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2006 Line!

 
FASHION FEVER™

Another male doll in the Fashion Fever™  line! A Fashion Fever Modern Trends Collection Doll  line is available in January 2006.  Collectors are disappointed to see that it isn't another version of Fashion Fever Kurt™...or even a new character like Blaine™ or even Ken®! Mattel doesn't include a name on the packaging (except for the trademark Barbie®) on any of the Fashion Fever™ Modern Trends Collection dolls.  This doll has been spotted at Wal-Mart and Target.  As you can see from the picture he has bottle blonde hair and is wearing a vintage paisley shirt with pearl snap buttons.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but he looks to be sporting a new style of boots too!

For more information with a listing, visit the Fashion Fever page!

 

PICTURED RIGHT:  New Fashion Fever™ Modern Trends Collection™  Doll.

HIS STYLE Fashions

The male doll fashion assortment pictured left are now appearing at Wal-Mart stores.  Thanks to Zoila Castilla for the large pictures of the actual fashions in their packages!  This news from Brad: 

"They are packaged like some past outfits and are not on a mannequin. They are labeled 'His Style' and a big 'Barbie' label is pasted on the front of the package. They do not say 'Ken' anywhere except on the very back where it says 'Fits most Ken dolls' in several languages. They look good overall and I am glad to get more than one outfit this year for Ken. Maybe since Ken is not back just yet they wanted to keep it under wraps until he does come back".

RIGHT/BELOW:  "His Style" fashions.  Clockwise:  His Style Fashion #J0528, His Style Fashion #J0530 and His Style Fashion #J0529.  Photos courtesy of Zoila Castilla.

 

 

MATTEL TO BRING KEN DOLL BACK IN 2006!

2006 will be a year focused in bringing back Ken® doll to the Barbie® line, and hopefully a great marketing comeback for Mattel, who will be recognizing Ken doll's 45th anniversary in 2006.  After a marketing misstep in 2004 announcing the breakup of Barbie and Ken in a press release on 2-12-04 at Toy Fair titled "THE STORYBOOK ROMANCE COMES TO AN END FOR BARBIE® AND KEN®" (see Feature Story Archive 02.12.04), Mattel is deciding to bring Ken doll back...in a new and improved way! Ever since the Barbie/Ken breakup and Barbie doll's pairing with new Aussie surfer dude boyfriend Blaine, collectors, the media and financial analysts have been critical.  In the annual 2005 January/February issue of Business 2.0 magazine, this marketing decision came in at #59 in the article "101 Dumbest Moments in Business". 

Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel (who made the breakup announcement in 2004), is again in charge of Ken doll's marketing.  On October 20, 2005, she made an announcement, only saying that fans might see big changes this spring.  "A makeover may be just what Ken needs to step back into the spotlight," she said.  Collectors, the media and financial analysts are hoping that Ms. Arons will have a little more brand loyalty this time around.  Mattel may be giving its Ken doll a turn in the spotlight with hints of a makeover on the horizon, but the toymaker's move to revamp Ken could end up bringing the focus back to Barbie.  I'm thinking that the new marketing strategy may be centered around the theme of Ken reappearing in 2006, just as handsome as can be, but with the "Do we think he can win her heart???" angle.  I do love the fact the Mattel is finally acknowledging that Ken has a fan base.  Ken's fans might see "some big changes in Spring 2006," Mattel said in a statement. The company did not offer specific details about the makeover, but personal stylists offered some suggestions. Among the changes they'd like to see are a better tan, an eyelid surgery that allows him to wink at his favorite lady and a more lean and defined physique.  Personally, the winking eye thing scares me...remember the 1980 winking eye Western Barbie doll?

Link to AP article:  Ken May Get Makeover, Try to Win Back Barbie

The marketing machine is already in the works with Ken doll making a splash on the predominately Barbie-only Barbie.com web.  A (very) fun game called "Give Ken A HOT New Look" lets you choose hair colors and styles, different style clothing, personalities and macho vehicles.  There is even career choices that include teacher, firefighter or veterinarian.  Looks like there will be no slacking off with the new Ken. 

Pictured Below:  One of my final choices in the "Give Ken A HOT New Look" game at Barbie.com.

 

 

UPDATE:  To see a picture of Beach Fun Ken in the box, follow this link:  Beach Fun Ken

ABOVE:  The "new" Ken, styled-out and unveiled by premier Hollywood stylist, Phillip Bloch.  Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch has created this one-of-a-kind Ken, decked out in a motorcycle jacket, to be sold for charity for $500 to the first lucky fan who signs on to barbiecollector.com on Feb. 14. 

FOLLOW UP: 

This from Mattel about the Ken that was supposed to go on sale on the BarbieCollector.com site: 
 
"Mattel has decided not to proceed with the ‘I ♥ Ken® doll Super Gift Set’ on February 14, 2006, as previously announced. For technical reasons, we concluded that we could not ensure that interested potential buyers all would have a fair opportunity to obtain this one-of-a-kind offering. Mattel will donate the full amount of the proposed sale price to the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired. The Ken® doll designed by Phillip Bloch will remain in the Mattel archives for now.

