U-G-L-Y Oz Ain't Got No Alibi!!!!

It's utterly astounding how the most amazing things come to fruition from the simplest of ideas. The Wizard of Oz originally grew from stories L. Frank Baum spun for neighborhood children. The inception of Uglydoll began in a love letter.

David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim met while attending the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Sun-Min returned to her home country of Korea in the fall of 2001 and David to Los Angeles, California. The separation did nothing to dampen their dreams and they cultivated their relationship through correspondence. Absence not only made their hearts grow fonder, it ignited creative sparks. David signed his letters with an illustrations of an odd little orange character he called Wage. Sun-Min surprised David with a hand made plush Wage for Christmas.

David proudly showed his new critter to a friend who owned the pop culture toy shop Giant Robot. The friend was so enamored with Wage, he wanted to sell some in his shop. Within two weeks, Sun-Min completed 20 more. David dropped them off at Giant Robot one morning and returned home that evening to an email requesting more. The entire batch sold out that day!

Over the next 18 months, Sun-Min sewed 1,500 Uglydolls based on the inhabitants of David's "uglyverse". Product was moving faster than her hands could keep up so changes had to be made.

In January of 2003, Sun-Min returned to the United States to marry David and expand the "uglyverse". They unleashed the Uglydolls at Toy Fair and Uglydoll mania ensued.

Uglydoll started as a modest little plush, but now there are books, figurines, partyware, kitchen items, decor, clothing......Uglydoll can be found in just about every medium imaginable. Hollywood better brace itself. There's even a feature film in the works.

Over the past couple of years, Uglydoll has engaged in fun co-branded partnerships with Hello Kitty, the rock band KISS, Universal Monsters, DC Comics, and Start Trek. Just released is Uglydoll's homage to The Wizard of Oz.

The appeal of Uglydoll is very much the same as The Wizard of Oz. Misfits are able to embrace their own eccentricities and work with the quirks of others for a greater good. The philosophies of the "uglyverse" are ugly means unique, ugly means different, ugly is BEAUTIFUL! Keeping those themes in mind, The Wizard of Oz and Uglydoll lend themselves very well.

The Wizard of Oz Uglydolls are arriving in stores now. Get in touch with your inner ugly and let's go over the rainbow!!

Research links:

www.uglydoll.com

One-on-One: Uglydoll's Chief Ugly Alita Friedman

http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/one-one-uglydolls-chief-ugly-alita-friedman

The David Horvath interview by Ploom2

http://www.ploom2.com/uglydollinterview.htm

Ugly Toys, Cute Story

http://jezebel.com/5339797/ugly-toys-cute-story

How to Build an Empire

http://www.inc.com/articles/201105/small-business-success-stories-pretty-ugly.html

Ugly Dolls were a labor of love

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/18/business/fi-uglydolls18

A love letter Begets Dolls

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324907204578187510242227022

Uglydoll Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uglydolls

Uglydoll Wizard of Oz press release

http://www.curiozitycorner.blogspot.com/2014/06/wizard-of-oz-uglydoll-press-release.html

