I thought I'd make a foray over to ebay to see what the prices are on Genes these days. Definitely still in the basement, if not through to the root cellar.
There was a time, a couple of years ago that the Premiere Gene was fetching, easily $500. I was expecting to see this price to remain steady. But if I go by the one listing for this doll, the seller was willing to sell the doll for the "Buy It Now" price of $399. What a drop! She started the bidding at $49.99 and I guess bidders think they can beat the $399 price because no one took the offer.
Has Ashton-Drake practically killed this doll line with their over-zealous over-production of newer dolls? Or has Ashton-Drake managed to cheapen the Gene image in ways I can't articulate? Then again, is it possible that the doll's genre is so limiting that other 15.5" dolls, like the Tonner dolls, relate better to collectors because of their current fashion statements? I just don't follow the doll trends as closely but from what I read on this List, Tonner's larger dolls do seem to have a greater appeal than the Genes. Is this correct?
What is the perceived state of interest for Gene-line dolls? Pat Brown
Hi Pat and all, I know my problem with Gene was the raising of the retail prices, and the size of the collections. When I first started getting a few of these, the outfits were $40.00 which was just at the edge of my collecting budget. When many of the outfits went to $60.00 there was NO way I could justify it in my collecting budget. The only doll shop that sells these locally never put them on sale, and I just couldn't afford them. I actaully don't own any of the other 15 inch dolls, as space is also a problem, and I really don't care for them. I have found that I am just sort of over the 15 inch thing. I will still keep my Genes ( all 3 of them LOL ) and probably pick up a few more outfits that I find on sale. ( I still want that baseball one from last year!), but I don't think I will buy any more dolls. The Barbie size dolls are still my favs, even when it is so much easier to sew for the larger dolls, I like the challenge of the smaller dolls ( but not enough to sew for Dawn dolls!)
Kathy M.
At 11:35 AM 7/28/2002 -0400, you wrote:
I thought I'd make a foray over to ebay to see what the prices are on Genes these days. There was a time, a couple of years ago that the Premiere Gene was fetching, easily Is this correct? Pat Brown
Frivolities Antiques Ft. Collins, CO
Not $60???? That's appalling. No wonder there are disillusioned collectors with Genes. pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Mroczko mroczko@verinet.com To: candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 8:19 AM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
Hi Pat and all, I know my problem with Gene was the raising of the retail prices, and the size of the collections. When I first started getting a few of these, the outfits were $40.00 which was just at the edge of my collecting
budget.
When many of the outfits went to $60.00 there was NO way I could justify it in my collecting budget. The only doll shop that sells these locally never put them on sale, and I just couldn't afford them. I actaully don't own any of the other 15 inch dolls, as space is also a problem, and I really don't care for them. I have found that I am just sort of over the 15 inch thing. I will still keep my Genes ( all 3 of them LOL ) and probably pick up a few more outfits that I find on sale. ( I still want that baseball one from last year!), but I don't think I will buy any more dolls. The Barbie size dolls are still my favs, even when it is so much easier to sew for the larger dolls, I like the challenge of the smaller dolls ( but not enough to sew for Dawn dolls!)
Kathy M.
At 11:35 AM 7/28/2002 -0400, you wrote:
I thought I'd make a foray over to ebay to see what the prices are on Genes these days. There was a time, a couple of years ago that the Premiere Gene was fetching, easily Is this correct?
Pat
Brown
Frivolities Antiques Ft. Collins, CO
I used to buy Gene and especially the outfits. Two things really stopped my enthusiasm: 1. To many dolls were being released and too few outfits and 2. The price went up, but the number of and quality of accessories went down. I also think the outfits in the last year have been uninspiring. I collect vintage clothes from the 1940s and 1950s and the design team has hardly tapped into the design possibilities from that period. Its very disappointing.
I have never gotten into the Tonner dolls. Their faces just don't appeal to me. I like the new Madame Alexander fashion dolls--Alex and friends. But I see MA making the same mistake of to many dolls being released a year and not enough outfits. (Can you tell I like to redress my dolls?) Again these can be pricey, so I tend to limit myself to only buying dolls or outfits that I really, really like. After all for a $100 MA or Gene, I can buy 4 or 5 new Candi's, Alyssa's, Janay's or Lollipop girls that I really like.
Barbara
----- Original Message ----- From: Pat Brown To: Candi Chat List Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 10:35 AM Subject: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I thought I'd make a foray over to ebay to see what the prices are on Genes these days. Definitely still in the basement, if not through to the root cellar.
There was a time, a couple of years ago that the Premiere Gene was fetching, easily $500. I was expecting to see this price to remain steady. But if I go by the one listing for this doll, the seller was willing to sell the doll for the "Buy It Now" price of $399. What a drop! She started the bidding at $49.99 and I guess bidders think they can beat the $399 price because no one took the offer.
