Claudia Schiffer Barbie finally gets a commercial release - is the doll meeting expectations?

Back in 2017, for her 30th career anniversary and the release of her book, Mattel made an OOAK Barbie in the likeness of Claudia Schiffer, the famous supermodel from Germany. That doll recreated one of Claudia Schiffer’s iconic looks from a 1994 Ellen Von Unwerth photo shoot for Vogue Italia, wearing a metallic Versace dress. Three years later, to celebrate the model’s 50th birthday, Mattel presented two more OOAK Claudia Barbies: one wearing a Versace 1994 Atelier blue gown, and another dressed in a Balmain design similar to one worn by Schiffer in the label’s spring 2016 campaign.

Credit: The Mega Agency

Credit: The Mega Agency

Now, Mattel decided to release a commercial Barbie Claudie, recreating the cerulean pleated floor-length gown by Versace, combined with a faille taffeta bustier inspired by the signature Versace corset bodice. Per Mattel “The doll makes a bold statement, pairing Schiffer’s strength and femininity with Versace’s luxurious glamour”.

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer Barbie® Doll in Versace

Designer: Carlyle Nuera

Label: Platinum

Face Sculpt: Claudia Schiffer likeness

Body Type: Pivotal

Includes Certificate of Authenticity

Doll cannot stand alone. Doll stand included. Colours and decorations may vary. Purchase limits subject to change at the sole discretion of Mattel.

SKU#: HCB94

The Story: Claudia Schiffer chose what Barbie would wear for a doll in her honour. This is one of her all-time favourite gowns, celebrating an iconic ‘90s fashion moment. "Recreating the gown in Barbie scale was a fun challenge,” says designer Carlyle Nuera. “I studied any photo I could find and watched videos of the runway show over and over.” Strappy heels, blonde curls, and soft makeup complete the look. This doll is inspired by the 2020 design made in honour of Schiffer's 50th birthday.

Am I the only one that thinks they did a hatchet job on the new doll? The face paint does not replicate the model faithfully, even though the doll sculpt is the same used in the OOAK dolls. Of course one cannot expect a commercial doll to have the same standards as a one off doll, but still I believe for the price, ($85 in the US, at least $170 in Europe) they could have done better. The hair is also not styled very well. The gown is weird - why would anyone gather a pleated fabric at the waist, when the original design is not like this? Probably to create volume at the bottom of the dress, since the pleats are straight and not like the original. The sewing of the corset is also not that good. And those plastic shoes? For such a limited release, it is awful. There seems to be a discrepancy regarding the quantity of dolls produced: the US certificates give 5,000, the EU ones 1,000. It may refer to the specific markets but they could have just written 6,000.

All doll photos courtesy of Mattel. Claudia Schiffer photos by Ellen Von Unwerth unless otherwise stated.

Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang doll is released!

Teased in Instagram and eagerly anticipated by collectors, the Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang doll is released by Mattel. I think it is great that, not only do we get a doll that actually looks like the designer it is honouring, we get one that is not another blonde caucasian iteration of the usual Barbie iterations. Plus, Vera Wang is a great designer, with a long history, much respected in her profession and beyond. She has a long history with Mattel, with various dolls wearing her bridal gowns released through the years and becoming highly sought after collectibles.

The doll is designed by Carlyle Nuyera and is a Signature Collection Barbie, now available on the Mattel Creations website for $40.00 - 5 dolls per user allowed.

I simply love this doll. She is beautifully made, with the very particular style and look of Ms. Wang, without any concession to Mattel usual tropes (maybe save some plastic accessories). The price point is great for a doll like this and I would very much like to add her to my collection. Hope she appears on European shops, real or digital, really soon! Can we get more dolls like this please Mattel?

The description on the Mattel Signature website says:

The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture. Inspired by a look from her 2017 ready-to-wear collection, Vera Wang Barbie Doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word LOVE featured at the hem. A peplum belt with a zipper detail, black socks, and platform heels with sculpted buckle details complete her look.

