Nope . . . It's NOT All About the Jewelry!!!
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| This Booklet was included in each doll's box along with her stand, black heels and sunglasses |
I confess . . . I like to collect things.
Not everything, like hoarders do, but when I really, really like something I want to collect it. And I want to collect a whole lot of it! That's probably why I own a pretty significant selection of preccious metals, high quality gemstones, vintage beads and hand torched lampwork from a wide assortment of talented glass artisans. While technically a business, I know that it looks suspiciously like a collection to my husband. Nope . . . It's NOT All About the Jewelry.
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| The inspiration for Barbie was a German doll called Bild Lilli, based on the comic-strip character Lilli. |
On to my Obsession: I LOVE VINTAGE BARBIE!
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| To me, it's not about the doll ... it's about the CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES. This outfit is made of silk taffeta! |
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| I love the way the vintage Barbie booklets resembled haute couture designer sketches |
. . . and up until about five years ago, I was pretty much obsessed with collecting said doll, along with her miniature haute couture wardrobe manufactured by Mattel between 1959 and 1972. I no longer actively collect, but after ten years of doing so, I have quite a hifalutin collection, if I do say so myself. I hope you'll enjoy a few examples seen below.
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| Just as she came off the toy store shelf in 1961 - Mint condition with orginal box |
Now it's only my opinion, but I'm pretty darn sure that Barbie was the first Super Model! What's my proof? When launched in 1959, she was marketed as a "Teen-age Fashion Model". Now she's a lot more famous (and wholesome) than Janice Dickinson, and I'll put her up against even Cindy Crawford's longevity any day. Case Closed.
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| One of the most sought after vintage outfits includes a politically incorrect, REAL fur stole |
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| Items that are unused and in original condition are called NRFB - Never Removed From Box |
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| The first bubblecut hairstyle was released in 1961 |
When launched in 1959, Barbie wore a black and white zebra striped swimsuit and signature topknot ponytail, and was available as either a blonde or brunette. A mint example still in its original condition with box can sell for $10,000. ... BTW, I don't own one !!!
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| 1960 Ponytail wearing "Busy Morning" |
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| This doll is considered Rare with her near-white Patinum hair and amazing white lips! |
I must let it be known that I Do Not Love Pink. I don't even LIKE it all that much.
The real reason for my obsession was the wardrobe. That spectacular, haute couture-inspired ever changing reflection of American fashion. Tiny zippers that really worked, fabrics like silk, satin, linen, taffeta and even chiffon. Didn't exactly make much sense for a child's toy . . .
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| This gown is made from satin and chiffon ... for a CHILD'S toy! What were they thinking??? |
Equally amazing were the accessories. The miniature cats eye glasses with working hinges have always impressed me the most, but Barbie's jewelry was nothing to sneeze at - pearl studs and gold hoop earrings, a pearl choker, pearl pendant on the tiniest chain I've ever seen, and a gold charm bracelet.
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| Barbie really knew how to dress back in the day! Nowadays ... not so much. |
Barbie is a fashion icon with the most detailed wardrobe ever made for a doll.
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| Don't forget, Barbie was billed as a teenage fashion model. Notice the short, bob hairstyle of 1965-66 |
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| 1966 Barbie with a longer bob hairstyle and high-color makeup is highly coveted! |
Anyhow, it's something I adore, and just wanted to share a bit with you ...
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| Barbie's Iconic Cats-eye Sunglasses |