BELOW:  Hollywood stylist Phillip Bloch unveils Mattel's restyled Ken doll at the American International Toy Fair, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, in New York. (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)

Full article here:  A Makeover of a Romance

2-9-06 During the news conference this morning, timed to the opening of the American International Toy Fair in New York on Sunday, the new and improved Ken will emerge, restyled by a celebrity primper, Phillip Bloch, who has dressed Pierce Brosnan, Johnny Depp and Sean Combs.

Gone are Ken's outdated swimming trunks and dull T-shirts. Ken's new wardrobe will include cargo pants, a fitted suit with peak lapels and a motorcycle jacket. A facial resculpting, as Mattel calls it — Ken's first in more than a decade — will give him a more defined nose and a softer mouth.

"It's Matthew McConaughey meets Orlando Bloom," Mr. Bloch said in an interview.

BELOW:  Mattel's restyled Ken doll is introduced Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006 at the American International Toy Fair in New York. The world's No. 1 toy maker said Thursday it has given Barbie's boyfriend a makeover, calling him 'a changed man' who 'exudes a new sense of his own personal style.' Mattel, which reported lower fourth-quarter earnings last month on slowing sales of its Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars, said that Ken now sports two new looks: the first aimed at making a love reconnection with Barbie, including torn rough jeans and a weathered motocross leather jacket, and the second, reflecting his beach-boy roots, complete with sun-kissed hair. (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)

Ken doll gets some press in USA Today newspaper today (2-8-06) in an article is Lifestyles about upcoming popular toys.  Follow this link for a scan of the article:

USA Today Ken Doll Article 2-8-06

The picture in the article is the new Beach Fun Ken doll, not the New Look Ken (mentioned below).  For more information on Beach Fun Ken, this doll has now been added to the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-2005 page!

But more on the New Look Ken in this press release from Mattel (RIGHT).  He unveils himself  Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 11:00-11:30 a.m. in the Mattel showroom in New York!

ABOVE:  Beach Fun Ken doll!

 

Ken(R) Unveils an All-New Look, Sets Out to Win Barbie(R) Back 

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.

WHO:          The "new" Ken(R), styled-out and unveiled by premier
              Hollywood stylist, Phillip Bloch, whose clients have
              included Halle Berry, Jim Carrey, John Travolta, Sandra
              Bullock, Faye Dunaway, Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Drew
              Barrymore and Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
         

WHEN:         Thursday, February 9, 2006
              10:30 a.m.           Media arrival time
              11:00-11:30 a.m.     Unveiling and photo opportunity


WHERE:        Mattel Showroom
              28 West 23rd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
              6th Floor
              New York, NY

VISUALS:      --  Original Ken(R) dolls through the decades on display
              --  The "new" Ken(R)
 
INTERVIEWS:   --  Hollywood stylist Phillip Bloch
              --  Mattel Representative


BACKGROUND:   Since 1961, Ken(R) has been the ultimate "arm candy"...
              the strong but silent accessory to the glamorous
              Barbie(R) doll. And, just like his gal-pal Barbie(R),
              Ken(R) has a very active, colorful and exciting life.
              From astronaut to athlete to actor, Ken(R) has been a
              worldwide pop culture favorite for several generations,
              oftentimes reflecting the ever-changing styles and hot
              trends of each era.

 

ABOVE:  New Look Ken.

Here are some pictures sent from Robert R.  Thanks Robert! Robert said "I just picked up the "New Look Ken" doll at the Toys R Us in NY. I must say he look fantastic. They only had the one Ken doll and he was limited to only 5 per customer."

 "The New Look" Ken® doll sold out FAST! The doll was only available at the Toys R Us in NY Times Square for $17.99 on 2-10-06.  Even though it is a play line doll, it was extremely limited.

This news from Michael J:  "I have not found out much info on what he looks like, but the TRU inventory finally has a listing for the new Ken doll.  In the listings, he is called New Look Ken, and he should retail for around $15- $17.  Unfortunately, he does not appear to be accompanied by any new male friends, or even an Af/Am counterpart.  However, we don't have to wait much longer to see him in stores.  Both the New Look Ken and the Beach Fun Ken should be arriving at TRU sometime within this month.  So hopefully Ken and Barbie will be back together again in time for Valentines Day."

I am really disappointed about the picture history discrepancies on the box.  Other Ken® collectors like Brad have noticed.  Brad said in an email to me that "Mattel used the wrong Ken in the Sun Lovin' Malibu Ken swimsuit in the 80's era picture.  They used the later darker Malibu with the MOD head instead of the Superstar Ken® head".  Like me, Brad was also not sure why they put the prototype 1961 Ken® in the black and white suit on the box.  Makes you wonder why Mattel doesn't check these things out before production...or consult with a Ken® collector who knows the history.

BELOW:  The back of the "The New Look" Ken doll's box.  Press the image for a larger picture.

 

This News from Marcus in Germany: 

"I was shopping today and got this set. It is very difficult to find and I think it is sold out.  I think this is one of the very rare Ken dolls with red hair. I like his color combination and his face paint. I didn't see this set at your site and wonder if you have any information about this set?? Isn't it available in the USA?? This set is part of the very popular Cinderella Collection from 2005, the box is dated also with 2005 and the dolls are made in Indonesia, orig. retail price is 38,-Euro."

