Every year, I wonder what themes Barbie Collectibles has left to explore with Barbie dolls--after all, hasn't Barbie been nearly every celebrity, and hasn't she had nearly every career? But, every year, Barbie Collectibles manages to knock my socks off with a new crop of creative Barbie dolls for the Barbie Doll Collector. Here are my top picks for 2003 Barbie dolls.
1. James Bond Barbie Gift Set
What more could you ask for--Barbie and Ken as James Bond and a Bond Girl? And, even better, Barbie is dressed in a lovely gown designed by Lindy Hemming, the Academy Award-winning designer for the 20th Bond film. My favorite detail in the gift set is the cell phone strapped to Barbie's thigh! A must-have for the Barbie collector.
2. Bob Mackie Brunette Brilliance Barbie
For awhile, I was a bit bored with the latest Bob Mackie creations for Barbie. And then, I saw the 2003 Brunette Brilliance. This doll is a homage to Hollywood, the second in the Red Carpet Collection, but you don't have to like Hollywood or anything about it to appreciate this stunning Barbie in her opulent magenta gown. The doll has a great short brunette hair cut and incredible eye paint, too!
3. Modern Circle Barbie Dolls
At first, I didn't like the Modern Circle Barbie dolls. And then...they really grew on me! My favorite is Modern Circle Barbie with her long orange locks and side-glancing eyes. She wears a hip light green pantsuit and carries the perfect accessories for any moern girl--a faux leather briefcase with lap top computer and a cell phone! Melody, Simone and Ken round out the Modern Circle Collection.4. Collector's Request Gay Parisienne Barbie
How many of you vintage Barbie doll collectors out there have a perfectly mint and complete 1959 Gay Parisienne outfit? Hmm...that's what I thought--not too many of you! This is a very hard to find and very expensive, classic vintage Barbie outfit. This reproduction doll wears a perfect reproduction of this outfit. Its such a classic, even the modern doll collectors should jump at this one.5. Jude Deveraux The Raider - Barbie and Ken doll Giftset
I'll confess to having read some romance novels in my day, and hubba hubba, here we've got a real Fabio look alike (Ken) having his way with romantically dressed Barbie. OK, he's not having his way with her yet, but these two look great together! I LOVE the official description of their hair from Mattel: "She has long blond tousled hair..Ken has long brown windswept hair." SO romance novel!6. Barbie 2003
She's SO pretty, and she comes in three lovely varieties--blonde, redhead, and African American. All three dolls are so pretty, you won't know which to pick! The dress is done in a deep lavender gown with silver caviar beadwork and a 2003 brooch. The hair is in ringlets. My description doesn't do this doll justice--even if you haven't liked the other dolls in this series, you'll like this one.7. Barbie as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde II
As someone who has survived law school (and who was seen, at the time, as a dippy curly-haired gal who surprised everyone when she got on law review) I think Elle Woods is one of my all-time movie heroines. Barbie captures Elle Woods from Legally Blonde II: Red, White and Blonde perfectly. In a signature pink Elle suit and strappy sandals, you'll want to go to law school with Elle and Barbie.8. Noir et Blanc Barbie
The Official Club Doll for this year, Noir et Blanc Barbie is completely classy. In a striking black and white gown, this doll could fit in with a glamour, fantasy, or fashion Barbie collection. Available in either Caucasian or African American.9. Lingerie Barbie #6
I don't care what those moms in the moral majority think--I love this doll--completely classy! She wears proper lady's lingerie very well, in the tradition of fashion dolls going back to 1850! You would see more skin in any doll in a bathing suit. This doll also has luxurious long red hair. She's from the Silkstone line of fashion Barbies for collector (not children!) and she's ready to dress.10. Red Hot Barbie
Barbie has been aptly named, dressed in a glowing red-hot outfit. Red, red for a color, fringe and glittery silver accents make Barbie glamorous but not frilly. She's the third in the Diva Collection (of course!) and she is available in a closed-mouth Caucasian version or a smiling Latina version.