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SURVEY! September's Survey: What Types of Shows do you Attend?     August's Survey Results: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF DOLL? TOP THREE: 46.2% Fashion Dolls (any size); 27.2% Fashion Dolls (one size); 9% Child Dolls - Thanks for participating!

NEW Awards & Honors Nods from the Industry   Congratulations Robert!! Robert won the prestigious 2008 Ulster County Business Recognition Award for “Adaptive Re-Use Building Project of the Year” for his incredible renovations on the Tonner Company Store (14 Hurley Ave. Kingston, NY).   This prestigious award honors individuals and companies whose effort has contributed significantly to Ulster County and is given by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and the Ulster County Development Corporation.

Spotlight: DC WOMEN OF POWER DC Women of Power Collection Introduced   From high-flying DC Super Heroes to high fashion, crime fighting heroes and villainous vixens unite as inspiration for this year’s hottest couture fashion trend, validating their status as both fashion and pop icons. Our line of collectible DC STARS TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™, inspired by the women of DC Comics, represents the inter-connected worlds of comic book heroes and fashion. Since the Golden Age of comic books as well as fashion, both worlds have represented an escape from real life through the metamorphosis of ordinary to extraordinary. Capturing trend-setting styles while maintaining the core elements of each character’s identity, this collection is truly unique for any pop culture fan. With their eye for fashion and talent for design, Robert Tonner and Joe Petrollese have ventured beyond the world of mere mortals, becoming pop culture pioneers. Using the finest fabrics for the DC WOMEN OF POWER collection, creating super gowns for super heroes, and forging warrior-inspired corsets, body armor and boots, Robert and Joe are bringing the iconic DC Super Heroes to the forefront of the collectible fashion doll world. I interviewed Joe Petrollese, Design Director for the Tonner Doll Company, Inc. to learn a little more about what goes into designing for the DC STARS collection. Shauna Perry: Where do you get your inspiration from when designing for the DC Women of Power? Joe Petrollese: Basically from the characters themselves. I try to look at them as actors in a movie and think what would they wear if they were to be dressed in an evening gown?   SP: What is it like with regard to getting approvals from the licensor?  It is easier than a classic costume or harder? JP: It’s about the same. Each doll is looked at individually and comments are made based on how close we came to the original artwork for the classic costume. As for the evening gowns, they (Warner Bros.) left that up to us pretty much knowing we’re a fashion doll company. SP: What makes this collection different/more unique than some of the other original designs you have done in the past? JP: These are a little harder since we’re designing for Superheroes. They have to look like their characters and still look sexy and feminine at the same time. SP: Do you have a favorite character to design for?  JP: Wonder Woman! She’s a much more interesting character to design for; she can be anything from a Greek goddess to a superhero to an average person. She’s a very well rounded character to design for.   Our newest creations can be seen and purchased exclusively on TONNERDirect.com, TonnerCompanyStore.com, as well as through the Tonner Company Store (845-339-2960). Each character is limited to 200 pieces and sells for $159.99.

Design Room Scoop: DeeAnna Denton Robert Tonner Talks About his Newest Fashion Doll   “Daddy always said,” began DeeAnna Denton™, “that good men mind their own business – and good women mind everyone else’s.” And just who exactly is DeeAnna Denton™? Aside of being a 1950’s Hamptons socialite and heiress to the Denton Chewing Gum™ empire, DeeAnna is the hottest new fashion doll from Robert Tonner with a curvaceous body and sumptuous wardrobe. I asked Robert to share a little about how DeeAnna was born. Shauna Perry: Where did your DeeAnna Denton™ concept come from? Robert Tonner: I love illustration art, and among one of my purchases is a portrait done by a well known pin-up artist, Art Frahm.  I lived with this beautiful image for quite some time, and just felt she needed to be brought to life in doll form.  Using the portrait as inspiration, I sculpted a head that would fit on our new athletic girl doll body. After all, she needed that full-figured look of the fifties!           SP: What is your inspiration when you design for her? RT: I try to think of who this woman is, and using reference from the fifties, (fashion magazines, films and of course, the pin-ups) I develop clothing that I think she would wear. Along with that, I love the images from the TV show "Mad Men."      SP: Do you have plans to add Max and Janet to the collection? RT: That just depends on how well DeeAnna does!  SP: What makes DeeAnna different from your other fashion dolls? RT: I think her body shape is unique in the doll world, and certainly she's unique among our dolls.  I have done the fifties before (Kitty Collier) but this is a whole new take.  To View the NEW DeeAnna Denton™ Collection - click here

