Barbie Launches Misty Copeland Doll

Barbie® is honoring Misty Copeland by unveiling a doll in her likeness to continue to show girls they can be anything. Copeland, the first African-American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), has been a role model to girls throughout her career.

The doll is part of the Barbie Sheroes program, honoring female heroes who inspire girls by breaking boundaries and expanding possibilities for women everywhere. Copeland joins an esteemed group of diverse Barbie Sheroes, including Ava DuVernay, Emmy Rossum, Eva Chen, Kristin Chenoweth, Sydney "Mayhem" Keiser, Trisha Yearwood and Zendaya.

The fashions for the doll were inspired by Copeland’s Firebird costume from her first American Ballet Theatre principal role, which she is performing again on May 18 (matinee) and 19 as part of ABT's annual spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House. Copeland was intimately involved in the doll’s design and partnered with the Barbie design team on all the details.

"I always dreamed of becoming an ABT ballerina and through Barbie I was able to play out those dreams early on," said Copeland. “It’s an honor to be able to inspire the next generation of kids with my very own Barbie doll."

Copeland shows girls how to break boundaries both on and off the stage. She began dancing on a Boys & Girls Club basketball court and continues to be very active in local Clubs in various cities. She also works with Project Plié, ABT’s comprehensive initiative to increase racial and ethnic representation in ballet and diversify America’s ballet companies.

"Misty Copeland is at the center of a cultural conversation around how women continue to break boundaries," said Lisa McKnight, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Barbie. "As a brand, we want to honor women, like Misty, who are inspiring the next generation of girls to live out their dreams. We know role play often leads to real 'play' in life and we’re thrilled to celebrate Misty with her very own doll."

This initiative furthers the Barbie "You Can Be Anything" campaign message echoing that when a girl plays with Barbie, she imagines anything she can become. Earlier this year, Barbie expanded their Fashionistas® line by introducing even more diversity with three new body types – tall, curvy and petite – seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles and countless on-trend fashions and accessories.

The doll is available today for $29.95 on thebarbiecollection.com and rolling out to retailers nationwide.

from The Doll Observer Blog http://ift.tt/1reWofh

Barbie Unveils Oscar de la Renta Doll

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Barbie® partners with Oscar de la Renta to launch the Oscar de la Renta Barbie® doll, just in time for wedding season. This bridal doll is the perfect gift for the stylish bride-to-be.

As a fashion icon, Barbie continues to be a muse to fashion’s top designers. Oscar de la Renta was famously the first to design for the doll back in 1985, and again in 1998. Once again, in 2016, Oscar de la Renta captures a refined and elegant bridal look that all brides-to-be will dream of wearing on their wedding day. This doll is a beautiful memento celebrating a milestone with a best-in-class designer and longtime fashion partner.

“We are honored to work with the Oscar de la Renta team on this beautiful design capturing their signature bridal look in Barbie scale,” said Robert Best, Senior Design Director at Barbie. “Barbie is the only girl who can have a closet full of wedding dresses without ever walking down the aisle.”

Inspired by the runway “Something Blue” bridal look, the Oscar de la Renta Barbie is a take-your-breath-away vision in an ivory, embroidered lace over chiffon, trumpet gown. The simplicity of the gown’s fluid lines and the tiers of the wispy light blue train, personify the designer’s passion for interpreting romance in a classic way.

Alex Bolen, Chief Executive Officer of Oscar de la Renta LLC said, “We are so pleased to partner [again] with Mattel in the creation of the Oscar de la Renta Bridal Barbie. Like us, Mattel makes beautiful products with the utmost precision and highest standards of quality. Our third partnership, spanning over the course of 30 years, is a testament to the timelessness of both of our brands. We look forward to bringing the Oscar de la Renta bridal experience to a new audience with this fun and unique product offering.”

The jewelry pieces are exact replicas of those worn on the runway in Spring 2014. Barbie also wears a delicate rhinestone ring and carries a bouquet made of tulle. Her bridal look is complete with gold-accented ivory pumps and an elegant chignon reminiscent of classic elegance and refined beauty.