Release date: 5/5/2022

Designer: Carlyle Nuera

Label: Black

Facial Sculpt: Vera Wang

Body Type: Articulated Original

Mattel Creations Exclusive. Limit 5 per person. Color and decorations may vary.

SKU#: GXL12

The story of the project from the MC website:

She's an iconic designer and businesswoman who grew her brand from a small bridal boutique into a fashion and lifestyle empire. She's earned numerous awards for her powerful contributions to the fashion industry – including the Legion of Honor from France – a testament to her enduring creativity and the lasting imprint she's made on fashion and culture. She's Vera Wang, the latest powerhouse to join the Barbie Tribute Collection, and as a Mattel Creations Exclusive!

The Barbie Tribute Collection celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact our culture. Lucille Ball was our first honouree, and now we're adding Wang, the entrepreneur and globally renowned fashion designer. And her influence extends far beyond fashion according to Barbie Signature Lead Designer Carlyle Nuera, who headed up the team that brought this doll to Mattel Creations today.

"As an Asian-American designer myself, Vera having a fashion and business empire that has spanned decades is inspirational," Carlyle says. "She’s a global household name, which I feel is so important for representation, for Asian-Americans who want to pursue a career in the arts or design. Or who need to convince their nervous parents that this is actually a viable career path!"

So when the opportunity arrived to create a doll in Wang's likeness, Carlyle jumped at the chance. "We’ve done Barbie dolls wearing Vera Wang’s designs in the past: an evening gown in 1998, and bridal gowns in 1997, 2008, and 2011," he recalls. "This is the first time we’re doing a Barbie doll of Vera herself, and decades later. It’s full circle! I think that in itself shows the scope of Vera’s career and staying power as a fashion designer."

Wang's career as one of the most prominent and iconic designers of bridal wear began with the opening of her flagship salon in New York City in 1990. But her influence was never destined to stop there. In 2000, she launched her first ready-to-wear collection, and that's where the Vera Wang Barbie Doll gets its fashion inspiration. Drawing on a look from her 2017 runway show, our doll wears a monochromatic ensemble featuring a black romper under a chiffon dress with attached puff sleeves, a front slit, and the word "LOVE" featured at the hem. "Vera added the word ‘LOVE’ in a Gothic script to the hem of the dress, which I think reflects the positivity Vera herself always expresses on social media," Carlyle explains.

Recreating the couture outfit did come with its challenges, but our team rose to the occasion with creative solutions. Carlyle shed a bit a bit of light on one in particular: "Because the outfit is made of three separate pieces – the shorts romper, chiffon dress, and peplum belt – the patternmakers had to engineer each piece to lay correctly under each piece so it wouldn’t look bulky."

That peplum belt with the zipper detail, along with the black socks and platform heels with sculpted buckle details, complete the presentation. "I added some black nail polish to finish the look. It's all the same as the runway look, down to the socks worn with the buckle heels," Carlyle says. The doll is also sculpted to Vera Wang's likeness and features her signature long, straight hair.

Model: Fei Fei Sun

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv

If you like to remove your dolls from the doll box, you'll have endless posing possibilities with the Vera Wang Barbie Doll, which was created with the Articulated Original doll body and comes with a doll stand. If you prefer her in the box, you'll still have a beautiful addition to your doll display, thanks to Packaging Designer Sarah Pata. And if you're collecting all the dolls in the Tribute Collection, Sarah has some fun news for you.

"We knew we needed a package design that felt cohesive but could also be 'adaptable' for any future dolls," Sarah says. "Knowing this, we decided to use a consistent package shape for all the dolls in the line, to help unify the collection. This also allowed us the flexibility to modify the package color and artwork to better match each new doll."

Our Barbie Tribute Collection Vera Wang Barbie Doll is available now in the online shop, and remember, she's a Mattel Creations exclusive! This Black Label doll sells for $40, and the limit of 5 dolls per person lets you shop for yourself and for gift-giving opportunities, too. So click or tap on over the Barbie Signature shop and pick up yours today.