Well I haven't seen this set available in the US...anyone else see it available here? Love that red hair!

PICTURED BELOW:  European exclusive Cinderella Collection Ken?

RIGHT:  Cinderella Barbie and Ken Gift Set.

 

TIME TO GET BACK INTO SHOPPING!! A new male doll appearing at Target stores for $12.99 is Barbie Rapunzel's Wedding Prince Stefan Doll.   (Which is completely different from Barbie as Rapunzel Talking Ken as Prince Stefan that was available in 2001).  Obviously, this doll is not a European exclusive.  Although he doesn't use the Ken® trademark name, he does feature a new head mold marked 2005!

RIGHT:  Barbie Rapunzel's Wedding Prince Stefan doll.

  

Superman Returns™ with a new chapter in the beloved saga. After a mysterious five-year absence, the Man of Steel comes back to battle evil and win back Lois Lane, the woman he loves. Ken® doll is the handsome, beloved superhero, Superman™. Includes a free poster for you.  Each sold separately. #J5289 ~ Superman Comics ~ $19.95

The first Ken doll for the 2006 play line is Beach Fun Ken in the Cali Girl™ play line.

Ken® as Superman 2006

First to appear in Australia, and now domestically at Toys R Us (April 2006) is Superman Returns Ken as Superman, releasing with Barbie as Lois Lane (sold separately) from Superman Comics! Please enjoy these pictures of both of the dolls sent from Barbara McCauley/Canberra, Australia!

For more information, this doll has now been added to the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-2005 page!

Pictured:  New Ken as Superman and Barbie as Lois Lane dolls!

 

There are two new "Barbie Brand" fashions models #J6676 and  # J0531 (pictured below).  If you remember, the #J0531 fashion was dressed on Beach Fun Ken at Toy Fair and features a plaid flannel long sleeve shirt, red t-shirt with appliqué, gray khaki pants and light gray tennis shoes.  I haven't located it in my area, but will keep you posted as to when I do find it.  I'm hoping that there we be several new fashions (at least two more) that come along with these two new ones! Thanks to Omar for this news, and Zoila for the pictures.

Also, there is a box variation of Beach Fun Ken appearing at stores without the yellow chipboard "The New Look" circle on the front cello.  This Beach Fun Ken (Box Variation) version is considered a variation since there is a subtle box change made after the initial production period of first version Beach Fun Ken.  I compared the boxes closely and this was the only change I saw, except for a stamped numerical code near the bar code on the variation version as well.  For those collectors out there who like variations, you might want to get both versions for your collection!

Pictured BELOW:  New "Barbie Brand" fashions #J6676 (left) and #J0531 (right).  Thanks to Zoila for the pictures!

 

 

I have been getting reports from European readers that Prince Derek in the Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses doll line is already showing up in stores.  He is now showing up domestically at Target and Wal-Mart stores.  This line is a tie-in with Mattel's new investor relation with Universal Studios (see related story here:  Universal Studios And Mattel Form Multi-Picture, Multi-Year Worldwide Marketing And Distribution DVD Alliance). 

Left is an actual photo Prince Derek, and you will find more pictures at Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Prince Derek Doll now listed on the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 2 2006-Beyond page.  Also, here is a picture of the black version:  Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Prince Derek Doll AA.  I'll post an actual picture when I find this version.

I have to admit I was a little disappointed that the Ken® trademark name is not used for this doll, but from viewer comments, a bunch of you really like this doll!!

 

 

2005 Line!

 

ABOVE:  My Scene™ Mall Maniac™ Boys.

CALI GIRL™

This line will be refreshed with a Beach Fun™ line that will include Beach Fun Ken, Beach Fun Blaine and Beach Fun Steven.

RIGHT:  Beach Fun Blaine doll.  BELOW:  Beach Fun Steven doll.  (Photos courtesy of Jim).

The MY SCENE™ boys are out at the mall with the girls, hitting up the coolest stores around! Dressed in trendy, urban outfits, they come with tons of fun accessories for a fun day of shopping. Both the My Scene™ Mall Maniac™ Boys (pictured left) and Girls are scheduled to release December 2005.

 

Fashion Fever™  

Here are some promotional pictures of the Fall 2005 Fashion Fever™ (Wave 3) doll line.  I am thrilled to see a male doll included in the wave! Early releases of this doll found at the Mattel Toy Store has this doll named "Kurt", and he looks like a brunette version of Blaine.  The girls names are listed as Barbie®, Kayla®, Drew™ and Teresa®.  More info and pictures when I find him in stores.  And without further ado...the most requested thing in the world...pictures of the entire Fall 2005 Fashion Fever™ line that include Wave 2 and Wave 3.  I apologize for the quality of the pictures.  Follow this link:  Fashion Fever™ Fall 2005.

Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus

A new Barbie movie is set to release this year...Barbie 3D Magic of Pegasus Movie. Right now, look for Prince Aidan (CC and AA), the handsome adventurer from the new movie.  Prince Aidan dolls comes with a cute bobble-head friend.  Princess Barbie is the lead character from the movie, and the Princess Barbie doll (available in CC and AA) has a fashion transformation feature and comes with a beautiful wand.  Also, Rayla the Cloud Queen, the beautiful ruler of the Magical Cloud Kingdom.  Rayla the Cloud Queen doll wears a beautiful gown and comes with an adorable mini "flying" pony for her to nurture.  Other mini "flying" pose able ponies will be sold separately.  The dolls and ponies are all scheduled for release in June (no movie release date at this time, or images).

Note:  The Ken® trademark name is not used for this doll.  These dolls are now listed on the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-Beyond page:

MY SCENE®

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!

 

Barbie® Fantasy Tales - Prince Ken® - Tea Party Doll

It turns out that there will be a new domestic release Ken® doll coming out this year.  I am breathing a HUGE sigh of relief!  Mattel will be issuing all of the video fairy tale characters in tea party versions, and Tea Party Prince Ken will be the sole male joining the likes of Tea Party Rapunzel, Tea Party Odette, and Tea Party Clara.

Barbie® Fantasy Tales Tea Party Prince Ken® (pictured right and below) and Barbie Fantasy Tales Tea Party Prince Ken AA  are both Toys R Us exclusives.  Hat's off (or should I say "crowns" off) to Toys R Us for having a Ken® doll exclusive!

 

 

Barbie Princess Collection Enchanted Ball Doll (European Edition) (pictured below) is a foreign market exclusive, spotted at Toys R Us in Germany.  The eyebrow painting is truly unique on this doll, which is one of the reasons I highly recommend you find him! I acquired mine from Germany.  Note:  The Ken® trademark name is not used for this doll.

Enchanted Ball Ken®

 

 

 

Happy Family™

Another bit of disappointing news for Happy Family™ fans...The play set that was to release is canceled and the Happy Family™ Line has been dropped as well.

Although the line has been officially discontinued, there are some items that will be released that are in keeping with the Happy Family Line. Like the "Play All Day Nursery" set, (pictured left).

 

The Play All Day Nursery Set and a Kitchen Set (I don't know what it's actual name is yet) will both be releasing at the same time.  Both come with Midge and baby.  But they are releasing under the "Forever Barbie" umbrella instead of Happy Family.

Recently this month (July '05) I also noticed a Midge and baby set in a play line box.

Pictured Left:  Play All Day Nursery set.

 The My Scene™ guys are ready to celebrate Nolee™ doll’s birthday with the rest of the My Scene™ Club Birthday™ girl dolls. In their cool, trendy new outfits, the guys were sure to wow all of the girls at the club! male dolls in this line included My Scene™ Hudson™, My Scene™ River™ and My Scene™ Sutton™.

It’s Nolee™ doll’s 16th birthday, and the My Scene™ gang is throwing her the coolest birthday party of the year. Even Lindsay Lohan is in on the fun – girls can look inside the My Scene™ Club Birthday™ dolls’ boxes to win a chance to meet the hottest teen star in person! My Scene™ Club Birthday™ dolls are dressed in the latest trendy glam fashions and each one comes with a different birthday present for Nolee™. Dolls include two hip outfits and lots of cool accessories plus cool body jewels as a gift for you!  My Scene™ Lindsay Lohan Instant Win Game available in U.S. and U.K. only.

No pics are available yet for Chelsea & Nolee.

Check out the NEW 2005 My Scene™ FASHIONS here: MY SCENE™ 2005 Fashions

My Scene™ Club Birthday

PICTURED LEFT:  My Scene™ Club Birthday Barbie and RIGHT My Scene™ Club Birthday Madison.

PICTURED BELOW:  My Scene™ Club Birthday are scheduled to release December 2004.  Left to Right, Hudson, River and Sutton!

 

Click on the photos to enlarge.

 

Also, releasing later this year, are My Scene™ Miami Getaway (pictured left) and My Scene™ Day&Nite.  A new girl, Courtney will be introduced in Miami Getaway, but so far there is no mention of which, if any, of the boys will be releasing with them.  You'll notice the name "Courtney" is a Mattel recycled name.

 

Pictured Left:  My Scene™ Day&Nite dolls.  Photo courtesy of Markus from the Mattel Germany catalog.

Pictured Above:  My Scene™ Miami Getaway Girls.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

Pictured Above:  My Scene™ Miami Getaway™ Kezie ®and Vespa® GIifset.

My Scene™ Miami Getaway™ Kezie ®/Delancey™ and Vespa® Gift set...The My Scene™ dolls love jetting around town on their hip Vespa® scooters! Wearing the trendiest new clothes, the girls’ outfits and purses even match the cool graphic fusion designs on their Vespa® scooters. Kenzie® and Delancey™ dolls each come with a matching Vespa® scooter, handbag and helmet.

 

These two gift sets will be releasing in December.

 

Don’t miss out on your chance to get two new dolls, Ken® doll as Legolas, and Barbie® doll as Galadriel from the first movie in the trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Unlike the original Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Gift Set (Barbie® and Ken® as Arwen and Aragorn) gift set, these phenomenal dolls will be sold separately so you can purchase just one or get both!

