New Holiday Barbies announced at Doll Genie

The 2015 Holiday Barbies have been previewed at Doll Genie. They are dressed in a red ballgown trimmed with lace, as a blonde or African American skin tone. Both dolls are scheduled for August 2015 release, and Doll Genie is offering them at $44.95 per doll.

Photos are property of Doll Genie.

2015 Barbie - a new repro coming soon!

There are several sketches in the Sneak Peek section of the Barbie Collector bulletin board, including a brand new reproduction Barbie, Superstar Forever, who appears to be dressed in the Dream Date fashion. She is a Superstar head sculpt on a Model Muse body, with a planned release date of the middle of 2015.

I'm not sure, but I think the photo above shows the original Dream Date Barbie from 1982. I'm borrowing this photo from Papusile Mele, another great resource for doll fans.

Steffie of the Day: City Shine Barbie Look - Gold Dress

The latest Bill Greening Steffie is really a cutie, and I'm relieved to see a new Steffie in Mattel's 2014 line-up--just barely, as she hasn't reached shelves on the west coast yet. She is for sale for $19.95 on Barbie Collector, or perhaps a little more from your favorite Barbie dealer. (I used my quarterly discount toward my purchase!)

She has rooted lashes, brown eyes, and the LA Tan skin tone. I think the combination is quite pretty with her hair. I can't wait to take her out of the box and restyle her.

Also, her dress is not quite as bad as I was expecting. I have to confess, glitter isn't really my thing, and this is a really glittery dress. The good news is that it doesn't look like the glitter will just flake off over everything--like that saying about glitter goes. And the structured style is pretty modern. It's better than lamé would have been, I think.

Her plastic jewelry isn't too bad, either--considering it's plastic. She uses a Model Muse body, of course--super slim, not very posable, etc.--but her skin tone looks very close to several Liv body donors, I think (just for you Frankensteins among my dear readers). I think she'd be a great candidate for a hybrid!

You can see a few more boxed photos on Flickr. I'll hopefully be taking her out of the box soon.

Gianfranco™ Ken® Doll | Barbie Collector

Gianfranco™ Ken® Doll | Barbie Collector

The last Barbie Fan Club doll of 2014 is a Silkstone Ken, designed by Robert Best, limited to 3300. He retails for $75 and goes on sale October 1.

Photo is the property of Mattel.

Steffie of the Day: Barbie Style Midge

I found a new Steffie on Amazon the other day. She was new to me--which is unusual, but not impossible. Seeing as I wrote the book on Steffie--well, two books, and am now working on a third--I shouldn't be surprised--but I was, and quite delighted!

This is a playline doll from the Barbie Style collection, on an articulated body--like the original Life in the Dreamhouse, in fact. She differs from the original LitD Midge, though, in that her head is more to scale and her hair is a paler shade of red (more strawberry blonde, in my humble opinion).

I think the retail price on these dolls is around $20-25, but Midge was closer to $30 when I bought her, but she has since dropped in price (of course).

The selling point on the dolls is their outfits! They have really great clothes, fun to mix and match. My favorite outfit is Barbie Style Raquelle Gold-Denim Jacket Doll, who has a great jacket, shorts, gold sparkling tights, and a denim shirt. I'll add a link to both her and Midge below this post. But Midge's outfit is really cute in a country chic way, too. She includes:

• an aqua cardigan
• a lace collar shirt
• polka dot capri jeans
• red peep-toes
• a silver bracelet
• a red watch
• silver earrings
• white glasses
• a brown shoulder bag

Plus, she's got long applied eyelashes (mine are applied a little weird--I ended trimming them a little), smooth hair, and a nice articulated body for easy posing.

You can see more photos of her, and also comparison photos of her with Life in the Dreamhouse Midge, on Flickr.

Barbie steps up to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

Barbie meets the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! I think it's pretty cute. I can't wait to see Bill Greening, Linda Kyaw, and Robert Best meet this challenge as well.

If I worked for Mattel... Betsey Johnson Barbie #2

Betsey Johnson Barbie #2 by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring floor length evening gowns

Betsey Johnson floor length evening gown / Betsey Johnson black high heel shoes / Betsey johnson tote / Betsey Johnson bracelet watch / Betsey Johnson vintage crystal necklace / Betsey Johnson flower bracelet / Betsey Johnson vintage heart jewelry / Betsey johnson perfume

Yep. I'd do two versions of this Betsey Johnson Barbie, if I worked for Mattel. This one would have more of a punky, evening vibe--featuring a floor-length, polka-dot tulle gown (without glitter, thank you very much), sparkling vintage-feel jewels, and a little spice with (neutral) leopard print.

This doll would probably have pink hair, I think.

I think I might be working in the wrong field, here, at home, doing laundry. ;)

If I could make a Betsey Johnson Barbie...

Betsey Johnson Barbie #1 by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring betsey johnson jewelry

Betsey Johnson dress / Betsey Johnson intimate / Betsey Johnson robe / Betsey Johnson peep toe pumps / Betsey johnson purse / Betsey johnson jewelry / Betsey Johnson bracelet charm / Betsey Johnson watch / Betsey Johnson drop earrings / Betsey Johnson beauty product

If I worked at Mattel, I'd do my best to collaborate with Betsey Johnson to create a Barbie using her style of products.

