Model Muse Dolls In Your Future!

Mattel has finally released a picture of the Hard Rock Cafe doll announced earlier this year. She will be available in the fall at the bc.com shop and at the Hard Rock Cafe stores and online shops. She is a gold label doll (produced in amounts limited to 25,000). She will retail for about $75.00. You can see a small picture here. HRC features the Mackie head mold, very pale skin and gothic style make-up. Her hair is platinum blonde with jet black bangs and streaks in a high ponytail. Her jewelry is silver-toned and and gold toned with gem-like accents. Her dress features spaghetti straps and is a Lolita style in black and a tartan plaid print. Her look is completed by red fishnets, black stiletto heeled-boots and matching plaid and black fingerless gloves. She also comes with a guitar. She is pretty racy for Mattel and I applaud them for stepping out and creating a doll that mirrors "hard rock." This doll was designed by Sharon Zuckerman.

2009 will see the release of the American Favorites Collection. One of the dolls in this collection is the Hershey Barbie. She is a model muse doll with the Lara/Drew face mold. Her make-up is vivid and smokey to go with the Chocolate theme. She has beautiful long brunette hair and a dress with silver and brown designs. Her belt reads "Hershey's" in the company logo. The dress has a bell shape to simulate a Hershey's chocolate kiss. She is very cute and will be released in 2009. Hopefully we'll see some sneaks of the actual doll at the Mattel Toy Fair. She is the creation of designer Linda Kyaw. Both of these girls are on my list!

Asian President Barbie Real Picture

Forum member Tiffany Tran posted pictures of the actual Asian President Barbie. I think she looks just slightly different than the pictures in the promo but she is still very cute. I just love the outfits and accessories in this set. For now I haven't received any reports that these dolls are available at Toys R Us. Your best bet is to order online. It's great to see that Mattel has continued to produce the President line with four dolls in different ethnicies but it's too bad that this doesn't happen for other doll lines. Come on Mattel, can we have a few more Asian dolls? Please . . .

Batgirl By Bill Greening

Many thanks forum member JerricaBenton for taking some pictures of the great new Batgirl doll. She is the creation of designer Bill Greening. Jerrica reports: For those of you looking to redress, please note her gloves (over the fingers) are painted on and she is sewn into her outfit. Her mask is also stuck to her face. It appears to be stuck with double stick tape. So far, this doll is widely available. She has been spotted at TRU and is available online. I wouldn't wait too long if you want this doll or any of the other Super Hero dolls set for release. They are always collector favorites.

Barbie Doll and Fashion T-Shirt Giftsets

There are some new giftsets available featuring Barbie and a matching girls size t-shirt. Some of the forum members have found these dolls overseas. Now they are available at the Barbie Collector shop for the great deal of 3 for $25. The total is just over $30 with shipping. Please use the Barbie Collector links here on this page to order them. The first pictures are courtesy of member sayako1975 . She obtained the dolls in this packaging with the t-shirts in the Asian market. The second packaging is the UK packaging. The picture is courtesy of forum member Pinkis4passion. I'm not sure what the US packaging looks like but I will post pictures if they become available.

Asian Barbie For President Picture Available

One of the forum members alerted us that the Asian Barbie for President picture is now available at Toys r Us.com. I have seen the dolls in stores but I have not yet seen the African American or Asian dolls. I looked closely at the accessories and they are of good quality. The shoes are designer doll shoes and the laptop and other accessories could be used in dioramas. I will wait to see if I find this doll in the stores, but if not, I'll order her online. I have the 2004 Asian doll and she is so pretty. I think this girl would be great to own as well. This picture is courtesy of TRU.

Miss Shanghai's Friend

Oh, Mattel, why does this dolly not have a name? She is so cute, and yet she is only Shanghai Barbie's friend. Well, this friend is much more appealing to me than Miss Shanghai. I'm not sure if I'm getting a true picture of a girl in Shanghai but her presentation and accessories are almost like playline plus. These sets are somewhat reminiscent of the Fashion Week giftsets from 2005. I wish Mattel would produce more sets like this with a variety of dolls and accessories. Maybe it's a sign of things to come?

