Keeping Ken New Product Reference Guide Archive

WHAT: Two years after their headline-making break-up, Ken(R) is making a dramatic play to win Barbie(R) back, leaving America wondering, "is a reunion in store in time for Valentine's Day?" After months of working with Hollywood's premier stylist, Phillip Bloch, and Mattel's design team, Ken's much-anticipated makeover will be revealed to the world. Over the years, Ken(R) has reflected the style of the times, sporting a variety of sometimes questionable "looks" including Mod Hair Ken(R) with reusable hair pieces to give him a mustache, beard or sideburns; Sport & Shave Ken(R) with a beard marker that could be shaved off with warm water; Disco Ken(R) with nylon white pants, bronze mesh shirt and gold bow-tie; Rollerskating Ken(R) with satin shorts and leg warmers; Baywatch Ken(R) with red beach trunks; and 40th Anniversary Ken(R) who wore a classic black tuxedo.

Releasing now are the new My Scene Swapping Styles girls...Barbie, Madison and Nolee. Each doll comes with three different fashions and hairstyles, so you can easily pop off one hairstyle and pop on another to create a totally different hair and makeup look. These dolls will be ideal for mixing and matching fashions and hairstyles to create unique looks for all three dolls.

Also, the My Scene Go Hollywood girls are being released now along with their DVD Movie. This release includes Hudson, and his new movie star friend, Ryan! The boys are dressed just like in the movie and all of the Hollywood dolls come with cool soft goods bags and all kinds of cool props like cameras and backstage passes. I will have pictures up soon!

CALI GIRL™

The Cali Girls are vacationing in Hawaii this May! Aloha Cali Girls Barbie, Summer and Christie look hot in their trendy Hawaiian inspired outfits and hair. They have cool hair play features to create awesome look, and come with hair twisting mechanism, hair clips, hair beader, glitter hair extensions, floral hair accessories and a cool travel activity scrapbook.

Cali Girl™/Cali Guy™

Pictured Above: The 2005 version of Cali Guy™ Blaine.

While the news for the new swimsuit line is bad news for Ken (it looks like the Cali Girl™ beach line will continue for another year, but Ken® doll will not be a part of it), things are looking great for Cali Guy Blaine™ as he and sister Summer™ will be added to the regular line. Joining them for fun in the California sun is Cali Girl™ Barbie, Christie, Steven™, Lea™, and Teresa®. Each doll have heads scented like suntan lotion, and the female dolls have new feet molds that are adorable (at least to me). Ken® will not be part of the swim line for the first time in over 30 years. These new 2005 versions are now appearing in stores, but I haven't located the Steven doll yet...but he is on my Christmas list.

Also in the Cali Girl™ line are Riding Club Barbie®, Summer® and Lea®, wearing their own trendy horseback riding fashions for their super-cool, adventurous, outdoor lifestyle. The girls are ready for long horseback rides in the canyon or a fast gallop along the beach at sunset with their laid back California look. (There will be a new set of horses tied into the Cali Girl line). Each doll comes with fashions and accessories for horseback riding. The dolls have heads scented like suntan lotion and come with lots of accessories.

And be sure to be on the look out for a SSE Cali Guy Blaine/Cali Girl Barbie Gift Set (pictured right) that has a box date of 2003. I had to locate this gift set on eBay, since it is not sold locally in my area. Many of you have reported that you found it at Sear's stores. This two doll set is shrink-wrapped together with Barbie doll Model #C6461. The fashion pieces Blaine wears are accessory pieces identical to ones included in Model #C6792 Cali Guy™ Blaine®. The doll is also the same. If you like to collect each version, get this while you can!

I have also updated the Blaine page with all the new items, so check it out if you like!

Pictured Above: Cali Girl™ dolls. Check out Steven's hair! Photo courtesy of Markus from the Mattel Germany catalog. Pictured Below: Cali Girl™ Riding Club Barbie®, Summer® and Lea®.

Pictured Below: SSE Cali Guy Blaine/Cali Girl Barbie Gift Set.

Beautiful Bride™ Barbie® Doll and Handsome Groom™ Doll

I can imagine that the design process of this play line doll was heavily scrutinized, especially while trying to be compliant with the marketing department at Mattel. Both Beautiful Bride™ Barbie® Doll and Handsome Groom™ Doll fill a consumer demand because let's face it, the main consumer of play line dolls like Barbie® to have a wedding. After the heavily publicized break-up of Barbie® and Ken® in February 2004 (Feature Story Archive 02.12.04) the play line department was left with the task of promoting Mattel's brand loyalty. The play line department had the Cali Girl™ line to channel the marketing strategy, but certainly there had to be some head scratching about what to do with other lines or versions like this. The answer was to simply not name the male doll at all...which not only gives the consumer some options, but gives Mattel a bridge to walk over. I'll give credit to Mattel for actually releasing these dolls, but I imagine they were thinking of their toy distributors, not their alienated play line collector. So here we have what technically looks like a play line Ken® doll, but isn't named so. I do take into account that yes, Barbie® "wedding" dolls are usually fantasies. This subject was explored in a "Marital Miss", a Feature Story Archive 01.29.01. But this Bride Barbie® doll is different because she's ready to take a walk down the isle... *Beautiful* Bride™ Barbie® Doll This glamorous bride is getting ready to walk down the aisle looking totally romantic. Beautiful long hair is braided at the crown and flows down in back with white flower hair accessories for the girl to wear and share. The fitted bodice rises above an exquisite full skirt with faux rhinestones. A choker of three strings of faux pearls, long white gloves and a full veil complete this gorgeous bridal ensemble and the Groom doll is waiting at the altar... Handsome Groom™ Doll When the beautiful bride doll walks down the aisle this handsome groom doll wearing a modern black tuxedo with elegant detailing, will be waiting at the altar. So what do you make of this decision? In one respect, I'm glad that Barbie® isn't marrying Ken®, but on the other hand I'm upset that Mattel isn't calling this obvious Ken® doll "Ken®" either. It's a tough call, but one to go down in the history books as the example of the "New Coke" at Mattel. I hope that Mattel goes back to the original "Classic" formula soon.