Dolls That Touch Your Heart Effanbee's Petite Filles™ Make their Debut   Effanbee® Inspirations “..what inspired this collection?…” is certainly one of the more frequently asked questions of Robert and the design team. We met with Robert and asked him to give us (and you!) the “inspirational scoop” behind the newest Effanbee® Collection, Petite Filles™. In fact, Robert admitted to us that he had been thinking about this project for quite a while, but it was only when he began to catalogue his personal collection of paper doll art that he also began, in earnest, to develop dolls that express the charm and innocence of that art form, focusing on his favorite eras, the 40’s and 50’s.  Effanbee’s Petite Filles™ (little girls) collection, making its debut for Fall Holiday of 2008, includes a sweet array of dressed and “basic” 10-inch hard plastic dolls, and outfits. The two characters, Mimi and Babette, are very reflective of Effanbee’s proud history of making original and innovative dolls for doll lovers of every age. Robert told us that while many doll companies of the 30’s were making their version of Shirley Temple and the Dionne Quints, Effanbee® focused on developing original characters like Patsy® and DyDee Baby®. Little Mimi, is fair-haired and appears with either red or blonde curls, while her sister Babette comes with raven or brunette tresses. Both dolls are wigged, have inset acrylic eyes, and are new head sculpts for the 10-inch Ann Estelle bend-knee body. They promise to bring a smile everywhere they go. As a last hint, Robert tells us that the girls will be traveling far and wide for their 2009 wardrobe inspirations, so keep watching for our new Petite Filles™!     To see the complete Petite Filles™ collection, click HERE

TRAVELS WITH ROBERT UFDC & Metrodolls                                                                           UFDC Tonner Design Director, Joe Petrollese, traveled to Las Vegas for the United Federation of Doll Clubs' National Convention at the Bally's Hotel & Casino.  With him, he took the results of the UFDC-sponsored Design Competition; where one lucky contestant's winning design was adapted and produced for the event souvenir.  The winner, Pat Rooney, won over the judges with her sweeping satin ball gown and oversized bow and sash ('Surprise Engagement' Daphne - LE210 shown top row, far left).  All contestants' dolls were photographed on the runway, and Joe entertained attendees with a slide show showcasing all the designs.  Opening the box was a surprise to all, as no one except the event organizers knew which design won the competition.  We wanted to share the fun and talented entries with you - congrats to all the designers who contributed their talents: Melva Chambers, Brigit Cotton, Susan Maidment, Goldie Wilson, Suzanne McBrayer, Jennifer Schultz, Megan McKenzie, Jan Zimmerman, Barbara Metken, Diana Vining, Frances Walrond, Nancy Gressman, Rayleen Griffiths, Peggy Shunk, David Hearn, Florie Hirsch, Martha Altomere, Judith Robertson, Jeanie Sieg, Patricia Rooney (winner), and Marie Scopel.           MetroDolls Hits it Broadway Style!   For their 4th Annual MetroDolls charity event, organizers worked with Broadway Cares – Equity Fights AIDS to create a smashing event inspired by the lights and music of Broadway. Robert Tonner attended along with his event exclusives, Ultra Basic Julie (Tess sculpt on the older Tyler ‘tan’ body – LE150), A Day on the Mississippi Outfit Only (LE100) and the souvenir doll, Magnolia (new sculpt – LE 200) – all inspired by the legendary musical, Showboat. MetroDolls may have extras of these exclusives – visit their website at http://www.metrodolls.com/sale.htm .         MetroDolls Exclusives (left to right) - "Magnolia" and "A Day on the Mississippi"                 The auction was thrilling and fast-paced with auctioneer John Davey…in the end over $18,000 was raised. Attendees were excited as the Tonner OOAK 22” American Model ‘Broadway Sapphire’ for bringing in $3,600! Of the 38 auction items, attending representatives Scott Stevens and Bill Potter of Broadway Cares were delighted with the results. Congratulations, MetroDolls – you did a great job!                   Scott Stevens of Broadway Cares gets the audience started.                         MetroDolls President Michael Giunta and helper, Rachel Rodrigo present Michael’s ‘Mame’-inspired auction doll and collectible memorabilia to auctioneers.                 (L to R) Robert Tonner, Paula Kagan, Dayle Davis (www.designedbydayle.com) and Debra DeForte of Wilde Imagination pose with Paula’s new auction acquisition Ellowyne Wilde designed by Dayle and re-eyed by Jim Dandy with chocolate brown eyes.               Robert poses with MetroDolls Officers (L to R) Michael Giunta, President; Marcia Friend, Vice President; and Bryan Marsee, Secretary.                 Edith Reilly, winner of the Tonner OOAK American Model, poses with Robert and her husband, Tom and daughter, Samantha. Thank you for your generosity Edith, Tom & Samantha!               Glenn of Happily Ever After present a stunning period-inspired auction piece by Janie Hunt (face paint by Cheryl Jax).

