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