	Above: Prototype photos of Handsome Groom. Below: Prototype photos of Beautiful Bride Barbie®. Click on the photos to enlarge.

AMERICAN IDOL®

This Fall new releases of the American Idol girls Barbie, Simone and Tori will hit the stores! After making it to the finals, these girls are now full-fledged music stars! Barbie and her friends "really sing" a cool new song! You can sing along, too, with your own microphone. The dolls come in "celebrity" outfits with accessories to "get ready" to perform. Included will be a microphone with sound speaker. Slated for fall release as well is the American Idol (Global Idols Internationally) Recording Studio! This fab new Playset allows kids of all sizes to truly sing and record their own songs, just like a real Idols star!

Speaking of recycled names, Simone and Tori as two of the would-be divas going up against Barbie in the upcoming American Idol™ line. Weren't there supposed to be three finalists with Barbie in that line? Wouldn't a male doll be logical? Is there a new victim of Mattel's male doll massacre? Maybe I'll have better news later in the year?

American Idol®

Click on the photos to enlarge.


American Idol® Barbie® doll takes a chance and auditions for American Idol® where she meets two new friends. At the show finals they experience the exciting process of making their dreams come true, together. Barbie® doll and her pop sound have been a major hit, but is it enough to win? Barbie® doll is dressed to perform in a cool denim outfit with EverFlex™ body and comes with a karaoke machine that plays “Oops I did It Again”, an extra performance outfit, a backstage pass, and CDs with CD case.	American Idol® Simone™ doll takes a chance and auditions for American Idol® where she meets two new friends. At the show finals they are so excited for each other. Barbie® doll’s new friend, Simone™ is into rhythm and blues and a popular choice, but can she take home the prize? Dressed to perform in a funky fringe outfit with an EverFlex™ body, Simone™ comes with a karaoke machine that plays “Ladies Night”, an extra performance outfit, a backstage pass, and CDs with CD case	American Idol® Tori™ doll takes a chance and auditions for American Idol® where she meets two new friends. At the show finals they are so excited for each other! Tori™ and her rock ‘n’ roll sound make her a favorite, but does she have what it takes to win? Dressed to perform in an edgy rocker outfit with EverFlex™ body. Tori™ comes with a karaoke machine that plays “What I Like About You”, an extra performance outfit, a backstage pass, and CDs with CD case.

Barbie will have some new friends and incarnations in the upcoming year! Marvel Comics Elektra has been released as well as characters from the Archie's Comics (Betty and Veronica). Barbie teams up with new friends in 2005 with Barbie Loves Shrek in February, Barbie Loves Mickey Mouse releasing in March and Barbie Loves Winnie the Pooh scheduled for June release!

2003 Line!
Sources: ALEX VEIGA-AP BUSINESS WRITER Reuters For the fourth quarter, worldwide gross sales for the Mattel brands unit grew 2 percent to $1.07 billion, but sales for the Barbie brand slipped 5 percent. "Results for the year were mixed. While sales in the U.S. were below expectations, we continued to grow internationally, improve profit margins and generate significant cash flow," Robert A. Eckert, Mattel's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. The toy industry is facing several challenges amid a wave of retail consolidation and pressure on toy sellers to lower prices to remain competitive. Consumer buying habits are also having an impact on the market. During the last holiday season, consumers waited longer to begin their shopping or simply bought gift cards, Eckert said. In previous years, a wider holiday shopping window gave retailers incentive to restock shelves during the holidays. "We believe what we saw this holiday season represents a secular shift," Eckert told analysts. Prices fell dramatically during the holidays and some retailers cut back on promoting some of Mattel's key product lines to remain competitive. Mattel is hoping to build more value into their toys to discourage retailers from selling them below cost, Eckert said. "We don't expect 2004 to be unlike 2003, or said another way, we expect the business environment will continue to be a challenge," Eckert said. "For Barbie, particularly in the U.S., the trends have not been good for several years now and that's caused us to rethink our strategy and to retool the whole brand," said Eckert. "We have lost market share in dolls over the last couple of years and we want to work very hard to regain that momentum." Mattel said it is modernizing Barbie for 2004 by piercing her ears, giving her trendy clothing like Ugg boots, and hiring some new people to manage the brand. Mattel will emphasize making Barbie more contemporary to better reflect current youth culture. "Barbie and Ken may have gone the way of J.Lo and Ben," said Eckert. Company officials declined to elaborate. He added, "She's using instant messaging to stay connected to her game. Her ears can be pierced. Her car has a working CD player." The next American International TOY FAIR takes place Sunday, February 15 - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and showroom locations in the Toy District. Will Mattel unveil their new modernization of Barbie and Ken dolls? Mattel will focus more on "story" Barbie lines, and in recent years Swan Lake, Rapunzel, and Nutcracker Barbie dolls have been winners as much for the loads of accessories -- like DVDs and horse-drawn carriages -- as for the doll itself. Eckert also plans to rely less on one-off Barbie dolls, like "'Cheerleader Barbie,' or 'Barbie's got a new plaid outfit' ... those things just didn't work well," he said. Last year Mattel launched a line of hip-hop fashion dolls called "Flavas" in a move to appeal to girls who have outgrown Barbie and supplement another Barbie spin-off called My Scene. Both dolls are part of a move to compete with MGA Entertainment's popular Bratz doll, which had been gaining market share in the fashion doll segment. My Scene™ has grown into a strong brand, but sales of Flavas™ have been so disappointing that Chief Financial Officer Kevin Farr said there will be no Flavas going forward and it is being replaced by other ideas. "Every year we have products that work well and products that don't, and simply said, Flavas was one of those that didn't work well." Despite lagging domestic sales, Barbie outsold her nearest competitor 2-to-1 in 2003, generating more than $3.5 billion in retail sales worldwide, Eckert said.
		The Waltz Barbie® & Ken® Gift Set (June 2003) Elegance in motion, the couple glides seamlessly in three-quarter time. Dressed in a flowing ball gown, Barbie is lost in her partner's embrace whirling across the dance floor. Her gown is an exquisite pink chiffon and charmeuse dress, lavishly embellished in marabous. Her gown is accented with a beaded necklace and pink crystal-like earring studs. Ken is as handsome as ever dressed in his classic tux. Together, they are unforgettable!

