Both bomber jackets were done by me
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Kira's Comeback Care of Carlyle
One item from this year's National Barbie Convention piqued my interest. It was not a doll but a sketch for the 3rd Global Glamour Barbie. I first saw it from this site.
The dress on the sketch has an undeniably Filipino flavor, specifically the sleeves of the Philippine terno. When I zoomed in, I read the word "Philippines". (I can't read the other words above it.) Now, that is the dress the first DOTW Philippines should have had!
More details on the doll was provided by a Mattel employee, Carlyle, in Flickr. Below is a portion of the screen shot from that site. It looks like it is his design. Good job!
The Kira face sculpt will be used for Mutya, the third Global Glamour Barbie! When I said that Mattel is deaf to our feedback, of course I was exaggerating. Somehow, the ideas on my old blog entry made its way to Mattel.
It's too early for me to be excited over a sketch. There are a lot of factors I'd like to consider before buying a doll. Two of them have been satisfied by the sketch but there are more.
24Nov2014 Update:
I've made up my mind. I'm not getting the Mutya Barbie.
27Jan2015 Update:
This is my first impression from the publicity photos.
The dress on the sketch has an undeniably Filipino flavor, specifically the sleeves of the Philippine terno. When I zoomed in, I read the word "Philippines". (I can't read the other words above it.) Now, that is the dress the first DOTW Philippines should have had!
More details on the doll was provided by a Mattel employee, Carlyle, in Flickr. Below is a portion of the screen shot from that site. It looks like it is his design. Good job!
The Kira face sculpt will be used for Mutya, the third Global Glamour Barbie! When I said that Mattel is deaf to our feedback, of course I was exaggerating. Somehow, the ideas on my old blog entry made its way to Mattel.
OOAK Kira I did
It's too early for me to be excited over a sketch. There are a lot of factors I'd like to consider before buying a doll. Two of them have been satisfied by the sketch but there are more.
- Dress (check)
- Face sculpt (check)
- Facial screening (uggh!)
- Skin tone (check)
- Articulation (meh)
- Price tag (naah)
24Nov2014 Update:
I've made up my mind. I'm not getting the Mutya Barbie.
27Jan2015 Update:
This is my first impression from the publicity photos.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Mattel: A Slow Learner
Once again, Mattel sales fall by 9% for the second quarter of 2014. One would think that they have learned enough from the last quarter. The decrease is partly due to the sales performance of Barbie products which is down by 15% compared to last year. This is the biggest decline for Barbie since mid-2009 according to this article.
Even though Mattel tried to improve the sales by giving discounts every now and then, buyers were a lot more wiser! I don't know how buyers feel that the dolls were being offered a certain price and then be offered a lower price after a month or so. If I were the buyer, I would feel like a fool! Why can't they offer the dolls at the lower price right away?
Even at a lower price, the sales did not improve. It is safe to say that the increase in price alone is not the issue. Buyers want certain innovations and a level of quality before they will buy at a given price. The doll community has been filled with a lot of whining regarding the degrading quality of the newer Barbie dolls. A lot has been too tired of whining since the toy company is not really showing any sign that they are attuned to the demands of the adult consumers.
As much as I want to echo the bright ideas the whiny collectors (like me) have been voicing out, I still think it is futile. The ideas have been posted out there. It's not my job to sum it all up for Mattel. Plus, what's in it for me?
What else? A higher price tag for the dolls I want to buy.
Even though Mattel tried to improve the sales by giving discounts every now and then, buyers were a lot more wiser! I don't know how buyers feel that the dolls were being offered a certain price and then be offered a lower price after a month or so. If I were the buyer, I would feel like a fool! Why can't they offer the dolls at the lower price right away?
Even at a lower price, the sales did not improve. It is safe to say that the increase in price alone is not the issue. Buyers want certain innovations and a level of quality before they will buy at a given price. The doll community has been filled with a lot of whining regarding the degrading quality of the newer Barbie dolls. A lot has been too tired of whining since the toy company is not really showing any sign that they are attuned to the demands of the adult consumers.