Has Ashton-Drake practically killed this doll line with their over-zealous over-production of newer dolls? Or has Ashton-Drake managed to cheapen the Gene image in ways I can't articulate? Then again, is it possible that the doll's genre is so limiting that other 15.5" dolls, like the Tonner dolls, relate better to collectors because of their current fashion statements? I just don't follow the doll trends as closely but from what I read on this List, Tonner's larger dolls do seem to have a greater appeal than the Genes. Is this correct?
What is the perceived state of interest for Gene-line dolls? Pat Brown
I guess it's mine turn to put in my 2 cents worth. I like Gene for her 40's image, but like Barbara, there wasn't enough of that particular era & too many dolls & too expensive outfits. I only bought one Gene this year. Can you guess which one? The 1940's Bride. The other outfits I got from last year, I bought on sale... Gene may have run her course. I don't like Madra & I don't like Trent... Not sure about Violet; have only seen one "in person" & wasn't much impressed.
Tyler doesn't do it for me either. Her face is nondescript (though I have seen some elegant repaints) & the clothes are too high fashion/modern & expensive!
I'm not really impressed with the other 15 1/2" dolls, though I love redressing my Elles. And, basically, I guess I'm more of an 11 1/2" fashion doll fan. Can't wait to see if they ever make the 12" Emme.... Melissa
I used to buy Gene and especially the outfits. Two things really stopped my enthusiasm: 1. To many dolls were being released and too few outfits and 2. The price went up, but the number of and quality of accessories went down. I also think the outfits in the last year have been uninspiring. I collect vintage clothes from the 1940s and 1950s and the design team has hardly tapped into the design possibilities from that period. Its very disappointing.
I have never gotten into the Tonner dolls. Their faces just don't appeal to me. I like the new Madame Alexander fashion dolls--Alex and friends. But I see MA making the same mistake of to many dolls being released a year and not enough outfits. (Can you tell I like to redress my dolls?) Again these can be pricey, so I tend to limit myself to only buying dolls or outfits that I really, really like. After all for a $100 MA or Gene, I can buy 4 or 5 new Candi's, Alyssa's, Janay's or Lollipop girls that I really like.
Barbara
I thought I'd make a foray over to ebay to see what the prices are on Genes these days. Definitely still in the basement, if not through to the root cellar.
There was a time, a couple of years ago that the Premiere Gene was fetching, easily $500. I was expecting to see this price to remain steady. But if I go by the one listing for this doll, the seller was willing to sell the doll for the "Buy It Now" price of $399. What a drop! She started the bidding at $49.99 and I guess bidders think they can beat the $399 price because no one took the offer.
Has Ashton-Drake practically killed this doll line with their over-zealous over-production of newer dolls? Or has Ashton-Drake managed to cheapen the Gene image in ways I can't articulate? Then again, is it possible that the doll's genre is so limiting that other 15.5" dolls, like the Tonner dolls, relate better to collectors because of their current fashion statements? I just don't follow the doll trends as closely but from what I read on this List, Tonner's larger dolls do seem to have a greater appeal than the Genes. Is this correct?
What is the perceived state of interest for Gene-line dolls? Pat Brown
How do you redress these dolls? Do you make the fashions or do you have a seamstress you buy from? Which Elle do you like and did you get all of them? There are no more Elles being made are there? Do you think these dolls are a lot of collectors' favorites? I always get the impression lots of collectors enjoy these dolls for a variety of reasons. What are yours? Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Eugene Bradford To: Pat Brown ; Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 12:09 PM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I'm not really impressed with the other 15 1/2" dolls, though I love redressing my Elles. And, basically, I guess I'm more of an 11 1/2" fashion doll fan. Can't wait to see if they ever make the 12" Emme.... Melissa
Hi all,
With regard to clothing for Gene and the other 15-1/2 inch dolls, my friend Alana Bennett (you probably already know her) sews all types of outfits for these dolls. She is an excellant seamstress. Her address is is http://dollfasionsbyalana.com - If that address is incorrect write me back and I'll get the correct one - I really think this is it though.
Karla ----- Original Message ----- From: Pat Brown To: Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 6:48 PM Subject: In regards to Elle
How do you redress these dolls? Do you make the fashions or do you have a seamstress you buy from? Which Elle do you like and did you get all of them? There are no more Elles being made are there? Do you think these dolls are a lot of collectors' favorites? I always get the impression lots of collectors enjoy these dolls for a variety of reasons. What are yours? Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Eugene Bradford To: Pat Brown ; Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 12:09 PM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I'm not really impressed with the other 15 1/2" dolls, though I love redressing my Elles. And, basically, I guess I'm more of an 11 1/2" fashion doll fan. Can't wait to see if they ever make the 12" Emme.... Melissa
Perhaps add in an -h- http://dollfashionsbyalana.com Melissa
Hi all,
With regard to clothing for Gene and the other 15-1/2 inch dolls, my friend Alana Bennett (you probably already know her) sews all types of outfits for these dolls. She is an excellant seamstress. Her address is is http://dollfasionsbyalana.com - If that address is incorrect write me back and I'll get the correct one - I really think this is it though.
