Introduction
Fashion dolls are small dolls with the figures of young women and men. A fashion doll is typically 12” or shorter. These dolls come with stylish dressing and are designed to reflect the fashion trends of the day. Fashion dolls have dual purposes- they are seen both as toys and collectibes. Many age groups starting with small children go for fashion dolls.
A Little History
The history of fashion dolls dates back to the 1950s, when the first models of fashion dolls first appeared. These dolls with the figure of a young woman as against the kid and pre-teen appearance of the then popular dolls created a big revolution or sorts. The new fashion dolls wore high heels and trendy clothing.
The commercial success of fashion dolls happened in the late 1950s. However these dolls had been in the making for quite some time by then. Madame Alexander Doll Company’s Cissy was one such model. Cissy was 21 inch tall, had adult figure and wore formal gowns and trendy street wear.
The early models of fashion dolls were manufactured from hard plastic. Hair was made by glued on wigs. These fashion dolls had eyes that could wink. The eyes remained in open position when the doll was in a standing position and they closed when the doll was kept in a lying position. These dolls also had movable joints at the waist, knees and elbows.
Fashion dolls of eight to ten inches height became the norm by the end of the decade. The next model Cissette from Madame Alexander was launched in 1957. Miss Ginger and Little Miss Ginger fromCosmopolitan, Miss Nancy Ann and Little Miss Nancy Ann from Nancy Ann Storybook, Jill from Vogue and Little Miss Revlon from Ideal were some of the most famous fashion dolls launched in the same decade.
Larger Models
Although eight to ten inches was the standard height of fashion dolls, some companies manufactured bigger models too. Madame Alexander’s Elise, a 16-inch doll was one such model. The American Character Doll Company’s remade version of Sweet Sue as a fashion doll also belonged to this category.
Cheaper Models
Fashion dolls were a quick catch with smaller doll companies that made toned-down versions of the popular models. These used cheaper material and at times the manufacturers did away with the adjustable joints that enabled the original fashion models pose. Needless to say, the outfits and other accessories were also not of the quality of the original fashion dolls. However one of these imitators Barbie later gained such high popularity that the original fashion dolls fell far behind.
How are Fashion Dolls Priced?
The price is determined by factors such as the condition and the brand name. Cheaply manufactured dolls are available at lower prices, while the premium brands command high prices. “Mint” or virtually untouched dolls are the most valuable of the lot. As a rule, well known doll models that entered the market before Barbie tend to be a littlemore expensive.
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