As much as I want to echo the bright ideas the whiny collectors (like me) have been voicing out, I still think it is futile. The ideas have been posted out there. It's not my job to sum it all up for Mattel. Plus, what's in it for me?
What else? A higher price tag for the dolls I want to buy.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Jean
Barbie doll (Generation Girl face mold) inspired by X-men Jean Grey wearing her classic color.
I like her pale lips and light gray eye shadow which is really shimmery in person.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
The Never Starting Story
Last year, in the hopes of making the most out of my existing dolls, I gave them characters. It was easy to cast them as fashion models so that there is an excuse to make them wear beautiful clothes normal people don't wear. They all work for a modeling agency called Posers Inc.
Posers are people who pretend to be what they are not. A modeling agency sounds like a good venue for that. I was supposed to write a cliche story about rising to the top of the modeling industry but then I didn't really have that much inspiration nor motivation. Plus, a lot of doll folks are already doing that.
Just thinking of all the work (writing the story, making the props including the costumes for each dolls, then taking pictures, editing etc.) makes me overwhelmed especially if I'm trying to raise my standards for my work. Plus, I have other plans, both doll and non-doll related. That story never started.
Focusing on my existing dolls, made me realize how much I like certain dolls more than the others. Whenever I have a new idea for my dolls, I usually try them out on my favorites first. Just like this new story that might never start as well.
The TV series Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. got me inspired to make a story about superhero spies. I call mine P.O.S.E.R. Agents. P.O.S.E.R. stands for Peace Operation and Strategic Espionage Reserve. My top two favorite dolls are the first two agents.
Being spies they can take on any role, fake any job. Unlike by simply being models, they can look un-glamorous and still be in character. Even if I cannot make a full length spy story yet, short stories with snap shots will do... for now.
Kayla is a martial arts expert while Kira is the sharpshooter. Both agents work as models in Posers Inc. They both have no idea that the other is a P.O.S.E.R. agent as well. Each one competes with the other to be the top model. What happens if they are required to cooperate for a certain mission?
The models of Posers Inc.
Posers are people who pretend to be what they are not. A modeling agency sounds like a good venue for that. I was supposed to write a cliche story about rising to the top of the modeling industry but then I didn't really have that much inspiration nor motivation. Plus, a lot of doll folks are already doing that.
Just thinking of all the work (writing the story, making the props including the costumes for each dolls, then taking pictures, editing etc.) makes me overwhelmed especially if I'm trying to raise my standards for my work. Plus, I have other plans, both doll and non-doll related. That story never started.
Focusing on my existing dolls, made me realize how much I like certain dolls more than the others. Whenever I have a new idea for my dolls, I usually try them out on my favorites first. Just like this new story that might never start as well.
The TV series Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. got me inspired to make a story about superhero spies. I call mine P.O.S.E.R. Agents. P.O.S.E.R. stands for Peace Operation and Strategic Espionage Reserve. My top two favorite dolls are the first two agents.
Being spies they can take on any role, fake any job. Unlike by simply being models, they can look un-glamorous and still be in character. Even if I cannot make a full length spy story yet, short stories with snap shots will do... for now.
Agent Kayla
Agent Kira
Kayla is a martial arts expert while Kira is the sharpshooter. Both agents work as models in Posers Inc. They both have no idea that the other is a P.O.S.E.R. agent as well. Each one competes with the other to be the top model. What happens if they are required to cooperate for a certain mission?
Monday, June 16, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Marvel Universe X-men Figures
It took me about two years to complete the Marvel Universe classic X-men figures. A lot of them were customized by myself. After someone completes a collection, what now?
As for these, they are currently in storage.
As for these, they are currently in storage.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Marvel Universe Ultimate Gift Set
The Marvel Universe toy line has been discontinued. Locally, stores (and some collectors/scalpers) are disposing their stock of MU's. It's just funny how some collector/scalpers try to do this.