Jude Deveraux "The Raider" Barbie® & Ken® Gift Set (August 2003) This gift set capitalizes on the strong base of romance novel fans and has a strong tie to a best-selling romance novel, The Raider, written by Jude Deveraux. This gift set is the first gift set to feature Barbie and Ken as romance novel characters. Barbie is featured wearing a violet blue dress that falls off her shoulders with long blonde tousled hair. An overskirt of periwinkle chiffon is pulled up at the left hip to reveal a very full underskirt of violet blue jacquard. Complete with a sash of teal iridescent chiffon and a small bouquet of flowers, Barbie is just stunning! Ken is brown, long side swept hair and comes wearing a sheer white cotton shirt, tight black pants accented with a black belt.
		Fashion Insider Ken Doll Giftset Part of the fashion model collection this gift set features Ken. Ken comes wearing classic boxers and has a great suit to boot! July 2003

1 modern circle™ Collection CE 1 Modern Circle™ Ken® July 2003 More information was released about the secretive 1 Modern Circle® line that is due this year. This looks to be a fantastic, well developed line that will feature a reproduction of the 1961 Flock Hair Ken head mold. The doll line centers around Barbie^®, (or BMR™) Hollywood's latest power player who "shot to the top of the independent film world in record time". The line takes place in Hollywood, where Modern Films™ recently leased office space on the lot of an undisclosed major Hollywood studio. It seem that "Barbie Millicent Roberts^® is set to helm the company's latest production. Together, with her team of trusty assistants, she's sure to take the film world by storm." The line also hints at "romance on the horizon. But whether the romance will be a smashing success or horrible heartbreak is anyone's guess! After all, this is Hollywood, and lives are changed overnight. In the blink of an eye, dashed hopes become tomorrow's next big thing". The line promises that we will meet the other dolls in the line, and "if you enjoy love, mystery, and intrigue as much as we do, you'll keep your eyes on this developing storyline!"	1 Modern Circle™ Ken^® doll is a passionate set designer whose style reflects his line of work. Featuring the vintage face sculpt, his hair has been updated to a more modern style with highlights framing his face. He wears dark denim jeans and a leather-like jacket over a green turtleneck. He carries with him a portfolio containing two drawings of his set designs.
		Barbie® of Swan Lake Ken® as Prince Daniel Barbie® of Swan Lake Ken® as Prince Daniel AA August 2003
	Foreign Edition Flower Surprise Ken* A must have for your Ken® doll collection! I purchased mine from Singapore at http://www.magmaheritage.com. Not only is he nicely done, the 1997 Ken® head mold is ball-jointed (love that) and he has bent arms. Mattel just keeps improving the facial painting on Ken® dolls who use the 1997 Ken® head mold! The accessories are far better than we see in domestic versions. The multi-color flower bouquet is wrapped in prismatic color cello and tied with pink ribbon. A pink plastic box of chocolates is also included with lid. Like his domestic tuxedo-clad counterparts, the black tuxedo is a one piece that has a white shirt with three black buttons (the shirt is the dreaded sleeveless variety) with an attached pink cummerbund and bow tie. The matching black tuxedo jacket has peak lapels and includes a pink and multi-color net handkerchief in the left breast pocket that becomes a corsage for Barbie® doll. Inside the box is a 2003 six month foreign languages calendar booklet (January-June) that pictures play line dolls in the 2003 line. All of the dolls pictured are also domestic line dolls except for the Flower Surprise™ dolls and a Barbie® doll that is yet to be identified.
*James Bond 007 Gift Set Off on another electrifying adventure, Ken® doll steps into the role of James Bond, as debonair as any of the five actors who portrayed the master spy on screen. His midnight blue suit is an authentic re-creation of the classic tuxedo worn by Bond and designed by the renowned clothier Brioni. He carries a sleek briefcase, packed with top secret papers for his latest MI6 assignment. Barbie® doll is the perfect "Bond girl" in a fabulous ensemble created by Lindy Hemming, the Academy Award®-winning designer enlisted for the 20th Bond film. A fabulous golden lace gown and striking red shawl lend cosmopolitan glamour, while her indispensable "cell phone," strapped discreetly to her thigh, awaits the "call" to action. © 1962-2002 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. "James Bond", "007", "007 Gun Logo", "Gun Barrel / Iris" logo, "Silhouette" logos, "Fortieth Anniversary" logo and related James Bond Trademarks are Trademarks of Danjaq, LLC, Licensed by Eon Productions Limited. All rights reserved.

