DOLLS

One of the most exciting aspects of being a doll collector is that owning a doll can help you escape your daily woes, your everyday travails. Less costly than an airplane ticket, easier to book than a cruise, a doll is a vehicle for transporting us to different mind frames and unfamiliar terrain.

When “Gene Marshall” made her debut in 1995, it sent shock waves through the doll-collecting community. Her ascendancy from “obscurity” to “mega stardom” was akin to the breakout screen roles that launched Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren or Audrey Hepburn from mere film supporting-player to gold-plated superstar. It was an unveiling that trumpeted a message, loud and clear, through the ranks of adult aficionados: Here was a doll that was designed to be unboxed, undressed and unleashed. It was a revolutionary concept, and the doll world has never been the same.

DOLLS writer and photographer Chris Varaste visited Mattel headquarters in El Segundo, Calif. He met with Mattel designer Bill Greening and Melissa Terrick in marketing to talk about the brilliant new line, Barbie Basics. Without further ado, we bring you the special interview the three conducted among themselves.

California

Florida

Marl & B Inc.

Illinois

Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears

Pennsylvania

Mary T's Doll House
1625 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. Unit C
Altoona, PA
(814) 949-2907
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Washington

Bearzabout

Ontario

My Favourite Doll Inc.

Australia

Japan

Barbie in Chiba: BIC Co. Ltd.

Once upon a time, girls played with dolls and boys played with action figures. For the gen-X and millennial generations, however, that gender division has been erased. Whatever you call them, pose­able character figures with detailed costumes are essential for pop culture collections. Fans want accurate images, authentic gear and lifelike movement.

After introducing her first vinyl collection 22 years ago in 1986, legendary dollmaker Annette Himstedt has made the decision to cease production. The combination of using increasingly higher quality materials through the years, resulting in increased production costs, and the downturn in the economy, are key factors in Himstedt’s decision.

Hildegard Günzel’s Latest Dolls Fill our Hearts with Joy

Hildegard Günzel has done it again. Celebrating 35 years of dollmaking this year, the German artist’s creations continue to smile and jump and laugh and take us to where the livin’ is easy.

Integrity Toys’ Celestial Convention Collection “Slips the Surly Bonds of Earth”

In the doll-collector community, “Gene Marshall” is synonymous with “classic.” Mel Odom launched his 15½-inch fashion doll in 1995, forever changing the face of doll collecting. Depicting an actress’ life throughout the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, the mini-icon with a big backstory took hold in doll collectors’ hearts the world over, creating an unprecedented market for fashion dolls for adults. Prior fashion dolls had largely been children’s playthings. Dozens of mimicries followed in her wake, but 13 years later, Gene continues to captivate collectors with her archetypical allure. They anticipate each new incarnation Odom and his team at Integrity Toys will dream up.

“Barbie®”of the 1970s Could “Move and Groove”

In 2007 when Mattel introduced its Pivotal body for the “Barbie®” doll, fans of the legendary doll were thrilled. With 12 points of articulation, the posing possibilities were endless. Debuting on the Jazz Baby dolls, the articulation was the most seen—up to that point—on any Barbie doll.