Ken® doll as Legolas and Barbie® doll as Galadriel will be part of the HOLLYWOOD series of dolls is available now at Walmart.com, Toys “R” Us and Toysrus.com, through authorized Barbie® doll dealers, in the Barbie® Collector catalog, and online in the BarbieCollector.com shop.  I received my doll last week, and you can find more info on the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-Beyond listing page.  This doll is a CE and does not fall into the new edition numbers color coding system.  I'm not really a LOTR fan, but had to have this edition of Ken as Legolas!

Pictured Right:  Ken® doll as Legolas.

 

Ken doll as Legolas in The Lord Of The Rings:  The Fellowship Of The Ring


Son of Thranduil, King of the Elves of Mirkwood, Legolas was a master archer offering protection to the group. Tall and fair, bright-eyed and noble, Legolas was unforgettable. Ken® doll as Legolas will be equally unforgettable in his wonderfully detailed costume, long flowing blond hair, and pointed ears. He even comes with a decorated bow and several arrows, perfect for protecting against unwanted danger!

© MMIII New Line Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. "The Lord of the Rings" and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.

 

 

 

Barbie Collectible edition numbers will become easier to identify in the near future as Mattel will introduce a color coding system to the boxes the dolls are packaged in.  This color coding system will make it easier for the collector to figure out how many units were produced, and how limited the doll really is.  I don't have all the edition numbers, but each color is reflecting a change to the current criteria that was announced in 2000. 

Beginning in 2000, Collector Edition dolls were produced in quantities greater than 35,000, and Limited Edition dolls were produced in quantities limited to 35,000 or less worldwide.  Mattel clearly defined both Collector Edition (including the Children's Collection category) and Limited Edition dolls as ones designed for collecting and displaying, and come in showcase packaging that includes a doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity.

Pictured to the right is a "cheat sheet" to help you understand the old vs. new collector vocabulary as well as the package color code categories.  A slick pink, silver, gold or platinum band on the box will indicate the tier.

 

 

 

2004 Line!

Cali Guy™  Blaine™ doll is the new guy for Barbie®

Above:  Cali Guy Blaine.

Above:  Cali Guy Blaine doll is featured in the Cali Girlzine.  Click the link for a close-up photo.

The voting is over for you to choose who Cali Girl™ Barbie® will date at Barbie.com.  Five different choices were available:  Life partner Ken®, who's portrayed as "sweet and fun, loves to surf", Steven™ "Super easygoing, into nature" or newcomers Blaine™ who is "So totally cute, great at sports" or Diego™, "Terrific swimmer, digs new adventures".  All four guys appear in the "Cali Girlzine"!   It's no surprise that Blaine™ doll won the popular vote at Barbie.com, and will now fill Ken® doll's shoes as Barbie® doll's new "boyfriend", with Mattel promising "they're gonna have the raddest times together!"

There was another choice as well...having Cali Barbie® "stay single".  All of the voting choices were neck-to-neck, with over a million votes recorded.

The vote, like the Cali Girl™ PR campaign follows a carefully crafted script that teeters on making a big splash or belly flopping.  Mattel has now started a advertising campaign on television featuring the Cali Girl™ dolls.  Like  simmering pots, Ken® collectors have been sitting on the stove wondering where this campaign of terror will lead, and after viewing the brief commercial, at least in my case, the pot has finally boiled over.  Time will tell if this type of advertising will play well with the core market, which is really what matters most to Mattel. 

We already know Cali Guy™ Blaine® likes a dare...after all his  fave saying is "Dare me?"  Will he dare to compare?

Cali Guy™ Blaine®

Moving to Southern California has turned out to be surprisingly awesome.  The people are totally cool and laid back and it is a good fit for my extreme sport lifestyle.  I can hit the waves at sunrise, the rails at noon and get in some dirt biking or rock climbing before sundown.  It's the ultimate! Today was no exception. 

Jumped into my 4x4 this morning and hit the waves with my surfing buddies at sunrise.  We caught some pretty radical rides.  At one point I looked back to shore and caught my sister with some friends heading into the surf.  I couldn't take my eyes off the blonde.  It's not like me to hang around my baby sister and her friends, but something about her was different.  I mad a note to self to casually meet up with them later. 

I spotted them at the boardwalk cafe drinking smoothies.  She was definitely a babe! My sister gave me a strange look as I headed toward the table with my friends.  We hung out for a couple minutes, long enough for me to learn her name.  I think I might have to spend more time with my sister.

As I jumped back into my 4x4 and headed up the coast for my home, my mind kept drifting back to those beautiful blue eyes.

Cali Guy™.  A state of cool.

I found Blaine at K's Merchandise for $14.97, well worth the price for the extra clothing and accessories.  The Ken 2001 head mold used for Blaine.  This head mold was last used on the following Ken dolls:

Tango Barbie & Ken Gift Set, James Bond 007 Barbie & Ken Gift Set, Jude Deveraux "The Raider" Barbie® & Ken® Gift Set, The Waltz Barbie® & Ken®  Gift Set, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Gift Set (Barbie® and Ken® as Arwen and Aragorn).