*Skate Date Ken and Skate Date Ken AA Ken is ready for inline skating for every season. In the spring or summer, Ken can roll along with skates that have working wheels. For winter skating, just pop off the wheels and pop on the skating blades for ice skating. Ken comes dressed in pants that tear away to shorts and a cross-seasonal scarf for two different fashion looks. He even comes with an extra pair of skates for Barbie. Includes Ken doll, shirt, pants/shorts, scarf, helmet, one pair of boots for Ken with ice skate blades and wheels, one pair of boots for Barbie with ice skate blades and wheels, two cardboard magazines and cardboard coffee cup.
2003 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ ! Press the picture to enhance, or choose a link.

"Checks & Balances" Fashion Avenue #56871-0580 Who says Accountants are boring? A pop of royal and light blue color checks ought to liven up Ken® doll's blue chips, and gold prices are looking good, especially in attached ties. Navy pants and tassel loafers add a bit of comfort to Ken® doll's busy day at Mattel, Inc. Analyzing all those pie charts are easier on Ken® doll's laptop computer, and he can always back them up on his chipboard floppy discs. Mattel keeps Ken® so busy, its handy to have a chipboard palm pilot to keep appointments organized!	"Saturday Matinee" Fashion Avenue #56872-0580 Ken® calls Barbie® on his black cell phone at the last minute to surprise her with personalized "Ken®" and "Barbie®" tickets (set aside just for them) for the matinee production at the community theater. Ken® picked up a gift to bring along for Barbie® (something already wrapped in a chipboard present). Ken® picks out a flashy magenta color jacket with ribbed knit sleeves to wear, along with a pair of sporty cement color pants. He throws on a pair brown lace-up shoes and is out the door!

*"Pop Solo"* Fashion Avenue #56873-0580 Included in the new line is another music inspired Ken® fashion. It's another great look for the boy band member who is finally going solo. That "boy" would be Ken®, and his fashion is "live"! The best part of the fashion is the pleather pants and interesting black cowboy boots! Chipboard "Ken®" concert poster and backstage pass are also included, which match the appliqué on the short-sleeved base ball t-shirt. A cordless headset microphone is ready to slip on Ken® doll's head, right in time for the live performance. This fashion is jammin'!	"Moleskins At The Mall" Fashion Avenue #56874-0580 Hands down, this fashion IS fashion! The combination of the dark denim jacket paired with moleskin material pants (in the "in" color camel) makes this fashion my favorite in the collection. You'll love the stitching details of the jacket and the wider cut of the pants. Accessories include a black flip cell phone and a surprisingly masculine colored shopping bag. A "Ken®" magazine is also included picturing Ken® dressed in Fashion Avenue "Snow Play " #25752-24278-0980 (from 1999) on the cover to read in case Barbie® doll takes too long in the dressing room.
I found ALL five late 2003 KEN® FASHION AVENUE™ fashions at Target. These five fashions represent the second half of the 2003 line. The early 2003 fashions came out early in the year. (See above). The late 2003 fashions feature new packaging and are marked with a 2002 date. I don't know if it was intentional, but you'll notice that yellow is a prevalent color used in the new line. This collection really didn't capture any current trends for a time stamp. Mattel is trying to top 2001 and 2002's Ken® doll's casual clothes offerings in three of the fashions #B3221, #B3222 and #B3223. I was impressed with #B3221 the most, probably because it was something that someone would actually wear. The burnt sienna color cords paired with the charcoal knit top looks great. #B3222 peaked my enthusiasm mostly because of the interesting tan/brown distressed pants, and I really liked the top that it was paired with. #B3223, however, will probably be the most talked about of the three casual offerings. There's really a lot to say about it. While I know most of you don't like Ken® doll's name emblazed on his clothing, it really doesn't bother me as much as the pants the name is appliquéd onto. These pants can only be associated with someone stuck perpetually in the 1980's. I don't think that even a store like "Hot Topic" would have any success peddling these, (but they may peak Rocker's Ken attention). Truly way off the fashion mark, give this fashion credit for the conversations that will ensue about it. I wasn't really impressed with Ken doll's business attire #B3220 either, expect maybe for the use of color. The designer was right on the mark with the use of yellow, which has overtaken red as the "power" color in Businessmen's attire. I'm probably just disappointed that we still haven't gotten an entire suit, and I've been waiting since 1997, which was the last year that Ken doll got a new suit in 1997 Fashion Avenue #18099-18103. My quote when reviewing the 2002 line: "The first thing I noticed right away is there is no suit fashion for Ken® in the new 2002 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line. I'm still passionate about this subject and I'll keep mentioning it until Ken® gets another Fashion Avenue™ suit!"
	"Metro Camo" Fashion Avenue #56875-0580 Straight from the "Young Men's" department, this fashion puts the "h" in "hip"! Try the straight-cut camouflage pants on a Ken® doll and you find they lay lower on the waist for that right-at-the-moment fit. Ken® doll's navy/gray dip dye tank t-shirt matches the pants just enough without creating a "matchy" feel. The lace-up medium blue and gray sneakers bring this fashion together! Portable CD player with headphones are included, as well as chipboard "Ken®" CD and matching magazine. This urban styled outfit will give Ken® doll a fresh, younger appeal. To see a closer look at the accessories with this fashion follow this link: Ken Fashion Avenue #56875 (Accessories).
All in all, when comparing these five new offerings to previous KEN® FASHION AVENUE™ outfits, they really don't compare. For example, the 2002 line had charm with the continuation of an earlier 2001 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line that showcased music. 2001's Fashion Avenue #29683-0980 "In The House Fashion, was followed by two new music related fashions, #56351 Hip Hop Style™ and #56352 On Tour™. I wrote, "Obviously, the tradition of showcasing current trends is still important at Mattel, and I think that the cool edge design of the two music related fashion captured that tradition". 2003's line has lost this intensity, along with the charm. Also missing are the basic "must-have" fashions. The casual 2003 fashions don't come close to the great design of the 2002 "date" fashions. 2002's two date outfits did (my quote again) "double duty with one being serious (#56348 Date At 8:00), and the other casual (#56347 Friday Night Movie). Both date fashions were my two favorite fashions of the collection, and believe it or not, I preferred the casual "Abercrombie" look of the casual fashion over the "Gap" look of the dressier fashion. But both date fashions are "right on target" for the type of date Ken® would go on!" Even the late 2001 line featured Fashion Avenue "Campus Cool" #52592-0980 and #56350 Campus Man™, which in my opinion quote "continues the "Ken® on campus" theme. The whole campus theme brings back thoughts of Campus Hero #770 in spirit, but #56350 Campus Man™ captures what Freshman college guys might wear when they buy their back-to-school clothes at the beginning of the year. Eventually the jeans would become faded and that poplin shirt would probably get traded in for the ease of a knit t-shirt. Finally, Ken doll's "get-away" fashion #56349 Adventure In The Tropics™ surprised me because it has pants instead of shorts. I was pleasantly surprised that Mattel did not include any shorts in the entire 2002 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line. I think the short and swim fashions should be saved for the Ken® Fashion Favorites™ line." Obviously, I had a lot to say about how pleased I was with both the 2001 and 2002 KEN® FASHION AVENUE™ fashions. I was inspired and noticed the attention to details. Both lines had charisma. The late 2003 line doesn't inspire or impress. It seemed that Mattel had elevated the KEN® FASHION AVENUE™ line to a point of satisfaction with consumers and collectors. Unfortunately, the late 2003 line has brought us back to a place we don't wish to revisit. Hopefully, Barbie® doll's "Beat Street™" fashion line designers can lend a hand for Ken® doll's fashions in 2004!
LATE 2003 KEN® FASHION AVENUE™

