The first time I saw pictures of a Momoko were in the first Doll Coordinate Recipe pattern book. There is a full page of pictures of Momoko dressing herself - a display of poseability that was quite astounding to a Blythe-only doll collector, as I was then.

Still, I hadn’t seen one of them in real life, so I remained intrigued from a distance for a year or two before getting really sucked in to the marvelous world of Momoko. It was the ‘Wake up’ Momoko range that did it - a small range of dolls in basic outfits with minimal make up. I had been reluctant to pay 12,000 yen for a type of doll I wasn’t sure I’d like, but 6,000 I was ready to risk!

And so arrived Betty:

I was smitten right away. That profile! The almost-realistic proportions!  I also love that she can tilt her head and stand up on her own. She’s cute and versatile, and as the Momoko official website tells us, Momoko clothing really is true to life. Each clothing item is a real item in miniature, even the super-fine knits and the little fasteners. I particularly love the Momoko Dr Marten boots which have moulded laces tied around the ankle and the distinctive sole pattern on the underside.

Of course, these kinds of details mean that Momoko clothes can be fairly expensive, especially the Petworks-produced Close Clipped Sheep items. The latest collections, Puppy Garden, are a tear-inducing 39,000 yen, but coordinate to create a complete wardrobe with several pairs of shoes. Totally tempting, particularly as they come with an exclusive Petworks doll. I love the crimpy-haired girl this time.

Production of Momoko is split between Sekiguchi and Petworks, the Petworks girls being more exclusive and expensive. They are very similar dolls, although I have to admit to only having seen one Petworks Momoko in real life. The only difference I could identify
with a quick look was that the joints seemed a little sturdier on the Petworks version. I expect there are many other differences a more knowledgeable and experienced collector could show me.

This season Sekiguchi have a line up of new releases that I just love:

(both photos are stock pictures taken from www.momokodoll.com)

Here they are on display at Pretty Power Osaka:

(http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/pretty_power_osaka/49432813.html)

I have a definite favourite in Sparkling 80s, with her dark hair and eyes, but I absolutely must have the outfit from Milk Tea Party too. The high-heeled mary janes are a new mould and very cute. Let’s hope they’re not as delicate as the last new shoe - a high-heeled T-bar shoe that is apparently very easily broken.

These dolls are due to be on sale Autumn/Winter 2009 at 13,400 yen, with pre-orders already being offered in some stores for Outdoor Boyish. I will be alerting Santa.

Hurrah!

If the number of new Blythe releases we’ve seen lately is anything to go by, the good people at CWC have been working like navvies to get Blythes on shelves. They’re not short on ideas, either, because it’s quite a bumper crop.

Friendly Freckles

A few people already have this girly. She is one for fans of the more “natural” style of Blythe. If I were to get one, I think I’d give her an Irish name. It’s something about the flaming ginger locks and freckly skin, just like Nicole Kidman used to have.

Priced at 11,340 yen and she was released February 6.

My Little Candy

Official My Little Candy animation on YouTube

I may be alone in finding these animated clips embarrassingly naff, but the girl herself seems like a cutie. The two-tone hair is an interesting step, even if the hair quality itself looks a little … dubious at this early stage. Whatever, her hair bobble looks like a lolly. What’s not to like?

Price is 13,440 yen from February 20.

Doronjo x Blythe

She’s the product of a collaboration between the Blythe mavens and the people behind an upcoming Japanese film called Yatterman. Good for those seeking a Blythe/superhero fix. She has a heart hologram in one eyechip, but I’m mostly interested in her glasses. Please observe their coolness:

Price is 16,590 yen and she’s available at Junie Moon from February 24. If you’re in Japan, of course.

Bloomy Bloomsbury

BloBlo - I made up that abbreviation, but I’m enjoying it - is a collaboration between CWC and the Japanese style house Jane Marple (don’t try to Wikipedia it like I did, or you’ll just get a whole lot of stuff about Agatha Christie’s [Miss] Jane Marple). At the moment, CWC are only doing the “sneak peak” thing and releasing bitsy little photos of her stock, so stay tuned for more info down the line. These are her shoes, which look really detailed and fab:

She’s released in March at 24,990 yen. Start saving.

