Flashback Friday - Robert Tonner Interview

Famed doll designer, Robert Tonner, granted an exclusive interview to ImNotBad.com and gave us some great information on the creation of his 17 inch Jessica Rabbit doll. He also shared with us some of his inspirations, what led to his transition to creating dolls and so much more. Read this very rare interview with the master himself:

ImNotBad.com - A Jessica Rabbit Site: Exclusive Jessica Rabbit Doll Artist Interview - Robert Tonner Interview

Exclusive Jessica Rabbit Doll Artist Interview - Robert Tonner

It's said that at one time Robert Tonner considered becoming a surgeon, and then turned his interests to fashion design. Perhaps his study of the human body lead to the rave reviews by the National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA) for a model-like fashion doll he created for critique. Working for designer Bill Blass lead to the launch of his own fashion label, and over time, Tonner combined his love of fashion and his sculpture of dolls to form his very own company, well known to doll collectors everywhere.

Tonner's original creation, Tyler Wentworth, is based on a fictional 7th Avenue fashion designer. Tonner created her wardrobe using materials you would find in closets of Hollywood royalty - silk, cashmere, and brocades which are all topped off by the quality and details the company has become known for. Other licenses soon followed with characters from DC Comics, Marvel, The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, The Muppets, Twilight, and Disney all masterfully recreated in Tonner's signature style. Tonner also furthered his own catalog of creations with Antoinette, Cami and Jon, and he released a new series called Déjà Vu.

I was honored to receive an interview with Robert Tonner himself, who created his amazingly detailed 17 inch Jessica Rabbit doll in 2010 - as part of the Walt Disney Showcase Collection. Which comic characters are his favorite? What other plans were there for the Jessica Rabbit doll? Here is what he had to say:


ImNotBad.com:
What were some toys/figures/statues that you liked the most as a child?

Robert Tonner:
I was a child of the late fifties and sixties and the toy companies hadn’t yet caught up to the fact that we wanted to see our favorite comic and cartoon characters in toy form—so I had to make do with what was out at the time. I liked both dolls and action figures and played with both—Barbie and G.I. Joe. Mostly, however, I loved my art supplies and I spent hours drawing superhero’s and comic characters.

Custom Made Dresses for Jessica Rabbit Tonner Dolls

If you bought the Jessica Rabbit doll by Tonner and are upset with the lack of different outfits made for that size doll - you will be more than excited to see the work of Ms. Dee. She makes custom dresses to fit the body type used for the Tonner Jessica Doll! You can tell by looking at her work that each dress is expertly tailored, using various different fabrics. Each dress design is so different, you couldn't be bored with the selection she offers.





Don't waste any time. Her work is selling fast. Get your own special custom dress for the Tonner Jessica Rabbit doll - and have a look at her work for other dolls too!


Custom Dresses by Ms. Dee

Jessica Rabbit Tonner Doll Sold Out

It appears that all locations selling the Tonner Jessica Rabbit doll are officially sold out. The doll was released in July/August of 2010, and was a limited edition of 1000. Tonner Direct, Entertainment Earth, and other vendors are sold out - although you can find it on eBay now and then. If you have not bought it yet, be sure to get one when you see it. Though no news ever came of the rumored Jessica Rabbit trunk set - Tonner's next project is going to be the characters of Tim Burton. So far there were previews of his reimagined versions of The Corpse Bride and Beetlejuice.

Jessica Rabbit Tonner Convention Dress

This Jessica Rabbit Tonner doll was on display at the recent Pure Imagination Tonner Convention in May 2011. The doll is one-of-a-kind and features a stunning new dress with red glittered corset, jeweled adornments, longer gloves, and long red dress lined with white inside. There is no word on who made this, or if it was made by Tonner himself, but this is only a one-of-a-kind. As of now there are no other Tonner outfits for the Jessica Rabbit doll.

Jessica Rabbit Tonner Doll On Sale

The Jessica Rabbit doll by Tonner is on sale at Entertainment Earth as part of their 15th Anniversary Sale. Receive 15% off this doll and other select merchandise. They originally had the doll for $149.99, and it is now available for $127.49 - which coincidentally is the same price I got it for because Entertainment Earth did a price match when I found it cheaper on another site. Still, if you didn't get the doll yet, you might want to pick it up now!

Jessica Rabbit Christmas Wishlist

Have you been naughty or nice?

What should you be asking for this holiday season? Here is a list of things that every Jessica Rabbit fan should have. Most of them can still be found on eBay, although prices vary.


Jinglin' Jessica Christmas Ornament (2000)


Jessica Rabbit Medicom Vinyl Statue (2003)


Jessica Rabbit Disney Auctions Six Pin Set (2004)


Jessica Rabbit Big Figure (2005)


Jessica Rabbit Movie Star Jumbo Pin (2006)


Jessica Rabbit Bathing Suit 5 Pin Card Set (2007)


Disneyland Paris Jessica Rabbit Statue (2007)


Tokyo Disneyland Jessica Rabbit Stationery (2007)


Jessica Rabbit Electric Tiki Rollercoaster Rabbit Mini Maquette (2009)


Jessica Rabbit as Tinker Bell Pin (2010)


Jessica Rabbit Tonner Doll (2010)


Jessica Rabbit Olszewski Gallery of Light Figure (2010)

Jessica Rabbit Merchandise Review # 6 - Jessica Rabbit Tonner Doll

Robert Tonner, designer and sculptor well known for his amazing, high-quality fashion dolls, formed the reputable and respected Tonner Doll company. Over the years has created his own original characters, as well as familiar ones like Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Edward Cullen, and even Miss Piggy.

When the official Disney Princess line began, Tonner brought to life such characters as Belle, Snow White, and Maleficent with stunning detailed costumes and a very signature look that Tonner dolls became known for.



Surprisingly, a Jessica Rabbit doll was revealed in February of 2010. It was also showcased at the Toy Fair in New York along with other new additions such as Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.