KEN® Fashion Avenue #B3219 A pair of light blue with blue/navy/yellow/white tropical print jam length shorts is paired with a pieced blue with white sleeve t-shirt with yellow/white chest stripe. The only really special feature of this fashion is a red surfer image on the front of the shirt. It also includes blue sunglasses, visor and sandals.	KEN® Fashion Avenue #B3220 Black pants set off a bold white/lt. blue/blue/navy/yellow stripe shirt that has an attached navy tie with yellow dots. Accessories include black glasses and shoes.

KEN® Fashion Avenue #B3221 My favorite of the five, this fashion features burnt sienna color cords paired with a charcoal w/orange, yellow, tan and white chest stripe knit long-sleeve top. Accessories include gray shoes, portable CD player w/headphones and silver glasses.	KEN® Fashion Avenue #B3222 My second favorite fashion, mostly because of the interesting tan/brown distressed pants. They are paired with a light blue thick mesh top with silver ribbon down front and red "K" appliqué jacket. Light yellow-green boots, light blue glasses and water bottle are also included
	New fashions are marked just "Ken®", but are similar to the Stylin' Looks™ fashion line from previous years. The packaging is now international, and has the same product number #68040, which has been used since 1995. Using the same product code year after year makes it confusing, but at least the packages are marked with a year to tell you when they were released. The new package is marked 2002. 2002 Ken Fashions #68040 2002 Ken Fashions #68040 2002 Ken Fashions #68040 2002 Ken Fashions #68040
KEN® Fashion Avenue #B3223 These dyed effect aqua cuffed pants w/yellow "KEN" appliqué down right leg are to die for (literally)...A pieced white/yellow t-shirt with "01" appliqué pull this interesting outfit together. Yellow sunglasses, black boom box and white shoes are also included.

