Celebrity dolls
Do I know you from somewhere?
Dateline: 02/26/99
"Celebrity" dolls have been around for many years. Many of us had a "Shirley Temple" doll growing up, and whether it was an original, or the re-issue from the seventies, it showcased the dancing darling of the silver screen, curls, dimples, ruffles and all.
Mattel has been seriously moving into the celebrity doll market in the last five years. Unlike previous attempts which failed, typically due to poor facial representation or costuming, most collectors agree that beginning with 1997's line and the "Barbie® as Marilyn Monroe" dolls, Mattel heralded the beginning of a new era in celebrity dolls.
The '99 line brings many new wonderful additions to this series; Audrey Hepburn #1 "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is another great example of what attention to detail can produce. Audrey #2 "Pink Princess" is equally well executed, and has collectors anxious to see more of this quality, even though some have expressed a bit of disappointment in the face mold, overall it captures the sweetness and beauty of Audrey Hepburn quite well.
Following last years "Vitameatavegamin" Lucy doll, this year's issue is referred to by most as the "Lucy and the Chocolate Factory" doll, and features new and improved facial sculpting that more truly captures Lucille Ball at her wackiest.
The new Elvis doll for this year, "Elvis, the Army Years" is also destined to be a hit. A huge "cross-collectible", fans of fashion dolls and Elvis alike are thrilled with the authentic likeness of the young King. Following "Barbie® loves Elvis" and "Elvis, the 68 Special", this doll is another winner, and more proof that in celebrity dolls, collectors want authentic face molds, and not the somewhat disappointing efforts we saw with the "X-Files" set, which had great accessories, but poor facial expressions.
"Barbie® loves Frankie" features Barbie® as we have never seen her before -- as a true "bobby-soxer", with a softer, more authentic hairstyle, and a very young and handsome Frank Sinatra. Count this one as a must have, and also in the cross-collectible category.
New also this year: Deidre Hall as Dr. Marlena Evans, from the NBC daytime drama "Days of Our Lives". This doll has been anticipated by many, especially since the first doll in this series was the Susan Lucci/Erica Kane - Crystal Ball, and for 1999 Susan Lucci/Erika Kane - Wedding in what appears to be an excellent reproduction of the gown worn on the series "All My Children". Soap Opera fans are quite pleased with these dolls also, creating another cross-collectible, and also increasing demand for these dolls.
While we can only guess at what next year will bring, it seems safe to say that Mattel has learned the lesson that many other doll manufacturers have not: collectors want quality facial molds, painting, costuming, and accessories. Anything less, and collectors will stay away in droves.
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