Via Ace on the FMVinyl List, regarding the Limited Edition "Orient Express" Josephine doll from Franklin Mint:

The description I have of her reads: "400 dolls worldwide, dressed in a magnificent blue silk taffeta gown, accented with lace appliques. She carries a beaded purse suspended from a golden chain and wears ivory colored boots and short white gloves, earrings and necklace included."

Vicky's got a new gossip page here: VICKY'S NEWS & GOSSIP PAGE and today she posted the link to the 2002 Toy Fair site. Oh I should just hand my wallet over now. LOL.

Tyler Wentworth - Ensemble d'Or Beautiful! (Although I am still holding by my "a bit too matronly" statement.) She reminds me a bit of Mame. And the new face-paint is lovely.

WELCOME!

Okee Blogger is driving me crazy! (For those of you wondering, Blogger is the service that brings me to you. :o)

I just wanted to take this moment to welcome the new readers who have made their way here. So Welcome! This "blog" (weblog, for the uninitiated) is an offshoot of my main site, The Kristana Spa which can also be found here on my Geocities account. I am currently in the process of revamping the entire site and plan to have "wings" (remember it is a "resort" complex for fashion dolls) dedicated to all sorts of dolls, including Tonner, Madame Alexander, Gene, Peteena, Franklin Mint, Bratz, Barbie, and my new love, Wendy Lawton dolls, just to name a few.

At the top of the page you'll notice some quick acess links to other areas of the blog including my Photopoint albums, useful links for all doll collectors, my favorite doll links, company sites, the archives of this site, as well as the guestbook. There is also a project section!

For those of you new with the structure of a blog, the newest posts are at the top. So if you choose to read the entire page, you will be reading backwards. Or if you prefer you can start at the bottom and read upwards. After each post you will notice a timestamp. It's white, so that means its a link. And a very handy one at that. If you click on it, it will give you the URL of that exact post. So if for whatever reason you want to link to a post and not the blog in its entirety, click on that and it will give you the URL, then copy and paste it where ever! Next to the timestamp, you will see another link that says "Comment [0]." If you want to add your own comments to a particular post, click on the comment link and a new window will pop up where you can comment on the post I made. It makes The Spa Log truly interactive.

That's all I can think of for now. Again welcome. I hope you enjoy your visit! :o)

1989 Princess Di Beaded Evening Suit This is fabulous on Gene! I always liked the "Elvis" Dress. This is definetely NOT your Grandma's crocheting. ;o)

And Pam on the Tyler list posted the first pictures! WOW!!

Subject: PIX!! Mai Lee & White House gift set!

Meg just emailed me the photos she took at Expo tonight. Mai Lee is GORGEOUS!! I'm amazed. And I love the Gift Set!

Check it out!

http://members.aol.com/ptobey/MaiLee.jpg
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http://members.aol.com/ptobey/ML.jpg
http://members.aol.com/ptobey/ML.jpg
http://members.aol.com/ptobey/gift1.jpg
http://members.aol.com/ptobey/giftclose.jpg

Pam :-)

Again via Annette on the Tyler List:

Mei Li - First Appointment - A brand new head sculpt of Asian heritage dressed in the complete Russian Renaissance Outfit (there are no variations to this outfit - it is the same as we had last year) ( a special gown was created for Mei Li, but she looks so incredible in RR, that Tonner Co did away with the gown and put her in RR instead). Here is the story line:

Arriving at Aurora Cosmetics Headquarters on Madison Avenue, Tyler eagerly awaited her first appointment with its dynamically imagniative CEO, Mei Li. Through conversations during fittings supervised by Tyler, ideas were woven like fine silk threads to launch Wentworth and Aurora into a new generation of fashion and beauty. As Tyler entered the modern circular office, Mei Li enthusiastically greeted her with a subtle, smart smile and flashed almond eyes full of creativity. It was no surprise she was wearing Tyler's Russian Renaissance; it had just been custom-fitted to Mei Li's exacting ideals. She adored Tyler's tailored classical couture with an exotic feel, much as all the Wentworth Couture that Mei Li exclusively selected for her wardrobe. The color scheme and texture of the suit's rich brocade fit perfectly with Mei Li's decorating taste's applied around her immaculate office. She removed the velvet hat that so nicely contrasted with her polished obsidian hair as she beckoned Tyler to hear her ideas. Within a few delicious minutes, their Cosmetics Campaign sprang to life.