The Oscar de la Renta Barbie® doll will be available for $175 on http://ift.tt/1UFIXwF, http://ift.tt/qqq6fl and select retailers.

from The Doll Observer Blog http://ift.tt/23cAk6q

Barbie Exhibition at Musee des Arts décoratifs (Paris) March 10 – September 18, 2016

From the moment Barbie was introduced to the world, a fashion icon was born. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has served as a model and muse to the most world renowned names in fashion and the arts. She provides the ultimate canvas for their imaginations, to identify and play out their dreams. Today, she continues to be at the center of pop culture, reflecting the times and inspiring conversation.

In 2016, Barbie is being honoured by museums around the world including the Musee des Arts décoratifs in Paris, paying tribute to this iconic doll whose story has made an indelible mark on the socio-cultural history of toys in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Drawing on Mattel archives which include over 700 dolls and work by contemporary artists and designers, the exhibition highlights the historical heritage of Barbie for both adults and children. More than just a toy, Barbie has mirrored a culture and its evolution.

Throughout her history she has adapted to social, political and cultural changes and evolved, embracing new trends and challenging stereotypes, always embracing the dreams and ambitions of contemporary life for the next generation of girls.

Barbie has always given girl’s choices – from her 180 careers, to inspirational roles, to her countless fashions and accessories. And earlier this year Mattel literally changed the face of the brand with a range of new dolls represent the world girls see around them with variety in body type, skin tones and style allowing girls to find a doll that speaks to them.

The newest generations of girls know there’s nothing they can’t do, and they’ve never been told otherwise. They have the confidence to try new things, take risks, and stand out among their peers. Barbie supports this empowered thinking, and reinforces it with every doll that is made — from Computer Engineer Barbie to Princess Power Barbie. Because when girls grow up in a world without limitations, they will show us that anything really is possible.

from The Doll Observer Blog http://ift.tt/1M344KU

Barbie Exhibition at Musee des Arts décoratifs (Paris) March 10 – September 18, 2016

From the moment Barbie was introduced to the world, a fashion icon was born. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has served as a model and muse to the most world renowned names in fashion and the arts. She provides the ultimate canvas for their imaginations, to identify and play out their dreams. Today, she continues to be at the center of pop culture, reflecting the times and inspiring conversation.

In 2016, Barbie is being honoured by museums around the world including the Musee des Arts décoratifs in Paris, paying tribute to this iconic doll whose story has made an indelible mark on the socio-cultural history of toys in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Drawing on Mattel archives which include over 700 dolls and work by contemporary artists and designers, the exhibition highlights the historical heritage of Barbie for both adults and children. More than just a toy, Barbie has mirrored a culture and its evolution.

Throughout her history she has adapted to social, political and cultural changes and evolved, embracing new trends and challenging stereotypes, always embracing the dreams and ambitions of contemporary life for the next generation of girls.

Barbie has always given girl’s choices – from her 180 careers, to inspirational roles, to her countless fashions and accessories. And earlier this year Mattel literally changed the face of the brand with a range of new dolls represent the world girls see around them with variety in body type, skin tones and style allowing girls to find a doll that speaks to them.

The newest generations of girls know there’s nothing they can’t do, and they’ve never been told otherwise. They have the confidence to try new things, take risks, and stand out among their peers. Barbie supports this empowered thinking, and reinforces it with every doll that is made — from Computer Engineer Barbie to Princess Power Barbie. Because when girls grow up in a world without limitations, they will show us that anything really is possible.

from The Doll Observer Blog http://ift.tt/1ReGuqN

Barbie Exhibition at Musee des Arts décoratifs (Paris) March 10 – September 18, 2016

From the moment Barbie was introduced to the world, a fashion icon was born. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has served as a model and muse to the most world renowned names in fashion and the arts. She provides the ultimate canvas for their imaginations, to identify and play out their dreams. Today, she continues to be at the center of pop culture, reflecting the times and inspiring conversation.

In 2016, Barbie is being honoured by museums around the world including the Musee des Arts décoratifs in Paris, paying tribute to this iconic doll whose story has made an indelible mark on the socio-cultural history of toys in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Drawing on Mattel archives which include over 700 dolls and work by contemporary artists and designers, the exhibition highlights the historical heritage of Barbie for both adults and children. More than just a toy, Barbie has mirrored a culture and its evolution.

Throughout her history she has adapted to social, political and cultural changes and evolved, embracing new trends and challenging stereotypes, always embracing the dreams and ambitions of contemporary life for the next generation of girls.