TONNERPICKS! Collectors Share Their Fun, Fancy as They Believe in the Power of Play®     SPIDER-MAN SIGHTING!  In American Girl Place? Spider-Man celebrated his good friend Jon's birthday.  Thanks for sharing Jon!                       In Loving Memory......   Carol (from Dreamcastle dolls) and her sister Julie in 1956 picking out dolls from the Sears Catalog- Thanks for sharing Carol!                                   SHARING YOUR TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE PICS! Our top favorites... (Click images for larger view)     Frances Schutta's Lara Croft, searching for household "artifacts"                         From Aly Greaves                           Charis Burrill's Amazon Princess Wonder Woman                       Thanks for the submissions!!!     HEY...How about showing us your Halloween Dolls for OCTOBER!  We'd love to include your images - please email them to help@tonnerdoll.com.

EXCLUSIVES! Bearzabout & Tonner Company Store     Production Sydney Chase® Ultimate Basic™ wears Tyler Wentworth® Ensembles from the 2008 Fall/Holiday Collection & the 2008 Mainline Boutique Collection - both outfits can be seen in the Tyler Wentworth 2008 Collection - click here (outfits not included with doll – doll has been styled for photography – due to the hand-crafted nature of this special doll, each style will vary).     To Order, Visit Bearzabout's Website - Click Here                                   Ultra Basic Shauna Angelic Dreamz Exclusive (Platinum and Auburn Editions - LE150 each) For more information, call George at 800.860.9934 or visit the website at www.angelicdreamz.com - click here                                 Pumpkin Patch Ann Estelle, a Tonner Company Store and TonnerCompanyStore.com exclusive edition.  Limited to only 100 pieces.     Click HERE to buy one NOW!

MONTHLY CHALLENGE: Did YOU Know...? Testing your Tonner Know   September's Question: Can you name the first five characters introduced in Tyler Wentworth's world (including Tyler), in order of their release? Remember, you can only answer once!!  Email your answers to help@tonnerdoll.com      Thanks for playing!!