All photos and information (except the runway one) are courtesy of Mattel Creations.

May the 4th be with you - with brand new Barbie Star Wars dolls!

Less than a year after the first three Barbie Star Wars dolls were revealed by Mattel and, appropriately, on May the 4th (May the force be with you is a popular Star Wars universe greeting for those not on the know), four new dolls are available for preorder from Barbie Signature. Rey, C-3PO, a Storm Trooper and Chewbacca are the latest beauties to be added to the Leia, Darth Vader and R2D2 ones already out there. As before, they are again fashion interpretations of the Star Wars characters, not faithful representations of them. And again they succeed in that, with brilliant iterations of iconic looks and beautiful dolls. The price is again $100.00 each, with Chewbacca reaching $150.00 as it’s platinum label edition and Barbie Signature online exclusive - the rest of them are Gold label. Unfortunately all have the Model Muse body, which means no articulation. I think the Star Wars Barbie dolls are a missed opportunity regarding articulation. They are shipping from June 1st till the 15th, with limitations due to the global pandemic affecting shipments.

Star Wars™ Rey x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $100.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 1, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. As she was drawn into a galaxy-wide conflict between the First Order and the Resistance, the mysterious power of The Force set Rey™ on the path to discovering her destiny in a time when the Jedi Order was virtually extinct. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from Rey’s legendary look to capture her adventurous spirit in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars Rey x Barbie® doll wears a crystal pleated chiffon gown with a crossover neckline and draped hood, inspired by Rey’s gauzy crosspiece. A slit reveals ombre boot-leggings in gold and copper hues, and accessories with a hammered gold look complete her heroic ensemble. Star Wars Rey x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: Earring, dress, belt,2 arm band, boots w/ softgoods, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Crystal pleated chiffon gown, ombre boot-leggings, accessories

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Millie collector size

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 13" x 2" x 8"

• Limit 2 per person

• © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

SKU #: GLY28

A beautiful interpretation of Rey - if she had to go to the Met Gala! Incidentally, that would be today, if it weren’t for the pandemic. Apart from the missing articulation, the rest looks lovely. The Grecian goddess style fits her, the hair is intriguing enough and the ombré boots are her avant guard element. I hope the jewellery looks this good up close and not too plastic. Yes, I’d get her if I could. Maybe someday.

Star Wars™ C-3PO x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $100.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 15, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Programmed for etiquette and protocol and built by the heroic Jedi Anakin Skywalker, C-3PO™ was involved in some of the galaxy’s most defining moments and thrilling battles. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from C-3PO’s legendary look to capture his golden armor in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars C-3PO x Barbie® doll shines in a head-to-toe liquid gold look with accents of sheer organza and golden sequins. Polished details include a golden collar, bangles, C-3PO-inspired glasses and a brilliant cincture echoing the droid’s primary power coupler outlet. Star Wars C-3PO x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: dress, boots w/ softgoods, hair piece, necklace,arm cuffs,hand covers, belt and chain, sunglasses, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Dress with sheer organza accents and golden sequins, glasses

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Mbili

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 17" x 5" x 10"

• Limit 2 per person

• © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

SKU #: GLY30

C-3PO as a fashion Doll is easily the best of the bunch - and better than the three previous SW dolls too! Not only she has a beautifully rendered outfit but the doll herself is magnificent. Look at that face! Want, want, want!

