Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Obsession Confession . . .

Nope . . . It's NOT All About the Jewelry!!!


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.

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!



To me, it's not about the doll ... it's about the CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES. This outfit is made of silk taffeta!

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.


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.
 

One of the most sought after vintage outfits includes a politically incorrect, REAL fur stole

Items that are unused and in original condition are called NRFB - Never Removed From Box

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 !!!


1960 Ponytail wearing "Busy Morning"

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 . . .


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.


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. 

Don't forget, Barbie was billed as a teenage fashion model. Notice the short, bob hairstyle of 1965-66

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 ...








Barbie's Iconic Cats-eye Sunglasses





















23 comments:

Dee said...

Mattel really messed up - they forgot to give Barbie HIPS!

Seriously, this is very fascinating look into your collection / interest. I played with my Barbie for hours and hours, so no NRFB there!

vdazzled said...

Wow that's so cool you have all those vintage dolls!! Awesome collection :)

New Hampshire Gardener said...

I am not a collector but I do think obsessions is usually a good thing, obsessed people seem to relish life more.

Denise Therese said...

Okay... okay... can they make those outfits in MY size??? LOL -that is SO cool!

Linda B said...

Jill, very cool post. I loved my Barbie, Ken and Skipper dolls. Mine weren't in the box, but my aunt and mom made clothes too. Sad to say, my collection was stolen out of a storage locker in the basement in Chicago years and years ago.

I was fascinated by the shoes and I found an Etsy seller selling them. I'm going back to buy them for sure now.

When can I come over and see your collection?

Audrey said...

That's quite the collection!
I collect snowmen and magnets :)

Unknown said...

WOW! That is a HUGE collection! I love to collect things too, it makes shopping more fun...lol!

asdesigns said...

Great collection!! Lol I LOVE the title obsession confession.

Terra Verde said...

How cool! I love barbies, too. :-) When I was a kid, though, my weakness was American Girl Dolls. LOVED those things!

Elemenopie Designs said...

What a cool post! My daughter liked looking at all of your Barbie pics! :D

magdamagda said...

Oh wow thank you for featuring Barbie! What an awesome and valuable collection! Love the dark blue polka dots dress! So much diversity in such a small elegant world!

Lissie said...

Great post!
Thank you for sharing!
I am sitting her dreaming about my childhood when I had a 50's Barbie :)

Lbtoyos said...

Great, I don´t like the Barbie too much. Here when I was younger there was a doll that I love, Nancy (with english name) but I think is more similar to american girl ¿? I think.
I have more obssessions than Jewelry, great idea for a blog post for other week!!!
Thanks for your inspirated blogpost!!!

KrystalsJewelry said...

thats awesome!!! collecting things are great!!!

jlcjbuzz said...

I love your Barbie collection! How fun! I agree its not the doll but the outfits and accessories! My grandmother, an excellent seamstress made all of my Barbie clothes in the 60's and 70's....oh, how I wish I had those today! Stunning outfits! Thanks for sharing this awesome collection of yours! Carol from Carol's Jewelry Orchard!

Anonymous said...

Very interesting!

Inessa/Prittyfy said...

Oh my, what a lovely collection!

CalliopeCreations said...

Wow...better insure this collection. It's worth it.

Danelle (Indie Game Lover) said...

vintage barbie face is so much better than new barbie

Sewinggranny - Mona said...

Wow, you have a beautiful collection!

petitehermine said...

Vintage barbies are so chic. That smug look on her face is classic :)

cooper said...

What a lovely collection!!

AlleyOop said...

I love Vintage Barbie too! (Who doesn't). Do you know the best way to have a very early Barbie's hair redone?

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