Tonner Dolls 2006: Dramatic Outfits, Fantasy Creations and Familiar Faces
Every year, before the new dolls come out, I hear collectors pledge "I'm not going to buy many new Tonner Dolls this year, because I'm running out of room and I have enough dolls and outfits...Besides, I have just about everything." And, every year, the line premieres, and those same collectors can't forget that pledge quickly enough as they call their favorite doll dealer with their long lists of pre-orders!The Tonner Doll Company released the first images and descriptions of their new 2006 line of dolls on the Internet on January 16th. I'm one of those collectors that thinks she simply has too many Tonner Dolls. And, I'm also one of those collectors who still ended up with a long list of "must haves" from the 2006 line! I was taken in by some of the very dramatic outfits and fantasy creations, especially in the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland lines. I also love the Harry Potter line of dolls--the sculpts and clothing details are fantastic--and I liked the twists given to some well-known dolls, such as the flat-footed Sydney Chase, and the micro-braids Jac doll.
The Tyler Wentworth Line
Its nice to see a strong basic line at a good price ($59.99) in the new Blush and Bashful dolls. And, they aren't just basic dolls--they have the fully articulated bodies with bending wrists, and great hair--long, raven hair on Tyler, rust hair on Esme, micro braids on Jac and a saffron/sable on Sydney.The gowns are again dramatic this year, with exceptional fabrics, although the Byzantine Sydney is especially pricey at $249.99. The City Ensemble dolls are beautifully put together and accessorized day outfits including coats and purses. Their $159.99 price tag, however, does point out that costs of production have risen in the last year. The Newest Trends dolls tend to have lower prices and simpler fabrics and designs, but, that said, have some exceptional dolls--the flat-footed "hippie" Sydney (Central Park Stroll) and the Midas Touch Jac are standouts. I wasn't interested in Modern Mood Sydney because of the Platinum hair until I saw she is another of the wigged dolls!
The separate outfits were a bit of a disappointment for me this year. I wasn't wowed by the fabrics and design. That said, my favorite is Feminine Chic and the Tyler and Marley Summer Shopping Matched set--a relative bargain at $69.99!
American Models 2006
I haven't yet had the opportunity to write a lot about the American Models, re-introduced in a 22" size by Tonner Dolls last year. This is a shame, because these beautiful dolls are exceptional, in size and also design. The 2006 line introduces three new basic dolls, including the first wigged one (a redhead) and since the basic dolls retail for only $99.99 (that's a whole lot of doll for only $99.99!) they are very popular.The dressed dolls are sophisticated and elegant. Pricey (they start at about $300) they are very limited (to only 300 dolls each). There is a lot of noise on the Internet for the sleek Monte Carlo, but my heart goes pitter patter for the princess-like Confection. Primavera is also stunning.
Although I'm the biggest promoter of separate outfits for fashion dolls, these are the one type of doll that I don't want separate clothing for--I would no sooner change their clothing than change them on a Jumeau. However, that said, it is good to see separate clothing in the line this year for the American Models, especially for the Basic dolls. I'm going to wait until I see the clothing in person until I pass judgement on them individually.
Wizard Of Oz Dolls
I love the innovative and fantasy-driven Wizard of Oz dolls. However, I do think that the line expanded too quickly this year, with nine dolls and quite a few outfits. The editions of 1,500 for most items also seemed a bit high. Unless you want to do a whole display of Wizard of Oz, or fantasy dolls, I'm not sure how many the average collector will want. Neverheless, you can't ignore the imaginitive Emerald City Cosmopolitan, Poison Ivy and Ambassador in Pink. Um, in fact, in spite of what I said in the first sentence, I'm sure I want an Ambassador in Pink and I'm desparately trying to talk myself out of Poison Ivy (no more green dolls!!!).Even if you don't collect Wizard of Oz at all, don't ignore the line. You'll find some gems like a nightgown for Dorothy that fits Marley as well, and the lovely basic Glinda doll who has a beautiful, classic sculpt. If you missed last year's main trio of dolls, they are available again (dressed Dorothy, Wicked Witch and Glinda) and so are the popular Ruby Slippers.
