Earlier today, I submitted a doll review on Amazon.com for Mixis Opal Sunset Edition with Curly Hair by YNU Group Inc.
I was pleased to see that there was another review for the Limited Edition Opal. The reviewer for the LE Opal is Debbie Behan Garrett, author of Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion.
Here's to the continuation of the Mixis dolls.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
10 Series of Barbie Doll Alternatives, Past and Present
Barbie, Barbie, Barbie.
Sigh.
The playscale fashion doll scene seems to revolve around Barbie. Shorthand: fashion doll = Barbie. Non-collectors describe dolls not produced by Mattel or under the Barbie brand as "Barbie." Collectors compare other fashion dolls to Barbie: cheap playscale dolls are called "Barbie clones." Clone in this case is a negative. But is every playscale figure a Barbie clone? Usually, clones are cheaply made, poor quality dolls like some of the dollar store offerings. What about decent quality or even better quality playscale fashion dolls? Do they exist?
Yes, they do. Here are ten playscale doll series that "correct" or "improve" on some aspect of Barbie. They are less sophisticated, more ethnically "correct" or physically realistic, more brazen in three cases, more "intelligent," or otherwise ANTI-Barbie.
1. Ideal - Tammy the Doll You Love to Dress
2. Various companies - Sindy the Doll You Love to Dress
3. Hasbro - JEM
4. Hamilton Designs - Candi Girl / Candi (later designed by Jason Wu and Integrity Toys)
5. Get Real Girls
6. Get Set Club
7. Lanard - I-Girls
8. Smartees
9. Mattel - Flavas
10. MGA Entertainment - Bratz
Sigh.
The playscale fashion doll scene seems to revolve around Barbie. Shorthand: fashion doll = Barbie. Non-collectors describe dolls not produced by Mattel or under the Barbie brand as "Barbie." Collectors compare other fashion dolls to Barbie: cheap playscale dolls are called "Barbie clones." Clone in this case is a negative. But is every playscale figure a Barbie clone? Usually, clones are cheaply made, poor quality dolls like some of the dollar store offerings. What about decent quality or even better quality playscale fashion dolls? Do they exist?
Yes, they do. Here are ten playscale doll series that "correct" or "improve" on some aspect of Barbie. They are less sophisticated, more ethnically "correct" or physically realistic, more brazen in three cases, more "intelligent," or otherwise ANTI-Barbie.
1. Ideal - Tammy the Doll You Love to Dress
2. Various companies - Sindy the Doll You Love to Dress
3. Hasbro - JEM
4. Hamilton Designs - Candi Girl / Candi (later designed by Jason Wu and Integrity Toys)
5. Get Real Girls
6. Get Set Club
7. Lanard - I-Girls
8. Smartees
9. Mattel - Flavas
10. MGA Entertainment - Bratz
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