But their is one slight difference.  The head mold has been slightly enlarged, which has set off a firestorm with collectors.  All of the dolls in the Cali Girl™ line (with perhaps the exception of Summer™ who may use a brand new head mold) use existing head molds, not new ones.  They still have the correct earlier dates/markings on the backs of their heads, but they are obviously larger.  Could existing molds been enlarged? Larger heads in general seems to be a trend with Mattel.  From My Scene Fashion Dolls (which are much larger), the Kelly® brand line (which are/were disproportionate), the relatively new Stacie™ line (larger again), and now, the general play line dolls.  Take note that the The Barbie® as The Princess and the Pauper dolls will also have slightly enlarged heads as well, including Ken® as King Dominick™ and Julian™ the Tutor

And, at the time of this writing, there is gossip that perhaps some dolls in the Barbie® Collector™ line may also feature the enlarged heads.  This is purely speculative.

So what is causing the firestorm of negativity towards the enlarged head molds? You can probably thank the Kelly® line for the current situation.  Collector's remember what they don't like, give it a name, and frankly give their opinions.  The fact is, most collectors are disapproving of the change in size.  And like most conversations that are sharply divided, this one isn't.  It's pretty clear that most collectors won't accept this change in the play line, and especially in the Barbie® Collector™ line.

So where does that leave the minority of collectors that actually like the change? Well, I have to pose that question to myself, because I'm (in what seems to be) in the 1% of collectors that really like the change.  My opinion certainly isn't going to win me any popularity contests...that's for sure.  The new "bigger" heads don't bother me. The new dolls heads are only slightly larger than the existing dolls. There isn't much difference. I have mixed the new Cali Girl™ dolls with first edition Cali Girl™ dolls and they look fine together.  I think it's a great change; one I view as a product enhancement.  I did a face-off test by comparing #1 Cali Barbie® to #2 Cali Barbie®. Personally, I prefer #2 much better.

The "Lemonhead" Kelly® dolls are (were) a different story.

Once you accept (or get over) the "enlarged head" ordeal, Cali Guy™ Blaine® (yes, Cali Guy™, not Cali Girl™) doll lives up to his highly anticipated debut! The hype was right. He is certainly a "looker".  What did you expect? Mattel used their very best Ken® doll head mold, and the end result is a no-brainer.  No wonder Cali Girl™ Barbie® is drooling...Cali Guy™ Blaine® looks way more attractive than Cali Girl Ken, who got stuck with a 1990 Ken® head mold.  Both dolls however have one thing in common; they have the horrible PTR (Point To Rear) arms.  (Sorry, but it seems the more we complain about these arms, the more we see them.  Maybe we should stop complaining).

Above:  Cali Girl™ Ken® (Left) and Cali Guy™ Blaine® (Right).  Who would you date?

The first thing I noticed after deboxing was Cali Guy™ Blaine® doll's fashion ensemble.  It's really nice.  Not to harp on cargo shorts in general, but Mattel has produced several versions for Ken® and My Scene™, and this time they finally got them right.  The fabric is so nice I wish I had a pair in my size.  Some of the pieces are standard, while others, like the board shorts with real stings to tie at the waist, hint at detailing.  The simplest fashion piece, a skull cap, proves to be the most thoughtful.

As the Cali Guy™/Cali Girl™ story (drama) continues, let's hope we see a second edition of Cali Guy™ Ken®, and a first edition of Cali Guy™ Diego.  While I have my reservations about the storyline, I think the Cali line is refreshing and exciting.  It is exactly what the play line should be, which is exactly why I'm learning to accept "changes" along the way.  Like most Ken® collectors, I love the play line, especially one that includes Ken® doll.  Right now, I'm willing to be the spectator and a good sport.  While Ken® doll's on the injured (makeover) reserve list, let's let Cali Guy™ Blaine® doll be the replacement Quarterback for awhile.  Mattel can rebuild Ken®.  They did back in 1968-1969. 

I'm really looking forward to Ken® getting back into the game by story end.  Besides, Ken® is what really holds the "team" together.

For more info on Cali Guy™ Blaine®, please visit the updated Blaine page.

 

Barbie® as The Princess and the Pauper Ken® as King Dominick™ and Julian™ the Tutor

Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper.  This year, get ready to see Barbie in a whole new way! America's favorite fashion doll is set to sing for the first time as she takes on the dual roles of princess and pauper in her own lyrical twist of the classic story. Straight from the new movie is Serafina, Princess Annaliese's loyal companion. With animated cat-like movements and more than two minutes of speech, this fluffy friend takes inter-ACT-ing to new heights as a new technology allows her to sing along and react to the movie as it plays on TV.

Barbie® isn’t the only one playing dual roles! With two outfits to choose from, Ken® can play both the king and the tutor from the movie. Ken® as King Dominick™ and Julian™ the Tutor.

Pictured Above:  Barbie® as The Princess and the Pauper Ken® as King Dominick™. 

The Princess and the Pauper PRINCESS ANNELIESE AND JULIAN WEDDING GIFT SET

Another The Princess and the Pauper Gift Set is appearing at Mattel Toy Stores and briefly at target stores.  The Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper/Princess Anneliese and Julian Wedding Gift Set features Julian, Annaliese and a flower girl Kelly® sized doll. 

