April 23, 2024

IDEX 2009: Dolls Draw Attention Despite Economy

Buyers Choose Stock Carefully for Discriminating Collectors

“Though the recession has slowed things down, collectors are still collecting …”

Warm Florida weather greeted enthusiastic attendees as exhibitors displayed one of a kind dolls, play dolls, reborn babies, limited editions, and doll clothing and accessories alongside many celebrity artists at the 2009 Idex Premiere Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in Orlando.

MOVIE CHARACTERS & ARTISTIC DESIGNS WIN FAVOR

Among some of the most popular new creations were Tonner’s new “Gone With the Wind” collection and Miss Piggy, and “Wizard of Oz” characters from Alexander Doll Co.

Lynn Wisniewski, owner of My Doll Shop in Mt. Dora, Fla., told TDmonthly Magazine her store does well with Helen Kish and Ashton-Drake doll brands. Though the recession has slowed things down, collectors are still collecting, she said. They just have to be a little more discriminating.

Faye Kitchens of Dolls & Stuff in Social Circle, Ga., also feels that collectors are going be very selective this year. She said she planned to purchase from Masterpiece, Heart & Soul and The Doll Maker and Friends.

Especially in a recession, the ability to mix and match doll clothing and offer merchandise that complements what a customer already owns is important. To that end, a majority of buyers seemed to be trying for the 18”doll market so the dolls can wear the clothes from American Girl collection by Mattel.

Cheryl McIntire, owner of Cheryl’s Dolls and Gifts in Keithsburg, Ill., is one fan of reborn dolls, which still showed themselves to be in demand at this year’s show.

She also prefers baby dolls by Pat Mouton and work by the artists that design for Ashton-Drake, she told TDmonthly.

GIRL SCOUTS & GIVEAWAYS

Girl Scouts receive an award patch for their uniforms for doll collecting, so several Girl Scout troops attended the show on Saturday to pick their favorite doll for 2009. The KidsGive booth was a hit, as several young girls dressed up as the culturally diverse Karito Kids dolls entertained the scouts.

Guests at workshops and special events, including a high tea and a sock hop, received special souvenir dolls. Workshop leaders and company hosts included Heidi Plusczok, Alexander Doll Company, Berdine Greedy, Wilde Imagination, Goodreau Doll, Maggie Iacono, Kish & Co., Tonner Doll Company, Elfdoll and Ruby Red Doll Gallery. At the Teddy Bear of the Year (TOBY) awards, each guest received a Steiff teddy bear to take home.

The DOTY awards celebrated winners in 16 different categories, and the new line Maru and Friends received two awards — one for its “Happy Twins Collection” boy and girl and another for its 21” Tanya doll.

See these and other new dolls below:

Gone With the Wind - Don't Look Back by TONNER DOLL COMPANY

This exquisitely dressed doll features a blue velvet bolero jacket over a white chiffon-overlay walking dress, plus accessories including a hat, parasol, purse, earrings and more. Launch date: 2009. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $239.99)

Tanya by MARU & FRIENDS LLC

This 21" vinyl play doll wears a knit sweater and leather boots and comes with a certificate of authenticity. It was sculpted by Dianna Effner and has childlike facial features. Tanya comes with a "Forever Friends" storybook written by Maritza Gutierrrez and illustrated by Rhiannon Cunag. The doll received a 2009 DOTY award. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $110.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Happy Twins™ Boy by MARU & FRIENDS LLC

This 21" soft vinyl doll is designed by Angela Harris and comes with a certificate of authenticity. It has a cloth body and wears a gingham jumper and matching hat. It also comes with a 10" plush sheep toy. A twin girl, in pink, is also available. This product received a 2009 DOTY award. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $135.00)

So Truly Real Baby Doll by ASHTON-DRAKE COLLECTIBLES

This 18", lifelike vinyl baby doll was created by artist Denise Farmer and comes with a certificate of authenticity as well as a free pacifier and a hospital bracelet that can be personalized once she is named. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $99.99)

Nell by KISH & COMPANY

This 7.5" collectible doll is a limited edition of 300 pieces. She has red hair and wears a colorful onesie. Nell comes in a red Radio Flyer wagon with her twin sister, Poppy. 2/26/2009

Ellowyne Wilde - Invisible Ink by WILDE IMAGINATION

This brunette Ellowyne doll has brown eyes and an outfit that includes lace-up boots, fishnet stockings, a racing sweater and tulle skirts, and plenty of shiny jewelry. It's a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $129.00)

Miss Piggy Takes Manhattan by TONNER DOLL COMPANY

Full of spunk and character, Miss Piggy is ready to go out on the town. Dressed in a velvet, magenta suit with faux fur accents, she comes with a matching hat, shoes, jewelry and a golden wig. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $199.99)

Cassandra by Gaby Jaques by MASTERPIECE DOLLS

Gaby Jacques one of our gifted artists from Switzerland has created an adorable baby girl, Cassandra.

Cassandra has a cute face and is 20" in silicone/ vinyl. Her arms are sculpted just below the elbow and her legs are sculpted above her knees. She wears an adorable red and white striped outfit and coordinating hat and socks. Her hair is brunette and her eyes are brown.

You will love to pick her up for a hug with her weighted cloth body. Limited Edition 350 pieces. 1/30/2009 (MSRP: $159.00)

Classic Teddy Bear by STEIFF NORTH AMERICA

This cute, collectible bear is made of fine mohair and is jointed so that its arms and legs move. It measures 25 cm. 2/26/2009

Sonali™ Doll and Paperback Book by AMERICAN GIRL LLC

This 18" play doll has a soft, cloth body, brown eyes and beautiful dark brown hair. She wears a bright tunic, matching flats and stylish denim knickers, and comes with a "Friends" paperback book. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $95.00)

Cookie & Candy by LINDA RICK, THE DOLL MAKER

These 24" vinyl friends created by artist Diane Bucki wear springtime blouses and denim pants. They retail for $190 each. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $380.00)

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