Hi, Gang,
Sorry I'm late today. As is my custom, I am totally disorganized and time starved. But, I don't want to disappoint. Since we never really covered this year's dioramas from the Fashion Royalty convention, I wanted to make sure they got their due. Unfortunately, I don't know who created ANY of these wonderful dioramas, nor do I know who ended up winning the competition and for which diorama. So, maybe you folks out there can help out and post. And, if you are the creator of one of these awesome entries, don't be shy about speaking up! [Note: Names were provided by readers after this was posted, and the creators' names were indicated in the text below; thank you!]

To give some background, the theme of the convention revolved around a jewel heist, more specifically a jewel stolen from Vero Perrin's mother. So, Vero and her friends took matters into their own hands and began to plot a jewel recovery... in other words, they were heisting it back.

The challenge for these dioramas was to show where the clandestine plotting and planning with Vero and her allies would take place. Would it be a posh hotel room? A dark alley? A underground headquarters? Well, they left it up to the conventioneers and here is what came of it. Enjoy!

Our first diorama (which was created by Jonte in NY and was one of the winning enries) begins with an ordinary looking study. But, behind a clever revolving bookcase is a secret "W" headquarters...



This was a great "split" diorama that reminded me of something from a James Bond movie. The stuffy surroundings are really a cover for a very modern and high tech headquarters!



Here, Veronique is at work at her desk plotting her jewel recovery strategy with her top model Adele by her side.



Notice the many, many appropriate details including the safe behind the wall art...



How cool is this desk and computer set up?



What about all these cool jewels, that realistic case and that super sexy Adele!!



Lastly, there's this spectacular chaise, and heist essentials (map, passport, money and firearm!).



This was such a fun diorama. Both the stud and the headquarters had such amazing details.

Next we have what appears to be a bedroom or hotel room. (This, I'm told was created by the talented Karen Kolkman.) Since there were no write-ups with this year's dioramas, I'm a little foggy. But, this is no less cool!

Vero and her lil' sis Vanessa are chilling out in their luxury surroundings watching a news flash on the TV. What will they find out about the "missing jewel"?



Here, Vanessa pampers her kitty while the plan unfolds. Check out this killer bed.



The "padded" walls and clever busts displaying lots of jewels kept with the convention's theme.



This diorama was crammed with amazingly posh details. Check 'em out.

Do you not love this perfectly scaled wall sconce? For effect, a little clip on light was added above it.



Check out this cool table that was created and all the jewels galore. This room is dripping with gemstones.



Champagne anyone? These gals are living it up. Who says work has to be all business, eh?




The next diorama (which I'm told was created by Daniel aka Creampuff) also takes place in a hotel room type setting... or perhaps, motel is more the word. This time, Vero is on the bed -- I would call this room a little on the seedy side. Check out the flamingo wallpaper (cracking, peeling and generally falling off) and that soiled bedspread (are those blood stains?). I can't even believe Vero would put her little tushy on that thang! Too bad we couldn't turn out the lights and see the little bed bugs!



Vanessa is checking out the weaponry while Vero is shedding her latest disguise. This was a nice little diorama that totally captured the theme. I only shot two pics, but it was small enough to get in all the "shady" details.



Speaking of trashy... our next entry had its heist-related rendezvous taking place in a back alley behind a theater. It's a place where the graffiti artists hang out, the homeless shop for lunch and some unfortunate soul caught the train to Heaven (we can only hope).



Here, Agnes and Kyori make plans and share important documents.



Let's hope our high-heeled heroines don't slip on that corn cob! Where is an ambitious wino when you need one?




I was really digging the texture on this wall and the cool street lamp.



And what back alley would be complete without the displaced shopping cart?



Too bad when the police were here to remove that body, they didn't do some community service and tidy up. That dumpster looks too full. No wonder there's trash all over the place. Get the sanitation guys over here!



I really enjoyed the fun nature of this diorama. We don't often see the FR gals sneaking around on the other side of the tracks.

Lastly, we upscale things... just a bit. Vero and her cousin Eugenia decide to talk business while visiting their friend Luchia who performs at one of her regular clubs. Since they often visit, they hoped they wouldn't draw any attention as they reviewed their plans to nab the jewel back. The dark, smokey environment serves as a fine backdrop for covert conversation to be covered by the delicious voice of entertainer Luchia.



Accompanying Luchia is the fine fingers of Colette on keyboard.



Tending bar is... a mystery face. But what happens at the club stays at the club. This lady knows more than she lets on. Better watch her when she makes your drink, unless she's your ally. Love this bar... it's totally stocked!



The mirrored wall, marble floor and exquisite furniture make this a true-to-life slice of nightlife.



OK, that'll do it for my coverage of the FR convention dioramas. Let's hope you see something that spurs your own ideas for propping your dioramas or making your own little details to add realism to whatever you create.

Thanks to those who created these fantastic dioramas and I will be sure to include your names in the write ups once I find out who you are.

Til next time,
DeeinNJ