Showing posts with label Superdoll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Superdoll. Show all posts

12/16/2020

Introducing "Lam, Dalat Holiday" by Aquatalis

 I've posted many photos of my 16" BJDs dressed in fashions by Aquatalis and now, there is a doll from them. 

Lam is a 16-1/2" resin BJD gift set in a limited edition of 15.  In her first iteration, introduced in October 2020, she is on holiday in Vietnam at a place called Dalat. The gift set consists of three distinct fashions and accessories as you can see below.

Photo by Aquatalis

This is her back story:

Dalat is one of the most beautiful destinations of Vietnam, which is located 4,900ft above sea level, known as a gift of nature since it has four seasons in a day, yes in a day! You can have the spring in the morning, summer in the noon, autumn in the afternoon and winter at night. Doesn't it sound wonderful? Dalat is also where Lam was born, so she decided to go back to her hometown with fashions and excited to transfer her feelings to you all. The first place that Lam visited is the King Palace of Dalat, she chose the classic brocade suit set to reappear the image of Nam Phuong - the last and the most beautiful, fashionable Empress Consort of Nguyen Dynasty - Vietnam back in the 40s. This set was made by our very talented best friend, Hoàng Anh Khôi, who is also well known for making classic style garments for fashion dolls, he used the blue shade brocade with golden thread flower to create the royal feeling for Lam, comes together with golden tone accessories to complete the look, that also matches perfectly to the context of King Palace and the cold weather of Dalat. Lam is deeply in love with that place and she's played the Queen role very well with power in the eyes but still remains the elegance.

Pham Anh Quan's photographs show her visiting three places dressed in one of the fashions each time.




The cost of the gift set was $1230  ($1080 + $150.) including EMS shipping from Viet Nam to the United States. It arrived several days after sending the payment which was really nice. I don't like having to pay for doll weeks (or longer) in advance. IMO, sellers should not get the total payment until the doll is actually ready to ship. 

I have dressed her in each outfit and wig (and several other wigs) and photographed her in everything and here is my opinion. 

Lam has a very pretty face. Her makeup is perfect. Her applied lashes are even. I loved the fact that her earring holes were large enough for most of my doll earrings. 

The clothes fit very well. There was no struggle to close any item and there were no awkward hems or clumps of fabric. Her shoes stayed on when I moved her.



Her necklace closes by tying ribbons. I do prefer a hook closure but this was fine. 


The wigs were carefully made, hard-cap type. I had trouble with the long wig as far as placing it on her head properly. I have to work on that. It's the reason that I don't have a photo of her wearing it.


The wigs shown below were made for Kingdom Dolls (except the last one.) Not all KD wigs fit properly. It depends on the wig itself. Lam's head is a bit smaller. I have an IT AvantGuard wig that fits her. 










Her lingerie:


Her suit:


Lam comes with two sets of hands and changing paddles. Hooks were not attached to the hands and should have beeen. I took the hooks off the paddles and put them on one pair of hands and used the extra pair of hooks for the other set of hands. Unfortunately, they fall off when the hands are not on the doll. It's kind of a balancing act to change the hands. I'm sure that is something that will be fixed in future dolls. 

Her hand-on-hip pose is easy to do and her holding hand works as you can see above. I pinned her hat on as I wanted it to tilt and the wig had a lot of height itself so the hat could not sit the way I wanted it to sit. 

Comparison to two other resin BJDs in my collection:
 
Size:
Lam is taller by a full half inch than Kingdom Doll. She is the same 16-1/2" tall as the Superdoll Sybarite.
For this photo, I made sure that each doll's foot surface was even with the others.
Note the differences in shoulder height, length from knee to hip, length of neck and the shape of the calf and the ankle. 



Kingdom Doll's body is beautifully refined and proportional. They have improved and made changes often. The finish is matte. The blushing is appropriate. Their joints work well. Occasionally, the arms are snappy and do not hold position. Nothing is perfect.
The Sybarite body is a joke. It is possibly the most unattractive resin body currently on the market. The blushing is ridiculous - look at the knee joints and around the breasts. Seriously? However, they have sold tons of dolls probably because of the fabulous clothes, makeup and hair. 

Lam's body needs some refinement and I'm sure they will be working on the body as time goes by. One change I'd like to see is to make the calf and ankle more shapely. 
The joints work very well except for one area - the knees. When bending the knees, I had to manipulate the center joint by hand. It will probably loosen up with a bit of time. 
The rest of her body is very shapely and slim.  It's an excellent doll for the first.



Her feet are wider than KD's but the soft, as opposed to the resin hi-arch KD shoes, will fit her. I haven't tried the Superdoll shoes but there may be some that fit. All three of my comparison dolls have a very high arch.

I think there's a great market for Lam amongst those who tend to prefer a more conservative-looking resin doll. Think of the first 10 years of Tyler Wentworth and friends...toned-down make-up, classic clothing, no see-through fabrics - a girl you'd take home to Mother. 

