JEN

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Dressmaker Details, 2008

Ultra-Limited Edition of 300

Retail Price: $85.00 Shipping from Canada to USA: $15.00

Exclusively available at DressmakerDetails.com

Manufactured by Integrity Toys

According to Steven Fraiser, this fashion was to be released at the GAW mini-convention this year; however, the convention was cancelled so he's offering it as an exclusive at his website. "Jolie En Noir" is an all-black version of "Pretty" which was last year's National Barbie Convention Exclusive.

Here is the NRFB Fashion (above), it's shipper and a bonus DD notepad. The box liner has a pre-printed pattern of a sheath dress, for you seamstresses to cut out. This pattern is the same on all of the DD fashions. A DD Booklet of sketches, a sketch of "Jolie En Noir", and the bonus notepad featuring sketches of the "Twinkle Tweed" fashions are included. The ensemble is modeled by the gorgeous “High Gloss” Agnes Von Weiss Fashion Royalty doll from the 2008 Dollz in Oz convention in Australia.

Here is a close-up of some of the accessories (photo left)...a black clutch, a pair of black beaded earrings, a matching bracelet, and a pair of black open-toed heels inside a cute little Dressmaker Details show box. I'm not a huge fan of these Barbie-type stilettos as they fall off easily, so I used a different pair of FR shoes for my photos.

The set also includes a slip, sheer black panties and a fur stole lined in grey satin with a DD label.

Below are two shots of the slip (front & back).

The back of bodice has little "hidden straps" that you can use to place the dress on a hanger (below left), and also features a zipper and a hook/eye fastener. As some of you know, the DD bodice can be a little tight on the FR girls. I hook the fastener while it's down at the doll's waistline, carefully slide it up (the fabric stretches a bit), and then zip it up. It may slide down and expose her bust while posing, but I've never had too many problems during display (this is also true of "Sugar Plum," "Pretty,"and any of the other strapless bodice dresses).

Below are a few glamour shots of Agnes in various poses

And finally, some comparison shots (below) of both "Jolie En Noir," and "Pretty." Basically they are the SAME gown on the SAME FR character, Agnes -- it's interesting to note just what a difference color & makeup can make. (Note: earrings on DTP Agnes are from the “High Gloss” Agnes ensemble. The "Pretty" earrings are almost identical to "Jolie En Noir's" but in silver).

Summary:

Yes, it's a pricey gown....but very high quality. I can't say which version I prefer...as I love them both so very much. I get just as excited when I receive a new Dressmaker Details fashion as I do when I receive a new doll. It's looks fabulous on just about anyone. Fits Fashion Royalty, Silkstones and Barbie (there are photos of each one on his website).

Grade: A++