Ugly Doll Photos Courtesy Ugly Doll

Graphics created exclusively for The Curiozity Corner by Mat Wallis

Tonner Dolls Fall 2014

Blue Butterfly Glinda Good Witch of the North

Dressed doll 

Face includes hand-painted details 

Fine quality vinyl and hard plastic 

GLINDA head sculpt 

19" Wilde Imagination's Evangeline body

 Cameo skin tone 

Blue painted eyes with applied eyelashes 

Strawberry rooted saran hair 

Blue crinkle chiffon dress with butterfly decoration 

Attached ruffle petticoat 

Blue lace tights with attached panties 

Blue ribbon choker

 Blue bead earrings 

Blue butterfly hair decoration 

Blue lace gauntlets 

Blue glitter canvas shoes 

Doll stand sold separately

Edition of 250

SRP: $224.99 plus shipping

Fiery Skies Wicked Witch of the West

Dressed doll

Face includes hand-painted details

Fine quality vinyl and hard plastic

WICKED WITCH head sculpt

19" Wilde Imagination's Evangeline body

Wicked skin tone

Green painted eyes with applied eyelashes

Mink rooted saran hair

Red shantung dress with black net overlay and cotton lace and faux fur trim

Black tights

Black faux leather shoes

Gold and red rhinestone necklace

Gold and red rhinestone earrings

Pantyhose

Black faux leather shoes

Stand sold separately

LE 250 

SRP: $224.99 plus shipping

Oz Stroll Outfit

Fits 19" Wilde Imagination's Evangeline body

Dress with a pink and silver embroidered tulle bodice and crinkle chiffon skirt

Purple velvet shawl

Silver necklace with butterfly charm

Matching pink satin shoes

Pink/silver glitter tulle gauntlets

LE 250

SRP: $139.99 plus shipping

**STILL FORTHCOMING**

22" Glinda Good Witch of the North

Edition of 150

SRP: $324.99

Photo unavailable at this time.  More details when photos are ready.  You can reserve her now on www.tonnerdoll.com

Sonic Drive-In Is Off To See The Wizard!!!

Coming soon to Sonic Drive-In's everywhere.   Stay tuned for details!!

NEW Hallmark Ruby Slippers Ornament!!

This is not a Keepsake Ornament.  This one is part of Hallmark's B-line which is sold at Toys  R Us, WalMart,  Kmart and Kohls during the holiday season.  These may show up at other regional stores around the country.  Look for stores that carry Hallmark product.  

This is arriving at Toys R Us stores now for $7.99 and they do not come boxed.  You can also order online at Walmart.com for $7.47 and those are gift boxed as shown below.  

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hallmark-Wizard-of-Oz-Ruby-Slippers-Christmas-Ornament/38378340

**Thank you Hallmark friends for tracking this down for me!!**

Leading Ladies of Oz Prices Realized

And the gladiators in suits pull off another stunning victory!!!  A grand total of $17,701.87 was raised with 100% going to Habitat for Humanity.  There were a total of 787 bids.  The big seller was the Wicked Witch of the West by Lyn Paolo & Kerry Washington.  Congratulations to the winners! 

 The auction ended September 14, but the dolls are currently on display at Bloomingdales 59th Street New York City until October 9. 

61 Bids

$2125.00

28 Bids

$1600.00

38 Bids

$1535.00

18 Bids

$1525.00

50 Bids

$1390.00

Donna Karan Atelier

17 Bids

$1205.00

Jenny Packham

18 Bids

$860.00

Colleen Atwood

33 Bids

$810.00

Betsey Johnson

49 Bids

$760.00

Reem Acra

24 Bids

$760.00

Trina Turk

82 Bids

$685.00

Bryon Lars

29 Bids

$679.00

Carmen Marc Valvo

43 Bids

$659.99

Anna Sui

40 Bids

$611.88

Herve Leger

32 Bids

$601.00

Charlotte Ronson

37 Bids

$560.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA

35 Bids

$431.00

Carlos Falchi

71 Bids

$330.00

Chris Benz

43 Bids

$319.00

Douglas Hannat

39 Bids

$255.00

You can still support the There's No Place Like Home Campaign by donating here:

http://thewizardofoz.warnerbros.com/habitat/?pageid=home

Kudos to the Tonner Doll Company, the fabulous designers, and Warner Brothers for supporting families in need! 

R. John Wright Nikko Winged Monkey Mouse

Measuring just 2 3/4 inches tall and made of blue mohair, Nikko - the leader of the Wicked Witch's Flying Monkeys - comes authentically costumed a felt jacket with a short cape embellished with a detailed felt applique pattern. Corresponding felt strips cross his chest and wrap to the back and a matching cap sits over one ear. Wings made of alpaca 'feathers' complete his menacing look!

Edition of 200

SRP: $450.00

www.rjohnwright.com 

R. John Wright Wicked Witch Mouse and New Addition!!!

Measuring just 3 inches tall and made of green mohair, the Wicked Witch comes authentically costumed in a Victorian-style black cotton dress with a laced waistcoat and a flowing cape fastened at her throat. A classic witch's hat with attached silk veil completes her trademark ensemble. In one hand, the Wicked Witch carries a detailed wood and straw miniature of the broom as seen in the film. 