Info from http://www.blythedoll.com

OK, so I am currently lusting over Sunny Angel Kurhn doll.

Kurhn is a Chinese fashion doll similar to barbie, though some Kurhn dolls have articulated bodies.

For more info see kurhn.com and the Kurhn Flickr group.

So I LOVE LOVE LOVE her, but will she be available from the CWC online shop? I am a little confused myself. Is she the next NF? Well perhaps - regardless, she has certainly won a place in my heart.

The final design of Neo Blythe “Bow Wow Trad”!

Let us introduce the final design of our new doll “Bow Wow Trad.”

She wears a red tartan mini skirt that is a must for fall fashion, and a light beige jacket with a flared edges.
Her look is traditional but sweetly unique!
The long pearl necklace, black short boots, beret and knee-high socks would match other outfit very well, too!
Her glasses are a brand new shape!
Her dog wears a matching skirt.

“Bow Wow Trad” has jet black long straight hair, and wears pink baige lips and pink brush.
Her charm point is a beauty mark under her eye!

[ Face Type ] Superior
[ Skin Type ] Fair
[ Make-up ] Eye shadow- light grey, Lips- pink baige, Blush- pink
[ Lip shape ] fuller lips
[ Eye Color ] Grey (gazing toward right) / Purple (center) / Smoky red
(gazing toward left) / Blue (center) *All special colors
[ Hair Color ] Black
[ Eyelid ] Stock
[ Eyelashes ] Stock
[ Nails ] Red
[ Earrings ] 1 set
[ The set includes ] Doll, shirt, skirt, jacket, beret, underwear, socks,
shoes, earrings, necklace, dog, skirt for dog, glasses and stand.

Price: 14,490 yen

[ How to Purchase ]
We will pre-release this doll at Odaiba VenusFort.
Detailed release date will be announced at this web site a later date.

[ Once Upon A Wonder World ]
Blythe 7th Anniversary Charity Exhibition “Once Upon A Wonder World at VenusFort”
Place: VenusFort 2nd Floor
Date: August 23 - September 17, 2008
Hours: 11:00a.m. - 9:00p.m. (the exhibition will be open till 11:00p.m.)
will be closed on September 8
Location: 135-0064 Tokyo-to, Eto-ku, Ome 1- chome Palette Town

Also, this doll will be available for purchase from September 27 at Blythe Top Shops in Japan!
Please call the shops for checking availability.

After much anticipation in the blythe community it is great to finally see her promo photos. I think she will be much loved especially for her vintage skin tone and her outfit is absolutely amazingly retro cool. Will her fringe be manageable or unruly? We have yet to see…

The final design of Neo Blythe “Miss Sally Rice”!

“Miss Sally Rice” is a friend of “Mrs. Retro Mama,” who was popular for her retro-themed style and vintage-like skin tone.

“Miss Sally Rice” also has young retro look.
There is a Showa-style black cat applique on her red dress.
She has a different look when she takes off the white collar and wears her pink blouse under her dress.
The set comes with a headdress and bag with bouquet and beaded necklace!

She has a skin tone that is a bit fairer than Mrs. Retro Mama’s, with light brown eye shadow and pink lips and brush.
Her light blue semi-long hair is so adorable!

