Three Mattel Variations on Asha Head

I want to illustrate the differences Mattel has created in dolls with the same head mold. Below are three dolls with the Asha head mold. The head mold received that name because it was first used with the Asha doll in the Shani series back in 1991. Aside from the Big Head Syndrome of the doll in the middle, the dolls have similar features, but the dolls look different enough for me to consider each a separate, buyable doll.

From left to right, the dolls are Cali Girl Christie (2003), Cali Girl Christie (2004), and Harley Davidson Barbie (2000).

Differences include

Complexions/make up colors

Hair length

Hair style

Hair texture


Mattel Ethnic Dolls using Asha Head Mold (and BHS Asha Head Mold)




Cali Girl Christies (2003 and 2004, left to right)




Harley-Davidson Barbie with microbraids

S.i.S. Update on Dolls of Color Blog!

There are photos and a post about the new Mattel series, S.i.S. or Sisters in Style, on the Dolls of Color blog. There is a follow-up post as well as several comments.

The dolls look cute. The outfits look okay - I'm not crazy about short shorts, but the dolls look cute. If I can find facial screenings that I like, I'll get all three.

If I want really new Black or other ethnic doll faces though, I'll check the YNU Group for new Mixis dolls. Or investigate new doll or action figure companies. About half of my collection is produced by Mattel - so I am NOT dismissing them or the dolls they produce. As an established company though, they have default face molds and default shapes for their dolls. An established company will not veer far from those faces and those shapes that have won it business before and that generated its recognizable brand. Add to that a long-time collector of Mattel dolls, and you can see how a company's biggest fan or fans, can feel a leetle disappointed in the new offerings. Just a little. That's part of being a long-time fan though.