**The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary series of mice has proven so popular R. John Wright has decided to extend the series to include the Wizard! Very exciting news as long time Oz collectors know the Wizard is a much neglected character.**

http://www.rjohnwright.com/

Tonner Leading Ladies of Oz Auction Begins TODAY

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the 75^th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and Tonner Doll Company, Inc. today unveiled haute couture dolls by high-end fashion and costume designers. Inspired by Dorothy Gale, Glinda the Good Witch and The Wicked Witch of the West, designers including Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan Atelier, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Betsey Johnson and more created one-of-a-kind looks for Tonner's 22-inch collectible dolls. The glamorous Leading Ladies collection is on display at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and available for bidding on eBay Giving Works at WizardofOzDollAuction.com until September 14. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity as part of the "There's No Place Like Home" campaign. 

"From the Ruby Slippers to the gilded crown, the iconic styles in The Wizard of Oz have inspired generations. We are honored and excited to showcase how haute couture meets classic film, as these world-renowned designers re-imagine the look and feel of The Wizard of Oz's three leading ladies," said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Through this collaboration, we're celebrating the creativity of film and fashion in support of the ongoing work of our partners at Habitat for Humanity."

The stylish roster of designers who infused fashion and a modern flare into the beloved ladies of the iconic film include Reem Acra, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Erickson Beamon, Chris Benz, Carlos Falchi, Douglas Hannant, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan Atelier, Byron Lars, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Jenny Packham, Charlotte Ronson, Anna Sui, Trina Turk, Carmen Marc Valvo and Sue Wong, as well as acclaimed costume designers Colleen Atwood, Ruth Myers, and Lyn Paolo, in partnership with actress Kerry Washington. Each participant selected one muse – Dorothy Gale, Glinda the Good Witch or The Wicked Witch of the West – and created a single haute couture costume and overall look for the doll. There are 20 dolls in the special milestone anniversary collection.


"We are positively delighted with the dolls – they are brilliant! The designers have done astounding work," said Robert Tonner, CEO and doll artist of the Tonner Doll Company. "Inventive, captivating and quite simply bewitching, this collection is unlike anything you have ever seen – these iconic dolls will leave you spellbound!"

The Leading Ladies collection is on display at The Museum at FIT and each doll can be bid on through eBay Giving Works at WizardofOzDollAuction.com. The online charity auction, managed by Auction Cause, will continue until September 14, with proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity's work to create decent, safe and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families. On September 12, following the display at The Museum at FIT, the haute couture dolls will move to the Bloomingdale's 59^th Street flagship in New York City for additional public viewing on the third floor until October 9, when they will be sent to the charity auction winners.

"Habitat for Humanity is so grateful for the support of Tonner Doll Company and all the designers lending their artistic vision and expertise to this effort," said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, deputy director, Corporate, Foundation and Institutional Relations, Habitat for Humanity International. "This exciting auction further enhances our partnership with Warner Bros., helping to create affordable housing around the world."

Warner Bros. and Habitat for Humanity's "There's No Place Like Home" campaign began in 2013 with themed initiatives and events in celebration of the 75^th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. The ongoing program, which brings the most memorable line from the classic film to life, offers a dedicated website where consumers can support the campaign, which can be found at TheWizardofOz.com/Habitat.

To join the conversation, visit https://www.facebook.com/TheWizardOfOzMovie

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Tonner Doll Company, Inc.

Headquartered in Kingston, New York, Tonner Doll Company, Inc. develops and markets high quality collectible Character Figures and Dolls like TWILIGHT, Marilyn Monroe, Gone With The Wind, The Wizard of Oz, DC Stars, and more, as well as fashion dolls such as Tyler Wentworth™, Antoinette™, Deja vu™, and Cami & Jon™.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help more families improve their shelter conditions. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To get more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org.

About Auction Cause

Auction Cause, a premier cause marketing agency, works with top brands, celebrities and nonprofits on their cause marketing and social media programs. For more information, please visit auctioncause.com or call them at 323-655-0554 to learn about their unique services.

About FIT

The Fashion Institute of Technology, a part of the State University of New York, has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology for nearly 70 years. Providing students with a singular blend of hands-on, practical experience, classroom study, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, FIT offers a wide range of outstanding programs that are affordable and relevant to today's rapidly changing industries. FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers more than 45 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the global marketplace. Visit fitnyc.edu.

About Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy's, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 34 Bloomingdale's stores and 13 Bloomingdale's, The Outlet Stores in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, California, and Texas. In addition, Bloomingdale's has an international presence with a location in Dubai. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com. 

WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co.

Hallmark Itty Bitty Dorothy is a Best Seller!!!!!