Karla ----- Original Message ----- From: Pat Brown To: Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 6:48 PM Subject: In regards to Elle
How do you redress these dolls? Do you make the fashions or do you have a seamstress you buy from? Which Elle do you like and did you get all of them? There are no more Elles being made are there? Do you think these dolls are a lot of collectors' favorites? I always get the impression lots of collectors enjoy these dolls for a variety of reasons. What are yours? Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Eugene Bradford To: Pat Brown ; Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 12:09 PM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I'm not really impressed with the other 15 1/2" dolls, though I love redressing my Elles. And, basically, I guess I'm more of an 11 1/2" fashion doll fan. Can't wait to see if they ever make the 12" Emme.... Melissa
I remember Alana Bennett's name. She used to be a CandiChatter, didn't she? Thanks for the link. Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Karla To: Pat Brown ; Candi Chat List Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2002 8:47 AM Subject: Re: In regards to Elle
Hi all,
With regard to clothing for Gene and the other 15-1/2 inch dolls, my friend Alana Bennett (you probably already know her) sews all types of outfits for these dolls. She is an excellant seamstress. Her address is is http://dollfasionsbyalana.com - If that address is incorrect write me back and I'll get the correct one - I really think this is it though.
Karla ----- Original Message ----- From: Pat Brown To: Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 6:48 PM Subject: In regards to Elle
How do you redress these dolls? Do you make the fashions or do you have a seamstress you buy from? Which Elle do you like and did you get all of them? There are no more Elles being made are there? Do you think these dolls are a lot of collectors' favorites? I always get the impression lots of collectors enjoy these dolls for a variety of reasons. What are yours? Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Eugene Bradford To: Pat Brown ; Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 12:09 PM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I'm not really impressed with the other 15 1/2" dolls, though I love redressing my Elles. And, basically, I guess I'm more of an 11 1/2" fashion doll fan. Can't wait to see if they ever make the 12" Emme.... Melissa
Thank You Karla!
I was on vacation last week  but I am back now!
Alana
http://dollfashionsbyalana.com/
-----Original Message----- From: candichat-owner@dolls.de [mailto:candichat-owner@dolls.de]On Behalf Of Karla Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2002 5:48 AM To: Pat Brown; Candi Chat List Subject: Re: In regards to Elle
Hi all,
With regard to clothing for Gene and the other 15-1/2 inch dolls, my friend Alana Bennett (you probably already know her) sews all types of outfits for these dolls. She is an excellant seamstress. Her address is is http://dollfasionsbyalana.com http://dollfasionsbyalana.com/ - If that address is incorrect write me back and I'll get the correct one - I really think this is it though.
Karla ----- Original Message ----- From: Pat Brown mailto:nqsqurtz@staffnet.com To: Candi Chat List mailto:candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 6:48 PM Subject: In regards to Elle
How do you redress these dolls? Do you make the fashions or do you have a seamstress you buy from? Which Elle do you like and did you get all of them? There are no more Elles being made are there? Do you think these dolls are a lot of collectors' favorites? I always get the impression lots of collectors enjoy these dolls for a variety of reasons. What are yours? Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: Eugene Bradford mailto:ebradfrd@crosslink.net To: Pat Brown mailto:nqsqurtz@staffnet.com ; Candi Chat List mailto:candichat@dolls.de Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 12:09 PM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I'm not really impressed with the other 15 1/2" dolls, though I love redressing my Elles. And, basically, I guess I'm more of an 11 1/2" fashion doll fan. Can't wait to see if they ever make the 12" Emme.... Melissa
Hi, Pat & all! I like Elle because she was cheap-about $20 apiece, which is about the same as most Barbies. (Individual questions answered below...)
How do you redress these dolls? *I try to get more of the outfits separately off ebay, if I can. There is also another Candichatter that sews clothes for Elle. Her name is Elizabeth & her ebay id is dolls4emma. Or I mix & match the pieces from each doll to make new outfits.
Do you make the fashions or do you have a seamstress you buy from? *See above answer...
Which Elle do you like and did you get all of them? *The one I really like is the Trendwatch Elle in Jean Jacket because her face shape reminded me of Candi. I own 5 Elles; 2 blondes, 2 redheads, and 1 African-American.