Star Wars™ Stormtrooper x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $100.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 1, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Stormtroopers’ imposing white armor, blaster rifles and great skill make them a force to be reckoned with, and their fanatic loyalty to the Empire renders them steadfast -- and lethal -- in their fight for the Imperial cause. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from the troops’ legendary look to capture their plastoid armor in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars Stormtrooper x Barbie® doll is striking in head-to-toe white over a black bodysuit with a shiny patent-leather look. A platinum bob, dark glasses, cuffs, a utility belt and boots with a knee protector plate detail complete the battle armor-inspired look. Star Wars Stormtrooper x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: Sunglasses, back plate, hand covers & arm bands, bodice, chocker, belt, boots, doll stand, leggings, skirt, bodysuit, blouse, jacket

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Plastoid armor in head-to-toe white over a black patent leather-inspired bodysuit

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Karl

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 5" x 10"

• Limit 2 per person

• © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

SKU #: GLY29

The Storm Trooper is like a white version of the Darth Vader Barbie, sans cape. Or like Debbie Harry doing a cameo in New Hope! The eye makeup design veers on ancient Egyptian territory. Perfect.

Star Wars™ Chewbacca x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

Offered price of the product is $150.00

PRE-ORDER - AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON JUNE 5, 2020

• PRODUCT FEATURES

  The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collection, inspired by the films’ original concept art, re-imagines iconic Star Wars characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. During his long life, Chewbacca™ has been many things: Wookiee warrior, ace smuggler and rebel hero. This collectible Star Wars x Barbie® doll takes design inspiration from Chewie’s legendary look, bringing a glamorous edge to signature costume elements in a runway-ready silhouette. Star Wars Chewbacca x Barbie® doll wears a lavish faux fur coat over a strapless dress with a fur skirt and bodice of vinyl and sheer organza. Chic details include a furry headband and knee-high boots, as well as cuff bracelets and a handbag inspired by Chewbacca’s signature bandolier and satchel. Star Wars Chewbacca x Barbie® doll makes the perfect addition to any collection and a great gift for Star Wars and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Platinum

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 5/4/2020

• Included with doll: Head piece, dress, jacket, purse, boot cuffs, boots, bodice,arm cuffs, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Faux fur coat, strapless dress, fur skirt, boots

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: ModelMuse

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: Lea/Kayla

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 17" x 5" x 10"

• Limit 2 per person

• SKU #: GMM96

This is the Barbie.com exclusive doll - you can only preorder her from Mattel. I’m never crazy about fur, even fake fur, and this is no exception. The fact that she looks like Kim Kardashian dressed up as Chewbacca certainly does not help. The fur detail on the box doesn’t justify the extra 50 bucks. Pass.

Barbie enters the Star Wars universe!

It was expected for quite some time, there were even preorders from dealers available, but we had not seen any photos of the Barbie Star Wars dolls. But now they have arrived, with the doll’s already available to preorder at the official Barbie website and Amazon. They were inspired by original concept art from Star Wars: A New Hope. Robert Best, the designer of the three doll Star Wars™ X Barbie® Collection puts a high-fashion twist on the iconic characters. The official Barbie blog had an exclusive interview with Robert Best about his love for Star Wars, design challenges, and his experience in bringing this new collection to life.

What was particularly exciting or unique about this collaboration for you?

The unique aspects of this come from the collaboration of two unique icons that truly stand alone. Barbie and Star Wars are cultural phenomena like no others and so it’s exciting to bring these two worlds together. I also think it might be an unexpected collaboration and I love that.

The character of R2-D2 is instantly recognizable. What are some of the more subtle ways you integrated elements of the droid's design into the doll’s fashion?

Barbie doll’s hair and make-up firstly are a fun, subtle nod to the signature shapes and colors that fans of R2-D2 will recognize. Her belt is a very specific R2-D2 element that immediately stands out. The silver lining of the puffer vest is also a nice detail.

With the Leia-inspired doll, how did you approach the task of designing a look that’s fresh, yet honors the original, since the movie costume and hairstyle are so indelibly iconic?

