WOW! All I can say is WOW! I had the most amazing time with my best friend Kitsunari and Aqual+Spiral at the LA Dolpa. Without a doubt the most fun doll related event I've been to. I know people have a lot of issues with Volks as a company, but after this experience I feel so enamored with their dolls and their gratitude for their customers. I know there were people who were disappointed with certain aspects of the event, but for what it was, I thought it was an excellent re-introduction of Dolpa back into the US. The GM of VolksUSA said his dream was to do more Dolpas in the US and I for one am fully supportive of that!
General summary for me: I went with my bestie and we arrived the Friday before the event. Funny enough none of the staff at the hotel knew about the event, so it was funny to watch all the "O_o" faces as doll people began to invade. I got in touch with some old friends and met some long time friends face to face FINALLY!...Aqua+Spiral ;)
The day of the Dolpa we lined up with such anticipation and of course we drew numbers. I drew 82... lo' and behold 28 was drawn as the front of the line! :P No worries, we still got a great place in line, and before we knew it we were in the shopping area. A few minutes before, they announced the "Dollfie Life Design" Boxes sold out. :( Bummer... But of course, I don't let it get me down! As soon I went in, it was like being a kid in a candy store. Outfits galore! Wigs everywhere! So many cute Volks models... and as I approached one table, a staff member placed one of the sold out boxes on the table. I ask "Is that for sale?" He replies "Oh yes, it's the last one. Someone returned it."
SNAG! So I got the very last box! MSD sized outfit and shoes inside. My BFF managed to snag an SD box later at the swap meet so we fared well! As I approached the register, I saw the Best Selection dollfies against the wall. I was going to apply for only one of the Best Selection dolls (YoMidi Williams), but I assessed my odds weren't too good to win. So I spied the standard models sitting on the table and decided to bring little SDMidi Mako home. <3 I named her Praline, and she became my Dolpa win! :P
Lastly, the Tea Party!!! All my friends I went to visit got in, so we managed to snag a table in the middle. It was such a fun experience, but my favorite part was seeing and listening to the Shigeta family talk about the company and the dollfies. Mrs. Shigeta was very passionate when she explained the origins of Dear SD, and how that doll was made for her mother. Mr. Shigeta gave us a speech in English! I felt really touched that this company’s president made such an effort to connect with us. When I said hi to him, he said he loves Texas because they get the Texas Ranger show in Japan. :) Everything about meeting the staff and company made me love Volks even more. Winning a small prize during the raffle was just icing on the cake!!! During the tea party we got to break bread with friends, take loads of pictures of the beautiful one-offs and the auction Alice that went for a whopping $7500 bucks! I got to take pics in one of the Volks sets and then Volks gave us a little parting gift of a Thank You Rose for myself and my dollfie as a souvenir. Not to mention a cool little Blackjack teaser… @_@ SD17 Kiriko anyone??
Although I didn't win any doll lotteries, I walked away with such a fun experience, a beautiful new little girl and memories for a lifetime! Many friends did manage to win their dream dolls, and that in itself was something to celebrate. I really hope anyone who couldn't go this round, can go the next time they host a Dolpa. I know for certain I will be coming back!
For all my Dolpa photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/illness-illusion/
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