Here is a screenshot of local eBay showing the prices for the Marvel Universe Ultimate Gift Set, first by local sellers then followed by international sellers. It's like a big joke out there.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Hairstory
For about a couple of years, I was following this certain doll collector whom we'll just call Hair. Initially, I liked the long, smooth straight, and shiny hair of Hair's dolls. Through the years, Hair kept posting dolls with that kind of hair. There were some pics of dolls with curls or afro but they are usually the before pics. Even the beautiful S.I.S. Chandra with the curly hair I love so much on her suddenly had straight hair.
I decided to un-follow Hair.
I decided to un-follow Hair.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Don't Act Surprised
This is relatively old news but it is not really important. It is also expected! Barbie dolls are not selling as well as they used to. We can always try to explain why is that but that is like giving feedback. What do we get for giving feedback? Aside from dolls with poor quality and higher prices, nothing. I'll keep my feedback to myself. We are not paid advertisers.
As for me, I won't buy the dolls I like as soon as I see it on the shelves.Two reasons. First, there will be a similar or better doll that will be released in the future. Second, if they don't sell, we get to buy it at a cheaper price. Plus, we buyers have seen through the illusion of the urgency to buy.
In other news, Hasbro sales are up. Hasbro is the maker of the Marvel Universe 4-inch figures I love so much!
As for me, I won't buy the dolls I like as soon as I see it on the shelves.Two reasons. First, there will be a similar or better doll that will be released in the future. Second, if they don't sell, we get to buy it at a cheaper price. Plus, we buyers have seen through the illusion of the urgency to buy.
In other news, Hasbro sales are up. Hasbro is the maker of the Marvel Universe 4-inch figures I love so much!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Package Deal
I recently got a new set of Marvel Infinite Series 4-inch action figures. They replaced the Marvel Universe toy line. I haven't seen these toys sold as a set except during special distribution sale.
Special distribution sales are held on a predetermined time and place. Avid collectors arrive early at the venue to be the first in line. One has to fall in line for a chance to buy the toys. There is a limited number available so those who arrive late have less chance. I tried attending a distribution once. I was at the mall waiting for the opening and when it finally did, I saw that there was already a long queue at the toy store. I didn't know how these people got in before the official mall hours. I wasn't able to buy any toy that day.
The individual toys are packed together to be sold as a set. This prevents the less popular toy characters from being peg warmers. There is usually just one or 2 toys a collector wants in the set but he is forced to buy a set of six (usually). This is an understandable marketing technique. The problem in this technique is that the scalpers just has to be early in one place and they can buy the number of toys they want. They usually come in groups since there is a limit to the number of set one can buy.
I don't know if this kind of sale is still being practiced. One needs to be in contact with a closed circle of collectors to know the details of the sale. I'm no longer in the loop so I can't say.
I'm just glad that I was able to come across this set on an ordinary day. I think that the distributor should do away with the special distribution sale altogether and just distribute the set in different toy stores. This way, the scalpers will have a harder time hoarding all the toys. They just might entice someone who chance upon the toys to be a new collector. Who knows?
Special distribution sales are held on a predetermined time and place. Avid collectors arrive early at the venue to be the first in line. One has to fall in line for a chance to buy the toys. There is a limited number available so those who arrive late have less chance. I tried attending a distribution once. I was at the mall waiting for the opening and when it finally did, I saw that there was already a long queue at the toy store. I didn't know how these people got in before the official mall hours. I wasn't able to buy any toy that day.
The individual toys are packed together to be sold as a set. This prevents the less popular toy characters from being peg warmers. There is usually just one or 2 toys a collector wants in the set but he is forced to buy a set of six (usually). This is an understandable marketing technique. The problem in this technique is that the scalpers just has to be early in one place and they can buy the number of toys they want. They usually come in groups since there is a limit to the number of set one can buy.
I don't know if this kind of sale is still being practiced. One needs to be in contact with a closed circle of collectors to know the details of the sale. I'm no longer in the loop so I can't say.