Mei Li will retail for $99.95 and is LIMITED to only 1,000 pieces - expected shipment is late Fall, 2001

Tyler - Weekend in Washington, DC Gift Set - A gorgeous brunette Tyler with long curly locks and special face paint (she does not have Bend Arms) packaged in an attractive Window Box.

To escort in new and innovative ideas in weekend dressing, Tre's Chic Magazine ran a cover story on exactly what one wears in Washington, DC at the personal invitation of the First Lady. In the article, Tyler Wentworth's now infamous White House Dinner Gown was reviewed with a couture travel ensemble for the glamorous executive woman not wishing to compromise the highest of style standards while on the road. Tyler designed a multi-faceted ensemble (including a re-issue of White House Dinner Gown) consisting of creme faux leather pants and skirt to coordinate with the black fur-trimmmed oversized overcoat sparkling with crystal buttons. Tyler tops off her set with two versatile elements: a casual sleeveless sweater of fuchsia with a splash of jet beading at the neckline and a winter white blouse of crisp organza, sheer and pretty, with luxurious touches of satin at the collar and cuffs accented with rhinestone buttons to easily allow transitions from day to evening. Virginia Chase marveled over the numerous wearing combinations in her article and promised her readers perpetual style and timeless sophistication from this House of Wentworth triumph. "And" she adds, "The teddy is to DIE for!". This set includes an all new Brunette Tyler dressed in an exclusive one piece Teddy (sorry I don't know what color it is yet), all of the specially packaged clothing pieces mentioned above (all of which are new designs except for White House Dinner Gown), jewelry, hose, two sets of shoes and handbag.

TYLER WEEKEND IN WASHINGTON, DC will retail for $249.95 and is LIMITED to only 1,000 pieces - expected shipment is late Fall, 2001

Check it out there is a new Madra pattern from Vogue

By the way, the DC Doll and Teddy Bear Expo is this weekend. Dolls Award of Excellence awards will be awarded this weekend. I am crossing my fingers for Garden Party.

Via Annette on the Tyler List (during a thread about the lack of popularity of male dolls):

Historically, Male dolls have not done very well - not well accepted by the doll collecting public and purchasing demand has been very low. Ken has always taken a back seat to Barbie and the Tonner Eric did not sell well either. I think that Tonner Co is concentrating on dolls that have a more likely chance of being accepted and collected. I have been sworn to secrecy, but I will tell you all this, as of this weekend you will have a fabulous new surprise or two! Stay tuned!!!! Annette

Check it out, Alana scanned this picture of FM's Elizabeth Taylor in her pink Giant gown. Looks like she is going to come with a hairpiece. And I absolutely LOVE that pearl bracelet.

Gene Trivia: "Spirit of Truth" sword inscription...

LE Galeries Lafayette Tyler pic & article (Try the "Re: Try again" link.) A bit too matronly for my taste.

This is some really interesting gossip so check it out!

A message from Vince... please read (more)... (Just in case you don't know, Vince Nowell is one of the AD designers.)

I got to see Franklin Mint's vinyl Lucy doll and it is WONDERFUL. I am going to have to have her.

The Golden Gate Gene Club had an awesome hat workshop on Sunday with the talented William Stewart Jones. Check it out! I am psyched to make hats now!!

Leslie's posted more pictures to her Fashion Slueth site (link to the left there) be sure to check it out!!

I love this picture of Maria Montez.

I picked up my Holly Miner repaint today while I was at my Gene Club's hat workshop. One word. GORGEOUS.

Carrolyn, who attended the Land of Enchantment Gene Club Dinner last night, heard a wondeful tidbit of information regarding the 2002 Gene Convention:

It's official. The Land of Enchantment Gene Club President, Peachie Brown, announced last night at their annual dinner that they would be hosting the 2002 Gene Convention. Jim Howard will be the artistic coordinator, and he will design the doll. The title is "Fiesta de Albuquerque", and they are defining it as a Spanish theme. The event is set for the weekend of Oct. 24th.

By the way, check out Carrolyn's husband's site for GREAT Gene sized furniture: Ron's Custom Woods at La Petite Boutique

Yay!! My convention packet came today! I am getting so excited. Time to start sewing my competition entry!!

Here's a close-up picture of Sydney Chase, the newest character in the Tyler Wentworth collection.

Gene Then vs. Now: Is this progress? What do you think?

