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The Silkstone Vanity - by DeeinNJ
(2005)

Hey, all you Diorama Divas! Today’s Diorama Discussion is about the Barbie Fashion Model Collection Vanity (also known as the Silkstone Vanity).

Up until now, this little piece of furniture came with a big price tag and was out of reach for many collectors, but the good news is now many retailers are offering it at cut-rate prices (as low as $65) or at a discount with another purchase so your dolls can primp in style without breaking the bank.

Many of you are saying, “I don’t need a vanity,” but the Diorama Diva says, “Oh, yes you do!”

First off, lets just talk about the little true-to-scale accessories that come with this baby. The silver mirror, comb & brush, the perfume bottle with atomizer, the tray and other jars and gems are just too cute (come on, admit it). Sprinkling these little goodies in your photos adds that extra touch of realism.

But this vanity is quite versatile if you like to display props with your gals or make dioramas for display or photography. The vanity on its own is very nice. Your doll can have the ultimate boudoir accessory and see herself in all of her glam glory in the 3-way adjustable mirror. The little cushioned bench means primping for hours in comfort.

	At left, Continental Holiday spritzes on a bit of perfume (just who is she wearing that nightie for, hmmmmm?)
However, if you remove the mirror, the vanity can be used in many other ways to add a nice touch to your displays. Got a fancy occasion? Use the vanity without the bench & mirror as a serving or display table. At right, the happy couple is about to cut the cake (coffee anyone?).
	It also sits nicely in the background to display some fancy objects, such as vases, candles, etc. (of which I need some). Here, Fashion Plate lives up to her name in this pink confection (but who’s really looking at her?... just LOOK at that table back there!)

Nowhere fancy to go? Then your dolls can stay home and relax and still make use of this great piece. Use the vanity behind a couch as a sofa table or as a console table with some artwork above it. Here, Vanessa is reclining in her Parisian penthouse and the table is set behind her daybed in front of the window for display of a lamp, vase and clock.

Here, Vanessa strikes another sexy pose... notice the little vanity goodies on the table (sitting pretty inside the lid of a Barbie chocolates box which is pulling double duty as a tray).

You can also use the table as a reception desk at your spa, salon or boutique as shown below: “Welcome to Indulgence Salon & Spa... are you ready for your sea kelp wrap and cucumber eye treatment? Step this way, please.”

Or, if your doll needs to do a bit of correspondence at home or is operating a business, the Silky Vanity makes a great office or writing desk (adorned with the proper accessories, of course). Below, Fashion Designer is hard at work in her posh office: “Should I use the duponi silk or no? Covered buttons or rhinestones? Decisions, decisions.”

Also, the little vanity bench is a cute bench for the corner of a room, in the background of a photo, or as a bench in the shoe department of your little shoe boutique.

As you can see, you can get a lot of mileage out of this purchase. However, the price may still be too rich for some folks’ blood or they prefer to spend it on dolls instead. You can repaint playline furniture and still get a nice look without the fancy price.

I have repainted a MaryKate & Ashley skirted vanity. I added gold details and dyed the skirt. I used the Silky Vanity props on the top of the dresser, but you can paint the caps of playline perfumes and cosmetics to make them look more elegant (use a metallic Galaxy Marker available at craft stores for simple, no-mess improvements). You could easily paint this white instead of black, and add some wood grain scrapbook or contact paper to the top to simulate the look of the Silkstone Vanity. If you sew, you can make a new vanity skirt or just jazz up the legs with some gold paint. Then, you can use it in similar ways as I’ve described.

OK, Diorama Divas, don’t leave me high and dry. It’s your turn to share your photos and stories...

So far we’ve covered:
• Using the Silkstone Vanity: share your doll pics featuring this Vanity. Let’s see how your dolls doll themselves up!

We’ve covered:
• Using the Vanity in ways other than for which it was intended: Tell or show us how you used something in a display/diorama in a way other than for what it was originally intended.

We’ve covered:
• Making a low-cost alternative: Share your stories or pics of stuff for your displays that you couldn’t find or didn’t want to spend the money on, so you whipped something up on your own. I know there is some crafty ingenuity happening out there... let’s hear about it!

OK - Share your stuff!

Hope you enjoyed our first Diorama Discussion (although a bit long winded)!