Hi Pat, As usual you ask good questions. Gets me to pondering, but darn, I was just getting use to those ole cobwebs in the brain. I mean, dolls are about imagination and escapism, right? and here you go wanting us to think, lol. Well, I reckon there is no "definitive" answer for what an "adult" collector is because tastes in dolls are so diverse, as is the reason we want to collect (deboxers who play; purists who (what?) and wouldnt dream of deboxing). I think we coin the term "adult" as a simple way of separating the dolls we would allow children to play with (usually inexpensive) and the dolls adults collect (usually more expensive). Children beat up their dolls in the normal course of play, whereas adults handle their dolls with a mind to protecting them (either for their aesthetics or for their monetary value). "Adult" collectors usually want a doll with an adult appearance, the sculpt needs to be more chiseled, the clothes more haute couture, the allure somewhat sexy, the appearance sophisticated. I think we prefer children to play with simpler, less sexualized versions. Does anyone have a differing viewpoint or definition?
I started collecting Candi in 98/99 but havent bought a new one in two years. I dont retain the initial excitement I had for her because Ive been wowed by the fresh and enticingly mature 16" Tonner dolls. However, Candi remains my fav 11.5" doll. Ive gotten into digital photography, Photoshop, webpages and dioramas. The whole process is very creative and while I am amateurish and have a lot to learn, it allows me to use my dolls in a new and delightful way. Candis grown-up appearance is useful for my scenes because of her versatility, she can be switched from plain to sexy with a change of outfit/hair style, and I guess thats why I dont like the new Candi with the exaggerated eye makeup, her appearance cant be changed.
What is the marketing direction of Integrity/Hamilton? What collector is being targeted? I dont know. They havent met my expectations, hence I havent bought a new Candi in two years. I think the Silkstones are well done but Im not into a 50/60s theme and wouldnt know how to play with her, though I have bought a couple of them for the outfits/accessories.
Pat, do any dolls wow you? Do you still collect?
Best to all Robin
Pat Brown nqsqurtz@staffnet.com wrote: For my money's worth, the makeup is reminiscent of the Asian Candi done by Mikelman in 1996. What I mean by that is that makeup was heavy and made a sensation because it was so obviously painted. Maybe the blue and pink tones of the eyeshadow were over the top making the makeup was a bit controversial for the times.
So, when I see the screening on this particular Candi, I'm not overwhelmed with awe, but I find what I see appealing. I would like to see the African American with this screening. Is that photo available, too?
What is the marketing direction that Candis are taking to set them apart from Barbie Collectibles' dolls? What is the collector that is being targeted? Rene and Robin, both, refer to something called the "adult" collector. What defines an adult collector and why would Candi appeal to this kind of collector that Silkstone Barbies wouldn't? Or why do both kinds of dolls appeal to "adult" collectors? Just who and what is an adult collector of FASHION dolls?
Rene points out that the appeal these Candi dolls have is that they have an "adult couture look that is different from more mundane looking dolls." Is it possible that Candi dolls have never represented the mundane by virtue of the ethnicities they've tried to capture? What else about them makes them less mundane?
I ask all these questions because my mind's eye is not so attuned to nuances as it once was, and I'm hard-pressed to fully experience Candis today. It could be that the way the dolls wowed me in 1996 has become mundane to me. So I don't mean to throw cold water on any other collector's enthusiasn for the dolls. How do any of you original Candi collectors maintain your excitement for the dolls? And I know there a many of you still on this List that can answer that question. Regards, Pat Brown ----- Original Message ----- From: Rene O'Brien To: pa_nz@ ; Candi Dolls Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 1:54 PM Subject: Re: look!
I think in this case Integrity is trying something new, instead of giving us what we've seen before. The line is fantastic, IMO, I am picking two up when they arrive in the States. They dolls have a very adult "couture" look about them that is different from the more mundane looking dolls we've seen before. The amount of detail, and quality, the hair styles, and even the packaging of the New Integrity Candis are something not previously seen on the Candi line before Integrity took over, and I am glad to see our favorite gal being raised to a whole new level!
Rene --- "pa_nz@"
wrote:
Thanks for sharing this, Rene. It's always good to look at dolls that have been photographed so well. The overall appearance of this dolls is quite wonderful, it obviously has had a lot of thought and artistry put into its making. She has a wonderful sophisticated and glamorous look that appeals to the adult collector, but frankly I'm not real crazy about the exaggerated eye make-up. What do the rest of you think? Will any of you buy her, and if so, I assume the eye make-up would be part of the appeal, but why? Best to all Robin
Rene O'Brien wrote: http://www.xynadra.com/bbs/barbie/messages/5754.html
Rene
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