Barbie has always given girl’s choices – from her 180 careers, to inspirational roles, to her countless fashions and accessories. And earlier this year Mattel literally changed the face of the brand with a range of new dolls represent the world girls see around them with variety in body type, skin tones and style allowing girls to find a doll that speaks to them.

The newest generations of girls know there’s nothing they can’t do, and they’ve never been told otherwise. They have the confidence to try new things, take risks, and stand out among their peers. Barbie supports this empowered thinking, and reinforces it with every doll that is made — from Computer Engineer Barbie to Princess Power Barbie. Because when girls grow up in a world without limitations, they will show us that anything really is possible.

from The Doll Observer Blog http://ift.tt/1Wh79HI

Sanctum: A Superdoll Chalk White Exhibit

The Superdoll 2015 London Convention, 'Neutron Prom', kicked off last night with a Chalk White Exhibit entitled 'Sanctum'. Although I wasn't a conventioneer (sadly!) I was lucky enough to be invited to gate crash the event. Therefore able to enjoy the spectacle that always accompanies these amazing works of art in resin.

The chosen venue was a sanctum indeed: a long lost Masonic Temple, recently discovered behind hidden a wall at The Andaz Hotel near Liverpool Street Station, right in the heart of old London. After making our way through the hectic Friday night crowd, we found ourselves in the Hotel's foyer before being directed upstairs to the Temple's antechamber. We were then given an envelope containing a beautiful Superdoll card, event flyers, and wristbands. I love an event wristband, in fact, I still have mine on as a reminder!

After an anxious wait, although providing a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends and finally meet those previously only known online, it was time for the Superboys to make their entrance. True to form there was nothing mundane in the execution as they entered resplendent in white forensic boilersuits and booties. It seemed as though they were dressed prepared for chemical spills. Appropriate indeed, as not only was this to be a Chalk White exhibit, but also the launch of a brand new Superdoll product: a fragrance for the discerning fashion doll collector. Eau de Sybarite, if you will.

The ever lovely Izzy, a stalwart Sybarite collector and aficionado, made a wonderful speech on behalf of the boys to introduce the fragrance. In it she recalled an Haute Doll article from 2005 in which Venus herself recalls her favourite scents. All of these come together in the perfume's scent - floral, woody undertones and just a hint of, well, plastic - seriously, what else would a Sybarite add to her perfect parfum! We were then all handed samples and scented cards to test. Soon the whole room was filled with the heady aroma as we checked out the packaging and wax sealed science-lab style scent bottles. 

After more catching up, hearing all about the first event doll Vanity and being made thoroughly jealous to hear that there would be a further THREE event dolls it was time to enter the temple for the main event. After some fanfare and as the music started, the incredibly large and intricately carved oak doors were flung open, and the throng surged forward to get inside. Once there we were greeted by majestic marble pillars, a domed ceiling and black and white tiled floor; what could only be described as a temple. And for tonight a temple to the Sybarite!

In the centre of the room where four lit display cases mounted on podiums but covered for now with black cloth. The light of the display cases shining through the fabric allowing us only a tantalising glimpse of the beauty they contained. The Superboys took their place at one of the 'Thrones' which stood at either end of the room and a voiceover boomed from the loudspeakers to set a magical scene and helped build the anticipation levels to a fever pitch. It was then time for them to step up and unveil the dolls as they ceremoniously pulled the covers from their cases. Gasps, cheers and clapping greeted each unveiling.

It was then time for us to jump from our chairs and descend to the floor to take a proper look at these beauties. And what a stunning collection. The dolls themselves were the ever present white resin, complete with regency style ringlets and curls - but ever so couture - mohair wigs in various paintbox shades. The outfits were romantic and floral inspired. Many consisted of real oil and canvas paintings cut and manipulated into dresses, bodices and skirts. There was felt, fur, parasols, hats, pom poms and golden court shoes. It was a mesmerising array and it was incredibly difficult to choose a favourite. For that reason I suspect the tooing-and-froing of the bidding process was not an easy one for those in a position to be able to purchase one.

All too soon it was time to take our leave for the long journey home. One year, if not the next, I hope to be a full Superdoll convention goer but in the meantime it was wonderful to be allowed to allowed to have this glimpse into the Superdoll magic.

from The Doll Observer Blog http://ift.tt/1LtdJo9