Julian and Annaliese are dressed in the wedding outfits that are available for sale separately in The Princess and the Pauper line.  This set is similar to the Princess Anneliese & Erika Gift Set that is at TRU.

Julian has blonde hair and the same head and body as Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper Ken as King Dominick doll.  The Julian doll is similar to the blonde doll pictured in the promotional picture below.  The gift set also includes the fashions both dolls are dressed in the promotional picture below (dolls in the front).  The appearance of a Julian doll answers a lot of questions to why a blonde doll appeared so prominently in all the marketing in stores, while only a brunette doll as King Dominick with a Julian fashion was available for sale.

Thanks to Brad B for this news!

Pictured Right:  This Princess and the Pauper PRINCESS ANNELIESE AND JULIAN WEDDING GIFT SET.

Pictured Below:  Mattel The Princess and the Pauper promotional picture.

 

Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper Ken as King Dominick and Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper Ken as King Dominick AA are now appearing in stores ($19.99).  (Both Caucasian and AA versions are available).  Ken comes dressed in the King Dominick outfit (burgundy jacket & knickers, white shirt w/ascot, and a white & gold vest) with crown, "holding" a gift box with a tiara on top. The package includes the Julian outfit (white shirt, blue & gold vest, and navy knickers) with a book & pink rose. There is one pair of gold vinyl boots to share between the two outfits.

Both versions feature the enlarged head molds.  The Caucasian version uses an enlarged 1997 Ken head mold while the AA version uses the 1991.97 Modified Jamal, with new markings "1991-1997" for the enlarged version.  I have begun to list these enlarged head molds separately on the Keeping Ken/Ken Parts Department page.

Also, Barbara in Canberra, Australia sent these two photos below of the fashions connected with the line.

More info about Barbie® as The Princess and the Pauper Ken® as King Dominick™ and Julian™ the Tutor on the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-Beyond page.

Above:  Erika & King Dominick fashion.  Below:  Princess Anneliese & Julian fashion.

ABOVE:  Picture art from Fairy Tale Prince Ken's box shows (from top) Nutcracker Barbie, Rapunzel Barbie and Swan Lake Barbie.

 

 

And if your still bewildered, all your questions are summed up in box text that says, "Relive the Beauty..."

Whatever the story is behind Fairy Tale Prince Ken, one thing is for certain, finally the Princess Barbie® dolls can quit wondering if "some day my Prince will come".  He may not be the original, but at least last minute Holiday shoppers might have a chance to find their Prince as well.  And besides, Fairy Tale Prince Ken carries two wedding rings (on a white satin pillow)...secretly cementing the deal that he's just as good (or better) than the originals.

Barbie Fairy Tale Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince™AA is also available!

 

RIGHT:  Fairy Tale Prince Ken.  For more info, see the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-Beyond page. 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS NEWS:  After three years of proven sales and sell-outs, could Mattel finally be realizing that they may have under produced 2001's Barbie in the Nutcracker Ken as Prince Eric, 2002's Barbie as Rapunzel Talking Ken as Prince Stefan and 2003's Barbie® of Swan Lake Ken® as Prince Daniel? Is Mattel finally realizing that Ken® doll is a hot commodity during the Holiday season? Will the glass ceiling of production levels for Ken® shatter? Is this the turning point Ken® collectors have been yearning for? Will we get even MORE versions of Ken® in 2004? Sorry, I'm getting carried away... 

Barbie Fairy Tale Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince™

It took three years, (and we'll of course have to wait till next Holiday to see), but I think Mattel finally has noticed Ken® during the Holiday.  Which might explain why Mattel has produced a new companion Ken doll to go with the last three Barbie® Holiday play line dolls from 2001-2003 (and three new, less elaborate versions of them).  Previously listed as "Happily Ever After Ken®", Barbie Fairy Tale Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince™ (pictured below) is available on the domestic and foreign market, and one things for certain, this is a stand-in version in case you missed out on the sell-out dolls from previous years.  That's made obvious from the box art pictures of Nutcracker Barbie®, Rapunzel Barbie® and Swan Lake Barbie®.  By changing his sash color, he is the new stand-in for the sold-out version of the original companion Prince Ken® doll to these Princesses.

The Barbie Fairy Tale Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince™AA has finally found it's way to Iowa! I have now added this doll to the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-Beyond page listings!

 

 

Barbie Princess Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince (Foreign Edition)

 

On the foreign market, the Barbie Fairy Tale Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince™ (see above) is changed slightly and paired with three different Barbie® as Disney Princess characters.

Called the "Princess Collection" instead of the "Fairy Tale" collection, the Barbie Princess Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince (Foreign Edition) is awesome! I received mine from Markus, my collector friend in Germany.  The Princess dolls are ballet dancers, so I assume that Ken® is their ballet partner. 

The costume is pretty standard, and yes, he has the straight arms, but I really like him, (mostly because he has two-tone rooted blonde hair).  Don't be expecting any accessories inside the box, what you see is what you get.  There's something about obtaining the foreign edition dolls that make them special as well, so partner with your overseas friends to add this Ken® to your collection!