Say Hello to Shanghai

This week we will introduce three new Asian dolls to Mattel's current line. My Shanghai dolls finally arrived. The first is the blond Shanghai doll. She is a little unusual in that she has larger anime type eyes. This has proved to be somewhat of a turn-off for some collectors. The look of the doll and her accessories and placement are quite nice but she somehow does not match her "friend." I only learned which doll was the Shanghai doll when one of the forum members pointed out to me that the invoice was labeled Shanghai doll and Shanghai Friend. She is not sold out on Barbie Collector but you can also find her on ebay for a little more than the retail price. If you don't want to join the club just to get her it may be cheaper to find one on ebay. I'm still undecided about whether or not to de-box these girls. They are currently on display still in their boxes.

Barbie and The Diamond Castle: Ian and Jeremy

The princesses meet the handsome heroes Ian and Jeremy on their search for the Diamond Castle. They are featured with a guitar and wearing fashions from the film. Sadly, these Ken dolls do not come with real guitars or rooted hair. The look for these Kens is new and different so there may be an appeal for collectors of Ken dolls with this set. I have not seen the Jeremy doll in person but here are some pictures of the Ian doll.

Diamond Castle Playsets

Today we will feature some Diamond Castle playsets. The first is the Barbie & The Diamond Castle Playset. In the “Barbie & The Diamond Castle” movie, when Barbie and Teresa discover the Diamond Castle, the tower magically lights up. Girls can relive this exciting moment with the Diamond Castle Palace Playset. When girls press the gem button on the tower, a beautiful light show is activated featuring different colors and flashing patterns. The translucent purple, glittery walls of the Diamond Castle also resemble a sparkling diamond with many gem details throughout. The palace has many rooms fit for a princess including a royal dining area, salon with couches and chairs, a bedroom, vanity room and more. The playset also features music and sound, as well as many play pieces and furnishings. A Princess Liana doll and the adorable puppy Sparkles are also included. I think this playset would be perfect for a little princess at Christmas time.

Another cute item is a Toys R Us exclusive the Barbie and The Diamond Castle Horse and Carriage. Barbie and The Diamond Castle Horse and Carriage plus Mirror in the Muse" doll included. This enchanting giftset includes a beautiful muse doll from the Diamond Castle that can sit inside her very own horse-drawn carriage. The glittery horse features a long mane for grooming, and the carriage is shaped like a big glowing gem with wheels that really move. There is a similar item available that does not come with a doll. It is also called Diamond Castle Horse and Carriage.

Barbie and The Diamond Castle: Alexa

Alexa is the second main character in the Barbie and The Diamond Castle Movie. Like Liana, Alexa sings two songs from the movie and wears a beautiful pink and purple gown with blue accents that magically transforms. Alexa also sings beautiful duets when paired with the Liana Barbie doll. Alexa has the current Teresa head mold and beautiful brunette hair.

Barbie and The Diamond Castle: Liana

Today's Barbie and The Diamond Castle spotlight is on the Princess Liana. This doll retails at 29.99 and comes in both Caucasian and African American versions. Princess Liana sings two songs from the movie and wears a glittery gown that magically transforms with the flip of a switch! Her necklace lights up when she sings. When paired with the Princess Alexa doll, they sing beautiful duets.

New 2009 Dolls Announced

We interrupt our Barbie and The Diamond Castle coverage today to report on the new dolls announced by Mattel. They have announced the several new dolls in the Barbie Fashion Model Collection (Silkstone). What is interesting about the Silkstones for 2009 is that they will feature homages to vintage Barbies. There will also be an African American doll in the collection! There will also be a special 50th Anniversary doll designed by Robert Best. She will have a golden ball gown and is very regal. The My Favorite Barbie® Doll Collection will bring you the most beloved and iconic Barbies reproduced for her 50th anniversary. These dolls were designed by Bill Greening. The Dolls of the World Collection is back with four new offerings designed by Linda Kyaw. Other repro dolls to be produced will be Julia and Becky! That gift set features two extra outfits. A doll that was announced several months ago is the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie. Photographs of her have finally been released. She has articulated arms and ballerina pointed feet. Finally for Model Muse lovers there is a set of 3 Corvette Barbie dolls with two straight arms and a Mackie face. There is a pink, yellow and red version with white painted on gloves. There are a few pictures and a lot more information at My Favorite Doll and Vogue 41.