Notice a few things:

• This version uses pastel shades and floral prints--the softer side of Betsey.
• She includes a floral day dress as well as a set of PJs (robe and nightie).
• Her jewelry is a little over-the-top and fabulous!
• Her bag and wedges are almost neutral and would look great restyled with other pieces.
• She even includes a miniature version of Betsey's signature fragrance, Too Too Pretty.

Oh yes. I see it in the near future!

Answers with Bill and Linda

I loved this session! We got to submit questions on cards, and I was thrilled with how candid the designers got to be with us! I didn't personally ask any questions myself, but I think I will try to next time. Here are as many as I was able to write down:

• Does Mattel have plans to make the dolls easier to remove from their boxes? 

Basically, yes. Bill is a collector himself, so he understands that having hair sewn into the box really does damage the doll. So he is doing his best to remedy this issue as best he can. The sew strips have been eliminated, and most items are tacked in with as little as necessary. He realizes they still need work, but they are working on it.

• What was the inspiration behind the glamour wizard of oz collection?

The design team jokes about the wizard of oz line being an initiation for being a "real" designer at Mattel. As it was the 75th anniversary for Oz, they wanted to breath a little life into the collection. Linda loves how the Glam Witch came out.

• What's the deal with vintage repro?

With the prices of vintage having dropped so much, the need for vintage reproductions have really dropped as well, but they do have some in the works. Bill was very pleased with Skipper's sales, and of course has a brunette Skipper coming soon, plus Allan on the way, too. They also have additional vintage-inspired items planned as well, such as the Holiday Hostess line.

• How many dolls do you design per year, and are you sad when they don't all get produced?

The team is much, much smaller than it has been in years (Robert Best is the leader) with three designers working together now, and they make about 80-90 dolls per year. They joke among themselves about having a desk where "good dolls go to die," for those dolls that won't get produced. Bill was sad about a pivotal disco series that didn't get produced between Jazz Baby and Pop Life, and thinks he might bring them to auction one year.

• What was your first doll to be produced?

Bill's first doll was Cool Clips Barbie, which was produced and sold at FAO Schwarz.

• Which designers or celebrities would you like to work with or would you like to make as a celebrity doll?

Linda said, Chanel or Madonna, Jackie O. Bill said, Kylie Minogue! 

• With the Hunger Games dolls, why is Effie wearing that dress, and not one of the more fancy event dresses?

It turns out that Lionsgate had to license Effie's fashions from McQueen, as she is wearing McQueen fashions in the film. So to make these dolls would require a double license, which would require even more time. Dolls usually require at least one year to produce, and Mattel only had 6 months for these, as the film was in theaters very soon. So that's is why that dress was chosen!

Mattel sneaks from Linda Kyaw

Above is a hot off the press Barbie Look Red Carpet doll, due out this fall. One of our table mates received this doll this afternoon.

Mattel designer Linda Kyaw talked about the unsung heroes of design this morning: the sample and pattern makers--especially when it comes to some of her favorites, the OOAK designs. She featured photos from some of her personal favorites:

Mini-Me of Ralph Lauren

Mini-Me of Karl Lagerfeld

The gorgeous Italian doll convention OOAK, Masquerade

It happens sometimes, that you might like a OOAK so much that a production doll is born. To our delight and astonishment, Linda announced a surprise for later this year, and sneaked a few photos of a gorgeous Barbie Collector doll, to be released later this year. This one will be in black and gold, but similar to the Italian Masquerade convention, she will have blonde hair, and a gorgeous gown with amazing details.  I believe she uses the goddess sculpt, but I'm not sure. I also didn't catch the name of this doll.

Next, there are a few more questions I can go over in the next post! 

Angelic Dreamz update

Angelic Dreamz is offering 40-60% off all in-stock dolls to make room for new inventory. Pay them a visit, order more than $75, and get free US shipping!

Sadly, Mattel and Tonner have lost yet another fantastic retailer, as Angelic Dreamz will no longer be carrying new dolls from either of these lines. According to an email sent to customers, both relationships are being terminated because of significant undercutting of prices from manufacturers in their own on-line sales.

Hopefully, this means that we will be seeing more frequent collection releases from JAMIEshow.

I understand the need to carry as little inventory as possible--from a manufacturer's point of view. But some of the prices from doll companies have increased significantly over the past few years--both Mattel and Tonner have had price increases. I also understand that the number of dolls produced under license cost more to cover these licensing fees. However, price increases have been across the board. As a collector, when I pay more for an item, I also expect better quality.

I realize that prices increase when the production costs increase. I'm sure many manufacturing facilities overseas have had an increase of production costs. However, when the manufacturer is able to sell their own products at a 50% discount to the general public, when it doesn't offer that discount to its dealers, you have to wonder how much production costs really influence the original retail price. Also, I have to wonder how a manufacturer might benefit from undercutting a dealer's prices.