With the look inspired by Princess Leia, I knew that keeping the signature elements would be important and the challenge was making them different enough where it didn’t feel like a costume or a strict recreation. I also wanted to make sure Leia's confidence shined through. I took the hairstyle (that might be one of the most recognizable of all time) and added braids and volume as well as lowering the placement. For the gown I really wanted to amp up the glamour but still keep it relatively clean & simple. We created a stunning white gown with dramatic cape-like sleeves, highlighted with the silver corset belt, necklace and cuffs adding a cool touch of shine and texture.

Darth Vader’s movie costume is actually a suit of life-supporting armor and cybernetics. How did that fact change, enhance, and/or limit your approach to the doll’s couture design?

While these details are interesting and relevant to the characters in the narrative related to the films, when you're creating a look “inspired by,” the purpose is to capture the essence of the character and include notable details. Then, it becomes more about what the costume and its narrative purpose represents emotionally, and finding a way to convey that through fashion.

What do you think fans of Star Wars and Barbie will be most excited about?

As a fan of both myself, my hope is that fans will share the excitement and joy that I had when creating these dolls from this unique and amazing collaboration. For me personally, this was definitely a dream collaboration and I hope that comes through to the fans.

Below you can see each doll with the details from the Barbie website plus the official description. The $100.00 price for each is a bit steep, but not unusual for collector dolls with this kind of packaging - the boxes look amazing. For this price level though, they should have had articulation (just imagine the posing!) and some of the accessories could ave been made in better material. They will be available on the 18th of November. More comments on each doll below.

Star Wars™ R2D2 x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$100.00

PRE-ORDER 
AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019

SKU #: GHT79

The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collaboration is an homage to Star Wars: A New Hope. This eponymous collection, inspired by the film’s original concept art, re-imagines iconic characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. A resourceful astromech droid, skilled starship mechanic and fighter pilot’s assistant, R2-D2 showed great bravery in rescuing his masters and their friends from many perils. Star Wars™ R2-D2 x Barbie® doll captures the lovable droid’s look in a geometric ensemble with a dome skirt, bomber jacket and thigh-high boots over silvery tights. A vibrant blue ponytail and “radar eye” detail complete the look. Star Wars™ R2-D2 x Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Star Wars™ and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars™ doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 8/13/2019

• Included with doll: Jacket, gloves, Top, Skirt, tights

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Dome skirt, bomber jacket and thigh-high boots over silvery tights

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: Model Muse (Straight arms)

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: BCP92

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 6" x 11"

She’s the hip, young one of the trio, fittingly for the character she is inspired from. The use of the elements of R2D2’s construction is imaginative and creative, even with her make up and hair. The bag is a hint for the other droid, C3PO; smart, but I would have loved to see a doll inspired by that one. Maybe later on - imagine another trio with dolls inspired by C3PO, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. I also love the box design. It immediately brings the film sets to mind and can be displayed open or closed.

Star Wars™ Darth Vader x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$100.00

PRE-ORDER 
AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019

SKU #: GHT80

The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collaboration is an homage to Star Wars: A New Hope. This eponymous collection, inspired by the film’s original concept art, re-imagines iconic characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Once a heroic Jedi Knight, Darth Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force, became a Sith Lord, and led the Empire’s eradication of the Jedi Order. This collectible Star Wars™ x Barbie® doll captures Darth Vader’s Sith armor silhouette in a head-to-toe shiny-black ensemble. Metallic details at her collar and waist, dark glasses and an emblematic black cape finish the look. Star Wars™ Darth Vader x Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Star Wars™ and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars™ doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 8/13/2019

• Fashion: Shiny-black peplum top, panelled pencil skirt and knee-high boots

• Fashion Sewn On?: Yes

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Body Type: Model Muse (Straight arms)

• Facial sculpt: N6599

• Included with doll: Glasses, Choker, Holster, Corset, boots, clutch, Doll Stand

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 6" x 11"

They have to have a female Vader in the new films ASAP! This is incredible: the styling and fashion are gorgeous and fit the character inspiration perfectly. My only peeve is with her sunglasses: they should have resembled the iconic Vader face mask a bit more. The helmet hair help a lot though. Superb. Anna Wintour has found a match!

