|
There are disadvantages to being a Canadian doll collector - some dolls are only released in the United States, or only in select markets of Canada.
But sometimes, we Canadians are treated to Canada or Canada/Europe exclusives, or we can find dolls that just aren't widely distributed. This page
is devoted to some of the rarities that I have found.
The Mackie-faced blonde Style Barbie:
In 1999, Mattel released Style Barbie in three different versions - blonde,
brunette, and titian. Each came with a different outfit, but they all used
the smiling Superstar face mold. European and Canadian collectors were
delighted to discover that a Mackie-faced version was also released as a
blonde.
I managed to find both versions of the blonde, and the Superstar-faced brunette,
locally. I did some trading of the Mackie-faced blonde to get the titian
style from US collectors. Long live the Internet! :-)
For the new or non-collector - the Superstar face mold is the one smiling
with teeth showing. The closed mouth face mold is called the Mackie because
it was first used with Bob Mackie's Neptune Fantasy Barbie.
The Blondes
 |
 |
The #8587/8588 Dolls:
These dolls get their names from their stock numbers. They are less commonly known as "spare parts" dolls, because
that's what they are made of. In the early 1970's, Mattel took a bunch of arms and legs and torsos, and repackaged the dolls as Canada/Europe
Barbies. I have several in my collection. Some have Twist 'N Turn torsos, some have Barbie/Midge torsos. Some have bendable
legs, but most have straight legs. I even have a Barbie doll with Francie arms! The #8588 dolls came with a pretty Steffie face mold.
Some of the dolls come with a really cheaply made head. Thin plastic, sparsely rooted hair - Mattel should be ashamed. These dolls
are what I use for bodies only - I have some vintage heads that need bodies. They also have some problems - a doll with a TNT torso
and straight legs tends to have legs that splay out, so they can't wear tight fitting clothes. Still, they are better than paying $$$
on Ebay for a vintage body!
#8588 dolls
 |
 |
The Cindy Dolls:
While cruising the Canex at the local army base, I found a fashion doll, made in China, by the name of
Cindy. She is produced by Crown Favour, whoever they are. What intrigued me was the series of dolls
dressed in military outfits. I bought one to take it home, and make sure that the clothes would fit my Barbies.
They do! I went back and got the whole set. Here are pictures scanned from the back of the box:
The Cindy Dolls
| Air Force Cindy | Army Cindy | Navy Cindy |
 |
 |
 |
I have more dolls to add, but I haven't taken pictures of them yet. *grin*
Last updated October 10, 1999
|
