America's Next Top Model Dolls

It's always a thrill to see a new line of fashion dolls aimed at the mass market. America's Next Top Model dolls are based on the hit TV show of the same name, and they are aesthetically current and pleasing, with well-done modeling poses, great hair and and swivel waists. As a collector of fashion dolls, I would be more interested in the dolls if they had nicer clothing (I was very disappointed in the quality of clothing and shoes for the dolls). Girls who are fans of the show might not care as much about clothing quality. Overall, its nice to see a new line of fashion dolls, and I hope their clothing will improve.

I'm no stranger to reality TV shows. I'm a devotee of American Idol, and I've been known to dabble in Dancing With The Stars, and if you get me really drunk I'll admit to having watched The Bachelor. However, I've never watched America's Top Model--I'm not sure if it is that I'm sick of model worship in our culture, or if I'm too afraid of getting sucked down the rabbit hole of another addicting reality TV show. Obviously, many people find America's top Model addicting, since the show is in its 10th run! So, I'm at a bit of a disadvantage in reviewing these dolls from the perspective of the TV-show tie-in, but I am, at least, extremely familiar with fashion dolls as a genre.

I find the American Next Top Model dolls to be pretty--I especially liked Paisley (for this review, I only had Paisley and Sidney). I also like the body sculpt--hand on the hip is perfect to show off clothing, and the leg stance is nice. Kudos to the full, combable hair which I know little girls will enjoy. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed by the clothing, both the fabrics used and the pedestrian design of the outfits. I know that clothing may not be the point of the America's Next Top Model program, but it is the point of fashion dolls, whether for play or collecting. My favorite piece of clothing was the America's Next Top Model tee-shirt. The shoes were also disappointing--very plastic.

As a mom of a 12 year old, I'm not crazy about the whole "model" thing, but then again, I let my daughter play with Barbie for years, so I can't really object to a play fashion doll on the basis of "it looks like a model." But, at least Barbie has other careers!

The dolls are new on the market, so there is time for the clothing to improve; in fact, I assume that separate clothing will be released, since there are basic dolls in bathing suits, and I'm looking forward to that!