New LE Tyler Wentworth - Ensemble d'Or

HOT FLASH!! Alex 2001 fashions are out, check out this I found

An interesting thread on Vicky's: Another angle to whether you like Madra or not (msg)

For the record, I love Madra, she took some warming up too, but she really is a great doll.

The Bata Shoe Museum

Whee!! More links!!The Cleopatra Costume on Stage and in Film

Bissonnette on Costume: Time Search: The Twentieth Century

AFI Dialogue on Film: Edith Head

Welcome to the FashionDoll Scene

Here's a great fashion page: Elsa Schiaparelli's Homepage

Some people have gotten their Convention Packets already! I hope mine comes today!

Hmmm just some musing...do you think we will see more dolls in the 20th Century Fox Collection? A doll from Laura would be wonderful. Who do you think should be next?

And on the Tyler front, Look of Luxe is shipping. She's got the new facial screening created by Sherry Miller. Scanned my Look of Luxe... first the eyes (large image)

STAIN WARNING!!!

Impressions on seeing Laura on the big screen at the Stanford Theater.

The theater is amazing, smaller than the theaters around here, it was located on the main drag of Palo Alto, near the University, amid hip eateries, and galleries and trendy shops. The marquee lit, leading into the entrance. Outside the ticket booth stuffed with programs. Inside a small line filled with people of all ages, the light is dim and a stairway leads up to the balcony seats. It's golden inside, and old movie posters are in frames. I pay for my ticket. It's a real ticket torn in half. Not a computerized version. It was only $6.00 and that was for a double feature. The line merged into the concessions. Popcorn popping. We walk (one of my fellow Gene collecting friends) forward and into the theater. The Wurlitzer is being played, and you can feel the music going through you. The seats are close together, yet comfortable, red velvet. The walls and ceilings are stenciled beautifully. At the front of the theater, the organ, Ring ring ring went the bell... Behind the organ a glorious red velvet curtain. The air is charged. The theater is filling up. The lights start to dim, the organ lowers magically down, the red curtain raises, applause. The familiar horns from 20th Century Fox play. The second set of curtains pulls back...the haunting score of David Raskin fills the room...I shall never forget the weekend Laura died...

And I saw things I never noticed before. A low leopard chair in Waldo Lydecker's suite. Mirrors in many scenes. A wonderful hat in the background of the restaurant. Laura and Waldo visiting El Morroco. The quick smile of the homicide detective when he hears of Laura's broken engagement. The kiss, the one quick, powerful, kiss...

And we were sharing this, all together. The stunned gasp of one watcher when he sees Laura step through the door...it was absolutely priceless.

So what does this have to do with fashion dolls? Nothing. And everything. Mel once remarked that this was one of his favorite movies...it was about a portrait and that was his love. But its about so much more...it's an inspiration, these classic "Golden Age" Hollywood movies, for without them, we wouldn't have that other Gene. We wouldn't be Sharing the Dream.

Vogue Patterns Sept./Oct. 2001 issue has an article on Mel and Gene (m)

I got to see the quintessential Gene Tierney movie tonight on the big screen, Laura (1944) Spotted an outfit very similiar to this year's Bonnie and Blythe.

Watch those mailboxes, CONVENTION packets are on their way!

A Coceaux doll is featured on the cover of the latest Doll World magazine. Also featured is an awesome article entitled "Transformed Tonner's Created by NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists) for Charity." by Gail Enid Zimmer. The one-of-a-kind dolls are GORGEOUS. Gene and Madra weren't left out either, in an article entitled, "Dolls With a Heart," by Carol Stover, three OOAK's by Jim Howard, Shakira Caine, and Caroline Herrera are pictured in an article about charity donations. Another article had pictures of the Clea Bella dolls. Link to come.

Here's a little bit more on the Playboy Fashion Dolls

Playboy Fashion Dolls! Lovely, lovely sculpts I think.

The Gene Database Wow! What a great resource!!

Time to ante up: How many 15-16" fashion dolls do you own? Eeek!! ALOT. What a great thread on Vicky's! Seriously though, I would have to get out pen and paper for this one. LOL.

I got another mailing from AD yesterday. This one featured the Fox Film Classic Dolls. I really love the Trent and Madra in this collection.

"Come to the party -- dressed in your favorite 20th Century Fox Film costume!"

That's what the invitation read when 20th Century-Fox decided to have a party to end all parties. And each celebrity was encouraged to wear a costume from one of 20th Century-Fox's many films--and Gene, Madra and Trent couldn't wait to model their fabulous costumes just for you!

