Spring Fair 2007:
Ty UK:
The main feature of the Ty stand was the 'Girlz' display. They are Bopper sized plush dolls, featuring 'Bratz' style faces and hair. It's obvious Ty has caught onto the trend that is Bratz, and has made his own Beanie dolls similar. They look just like plush Bratz - the eyes and the face are very similar, yet they are plush, and very obviously Ty. The hair is beautiful - it can be brushed and styled just like Barbie or Bratz and apparently, Ty Warner got this inspiration from a wig maker for his new dolls. Some of them are crazy - blue, black and even pink hair. Ty is obviously trying to create a trendy brand.
But!
That is not the best part of these dolls! Remember how Cabbage Patch Kids are all individual and come with a certificate? Newer Cabbage Patch Kids also let you log onto their website with your individual friend and play online with your doll. Girlz are along the same notion. I've always said, if Ty was to keep up with other companies, they needed to make a much more interactive website compared to the one they have now. These Girlz all come with their own unique code inside their tag. This allows kids to log onto the new Girlz website and explore the site with their doll. The site will be complete with activities, and even customize your dolls clothes.
Now here is the really smart bit - all these tags are sealed!! Whereas before, the tag was hung on the left and opened on the right, these tags are both hung and opened on the left...so now the wire of the tag also keeps the tag sealed. So...I think, this will surely affect the collectibility? These dolls will already be LIMITED EDITION. But if there is a chance to have 'Open' and 'Unopened' seals on the tags, then this is surely going to make it better for the collectible market? Collectors are going to want mint, sealed hang tags, and bearing in mind that these are going to be children's toys, aimed very exclusively at children with the website activities. The fact that mint unopened tags will be something collectors want, and these are going to be limited editions, means that Ty is actually aiming at both markets.
I think these dolls are going to be really great. By aiming at both markets, Ty will be creating a demand from collectors, despite these obviously being very attractive to children. Ty's is a genius, and I'm sure these dolls will be very popular.
Yankee Candle:
The new Yankee Candle range for Spring were available for a good sniff, including Spring Bouquet, Jasmine and Green Tea, Sparkling Lemon and lots more. The new Island Spa was a lovely zingy holiday smell, and Vanilla Lime has a hint of the old favourite Key Lime Pie. My personal favourite was the Sun and Sand candles, which was a fantastic beachy fragrance. The new World Fragrances had some unusual but nice fragrances including fruity and floral scents from countries all over the globe. One of my favourite new lines was a gorgeous beach accessory line, covered in beach themed decoration.
Wow - the Depesche stand was amazing! The first thing we came across was Diddlina Mermaid! This line is beautiful. I personally find anything about mermaids nice, but I would never have imagined having Diddlina as a mermaid! The line includes bags, towels, purses, pens, keyrings, and the cutest little Diddlina plush! Another great line is the Diddlina Ducky collection - a Diddlina bath range complete with little yellow ducks. The Special Friends series is a cute pastel range featuring Mimihopps and Pimboli. One of my favourite new items, one for collectors, is the Quardiddl cards. Whereas these cards used to come in a pack free with the Diddl blocks, these can now be bought individually and there's even an amazing collectors album complete with card box, stand and places to fit all the Quardiddl cards in the illustrated folder. There are many new School program designs, including some Frog Brothers items. The new Sport range was also on Display, along with many many new products...I think it's best for you just to view the photos ;-)
Thanks once again to everyone at Depesche UK for allowing me to take these pictures for the website!!