There are no more Elles being made are there? *Although there were some pictures on Toy Fair sites earlier in the year, I believe they are no longer being made. I did notice recently that my TRU has quite a stack of the "old" Elles on the very top stock shelf, but none on display. I'm going to check on them soon & see if they may be marked down & if there are any more AA ones.
Do you think these dolls are a lot of collectors' favorites? *I don't really know. At one time they were popular because they were Gene size, but SOOO much cheaper. But, they are not the same quality; just fun to dress.
I always get the impression lots of collectors enjoy these dolls for a variety of reasons. What are yours? Pat * I like the faces. I like that they are cheap. You could actually afford to buy one just for the outfit & it would be cheaper than most of the Gene outfits! They have stylish outfits with all the accessories & are fun to play with. Melissa
I wish they had made some clothes for Elle or at least shoes...anyone know of shoes that fit her foot? Pat Hawkins
I think you may have stumbled onto one reason why 15.5" dolls may ultimately be a difficult sell for the long haul. I know when I buy a bigger doll I do have to think long and hard about where the doll is going to be displayed or stored. And they can be 'spensvie, too. The problem I have with smaller dolls is that they ARE too easy to buy. Well, not high-end collectible dolls, but many of the ones I like to think about buying for creative expression are as easy as going to the Goodwill and spending $3 for a nekkid one. Though I won't do that because for an extra $2 I can get one fresh in the box and the hair isn't wrecked. Still, $5 or $3, a whole lot can start to accumulate in my basement...I am a lot more restrictive about my purchases when there's more money involved in the investment. REgards, Pat
----- Original Message ----- From: Barbara To: Pat Brown ; Candi Chat List Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 11:46 AM Subject: Re: I am surprised at this price on Gene
these can be pricey, so I tend to limit myself to only buying dolls or outfits that I really, really like. After all for a $100 MA or Gene, I can buy 4 or 5 new Candi's, Alyssa's, Janay's or Lollipop girls that I really like.
Barbara
----- Original Message ----- From: Pat Brown To: Candi Chat List Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 10:35 AM Subject: I am surprised at this price on Gene
I thought I'd make a foray over to ebay to see what the prices are on Genes these days. Definitely still in the basement, if not through to the root cellar.
There was a time, a couple of years ago that the Premiere Gene was fetching, easily $500. I was expecting to see this price to remain steady. But if I go by the one listing for this doll, the seller was willing to sell the doll for the "Buy It Now" price of $399. What a drop! She started the bidding at $49.99 and I guess bidders think they can beat the $399 price because no one took the offer.
Has Ashton-Drake practically killed this doll line with their over-zealous over-production of newer dolls? Or has Ashton-Drake managed to cheapen the Gene image in ways I can't articulate? Then again, is it possible that the doll's genre is so limiting that other 15.5" dolls, like the Tonner dolls, relate better to collectors because of their current fashion statements? I just don't follow the doll trends as closely but from what I read on this List, Tonner's larger dolls do seem to have a greater appeal than the Genes. Is this correct?
What is the perceived state of interest for Gene-line dolls? Pat Brown
I feel that we 'went' for the Genes at first because she was so different, so one of a kind at the beginning. But I always felt she had a cold rather dead look in her eyes ..as if she's 'on something' & people who repaint her really make her look more approachable, nicer when they 'warm 'up those cold fish eyes. But the prices also kept me from getting too carried away , thank goodness. Then came the Tonners & other dolls which in some cases, I liked better but again the prices kept me grounded. I always hate paying more money for doll clothes than my own. ( I've gotten such sale bargains on my own clothes) The Elle doll was a better price & I liked her looks...too bad they couldn't have gone further with her ( I need normal shoes, not boots!) Now the whole doll market is oversaturated & too expensive. Barbie is still the same ole hunk of vinyl Barbie that you can find at the thrift shop for a few dollars...so you are really paying big bucks for an outfit & is it worth it? I've yet to find a larger doll, even an, Elle at a thrift store..or a Candi...but there are bins of Barbie.
speaking of Candi, I recieved mine today & they are so great I esp. like the 6 sided box, ( what would that be called, a sexagon) that shows her so well on the front side & her assess. on the back side .. love the compact with the Subtle Elegance Israeli doll..it even has it's own little powder puff...now isn't that Special! The little purses can be opened to receive the compact et al. Love the clear shoes on this one...love the little pins that come on their outfits..it's these little touches , plus what I believe to be beautiful faces that make these dolls. I'll display the dolls, for the nonce, in these boxes...as I don't have much room & they can stand atop one another.
Kathy, I love your dolls!
Pat Hawkins
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Alana Bennett -
Barbara -
Eugene Bradford -
Karla -
Mroczko -
Pat Brown -
Pat Hawkins