Beauty Barbie has long gone down in history as the most famous and best-selling doll in the world. The attractiveness of the images and the variety of outfits contribute to the fact that doll lovers turn into serious collectors. Therefore, the developers of the toy annually produce Barbie series of various stylistic trends.
The sensational appearance of collectible dolls
The first “collectors” of dolls became known in the 70s of the last century. The development company Mattel has released the first Barbie collection. Collection dolls were united by a common name - “Capsule of Time”.
After 10 years, Barbie Festive appeared - a collection doll in a chic solemn image, dressed in a magnificent ball gown. The exclusive series is still developing and today has more than 10 copies. After global sales, the company delighted fans with a Barbie porcelain model called the Blue Rhapsody. Since the 90s, all the outfits and accessories have been created by world famous designers for Barbie. The collection doll "Festive" Barbie looks already more modern and improved.
Collectible Series
Today, Barbie looks very different, not like the dolls of the 20th century. A new “breath” in collecting was made by developers, offering the buyer a new series called “Fashion Model”. At auctions, the approximate cost starts at $ 500 per collection. The popularity of such a hobby is caused by the unusual manner of presenting dolls by Mattel. Its essence is to include the inscription “label” of a certain color in the name of the collection. All products are conditionally divided into categories that determine the parameters and value of Barbie. Collection dolls can be distinguished by the color of the label, for example, gold or pink. There are 4 categories and 2 exclusive series in total.
Those toys that can be purchased at a reasonable price and in almost any major store have a pink label on the box with Barbie. Collection dolls are presented in several model lines:
- “I love Lucy”;
- "Princesses."
Despite the availability, the Barbie Pink is significantly different from the standard, non-collection ones. The whole difference lies in the luxury of outfits, the exclusivity of accessories, the refinement of the smallest details.
Limited Editions
Along with the “Pink” collection, others came out - more limited in terms of the number of dolls:
- "Silver";
- "Golden";
- "Platinum."
Plus, without restrictions in circulation, the Barbie Black Label series is being released. Collectible dolls are united by the themes of pop life. All clothes, accessories and the whole style embody the image of a show business star.
The “Silver” series includes dolls with the theme “Birthday Wishes.” Each Barbie from the collection is available in quantities of up to 50 thousand pieces. The acquisition of such a toy becomes problematic, compared with the "pink" representatives. The "Golden" series is divided into 2 subcategories: Model of the Moment, as well as Fashion Model. The number of available Barbie is 2 times less than the dolls presented under the silver label.
The rarest collection
"Platinum" Barbie - a limited edition, the smallest of all. There are no more than 1 thousand world famous glamorous dolls. There is Barbie here, in the creation of which Bob Maki participated.
Despite the distinction between categories, collectible representatives are much more expensive compared to standard series dolls. Very often you can find quite high-quality fakes, so it is best to purchase an exclusive diva in a specialized store.
Series "Ballet"
In 2015, a new Barbie doll, a ballerina, went on sale. The collection series is called “Ballet Star”. The peculiarity of the toy lies in the fact that the doll has a hinged base, and the entire image is worked out in detail. Clothing - a dress of gentle tones with a spectacular fluffy tutu, thin tights, and, of course, pointe shoes. The hairstyle of the representatives of the series can be found neatly arranged with a pendant made of artificial pearls, or hair, even waves falling down from the back. The decorative elements on the ballet dress are the finest mesh, silk ribbons and sparkles.
Barbie can perform real ballet positions thanks to an improved articulated design. Ballet Wishes is distinguished by sophistication and tenderness, this is a great purchase for any collection of dolls. The toy is sold in a chic gift box with the image of proud white birds - swans - symbols of ballet.
Collection "Red carpet"
The "Hollywood" Barbie doll looks memorable and spectacular. Collectible (“Red carpet”) representatives of the series look like real stars dressed in exclusive outfits. Red Carpet is the embodiment of femininity, taste and style. Each of the 4 dolls (2 more were added later) is sold separately. The designer Bill Greenning, who created this collection, chose several stunning images with incredible accessories, hairstyles and clothes, suitable for social events, as well as for presenting a film award.
The first look is Barbie in a gold-fitting dress with an impressive slit. She has high-heeled shoes with straps, earrings - in the form of drops, a gold bracelet. The blonde doll in bright blue overalls is different, the effect of the image is off scale. Barbie looks bright and elegant in a green dress with perfectly matched accessories. Of course, not without pink - the color symbol of Barbie. This collection features a corset dress with accentuating assemblies in the waist area. The collection was released in 2014 and caused a stir not only among collectors, but simply among fans of a popular doll.