2002 Line!
	LE Fashion Doll Series Tango Barbie & Ken Gift Set Barbie® and Ken® make a sizzling couple as they dance the Tango in Latin-inspired outfits. Barbie® doll’s fitted red dress with plunging neckline accentuates her every move with dangling red fringe and hanging black and pink feathers. Black net stockings and black heels add a racy touch, while hot pink three-quarter length gloves and dangling rhinestone earrings complete the ensemble. Her upswept brown hair is adorned with a pink rose and feathers, and in her mouth, she clenches a single rose given to her by her partner, Ken®. With rooted hair and rugged-looking facial hair, Ken® makes a dashing companion. He’s dressed in pinstriped pants, red collared shirt, and six-button vest that features a black and red floral pattern on back. A matching tie, black shoes, and a silvery watch chain complete his outfit. FAO Schwarz Exclusive*
*Concert Date Ken® and Concert Date Ken AA Mattel has brought us from the "cool" line to the dating pool. The "cool" line, which began in box date 1996 (and ended in box date 1999), featured such dolls as Cool Shavin' Ken, Totally Cool Ken (Casual), Totally Cool Ken (Suit), Cool Lookin' Ken and Cool School Ken. The "date" line seems to be picking up where the "cool" line ended. It is hard to determine whether Mattel conceived the "date" line with 1996's Great Date Ken, but it seems that the date line is here to stay. Mattel has created other Ken® date dolls in the past, but not so close together. If this is a new Ken® series, you'll want to dive into the dating pool for the newest Concert Date Ken doll. He's the latest date in the Barbie line, and second in the "date" series following Movie Date Ken and Movie Date Ken AA. This "series" is quickly becoming a favorite with me. I love the fact that there is no matching Barbie®. This essentially makes Ken® carry the series on his own without the help of Barbie® doll. Movie Date dated Flower Power Barbie®, and Concert Date dates Spot Scene™. Look in your local store and you will see that these dolls are displayed separately, not together. If it is head molds you thrive on, Concert Date is for you. At first glance I thought this was the1997 Ken® head mold, but it is indeed the 1990 Ken® head mold. This head is seeing a lot of activity lately and was just used for Barbie in the Nutcracker Ken as Prince Eric this year and previously on Cool Lookin' Ken and Prince Ken (Sleeping Beauty's) (both box dated 1998). It may look familiar, but look what they did with it! Concert Date Ken's hair color can best be described by a Barbie® collector because Ken® has never had this color of rooted hair. The color is referred to as "ginger" and is a cross between brown and blonde. The head is completely rooted...no bald surprise when you lift up the back flap. It is rooted to the neck line and cut accordingly. What makes this Ken super cool is his flip bangs which stand straight up in front, and in opinion, make this doll ultra cool. You will also notice that Concert Date has brown eyes, not the standard blue. Gone is the "cartoonish" look of the eye painting on this head mold as seen on Big Brother Ken & Baby Brother Tommy (box date 1996). The eyes are painted much smaller. The combo of hair and eye color is awesome! For all the greatness, newness and fulfillment the head mold will provide, the rest of him will fall short of most Ken doll collector's expectations. I was let down with the rest of the "package". First of all, Concert Date has PTR (Point To Rear) arms, which is different from the publicity photos from Mattel (pictured above). Personally I think these arms should be left for the swim line...or discontinued entirely. I prefer the bent arms, and I think I speak for a lot of us out there. Concert Date's black shoes fell off as soon as I deboxed him. I think if he had some socks it would of solved this problem. It seems that our sock griping has not been noticed. You'll find out that your shoes will immediately fall off too. I base this assumption on fact: I deboxed three different Concert Date Ken® dolls and the shoes fell off before I even got the wires off. SOCKS please! The navy cuff pants are cute, but not with that tonal green on green shirt which is ill-fitting as you try to move the arms. In the publicity photo (and on the back of the box) Concert Date is shown wearing dark denim pants with cuff. I wish they had stuck with the prototype and used the denim pants instead of the navy blue pants in the produced version. The shirt has "87-63 K-B" on it. I assume the "K" is for Ken® and the "B" is for Barbie®, but can you guess what the "87-63" means? A prize will be rewarded to the most thoughtful answer. I really wasn't concerned about the costume. I really liked this Ken® doll and had already envisioned him in Fashion Avenue "Power Move" #52594-0980. He'll looked great in about anything else except what he is dressed in.

	A Ken® collector request has been answered! It comes in the form of Concert Date Ken® AA! Just recently, Barbie® Collectibles™ unveiled 40th Anniversary Ken AA with rooted hair. This head mold, which debuted an AA version of Ken® with rooted hair, is available again this year. The best news is it is in the less expensive play line for the second showing. You may remember that I collected your "Ken® Wish Lists" last Christmas, here at Keeping Ken. An African American version of Ken® with rooted (not molded) was requested by several Ken® "wishers". I think it is very exciting to see that Mattel not only delivered on the promise, they also made it available in the play line. Start thinking up your new wish lists soon! I can tell you the most requested "wish" is to add Ken® doll into the "Dolls Of The World" series, which has been replaced with the "Princesses Of The World" series. So, shall we wish for Ken® to be represented as a "Prince Of The World"? There are lots of emails STILL expressing interest in a Vintage reproduction. I would like to see Mattel use the 1996 Ken® head mold (Harley Davidson Ken) next year in the play line. I think it is only fair if the Barbie® "Mackie" head mold can cross over to the play line, the 1996 Ken® head mold should too! Concert Date Ken® AA uses a modified Jamal head mold with new markings. It is marked ©1991.97 MATTEL INC. and is used for a second time on this doll (first used for 40th Anniversary Ken AA this year).
BARBIE® AS RAPUNZEL Barbie doll became an overnight movie sensation in 2001 with her award-winning, top-selling debut video, "Barbie in the Nutcracker." Now the screen will sparkle once again with the fall 2002 premiere of "Barbie as Rapunzel." A contemporary twist on the classic fairytale, Mattel's screenplay casts Barbie as Rapunzel, a courageous, imaginative girl who is locked away in a tower and magically paints her way to a life of freedom and love. While "Barbie in the Nutcracker" introduced girls to classical ballet and music, Rapunzel's exciting adventure encourages girls to unleash their creativity and introduces them to the world of fine art. "Barbie as Rapunzel" will continue to engage girls in the Brand in a fresh exciting way, while touching girls with the inspiring message that where there is love, imagination and determination, anything is possible. The full-length, motion-capture CGI video will be accompanied by a colorful world of characters, accessories, and licensed products - all of which reflect the story's magic and beauty.