Hallmark itty bittys® Flying Off Store Shelves
More than 1 million itty bittys sold nationwide

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hallmark itty bittys® may be just four inches tall, but they are bringing big customer demand to Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide. Conceived by a Hallmark designer while doodling during a brainstorm, itty bittys are tiny plush collectible characters with big consumer appeal. Hallmark has sold more than 1 million itty bittys in the United States and has increased production to keep up with retail demand. This year, sales to date of itty bittys in Hallmark Gold Crown corporate stores are 600 percent higher than 2013. 

itty bittys In Good Company

The Hallmark itty bittys collection has grown from eight characters at launch to more than 50 popular characters from a variety of licensors and properties, including DC Comics™, The Wizard of Oz™ and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® (available in October), as well as favorite super heroes, princesses and characters from popular movies.

"We've tapped Hallmark's extensive licensing portfolio to create themed collections of popular characters in a format that is cute and fun … and with a big 'aww' factor," said John X. Watson, president – Hallmark Retail. "This feels very similar to the crazes of the '80s and '90s with the rapid increase in sales, some characters selling out, and the requests from consumers for what new itty bittys we should add to the line."

New itty bittys characters are released throughout the year and will eventually be retired. Some itty bittys are limited editions, such as Glinda the Good Witch™ and the Wicked Witch of the West™ (in stores now), which are available only for a limited time and often sell out quickly. Seasonal releases tied to holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and Christmas, also are sold for a limited time.

This holiday season, Hallmark also is partnering with Toys for Tots to provide customers a small way to make a big difference. For every purchase of an individual Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer®, Santa Claus, Clarice® or Bumble® itty bittys character, Hallmark will donate $1 to Toys for Tots.

The 'Favorite' itty bittys 

The most popular itty bittys of 2014 so far are:

• Batman™
•                                         Superman™
• Wonder Woman
• Dorothy™

Hallmark's robust itty bittys collection will grow even more in 2015 with new characters and licenses, plus new products, such as itty bittys BIGGYS — a larger versions of itty bittys standing 10½ inches tall — and additional line extensions.

The Big Deal About itty bittys 

Individually priced at $6.95, with collector sets priced at $29.95, itty bittys are available exclusively in more than 2,400 Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide. itty bittys provide a convenient, affordable and fun gift, and they appeal to collectors and fans of the different licensed characters.

"Our customers purchase itty bittys for everything from birthdays to holidays, and there are some characters that sell out as fast as we stock them," said Cindy Peck, Hallmark Gold Crown store owner in Portland, Oregon. "Because they are small, soft and washable, itty bittys make great kids gifts. They fit in backpacks, Easter baskets, Halloween bags, Christmas stockings and more. Plus there are plenty of fans of all ages who just love the characters and want to collect them."

For more information or to locate a Hallmark Gold Crown store, visit Hallmark.com/itty-bittys.

BATMAN, SUPERMAN, THE FLASH, WONDER WOMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s14)

THE WIZARD OF OZ and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Turner Entertainment Co. (s14)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer © & ® The Rudolph Co., L.P. all are elements under license to Character Arts LLC. All rights reserved.


About Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and connect in emotional ways with others. In the U.S., innovative Hallmark greeting cards and gifts are sold through leading mass retailers, the network of Hallmark Gold Crown® specialty stores and online. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. Millions of households enjoy family friendly television programming offered by cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel and fast-growing Hallmark Movie Channel. Hallmark's Crayola subsidiary inspires artistic creativity in children through Crayola^® crayons and markers as well as other innovative art tools, crafting activities and creative toys. Privately held Hallmark is based in Kansas City, Mo., and continues to be led by members of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details

Tonner Leading Ladies of Oz Charity Auction REMINDER - UPDATED

September 4th is fast approaching and we've been treated to succulent teasers of these amazing one of a kind creations.  Now there are images of some dolls previewed by USA Today and the LA Times.  All I can say is WOW, WOW and WOW!!  The sketches do not prepare you for the magnificence of the actual doll. Get those wallets ready!  Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Bidding is Sept 4 - 14th through eBay.  If you'll be in the New York area the dolls will be on display at the Fashion Institute of Technology Sept 4 - 10th.  From there the dolls will go to Bloomingdales until October 11th.  

More coverage and doll photos from USA Today , LA Times , and more exclusive photos from Marie Claire. 

Lucky Magazine photos of Anna Sui Wicked Witch of the West.