I love doll dealers. First, you have the chance to order splits and dolls with lay-away, which isn't offered by most manufacturers. Second, overseas customers have a better chance of obtaining the products they want from the first release, when going through a dealer who is either in their own country or is willing to ship internationally. Third, many doll dealers are small businesses that give the country jobs and more income--at least when they make enough money to stay in business.

Finally, there is a certain level of expertise and customer service that you can get from a dealer that you don't get from manufacturers. It's the nature of the business. A manufacturer is never going to offer to sell second-hand stock or items on consignment when they are still producing new dolls, for example.

I'm pained by Angelic Dreamz latest announcement, and I'm sorry to hear it. I personally prefer to shop with a dealer--though it irks me to no end to see my latest purchases discounted so much from the manufacturer directly, right after I purchase them. I don't own a doll business--so I'm sure there are levels of this that I just don't understand. As for me--I'd much rather support my favorite doll company through my dealer. Doesn't everybody win then?

Steffie of the Day: Goddess of Asia

Goddess of Asia, a photo by alington on Flickr.

You know something big is up when my collection is rotating through the Steffie shelf.

Goddess of Asia has come up for a recent photoshoot and may soon be appearing for sale. I adore this girl, but she takes up too much display space in the cabinet.

She's the only Steffie sculpt Bob Mackie has used so far, and her costume is amazing. It's not designed to be removable, as far as I can tell. The beading is throughout the skirt phenomenal. The bodice features illusion style beaded detailing.

Her facial screening is really pretty, too: unusual lime green and yellow with lots of blush, plus bright red lips. Her hair is styled in a high braided ponytail and heavy bangs.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: OOAK Birthstone Beauty

OOAK Birthstone Beauty, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I picked up this OOAK lime green reroot from Johnny Jay at the Barbie Convention this past August.

I believe this is a former Miss Pearl, June's Birthstone Beauty. I think she's quite pretty--and the only doll I own with hair this color.

Steffie of the Day: Arnaldo's PJ

Arnaldo's PJ, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Another wonderful find for me from Barbie Convention, and also by Arnaldo, is this gorgeous restyled Malibu PJ. If she only had a flip... this is what she'd look like!

Steffie of the Day: Malibu PJ OOAK

Malibu PJ OOAK, a photo by alington on Flickr.

It's been a while, but yes, I still love Steffie. This lovely one-of-a-kind treasure was a find from the latest Barbie Convention, and was created by Arnaldo's Creations. She is a former Malibu PJ.

I think she's simply adorable with pigtails curled to the front.

Steffie of the Day: OOAK Birthstone Beauty

Nicki Minaj-inspired Steffie, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Miss Diamond has had a make-over, thanks to Cat at A Doll Affinity. She's been rerooted with lavender and white hair, inspired by Nicki Minaj.

Here, she's dressed in Miss Ruby's dress, Tiny Kitty's shawl, and jewelry from Facets by Marcia.

You can see a few more photos of her on Flickr.

Steffie of the Day: Miss America OOAK

Miss America by A Doll Affinity, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Just returned from some exciting rerooting by Cat at A Doll Affinity, it's the lovely Miss America (formerly a blonde Quick Curl). Her soft pink hair has white highlights, and it's currently styled in ponytails.

You can see additional photos on Flickr.

Steffie of the day: Mystery Cipsa

My latest addition is a 1970s era Cipsa doll (manufactured in Mexico, licensed by Mattel). She's a mystery doll to me, and a wonderful find from eBay.

I ordered this doll, thinking she was Activa (the Mexican version of Free Moving PJ). When she arrived, however, I noticed she has a standard Cipsa body instead of the Free Moving version.

Her face paint is all original--check out her over-the-top eyes! Plus her hair is in great shape--longer than my other Activa Barbie. Perhaps she's been rebodied on a standard body--the bodies do tend to wear out and break pretty easily.

In any case, I think she's just wonderful.

You can see more photos on Flickr.

Steffie of the day: Fashion Photo PJ

Fashion Photo PJ, a photo by alington on Flickr.

One of my all-time favorite Steffie-faced dolls by Mattel is Fashion Photo PJ--mine, and everyone else's too.

I did a quick eBay search, and the last few NRFB dolls have gone for around $350. Loose and dressed anywhere from $50-150, depending on their condition.

I think she has lovely facial screening--neutral shimmery brown eye shadow and soft peach lips. Her hair is a medium brown with highlights--just gorgeous. Plus, I'm a sucker for Mattel's 1980s jewelry--it reminds me of the clear Lego pieces when I was a kid: valuable real estate.

You can see a few more photos on Flickr.

Shimmer!

Shimmer!, a photo by alington on Flickr.

San Diego hasn't even had any rain, and look who's out of the box!

It's Shimmer, a Mattel Dazzle doll. She's super sweet--a tiny Steffie sculpt with auburn hair and violet eyes. She came with a red swimsuit and this lovely 1980s era dance outfit. (Well, if it's from the 1980s, it's probably an aerobics outfit.)

I'm so glad I deboxed her. Her hair is fine, but these dolls are so much fun to pose and photograph. (Wait till you see what's coming up!)

I am trying out the new background again--doesn't it add a little bit of nice texture to the photo?