I recommend trying to purchase one of Aquatalis' dolls if you can. The reception for Lam was excellent. She was sold out very quickly. The second iteration is already sold out. Keep an eye out for their announcements on Facebook. 

Phạm Anh Quân 


2/20/2020

Photos and More Photos

By now it should be obvious that I'm not keeping up with the blog any longer. So, I thought that I would just post new photos that I take of my dolls and just leave the news of the doll world on my Facebook blog page.

My dolls don't bore me!

Kingdom Doll Eira
models
"Very Valentine"
a Kingdom Doll ultra-limited exclusive outfit.

Kingdom Doll Saville
models a beaded lace fashion by Aquatalis.

Kingdom Doll Liberty
models a faux fur vest by Integrity Toys.

KD Chaucer
wearing a gown by Kha for RandD Designs.

KD Destiny
Models "Tangerine Splash" with an alternate handbag.
Wig by Laurie Lenz.


KD Marconi
Wearing Superdoll gown and neckpiece. 
Earring source unknown.

KD Envy
Wearing Superdoll "Harpe's" fashion minus the coat.


5/06/2019

House of Zenith "Avenue" New 12" Resin Doll


On March 11, Superdoll released this photo of Avenue for whom I had already pre-paid. I was looking forward to getting one of the first dolls in their new 12" line, House of Zenith.  I based my decision on the success of Solitaire, the first GenX doll who was pretty and had an adorable outfit and vibe. My thinking was very wrong.

  

I hesitated writing a review for much longer than I normally would as the creators of this doll will not like what I say here but I have to tell the truth and it's my opinion anyway. I know some out there like Avenue and I'm sincerely happy for them. Personally, I will never buy a doll sight unseen from Superdoll again. 

I don't know why I cannot find any photos I took of her in her original state. That's very odd. I'm pretty sure I shot a few, at least. Did I delete them? I'll have to hunt the internet as it's entirely possible that I posted and then deleted the images from my camera.

I am not sure that this is my own photo. 

When the doll arrived, I disliked her look in many ways. Her wig had the texture of straw. The black throw around her shoulders shed all over her yellow dress. I did not like the way the skirt hung on her body. The 'drape' was bad. The pleats were crooked, uneven and did not appear to be sewn properly.

Not shown are the shoes, the handbag, and the head-piece.

I tried to sell her for exactly what it cost me and there wasn't a single taker.

With the wig removed it made a major improvement. She does have a nice face and I like the eye make-up. 

Superdoll skimped on the joints and the details. Look at this photo which compares, side by side, a Dominion Doll, a House of Zenith Doll and a Monarch Doll. Monarch is 12" tall. 


I chose not to have my Dominion doll (left) strongly body blushed and the Monarch Doll (right) has natural-looking blushing. Avenue's blushing is exaggerated.  She has no underbust joint and her knees have only one joint. There is no thigh or ankle joint. She does not have a matte finish and she didn't come with a stand. They should have just made her from vinyl. She looks it.

Avenue (left) vs. Fashion Royalty body.

One has to wonder if this doll was rushed through to make some sort of deadline. 

What she does have going for her is that her feet fit into FR shoes. No doll is perfect but Avenue made me regret my purchase and she was not an inexpensive mistake. She also made me appreciate more the quality, artistry, and attention to detail of the Monarch and Dominion dolls. Vinyl Fashion Royalty dolls are made better. 

I will make the best of it by dressing her in pretty clothes and wigs and never buying another one.

OLE!


I purchased a separate Superdoll boxed fashion for Avenue and I think it is lovely.



Below is a Rimdoll fashion. Wigs above and below by Culte de Paris. 


 



12/02/2018

Holiday Photos with Kingdom Dolls Guinevere, Rosalind, Envy and Eden

Guinevere is wearing her original wig, a dress by Aquatalis and shoes by Superdoll.


Here is Rosalind. She's wearing a Tonner Antoinette gown. KD earrings. Dimitha fur. Wig by Ilaria.



Envy is wearing an Integrity Toys gown, Dimitha fur, KD earrings and Wig by Ilaria.



Rosalind, Eden and Envy. Eden is wearing her own wig, jewelry and gown. Fur by Dimitha.



Wishing everyone a beautiful, happy and healthy December, 2018.

12/27/2017

Superdoll December 2017: Three Dressed Dolls, One Crown and Sceptre

KUMALO SYB/DD_0135


Inque is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like an exotic Africa princess she chose to wear chocolate satin and furs.
EARTH
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of blended black and brunettes formed into a multitude of topknots ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of turquoise and smoke surround her eyes of translucent chocolate with lids of muted sepia, eyes those of golden amber. Lips of dark rich red.
Her multi piece ensemble; a confection of chocolate satin hot pants and a corset dripping in beads is the foundation of her 'look'. Accompanied by a matching satin bolero trimmed in metallic matte gold rice beads and seeds and spectacular guipure finds.
Inque loves drama and for this she selected a fur wrap inset with feathers; just to get her silhouette going!
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Inque has an indiscreet set of fabulous faux fur condiments; consisting ankle & knee pads, fur balls to her foot and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a chocolate brown with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing exotic Africa with her; a final accessory is her monarch staff adorned in her tribal colours.
Inque is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.
 Clone: 1603 Inque d'Royce
Skintone: TRUFFLE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
In stock and ready to be delivered

