote, a new doll to announce, or an updated web site?  Please e-mail me at collectdolls.guide@about.com and put "Newsletter" in the subject line--For events, please give me 7 to 10 days advance notice (at minimum!) in order to have your event appear on time. Some events will also/alternatively appear in the Events Calendar.

Do You Have Dolls For Sale Or Trade? Did you know that you can place FREE classified ads for your dolls for sale or trade (or, dolls wanted) in the Dolls Forum?  Dealers, collectors, everyone welcome; feel free to link to your eBay auctions as well!  Visit the Dolls Forum to find out how to place your ad; if you are not yet a member, click on GUEST, but you will need a free Forum ID to place your ad.

 Want to keep up to date on all the latest in the world of Dolls?    Sign up for the weekly About Dolls  Newsletter! It's free, and is delivered to your email address every week, full of links to new articles, new clip art, additions to the Doll Price Guide and Galleries, Forum Discussions and more!   Don't miss a single issue--- scroll to the end of this page to sign up now!

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Click HERE for the 2000 Doll News Archive from January through August

For all 1999 editions of "Dolls This Week" please go to the 1999 Dolls This Week Archives.