For more info, see the Keeping Ken The Millennium Era 1999-Beyond page. 

LEFT:  Let's dance!  Barbie Princess Collection Ken as the Fairy Tale Prince (Foreign Edition).

 

BELOW:  K-Mart SSE Route 66 University Ken®.

 

Route 66 University Ken®

K-Mart is still holding in there as a corporation and again  brings Ken collectors another exclusive store special edition (SSE) for a second year.  And things just keep getting better with a SSE Route 66 University Ken, with unique features that are making K-Mart SSE Ken® dolls must haves!

Have you been dreaming about another rooted red-haired Ken doll? Well, check that off your wish list and wake up, because your dream just became a reality.  While it may be a dark shade of auburn, it's definitely a shade of red, and like you, I have been waiting for this hair color to find its way to Ken doll's head again.  This edition marks the third rooted auburn Ken doll produced.  The history of this hair color for Ken is rare.  On painted hair Ken dolls, only a hand full have been produced:  1968's Talking Ken and Talking Ken Spanish (New Good Lookin') Orange/Aqua Outfit,  and 1969's New Good Lookin' Ken.  Then jump to 1988 with Animal Lovin' Ken and SuperStar Ken 1988.  In the nineties we saw auburn hair for both versions of 1991's Rappin' Rockin' Ken (Short Hair) and Rappin' Rockin' Ken (Long Hair).  It was also used in combination with another color (two-tone color) for 1993's Western Stampin' Ken.

The first rooted version of Ken with auburn hair appeared in 1998 for Cool Lookin' Ken (still one of my favorites) and then on 1999's Harley Davidson Ken (Second Edition).  Now we have a third version...and what a great Ken doll!

K-Mart's first editions Route 66 Adventure Ken and Route 66 Adventure Ken AA appeared in 2002, and were the first Ken dolls to appear marked with the year 2002 on his box.  (For a related story on these dolls, visit The Man Behind The Doll presents Adventure Ken and Adventure Ken AA page).  One unique feature of the Adventure Ken included thick-sole lace-up shoes in an olive drab color, and the Caucasian version had an interesting hair style.  Route 66 University Ken sports another unique shoe color; raisin color boots, which I have never seen before.  K-Mart also expands on Route 66 University Ken doll's character.  We find he is a university student studying computer graphic art.  I am unsure if an AA version will be available, so if you see it let me know!

 
    2004 Ken® Fashions!

ABOVE:  2003 Ken Fashion #C1350

 

END OF THE LINE? 

It appears that it is the end of the line (literally) for the Fashion Avenue™ brand name that started (for Ken) in 1996.  The packaging structure for the 2004 line remains the same as the late 2003 line (see related story below), but the sides are now a multi-color print design with the new "Barbie®" logo on the top of the card.  The words "Fashion Avenue™" don't appear on any of the packages, making it easier for Mattel to generically distribute product globally.  The Fashion Avenue™ brand is being replaced by the Fashion Fever brand.  Even though we were assured Fashion Fever™ was a separate entity and would not affect Barbie® doll's fashion line, it appears Fashion Fever™ will be expanding in 2005 and Fashion Avenue™ will be discontinued after all.  Other than the Ken® fashions I don't know if any other new Trends, Beat Street, etc will be releasing before year's end.

A new tuxedo fashion had appeared for Ken® (pictured left), which was part of a Royal Fashions line.  The quality fabric used for the tuxedo makes it one of the best tuxedo fashions ever produced for Ken® doll! Top-notch! You'll have to look on the Barbie® peg in stores however, because this fashion is included with Barbie® doll's dressier gown line.  I am extremely happy to see a Ken® fashion intermixed with a Barbie® line fashion! I hope this tradition continues.

2004 Ken® fashions are dated 2003.  I have now added them to the Keeping Ken Fashion Frenzy! page:  2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #B8227, 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #B8228, 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #B8229, 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #B8230 and 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #B8232.  You'll notice that the letter/numeric sequence that "B8231" isn't represented.  Will there be a sixth fashion?

had to outsource to Canada, but I FINALLY got the late 2004 line of Ken Fashions! I never saw these available in my area, but I have heard that USA collectors found these mostly at K-Mart stores for a very brief time.  I found a few more of them at a KB Toy outlet store for $1.88!  I have added them to the Keeping Ken Fashion Frenzy! page, but here are some quick links:

2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #C3992 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #C3993 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #C3994 2004 Ken Fashion Avenue #C3995

 

TWO Trend combo Barbie/Ken fashions have been located.  The latest Barbie Trend Fashion #C3332 includes "Super Surf & Skate Styles" for Barbie and Ken. Barbie Trend Fashion #C3328 has box text that says "STRIKING bowling looks for Barbie® & Ken® dolls!" You'll have to locate and get this fashion because the shoes for Ken doll are cool colors (to look like bowling shoes)! I don't list the combo fashions on the Keeping Ken Fashion Frenzy! page, but thought you may want to see them.

New Tommy™ doll  fashions have also been added to the Tommy page:  Kelly® Fashions #C3321 and Kelly® Fashions #C3322!

 

 

2003 Line!

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 n