I had the opportunity to see some of these dolls in the production stage several months ago. You will not be disappointed by the beauty and variety in the 2009 line! Go Barbie, 50 more very happy birthdays!

Barbie and The Diamond Castle: The Muses

The three beautiful muse dolls of the Diamond Castle come with a gem necklace that little girls can use to dress up like their muse. Each Muse doll is dressed in an ethereal gown and their golden musical instrument. One of the forum members has purchased two of the muses and reports that these are new head molds dated 2007.

Featured New Dolls: Barbie and The Diamond Castle

This week we will feature pictures of dolls from the Barbie and the Diamond Castle collection. The Diamond Castle DVD feature Barbie and Teresa telling the fairy tale story of Liana and Alexa, best friends who shared everything including their love of music. One day their simple lives change when they are given an enchanted mirror and befriend the girl trapped inside! To save their new friend, Liana and Alexa embark on a dangerous journey to the hidden Diamond Castle that will put their friendship to the test. But through the power of song and with the companionship of two adorable puppies, the girls face their challenges together and learn that friendship is the true treasure.


I had the opportunity to take a few pictures of these dolls on my last visit to TRU. Today we feature the Kelly muse dolls. These Beautiful Kelly dolls, as mini muses, or muses in training, from the Diamond Castle, sit nobly atop matching glitter horses and sparkle in their shimmering gowns, with tiaras adorned in flowers. They are named Melody (blond), Dori (titian) and Phedra (brunette). They retail about 9.99.

Rebelde Boys!

A new set of playline dolls featuring the "Rebelde" the fictional band from a Mexican soap opera have recently been released. There are three sets of dolls. One is Rebelde Diego. He is paired up with Roberta. The Roberta doll has a Drew/Lara mold and vivid make-up.

The next set features Giovanni and Lupita. Giovanni is paired up with Lupita who has a Teresa face mold.

The final set is Mia and Miguel. The Mia doll has the Summer face mold.

These photographs are courtesy of crystalbarbie.

Fashion Fever Dolls on Sale at Target

The latest wave of Fashion Fever dolls are on sale at Target for approximately $7.59. The sale lasts until September 8th so you have plenty of time to stock up on this new wave at a great price. Here is the new Rocker Barbie. The pictures are courtesy of souverignofsilence. This doll has been found with and without the socks! She has been the most limited so far.

Barbie for President

Here is the caucasian Barbie for President doll. There seemed to be quite a few of this doll on the shelves when I went to TRU and she should be easy to find. She is listed at 16.99. I have already seen this doll and her outfits listed seperately on ebay for those who may only want the doll for her outfit or outfits.

Barbie for President Teresa

While at TRU I had the chance to see the new Barbie For President dolls that are TRU exclusives. These president dolls have been released every four years for the last several years. Here you can see the TRU web page for this Teresa President doll. She has a dog and different packaging than he one I took the picture of. There is also a Barbie, Nikki and an Asian doll. I have not seen Nikki in person, only in photographs. I haven't seen any pictures of the Asian doll so far but she is advertised on the TRU website without any pictures. Click here for the web page.

2008 Holiday Barbie

I received the 2008 Holiday Barbie as a gift so I won't need to wait until she's on sale at the Mattel Toy Store! She is the 20th Anniversary Holiday Barbie for Mattel and is also featured in the first Barbie Christmas DVD, Barbie in a Christmas Carol. She is so beautiful and detailed. I love so many things about her including her dress, side ponytail and the fact that she is Model Muse. I have seen her nude on ebay and am considering buying another one to redress! I do hope you can pick this one up. This Holiday doll was designed by Sharon Zuckerman.

2008 AA Holiday Barbie

I was at Toys R Us and had the opportunity to see the new African American Holiday Barbie. I think she is just striking. I do hope to get her in the future but for now I just snapped a quick picture of her in the store. Last year I bought both Holiday Barbies early on only to find them marked down at the Mattel Toy Store. This year I'll wait for this one.

Fashion Fever Ken Winter Gear

This is the newest Fashion Fever Ken. He is part of a "Winter" set with Summer, Teresa and Barbie. I have not seen any of the other dolls in the Winter set so far. I picked up this Ken at Target.