In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £279.20 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

________________________________________

RIO SYB/DD_0137


Voltaire is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a titian Latin princess she chose to wear blazing pink, orange and purple.
FIRE
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of natural vibrant reds set with fringe and an up do we call bun - bun - bow. ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of violets and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and ginger with lids of muted white, eyes those of green flame. Lips of gorgeous coral.
Her 2 piece ensemble; a confection of embroidery and satin trimmed in gold and sequin. A matador suit hitting all the right curves, with epaulettes and a stand collar.
Voltaire loves drama and this suit of lights has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an discreet white lace jabot at he neck, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a hot pink with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing south America with her; a final accessory is her pair of banderillas and a red tulle veil.
Voltaire is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.
 Clone: 1000 Voltaire d'Royce
Skintone: CORALO
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £275.79 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

_____________________________________________


VUSHKA SYB/DD_0136


Venus is thrilled to be joining her sisters this year for the Holidays.
Like a blonde Siberian princess she chose to wear sky blue and gold.
AIR
From the top. Her gorgeous wig of baby blonde set with a centre part cascades in voluptuous curls to her waist. Huge glorious hair ...fabulous!
Her eyeshadows in the spectrum of muted browns and smoke surround her eyes of translucent charcoal and mud with lids of muted nude, eyes those of sky blue. Lips of pale rose outlined in rose.
Her 1 piece frock; a confection of gold lace and tulle trimmed in matching rhinestone bearing an empire line front and a long slim torso in back. All this over a multi layer tulle and glitter attached petticoat. Mid calf length front trains toward the back.
Venus loves drama and this gown has just her favourite kind.... the glamourous kind.
Always accessorised to the point of envy, Venus has an indiscreet fabulous faux fur wrap in dark blush fur, opera length gloves in almost not there glistening gold tulle, and totally uncomfortable stiletto heeled courts in a pale gold with broad ankle ribbons!
Bringing fairy tale Siberia with her; a final accessory is her gorgeous 'coach' purse in gild 'gold' and a matching blue velvet strap.
Venus is excited to pose along with her sisters all night long.
Happy Holidays from the d'Royces.
 Clone: 1000 Venus d'Royce
Skintone: COSMETIQUE
Of course she comes with the following standard accessories:
-manic_cure hands (see booklet for hand change instructions)
-booklet
-stand
PRODUCTION MAY VARY FROM PROTOTYPE SHOWN.

OUT OF STOCK
Price: £269.75 (Excluding VAT at 20%)

______________________________________________________


Glorious Crown and Sceptre Set


Custom made for your Princess 
In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £35.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)
_______________________


Collectors have been asking for more varied sculpts and Superdoll has heard them. In this offering we have Inque, Voltaire and Venus. Certainly something for every Sybarite lover and all three for many.

As happens so often, the princess-type dolls are the first to sell out. Vushka is sold out. What I like best about her is her wig. While her gown is lovely, it's just not special enough. I can see that the crown and sceptre belong to her.

Kumalo is my personal favorite and I was lucky to get one. She is quite different from the faces on the dolls currently in my collection. When I saw her close-up three days ago, I was hooked. I tried to resist but it was futile. I'm glad I didn't wait too long. I think she will look amazing posed along with Forest.

There are some aspects about Rio that I do not like at all. Sorry to say that includes her face and costume. It does not come across as fashion at all but rather as unfinished toreador glitz. I'm sure that she will look lovely once redressed and rewigged; however, she's just not my cup of tea.

When will we see pierced ears on the GenX dolls? C'mon Superdoll, give us some openings for our own earrings!






12/09/2017

"Drizzle" Sweater Set for Gen-X

On the Superdoll Collectables site today.

Knitwear and bling....what more can a girl ask for?Pack of 6 SweatersMade to fit Gen-XPrice: £160.00

160. = $214.25 US)










These would be very cute paired with the skirts that are on sale but I wish they would have shown some on on a doll.

I don't understand why Baronne is still available. I look at mine very often and think she's a delight. Her face is beautiful and her wig is adorable. She is much prettier in person than in the photos.

http://www.superdollonline.co.uk/acatalog/REVOLVER.html

11/15/2017

Gen X Inque and Voltaire from Superdoll

INTRODUCING: All NEW Gen X Inque and Voltaire

INQUE:       clone # 1603;    Skintone:Truffle;        Title: Mars
VOLTAIRE: clone #1802;     Skintone: Coralo;      Title: Cinnamon
This gorgeous DUO wear an all but basic bodysuit in skintone match; stretch mesh punctuated in various size glistening stones.
Very few of these sets remaining.In stock and ready to be delivered
Price: £700.00 (Excluding VAT at 20%)