Gene, Madra, and Trent in The Fabulous Costumes Of Twentieth Century Fox are the first dolls in a brilliant collaboration between The Gene Marshall Collection and Fox Film Classics. This partnership gives Gene and friends the chance to appear in costumes from some of the most famous films of the '30s, '40s and '50s--beautiful costumes by some of the most brilliant designers who ever created for the silver screen.

Now Showing: Trent Osborn, wearing a costume from 1939's exotic romance, The Rains Came. Gene Marshall dressed as the beautiful Lorelei Lee in a seldom re-created suit in 1953's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. And Madra Lord resplendent in one of Eve Harrington's gowns from 1950's All About Eve.

Also included in the mailing was one of the "Gene Newsletter/Newsflash." A special edition.

Featured stories include the announcement of the Share the Dream Tour Doll. This year's doll (LE 10) is a special recreation of Everything's Coming Up Roses designed by José Ferrand, in a deep rich plum colored material. (Rather than the fuschia of the original.) According to the Newsletter, "These editions will be available ONLY at the Signing Tour host locations--and it's up to the indivudual host as to how the monies for their individual charities will be raised."

In case you missed it, I've listed the tour dates here.

AND there is also the mysterious photo of Violet Waters that has been floating around the internet. The one of the microphone, piano, and a gloved arm.

Who's on the other end of that gloved hand?!

Speculation is running high as to who the newest character in The Gene Marshall Collection is going to be!

Theories abound on the Internet. At collectibiles shows, fans gather before the poster and the tiny piano with the little martini and orchids on top and whisper. People pump their retailers for clues. But the truth is no one at The Ashton Drake Galleries is telling a soul who this lovely new addition to The Gene Marshall Collection will be--not even the retailers. Everyone is in the same boat and will have to float until November 2nd, 2001--the first day of this year's Annual Gene Fan Appreciation Weekend, when this vibrant new character is introduced.

We can tell you this much: this new character is one that fans have been asking for for a long time. And that she (!) will debut with a Special Edition Doll that will be limited ONLY to the amount ordered for Gene Fan Appreciation Weekend (retailing at $150). Plus during the Weekend, participating retailers will be taking orders for a pre-2002 release of the first doll in the regular collection.

But other than that, the gloves are on!

In case you haven't noticed, I've made some changes here at The Kristana Spa Log, first and foremost, I've added a wonderful sketch by the talented Chris Quick of To the Nine's. The sketch features my favorite Gene, White Hyacinth in one of my favorite outfits, Mandarin Mood. This is an exclusive sketch commissioned just for The Spa! Look for it soon in the redesign of The Kristana Spa. Watch for the Grand Opening announcement very soon!

I also added a favorite link section. These are my favorite fashion doll (primarily Gene) sites around the web.

Poor Trent! I just received my Aprés Ski from Denis at Affordable Designs. He looks great!

Look familiar? Check out Leslie's Fashion Sleuth site! She just added pics of Black Ice and Love at First Sight.

Wheee!! I found Yasmin at Target!!

Check it out, I've added some links there to the left! Including all the so-called "corporate" or "official" sites as well as a new Project section.

Just got word via one of the lists I read that Gene is going to be featured on the cover of November's Doll Costuming magazine. Also featured is a *free* pattern in a 50's style. Thanks Val for the heads up.

By the way here's the site: http://www.dollcostuming.net.

By the way this doll is only available at the FAO at Lennox Square in Atlanta, GA, the phone number is 404.814.1675.

Via the All About Alex Yahoo! Club (message # 922) There is a new special Limited Edition Alex (Edition size 200 dolls) from FAO called Publisher's Meeting. She costs $90.

Bratz - The Girls With a Passion for Fashion I am in love with these dolls. I have all of them except Yasmin and the three fashion packs. They are just so fresh and fun. The hunt continues. I hate to resort to eBay. LOL.

Whee, the search function is working how I want it to work!! Yipee!!

Yay it seems to be working now!

This is a test of Blogger related services. LOL. Hmmm for some reason Blogger is acting all wonky.

You know what really bugs me? I subscribe to Doll Reader magazine, yet it always seems that I see it on the newstands days before I get my copy in the mail. That, and when I am at the bookstore, I never can remember if I get Doll Reader or Dolls. So I usually wind up with a duplicate copy. LOL.

Important Tulsa National Convention News Ooooh what could it be? I am on pins and needles to know!!