Simon Farnworth of The Doll Observer shares the latest Toy Fair news about Barbie's career for 2014. It is a timely shift, especially if we take into consideration Barbie's real age - 59. I doubt though that either Mattel or their core audience for the I Can Be Barbies is thinking of Barbie as being that old. (Talk about Fat Barbie; try selling a Mature Barbie, ha ha.)
Interesting that Barbie should take this career path now. Back in 1999, Smartees Emily the Entrepreneur held this title. Emily's small company created teddy bears. What do you think Barbie's business is about? Leave a comment if you have ideas about Barbie's new venture.
By the way, looks like Mattel seems to be offering this I Can Be Barbie in 4 variations - possibly, Black, Hispanic, and Asian as well as White. Good news. Mattel is listening to requests for diversity ... or is this in response to the newly launched Prettie Girls? I LOVE when other companies produce playscale dolls; their action gets Mattel back into a more competitive spirit.
I think Barbie is launching her own fashion line, of course!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of entrepreneurs, have you ever watched Shark Tank? Fun show!
Hi Barb the Evil Genius - good thinking. Maybe she's reworking the Star Doll line ;-)
ReplyDeleteNo, I've never seen "Shark Tank." Is it shown on cable? (I don't have cable; I wait for the cable programs to go to DVD and see them then. Cheap me, ha ha.) I'll see if I can catch it on Hulu. Free Hulu, of course.
I dunno. I think this career feels... lame is the word that comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteOf course being an entrepreneur is awesome and awe inspiring. That's not what I'm calling lame. I think giving her a briefcase, tablet and phone and saying that's what makes her an entrepreneur is what is lame. They have put those items in many career packs. The only thing they've really done differently is make her dress go past her knees.
Then again, I'm not seeing the background art of the full packaging. Maybe that somehow shows better how she's a captain of industry.
Hi Muff! Yes, "lame" would come to mind if only a briefcase, tablet, and phone are the accessories. Because those accessories can fit in several career paks - there is nothing specific about them. I hope they'd have links to sites like BizKids to augment the bland, basic accessories ;-)
ReplyDeleteActually, I see Shark Tank is on ABC. It's based on a show that used to be on the BBC, called Dragon's Den. Budding entrepreneurs pitch their business to a group of established businesspeople in the hopes that one or more will invest in the new business. I'd imagine you know at least two of the "sharks:" Daymond John and Mark Cuban.
ReplyDeleteI actually really like the idea of Barbie being an entrepreneur. So many of my friends are entrepreneurs but the problem with being an entrepreneur is that they dont all dress the same! Alot of entrepreneurs dress quite casual- jeans and maybe a blazer if their actually seeing someone for a meeting. How many entrepreneur's quit their corporate ft jobs to go to do their own thing and still want to rock up in a suit everyday?!!? The current barbie as an entrepreneur looks like an editor of a fashion magazine to the point she kinda looks like she's in PR....
ReplyDeleteyou know amanda from Melrose Place look.
I really want Barbie as a judge or a commonwealth country british lawyer (barrister) where she's dressed up in the white wig.
I would also really love Barbie as a building constructor - like in the construction industry with the fluro safety jacket and yellow hat.
I also want to see Barbie in a range of religious outfits. Its probably a touchy subject area but my dolls do need new outfits to resemble their community! LOL
Hola, has presentado informacion muy interesante en tu blog, y veo que Champagnebarbie comenta puntos muy interesantes, cuidate, hasta pronto.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb the Evil Genius, Champagne Barbie, and Lindaivette montes de oca!
ReplyDelete@Barb the Evil Genius - oops. I only watch about 3 shows on ABC (Modern Family, the local news, and a local news focus show). Alas, I do not recognize either of the names you mentioned - Daymond John and Mark Cuban. I'll have to Google them ... maybe I will recognize their faces? Will see - thanks for sharing the names though.
@ChampagneBarbie - yes, the outfit of this Entrepreneur Barbie does resemble what a fashion editor might wear.
Barbie giving Bob the Builder a run for his job, lol. Cute.
Barbie in religious wear. Interesting. Not likely because whoever is represented will complain about how Barbie represents them. Whoever is NOT represented will complain about the omission. Atheists will argue that Barbie should NOT be involved in religion. Whew. I would feel sorry for Mattel if they got entangled in that battle.
However, religious garments for Barbie-sized dolls are available. I have a Takara Jenny habit and a Lady's Mission habit. You can see a photo of those habits
http://phillycollector.blogspot.com/2009/03/habit-query-need-priest-garb-to-match.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30431873@N02/3747906974/
(Yes, I deboxed that Jenny nun habit.) That I got from someone selling Jenny items. The Lady's Mission habit came on a nun doll from
http://www.nouveautoys.com/referenceguide.html
Nouveau Toys; alas, they no longer sell these dolls.
@Lindaivette montes de oca - Hola y gracias por sus amables comentarios.
Thanks for your comments, ;-)