Ken® doll as Prince Stefan Girls will fall in love with playing out the romance of "Barbie as Rapunzel" with Ken doll as the charming Prince Stefan. And, the beautiful fairytale will magically come to life with Prince Stefan Ken speaking three different phrases to Rapunzel Barbie. With "Rapunzel, let down your hair," "Rapunzel I love you," and several sounds from the story, Ken doll's talking feature will romance girls and Rapunzel Barbie alike. Wielding a sword and shield, the majestic prince dons a stately ensemble that includes beige satin pants, a blue satin coat embellished with gold brocade trim, gold boots and a regal crown. Kelly® & Tommy(TM) dolls from "Barbie® as Rapunzel" Kelly and Tommy dolls - a huge success in the "Barbie in the Nutcracker" doll assortment - will make enchanting additions to the Rapunzel doll collection. Each of the four little dolls in the assortment is dressed for the masked ball, the exciting climax of the "Barbie as Rapunzel" story. These adorable younger siblings to Prince Stefan each have a fun princess or prince theme to allow girls to play out the magic and royalty of "Barbie as Rapunzel." Kelly® doll blossoms as the Petal Princess(TM) in a darling pink dress with roses and a princess hat. Melody® doll takes flight as an Angel Princess(TM) in a white dress with wings and a halo. Lorena® doll sprouts beautiful feathers as the Peacock Princess(TM) in a blue dress with beautiful "feathers" and Tommy(TM) doll stands regal and stately as the Barbie as Rapunzel Tommy as Li'l Prince and Barbie as Rapunzel Tommy as Li'l Prince AA in his ornate, blue and gold prince costume.
	Palm Beach Ken® and Palm Beach Steven™ For those of you who like the 1990 Alan® head mold, here is your chance to find it again in the inexpensive swim line. This head mold has not been used on a domestic doll since Florida Vacation Ken in (box date) 1998. When comparing the two dolls together you will find many similarities, but I prefer the eye painting on the Florida Vacation compared to Palm Beach. The Palm Beach line introduces "Lea®" a new Barbie®/Ken® friend. She will replace Kira® who is the current Asian American friend. The girls in this line are receiving a lot of notice for their "always dressed" look. Their swim trunks are painted on, but Ken® and Steven™ have swim trunks made of real material. Palm Beach Ken® doll's accessories are made of cardboard...even the towel. The sheet of cardboard punch-outs may vary with each doll, but I found the Lea® and Ken® have the exact same things. Interestingly, Lea's were already punched out for you while Ken's were still on a sheet. Ken® and Lea®'s "magazine" has Christie® on the front. If you find the accessories differ from doll to doll, let me know. Probably the first thing you will notice about Palm Beach Steven™ is his light skin tone. I have never seen this skin tone color used for an African American male doll in the Barbie® line, but correct me if I am wrong. This from Mike J* at TRU: [I wanted to] let you know that my store finally got in the Palm Beach Steven™ doll. He is rather interesting. To begin with, he is the first Steven™ made with the lighter skin tones that we have seen on several of the Christie®/Black Barbie® dolls. Secondly, and most oddly, he has heavy eye makeup, and painted-on eyelashes. I noticed that the Barbie in the Nutcracker Ken as Prince Eric AA had heavy eye makeup, but I figured that wasn't unusual for a ballet dancer, even though the white version was less made-up. But now, the Palm Beach doll comes along, and the eyelashes and eye makeup look rather effeminate.
2002 KEN® FASHION AVENUE™ !
After weeks of searching, I finally located all six of the new Ken® Fashion Avenue™ fashions! I have to admit that for me, the new Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line is something I anticipate seeing more than a new version of Ken®! Working in the clothing industry myself, I love seeing the clothing Mattel has designed just for Ken®! The first thing I noticed right away is there is no suit fashion for Ken® in the new 2002 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line. I'm still passionate about this subject and I'll keep mentioning it until Ken® gets another Fashion Avenue™ suit! However, I do like each and everyone of the new fashions, and found that there is a prevalent theme continuing from the 2001 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line. The early 2001 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line showcased Fashion Avenue #29683-0980 "In The House Fashion, and it seems that Mattel wants Ken® doll to continue to be a music sensation with two new music related fashions, #56351 Hip Hop Style™ and #56352 On Tour™. I find this concept completely charming. It speaks to the core consumer, who probably would like Ken® doll to become their "Boy Band" dream date for Barbie® doll. I felt that these two fashions are a reflection on current trends, which is exactly what Mattel's Barbie® doll fashions have always represented. Obviously, the tradition of showcasing current trends is still important at Mattel, and I think that the cool edge design of the two music related fashion captured that tradition. The other four fashions are basic "must-haves". The two date outfits do double duty with one being serious (#56348 Date At 8:00), and the other casual (#56347 Friday Night Movie). Both date fashions were my two favorite fashions of the collection, and believe it or not, I preferred the casual "Abercrombie" look of the casual fashion over the "Gap" look of the dressier fashion. But both date fashions are "right on target" for the type of date Ken® would go on! The late 2001 line featured Fashion Avenue "Campus Cool" #52592-0980 and #56350 Campus Man™ continues the "Ken® on campus" theme. The whole campus theme brings back thoughts of Campus Hero #770 in spirit, but #56350 Campus Man™ captures what Freshman college guys might wear when they buy their back-to-school clothes at the beginning of the year. Eventually the jeans would become faded and that poplin shirt would probably get traded in for the ease of a knit t-shirt. Finally, Ken doll's "get-away" fashion #56349 Adventure In The Tropics™ surprised me because it has pants instead of shorts. I was pleasantly surprised that Mattel did not include any shorts in the entire 2002 Ken® Fashion Avenue™ line. I think the short and swim fashions should be saved for the Ken® Fashion Favorites™ line. For larger image, press on the photo or link.

Fashion Avenue "Friday Night Movie" #25752-56347-0980 This Abercrombie & Fitch inspired date fashion was my favorite new fashion, probably because it mixes a denim jacket with athletic pants and sneakers. Accessories include soda glass and pepperoni pizza with mushrooms. It must be a "date-in", because a video cassette tape and remote control are included.	Fashion Avenue "Date At 8:00" #25752-56348-0980 A Gap inspired date fashion for a date away from home with a lot of class! The brick red wool sweater blends well with the midnight blue pants and lace-up oxfords. Accessories include a cell phone, glasses and a money clip with cash. Of course the fashion includes the latest issue of Ken® doll's favorite magazine, "Stylish!"

