Toy Fair is such an overwhelming experience, filled with endless arrays of dolls and toys. Its hard to boil down all of Toy Fair into a Top Ten list of any sort, but this list is my attempt. My picks here are not necessarily the best things at Toy Fair, the most unique, or the most popular, but they were 10 dolls and related items that really caught my interest, and, after 3 weeks to assimilate it all, they have still stayed in my mind. So, here's the Top 10 Most Interesting Things At Toy Fair!
When I passed by these dolls at Toy Fair, I did a double-take. They were so adorable--sweet faced and poseable. Clearly a play doll, yet one that collectors could enjoy as well. I stopped, and liked what I found out even more. Each doll has a personality--one likes to cook, one likes dogs, one likes music, etc. Pets, books, and much more will be available, and all at reasonable prices. They will be available soon at specialty retailers.
I'm not sure exactly WHY I like the Waif dolls, by A.D.Puchalski. The dolls look...well....like waifs. A cross between a Living Dead doll and a Barbie doll. A cross between Anime and a Bratz doll. Definitely original, and something to watch. Waifs are part of a line called Angel/Devil dolls. I have my very own Waif from a Limited Edition of 10 issued to commemorate Toy Fair 2004, and I never know whether to hug her or send her to her room for being bad!
In a sense, Barbie Collectibles have had a type of three-tier system for years--pink box or play dolls, Collectible Barbie Dolls, and Limited Edition Barbie dolls. Now, Mattel is making the system official, with Collectible Barbies broken into three levels--Pink (the basic line of collectibles, available in all types of stores, but mainly Wal-Mart and other large stores), Silver, available also from specialty retailers, and Gold, which is Specialty only and very limited.
Not a doll, but many dolls are discussed in this beautiful book. The Playmakers, by Tim Walsh, is a coffee-table quality book that looks at the origins of Timeless Toys. Sounds simple enough, but the photography is breathtaking and the stories behind the toys engrossing. I'll review the book in detail as soon as it is officially shipped.
The dolls of John and Angela Barker are outstanding in both quality of the costuming and the porcelain. The dolls are produced in very limited editions (usually only 10 or 15 dolls). The costuming is intricate and detailed, often from the Victorian period. The dolls are also large and imposing--usually over 30 inches in height.
Berrdine Creedy has long been known for her lovely porcelain dolls. This year, something new! A more affordable, but just as lovely, series of dolls in vinyl. The vinyl dolls are being done in editions of 100 dolls (as opposed to editions of porcelain dolls that are usually under 10), 13" tall. They maintain the same look that Berdine is known for, and the costuming is just as sweet.
Many of the clothes released by the fashon doll creators is quire beautiful, but sometimes you just need an outfit that goes that extra mile. Thomas Originals Doll Couture offers handmade, detailed costuming to fit most 16" dolls. The clothing is outsitanding, with most of it having a perfect historical flair. Although Thomas has been making his fantastic outfits and accessories for seven years, this was the first year that Thomas Originals was at Toy Fair.
Alexandra Fairchild Fort has a smaller head! And...I just can't get over it. Its amazing what a difference the smaller head makes in the doll. I actually liked Alex before, when her larger head gave her a more "Madame Alexander" look. But...I have to admit that with the smaller head, she looks fantastic, and she mixes much more easily now with Tyler, Sydney, Brenda, and Gene. The new Mod Basic dolls with the smaller heads are already on the market, and you need to see them for yourself.
9. Lee Middleton Life-Like Babies
Yes, I know that other companies have already come out with life-like newborn babies with ultra-soft skin. But...Lee Middleton is going to do a series of these dolls, with beautifully rooted hair and just the right baby look. The dolls were only at Toy Fair in the prototype stage, and are scheduled for delivery this summer. I predict the dolls will be a big hit with the legions of Lee Middleton fans, and will also capture the hearts of the "reborn" crowd.10. Hella Hoffman Dolls
Here's another doll artist to watch. Hella Hoffman produces dolls in both porcelain and vinyl. She creates sprites and fairies, and girls in impossibly feminine dresses, all with an ethereal look which is very appealing. Not as well known in the United States as many of the other German doll artists, I was very taken with Ms. Hoffman's work at Toy Fair, and I was coninually drawn back to her booth (her tiny sprites and fairies really stole my heart).