[ Face Type ] Radiance
[ Skin Type ] Semi Matte
[ Makeup ] Eye shadow- light brown, Lips- coral pink, Blush- pink
[ Lip shape ] Fuller lips
[ Eye Color ] Green (right/stock), Pink (center/stock), Yellow
(left/special) and Blue (center/stock)
[ Eyelashes ] Stock
[ Hair Color ] Light blue
[ The set includes ] Doll, headdress, collar, blouse, blue socks, lacy socks, underwear,
necklace, bag, shoes and stand.
[ Price ] 13,440 yen
[ Release Date ] August 22, 2008

Neo Blythe “Miss Sally Rice” will be available at CWC shop

I ( along with many others ) have been eagerly awaiting a pair of the new Mary Janes that have been manufactured by Adam from Blythe Mode. I have a decent collection of the Barbie MJ’s already and these have been difficult to collect in the colourways i have wanted, so to have the opportunity to buy some outright especially in colours i really wanted ( like dark brown) was especially appealing.

Outfit due for release on the 22nd August.

Well I think I need both Bow Wow Trad AND the Fall Whisper outfit.

“I’ll be more pretty by my own magical power!! I’m the most cutest “magical girl” in the whole world. …!!!”

Accessories :”Magical” microphone, Headdress, doll stand .

I think she is wonderful and will make a perfect sister for Cinnamoroll Dal

A reliable source has just given some information that Miss Sally Rice will have hair like petite Meowmin.

Yay I love this colour!!!

Let us introduce our new Blythe doll “Bow Wow Trad” who has beautiful, long black hair.

She wears a red tartan mini skirt with a light beige jacket, she’s ready to go out on a nice fall day!

Her dog also wears a matching skirt.
Her black short boots and beret are a must for fall fashion!
Her face type is Superior and her skin color is Fair.

*The illustration may differ from the final design.

Price: 14,490 yen
Date available: August 2008
*Detailed information on how to purchase will be announced at a later date.

I think this girl will be stunning although you will hear a lot of folks exclaiming “I wish she was an RBL”.

Some people have been making comparisons between Bow Wow Trad and Night Flower - so if you missed out on NF (and you want one) then this may be the perfect dolly for you. Plus who can resist when she comes with a cute lil doggy YAY!!!

Review by Jade

“Miss Sally Rice” is a friend of “Mrs. Retro Mama,” who was popular for her retro-themed style and vintage-like skin tone.

“Miss Sally Rice” also has a retro look.

There is a Showa-style black cat applique on her red dress.

She has a different look when she takes off the white collar and wears her pink blouse under her dress.
Her face type is Radiance, and she has a vintage-like skin tone that is a bit fairer than Mrs. Retro Mama’s.

*The illustration may differ from the final design.

Price: 13,440 yen
Date available: August 2008

I must say I am very excited about this dolly, I love MRM’s vintage skin tone and think this doll will be superb. Her outfit looks awesome and I am looking forward to seeing what colour her hair is in real life.

Review by Jade

Neo Blythe “Milky Way Sugar” has long, dark-brown hair for a sophisticated look.

Her gathered black dress is romantic and flirty.

The pink beads on the bodice and the lacy leggings are perfect for summer!

Comes with a sheer feminine jacket.
Her silver bag and shoes shimmer like the milky way!
Her hairstyle is center-parted with a little curl at hair ends so you can style it easily.

[ Face Type ] Superior
[ Skin Type ] Natural
[ Make-up ] Eye shadow- light green, Lips- pink, Blush- pink
[ Eye Color ] Light blue (right / special color), Blue (center / stock), Green (left / stock), Pink (center / stock)
[ Eyelid ] Stock
[ Eyelashes ] Stock
[ Hair Color ] Dark brown
[ Nails ] No Enamel
[ Earrings ] 1 set
[ The set includes ] Doll, dress, inner dress, jacket, leggings, bloomers, shoes, bag, and stand.

Price: 13,440 yen
Date available: July 25,2008

Neo Blythe “Milky Way Sugar” will be available at CWC shop “Junie Moon“, Official Blythe Mobile Site, Junie Moon On-line Shopping, and official Blythe top shops in Japan.

Well well this is my first post, Milky Way Sugar sadly does not appeal to my current taste in blythe. I do think she has lovely hair however (and looks rather kennerish) and I am looking forward to seeing some out of box pictures of her once she arrives on the Blythe scene.

Review by Jade