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 |
22 comments:
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!
Wow that's so cool you have all those vintage dolls!! Awesome collection :)
I am not a collector but I do think obsessions is usually a good thing, obsessed people seem to relish life more.
Okay... okay... can they make those outfits in MY size??? LOL -that is SO cool!
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?
That's quite the collection!
I collect snowmen and magnets :)
WOW! That is a HUGE collection! I love to collect things too, it makes shopping more fun...lol!
Great collection!! Lol I LOVE the title obsession confession.
How cool! I love barbies, too. :-) When I was a kid, though, my weakness was American Girl Dolls. LOVED those things!
What a cool post! My daughter liked looking at all of your Barbie pics! :D
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!
Great post!
Thank you for sharing!
I am sitting her dreaming about my childhood when I had a 50's Barbie :)
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!!!
thats awesome!!! collecting things are great!!!
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!
Very interesting!
Oh my, what a lovely collection!
Wow...better insure this collection. It's worth it.
vintage barbie face is so much better than new barbie
Wow, you have a beautiful collection!
Vintage barbies are so chic. That smug look on her face is classic :)
What a lovely collection!!
Post a Comment