Fashion Avenue "Adventure In The Tropics" #25752-56349-0980 This crisp casual vacation fashion will keep Ken® doll looking cool in the warmest climate! The tropical island print shirt mixes well with the linen look pants and sandals. Ken® must be enjoying the balmy tropical breeze aboard a cruise ship, because the fashion includes a cruise ticket as well as a passport and "Travel" magazine. The ship must be docking, because Ken® brought his sun glasses and is ready to take some pictures with his camera!	Fashion Avenue "Campus Man" #25752-56350-0980 Ken® wears his new back-to-school clothes on campus. The aqua/navy plaid shirt matches well with his dark denim jeans and navy sneakers. Ready for class, he carries his "Mathematics" and "Geometry" books and two spiral notebooks. He'll need that ruler for class and the lock to lock his locker.

Fashion Avenue "Hip Hop Style" #25752-56351-0980 This style is inspired by main stream Hip Hop fashion providers like Ecko, Akademiks, Enyce and Fubu to name a few. The rinsed jeans feature yellow thread stitching and are wide enough at the bottom to fit right on his "kicks" (the new thick ribbed sole sneakers). The yellow Nehru collar windbreaker has a long faux zipper and true to the style, has the "Ken® Sport" logo where it will be noticed for label consciousness. Also included is a portable CD player with headphones and an extra "Jam Session" CD that has 10 tracks. A "Hip Hop" magazine is also included to keep up on the newest release, and the best titles!	Fashion Avenue "On Tour" #25752-56352-0980 Probably the most imaginative of the six new outfits is this "Pop Star" fashion inspired by Boy Band members. While mall stores like Wet Seal appeal to the female Pop Star wannabes, Mattel pulls together a look that has "boy" written all over it! The low-rise gray slacks have a clean waist line and look great with the royal blue "Ken" logo poplin shirt with silver "buttons". The newer style lace-up black shoes go perfectly with this ensemble. Ken comes equipped with everything he will need while he is on his Pop Music Concert tour, including a poster, cell phone, nutrition bar and sunglasses so he won't be spotted by his adoring fans.
*2002 Ken® Stylin' Looks™ Fashion Line!* For an expanded image, press the link below each picture!

*2001 Stylin' Looks Fashions #68040* Out of the four new styles, you'll find that this outfit is most like past fashions for this line. The "denim" shorts will be familiar along with the same cut shirt in a new pattern and color. The sandals are the newer slide style.	2001 Stylin' Looks Fashions #68040 This one is my favorite of the four. The v-neck shirt is nice "normal" pastel colors. Notice that the shorts have attached pull strings, which add a trendy, fashionable touch. The sandals are the brown "Teva" style.

2001 Stylin' Looks Fashions #68040 Check it out, Ken now has cropped shorts! The olive color of the shorts utilizes military inspired themes, which is right in style in current menswear lines. They also have an ultra trendy on-the-calf length. This is so in style with men's short styles! The baseball t-shirt is back in style, but the appliqué is not. Oh well, I like the "Ken" appliqué (in case some other doll decides to raid his closet). The shoes are the older tennis shoe style in white.	2001 Stylin' Looks Fashions #68040 Yes, another basketball outfit, which now confirms that this is Ken doll's favorite sport. This quote of the Keeping Ken BB from "justtwoguys": "The # 32 outfit is terrific only because that is Karl Malone's NBA# from the UTAH JAZZ! yahooooooo We love you Mattel!" This outfit is orange/royal blue combo with royal blue hi-tops.

2001 Line!
*Barbie in the Nutcracker Ken as Prince Eric and Barbie in the Nutcracker Ken as Prince Eric AA July 2001 These dolls will be released in conjunction with the release of Barbie's FIRST full-length motion picture in the fall (direct to video). This movie will be made with CGI motion--it is NOT a cartoon--Barbie looks real! Choreographed by Peter Martins from the New York City Ballet. Play line Ken® as Prince Eric in the Barbie® in the Nutcracker series of dolls is now appearing in stores. This Ken® is pretty standard with the 1990 Ken® head mold with same rooted on the top hairstyle. There is also an African American version of this doll with the Jamal head mold. With all the new head molds and hair rooting, we were bound to see the return of both of these head molds some time this year. I was disappointed with this doll, but that's ok because I looking forward to Artisan Entertainment's Family Home Entertainment (FHE) division's distribution of "Barbie® In The Nutcracker", the first ever full-length feature film for Mattel's Barbie® brand. The movie hit stores on October 2, 2001. For the full story go here.
You can "transform" Ken® into the Nutcracker with an included mask and hat (and to also hide that hair rooting on the 1990 head mold) making the doll a little more festive. I had hoped because of the additional marketing involved with this line, that this Ken® would have been a little more imaginative. I was really surprised to see the 1990 Ken® head mold used for this doll, especially since he retails for $19.99. Ken® can dance with the help of an included frosted white plastic dance stand doll holder, which becomes useless unless you also purchase the Sugarplum Princess Barbie® doll. She comes with the dance stand that this piece will attach to. I found that this marketing decision to be a poor one. Not that I am nitpicking on the accessories, but how else can you view it except as another glaring reminder that Mattel is still promoting Ken® as an accessory to Barbie®? Ken® as Prince Eric in the Barbie® in the Nutcracker makes that point very clear. I also feel that the consumer may be put off from buying the Ken®, especially if he doesn't have the features the Barbie® doll has at the same price. No Barbie® equals no dancing for Ken®.
Tales of the Arabian Nights Item #50827 Barbie Collectibles/Magic & Mystery Collection Limited Edition July 2001* Ken as the Sultan is Barbie doll’s dashing companion. He wears a red tunic with golden and turquoise trim over billowy golden pants. A blue and purple sash ties at his waist and serves as a place to rest his trusty sword. His colorful turban shines with a faux ruby and is topped with a golden plume.
Item #50722 40th Anniversary Ken and #52967 40th Anniversary Ken AA Barbie Collectibles/Anniversary Dolls Collector Edition June 2001
	*Photographer Ken Canada