Princess Leia Star Wars x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$100.00

PRE-ORDER
AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019

The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collaboration is an homage to Star Wars: A New Hope. This eponymous collection, inspired by the film’s original concept art, re-imagines iconic characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Princess Leia Organa was one of the Rebel Alliance’s greatest leaders, fearless on the battlefield and dedicated to ending the tyranny of the Empire. This collectible Star Wars™ x Barbie® doll captures Princess Leia’s iconic look in an elegant white gown with dramatic, floor-length sleeves. Details include a silvery peplum belt, cuff jewelry and an up-do inspired by her signature bun hairstyle. Star Wars™ Princess Leia x Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Star Wars™ and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars™ doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 8/13/2019

• Included with doll: Necklace, cuffs, belt, shoes, clutch, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: White gown with silver peplum belt

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: Model Muse (Double bent arms)

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: DYX39 Collector Size Millie (Closed Mouth)

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 6" x 11"

What a beautiful tribute to Carrie Fisher and Leia Organa. I love how it references the original costume and styling from the first film, while transforming it into a high fashion look. If only the boots were not moulded plastic.

© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All information, interview and photos courtesy of Mattel.

Marvel and Mattel unveil amazing X-Men ladies in SDCC: Storm, Dark Phoenix and Mystique

It is not uncommon for Marvel and other big companies to unveil new superhero dolls in SDCC - in fact it’s a given, even when they are not comic-con exclusives. So yesterday, during the event’s preview day, the three X-Men ladies everyone had been waiting for were unveiled. They celebrate Marvel’s 80-year anniversary.

From Mattel designer Bill Greening’s instagram - the SDCC stand of the Marvel Barbies

The three dolls use the same body as the Wonder Woman collector doll and will be available from today to pre-order exclusively from Gamestop.com and Barbie Signature. The release date is October and they will then be available in shops as well. Retail price $54.99. We know dealers have been able to pre-order them so contact your favourite dealer for details.

STORM: Born Ororo Munroe, Storm is one of the most powerful mutants on Earth. As a member of the X-Men team, she confounds enemies with her ability to manipulate weather and the atmosphere. Storm Barbie® doll is as electrifying as the character she emulates. This collectible Barbie® doll captures Storm’s iconic look in a shiny-black bodysuit, cape and thigh-high boots, all with metallic-gold trim. Gauntlets, a headdress and her signature gemstone brooch finish the fierce look.

The dolls are designed with their original comic book looks, no relation to their movie counterparts. I love how Storm looks here, although the lack of heels on her boots is weird for these feet. I know Storm hovers over the ground instead of walking on it when she’s on super hero mode but this does not work perfectly for a doll. Other than that, she’s perfection. It looks like she is using the Selma sculpt.

MYSTIQUE: This Super Villain is a mutant born with the ability to shapeshift. She deceives her enemies by mimicking the appearance and voice of any person. Mystique Barbie® doll is as beguiling as the character she emulates. This collectible Barbie® doll captures the Super Villain’s iconic look in a white dress with a double slit and belt of skulls. Details include white gloves, boots, and the signature skull detail adorning her forehead.

Great Mystique doll - I hope the hair will be perfect like this IRL. Love the scull accessories. She has the Louboutin sculpt.

DARK PHOENIX: Also known as Jean Grey-Summers, Dark Phoenix is an Omega-level mutant with telepathic and telekinetic powers. This beloved character, who has faced numerous deaths and rebirths, wrestles with her personal demons. Dark Phoenix Barbie® doll is as fierce as the character she emulates. This collectible Barbie® doll captures Dark Phoenix’s iconic look in a red bodysuit with shimmering gold details, including the gold phoenix graphic, thigh-high boots, gloves and a sash.

Beautiful Jean grey in her Dark Phoenix era, using the Mermaid sculpt. Again no heel boots, probably because she was not walking but flying all the time.