COMPANY STORE REPORT: The Doll Days of August Event Recap A Great Time Was Had by All   The “Doll Days of August” was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came to Kingston AND thank you to everyone who joined us virtually by participating on our blog.  As they packed the store clamoring for their chance to see all that was on display, collectors were treated to many surprises throughout the day. DeeAnna Denton and the Devereaux Sisters made their debut to Ooo’s and Ahhh’s falling silent only when it was time for the drawing of the incredible door prizes.   Brand new items from the 2008 Fall/Holiday collection were revealed in the party room including the ever trusting Dumbledore as well as the quirky Luna Lovegood from the HARRY POTTER collection, a few of Effanbee’s Petite Filles, and the FAO exclusive Wonder Woman trunk set. FAO’s exclusive Wonder Woman wasn’t the only DC property making an appearance for the first time. The complete DC Women of Power collection dressed in their character inspired gowns, were stopping more than just speeding bullets. And of course, what Tonner Company Store event would be complete without an appearance from Robert Tonner himself?! This was the highlight for everyone who had a chance to spend some time with Robert chatting about the new collection, having him sign their new dolls and favorites, and answering questions. If you missed the “Doll Days of August” check out our blog for all of the event images, comments and recaps. http://tonner2008.blogspot.com/ Keep an eye out for Tonner Company Store holiday events scheduled for this November and December.                             GOT A DOLLY EMERGENCY? If you need to speak with the Doll Doctor Noreen about non-Tonner doll emergencies, please call the Tonner Company Store directly at (845) 339-2960 or (845) 339-2961 for an estimate and appointment. If you are local or planning a trip, stop in! Our hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10am - 6pm.

TONNER COMPANY STORE - WWW.TONNERCOMPANYSTORE.COM

GOINGS ON: 2008 & 2009 Calendar Keeping In Step with Robert Tonner   We have many exciting events coming up this year (see below) and if you would like your event to be added, please email event details and contact information to help@tonnerdoll.com. WE NOW HOST ALL EVENTS FREE IN OUR NEWSLETTER CALENDAR - PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEXT EVENT! September 24-28 - Modern Doll Collectors Convention, St. Petersburg, FL details TBA - click on the thumbnail at left for the official announcement, or visit the website at http://www.moderndollcollectors.com - Tonner Event: A Day in the Life of the Devereaux Sisters - Get to know the two most devastatingly glamorous beauties of the 20’s – the Devereaux Sisters.  Follow them through a day of fashion and frolic. AND HERE's  NEWSFLASH! Visit our Manufacturer's Showcase to see the complete Joan Crawford Collection & and the NEW DeeAnna Denton™ Collection - in person!   September 26 - The Boston Area Toy Collectors Club Annual National Collectible Toy Event, Randolph, MA – Featuring product displays from dozens of national toy manufacturers. The over-200-member group has invited the Tonner Company to speak about their unique line of character figures which include the DC Stars, Lara Croft, and the like which will be on display for the event. For more information, visit www.bostontoyclub.com or call (781) 963-0615. October 17-19 - 2008 Tonner Halloween Convention, Framingham, MA -  SOLD OUT – to be added to the waitlist, please visit www.regonline.com/2008halloweenconvention  October 25 - Kingston, NY - Kingston Hospital Fashion Show.  For more details, contact us  - click here. Charity Fashion Show to support Kingston Hospital featuring designs by Robert Tonner and other designers.  There is no souvenir doll for this event; but there will be special doll centerpieces by the Tonner Doll Company - sale of the centerpieces will benefit Kingston Hospital.  For more information on Kingston Hospital, please click here. 2009 - Details TBD January 31 - February 1 - IDEX Premiere, Orlando, FL - Tonner IDEX Breakfast Event (8:30am - 10:30am): In the them of a 1950's resort party (imagine Lake Tahoe, July 1957).  Tonner's 17-inch glamour girl makes her lakeside debut as she boards her glistening new Chris-Craft ski boat.  Get your beach wear, sunglasses and Coppertone ready!  Registrations details TBA - watch our website for further updates!  For more information about IDEX click HERE!   February 1 (8:30AM - 10:30AM) Tonner IDEX Breakfast Event- In the theme of a 1950’s resort party (imagine Lake Tahoe, July 1957), Tonner’s 17-inch glamour girl makes her lakeside debut as she boards her glistening new Chris-Craft ski boat. Get your beach wear, sunglasses and Coppertone ready!   February 6-8 - New York ComicCon, Details TBA   February 15-18 - TOYFAIR, Details TBA March 13-15 - Paris Fashion Doll Festival; Details TBA, visit website - click here. March 27-29 - Collector's United Nashville; Details TBD - Contact Gary Green at diang@collectorsunited.com June 19-21 - Wizard World Philadelphia, Details TBA     July 23-26 - Comic Con International, San Diego, CA - Details TBA       August 6-9 - Wizard World Chicago, Details TBA