I'm just glad that I was able to come across this set on an ordinary day. I think that the distributor should do away with the special distribution sale altogether and just distribute the set in different toy stores. This way, the scalpers will have a harder time hoarding all the toys. They just might entice someone who chance upon the toys to be a new collector. Who knows?
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
A Little Grim
Toy brands like Mattel and Hasbro increased their prices locally without a noticeable increase in quality. I wonder if this is happening elsewhere. I usually would write a long rant about it but I'll just sit, relax and wait for the sale!
4-inch Marvel Infinite Series Grim Reaper
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Fan-ny Face
She looks more like the anime version of the actual person. I guess this Barbie is targeted to the market who prefers that kind of eye screening. The shape of the doll's face is more oval compared to the rounder face of the actress. The doll is beautiful nonetheless.
The hair is also the simplified version of the original. They also scrimped by eliminating the earrings and the clutch. I wonder if the real Fan Bingbing will grace the red carpet under-dressed like that.
Whether or not it looks like Fan, it doesn't matter. I'm not her fan anyways. I'm a Barbie fan.
image source: RCFA
I'm thankful to Fan Bingbing for agreeing with Mattel to undertake this doll project. I wish her more success.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Peeking Dork
I'm too lazy to completely debox her. I don't have enough playtime anyway so she's better off in the box for now. Let's just have a peek inside.
The certificate shows the logo for "Fan's Studio" just like on the top
and the inside of the box (behind the doll)
Cobalt blue fingernails against the fair skin and yellow dress
Who says you can't wear bright colors just because you're pale?
Who says you can't wear bright colors just because you're pale?
Plain yellow shoes *yawns*
What does the box say?
It seems like that the Fan Bingbing Barbie doll will be available in Europe.
I don't really know her. I only heard about her just these past few days.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
For that clean feeling
Wash until the suds are no longer green or you no longer have the patience to keep washing. Which ever comes first.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Things get messy
Some mess can be cleaned up. Just try not to clean the mess that is supposed to be there.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Palate Cleanser
Yes, their hair underwent the same process which is not the tried and tested robotic task of rerooting.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
The End of the Marvel Universe
Last year, toy company Hasbro announced that they will discontinue the 3.75-inch Marvel Universe (MU) action figure toy line. They have also announced that it will be replaced by a different line which will have a different theme every year. This year the theme team is the Avengers. X-men fans will have to wait until 2015 before they can add new items to their collection.
The bad news, if you're building a team like the X-men, the wait is just too long. Also, I doubt that they can release all the members of a team in one year. Completing a team may be impossible. Why start building a team if it is impossible to complete it anyways?
The good news, a lot of MU collectors decided to stop collecting MU's and collect other Marvel merchandise. (Hasbro has been pushing the silly idea that the 6-inch figures Marvel Legends as the toys for adult collectors and the 3.75-inch as the toys for kids.) When people stop collecting, they let go of their existing collection. When a lot of people let go of their collection, prices go down. I personally got a number of good deals recently because of this.
But still, one might think that due to the unavailability of certain key characters, the team one is trying to build is still incomplete. Good thing, I'm not like other collectors. I can customize other figures to create new characters. Currently, I'm trying to figure out how to make a small wheelchair for Professor X. I'm also working on a Polaris action figure. Sorry no WIP pics.
As for those who can't customize and still dreams of completing their favorite team, I'd like to sing to them a Demi Lovato song, "Let it go".
The bad news, if you're building a team like the X-men, the wait is just too long. Also, I doubt that they can release all the members of a team in one year. Completing a team may be impossible. Why start building a team if it is impossible to complete it anyways?
The good news, a lot of MU collectors decided to stop collecting MU's and collect other Marvel merchandise. (Hasbro has been pushing the silly idea that the 6-inch figures Marvel Legends as the toys for adult collectors and the 3.75-inch as the toys for kids.) When people stop collecting, they let go of their existing collection. When a lot of people let go of their collection, prices go down. I personally got a number of good deals recently because of this.
