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!

Should I Buy Lady of the Unicorns??

This is one doll I've been debating about. She is a Model Muse doll so that would be a good reason for me to get her but she is very over the top isn't she? I guess that's part of the Mackie mystique! I'm sure her packaging is going to be something else. I first heard she was going to be a Canadian exclusive, then I heard she will be offered in the US at FAO. There have been changes in her production numbers and in her price. Forum member Scott sent me a copy of the e-mail he received from MFD about Lady of the Unicorns:

Originally expected to arrive in February, the Lady of the Unicorn Barbie has now been rescheduled for a late April or early May delivery. Mattel has also increased the price from $129.99 to $149.99. The Lady of the Unicorn Barbie has some confusing history. Originally, it was to be an exclusive for Canada only with a 5,000 piece production and suggested retail of $179.99, which was later reduced to $129.99. Now it will be available in Canada , Italy and FAO Schwarz stores, the production has been decreased to only 3,500 dolls and the new price is $149.99. While this may seem sudden, the changes have actually taken place over a number of months.

I'm sure I'll end up with her in the end, but I guess the key thing is to get her before she goes off to secondary market prices. I can see this doll selling for over $200.00 once she is sold out. I'll be checking FAO daily to see if she comes up for sale. I'm on their mailing list too. I will let you know when she goes on sale.

In honor of Mr. Mackie, here is 90s Cher in the Ringmaster outfit based on a Bob Mackie design.