But still, one might think that due to the unavailability of certain key characters, the team one is trying to build is still incomplete. Good thing, I'm not like other collectors. I can customize other figures to create new characters. Currently, I'm trying to figure out how to make a small wheelchair for Professor X. I'm also working on a Polaris action figure. Sorry no WIP pics.
As for those who can't customize and still dreams of completing their favorite team, I'd like to sing to them a Demi Lovato song, "Let it go".
Monday, January 6, 2014
Haayiii!
The Most Popular Girls in School inspired me to make my own stop-motion animation. This is my female voice. I sound sexy, right? Just like a drag queen on drugs!
Baaayiiii! Gotta look for more inspiring stuff...
Baaayiiii! Gotta look for more inspiring stuff...
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Most Popular
They are so popular, everybody in the doll community must have heard about them (of course, you have), so this entry will not be about introductions. (Who needs introductions when you're THAT popular, right?) This entry is to just bookmark them in my blog, because they are just ummm...indescribably deserving, like totes!
I just love their story, how it is not props-driven or fashion-centered and of course, the sense of humor! Gotta have that. I wish I could be that creative, right? Riiiiigghhhttt...
I just love their story, how it is not props-driven or fashion-centered and of course, the sense of humor! Gotta have that. I wish I could be that creative, right? Riiiiigghhhttt...
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Oh, Max!
I just love your sense of humor. You make me laugh.
Snapshots from 2 Broke Girls Season 2 Episode 17.
Snapshots from 2 Broke Girls Season 2 Episode 17.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Congratulations K...
Madame Chicbaun (MC): Kira, everybody was pleasantly surprised with your make-over. They haven't seen a beauty quite like you. Your performance, though, was very amateurish. Your legs were all over the place and you looked like you just recovered after falling. Everyone did say you were pleasant to work with and they love working with you. So make sure to deliver next time.
Kira: I promise, Madame Chicbaun. Thank you for not giving up on me.
MC: Congratulations Kayla. You played with the skirt and made your legs look like they go on forever. Your photo will be used for the Target ad campaign.
Kayla: Thank you, madame.
MC: That will be all. You're dismissed.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
It's a new year. It's the 80's.
(Before anything else, I'd like to greet everyone a happy new year. It's still new, right? I know I have been away and may still be away most of the time from blogging but only because of the right reasons: real life challenges.)
The 50's, 60's and 70's have been over-revived. It's the 80's turn. I know a lot of people would rather forget the fashion trends from the that decade. Being an 80's kid, I can only cringe while recalling some of the looks. But I take this revival as a way of learning from the mistakes from the past. It's like asking, "If you are to do the 80's fashion all over again, how can you make it right?" It can be challenging so I look forward to how people will tackle it.
(Personally, I like the color scheme of the 80's. Go rainbow! I'm so gay, I know. I got myself an orange denim pants and the multicolored stripe shirt used as background in Kenzie's photo below. )
With the new TV series, "The Carrie Diaries", the younger generation (who didn't lived in the 80's) may be interested in the decade like what the TV series "Mad Men" did with people and the 60's look. Will be seeing more of the 80's in our dolls? We'll see.
The 50's, 60's and 70's have been over-revived. It's the 80's turn. I know a lot of people would rather forget the fashion trends from the that decade. Being an 80's kid, I can only cringe while recalling some of the looks. But I take this revival as a way of learning from the mistakes from the past. It's like asking, "If you are to do the 80's fashion all over again, how can you make it right?" It can be challenging so I look forward to how people will tackle it.
(Personally, I like the color scheme of the 80's. Go rainbow! I'm so gay, I know. I got myself an orange denim pants and the multicolored stripe shirt used as background in Kenzie's photo below. )
With the new TV series, "The Carrie Diaries", the younger generation (who didn't lived in the 80's) may be interested in the decade like what the TV series "Mad Men" did with people and the 60's look. Will be seeing more of the 80's in our dolls? We'll see.
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