Silken Flame

Vintage Barbie illustrations, built environment, clones and more

Visions of Midge

Color illustration of three Midge characters with flip hairstyles standing in a row; L-R they are brunette, blonde, and ginger, and wear Enchanted Evening, a slim, strapless evening gown in frosty pink with train, white fur-like stole, and opera-length white gloves; red flare, a tent-shaped, knee-length red coat with puff sleeves, short standaway collar with bow trim, matching red pillbox hat, and elbow-length white gloves; and Senior Prom, a strapless, full-skirted gown in green with blue trim and sheer blue overskirt plus short white gloves.
Midges decorating a 1963 Whitman paper doll set
Glossy color prohotgraph of characters occupying the Fashion Shop play set. Dark-haired Ken, at left, wears a black tuxedo. Brunette bubble cut Barbie, center, wears Sophisticated Lady, a pink ballgown with tiara and red evening coat. Midge, beside her, wears Senior Prom again. In the background, on the play set's stage, blonde bubble cut Barbie models Dinner at Eight.
At the Fashion Shop’s grand opening in a 1963 Montgomery Ward catalog (via christmas.musetechnical.com).
Two panels showing color illustrations from the little booklets that came with Barbie dolls. Left, on an orange background, is a very simplistic rendering on brunette Midge in a two-piece swimsuit colored pink and orange, holding on hand to her chin and raising one in the air with a flourish. Text says New! Midge, Barbie's Best Friend, #860, along with smaller, blue text that can't be read at this resolution over the bold orange scribbled background. Behind Midge is a line drawing of a boy in swim trunks sitting under a beach umbrella, and in an inset is a drawing of blonde Midge's floating head. At right, on a white background is a more detailed drawing of ginger Midge and blonde bubble cut Barbie, thier heads leaning close, hands touching, and bodies angled away from each other, wearing pak knit separates. Midge wears the yellow knit top with rainbow striped skirt and sash belt, and holds the white glasses with blue lenses in one hand, while Barbie wears the rainbow dress with fringe collar and holds a gold enevelope clutch. Text says "Baribe and Midge mix 'm match fashion paks; color coordinated separates for Barbie and Midge! Designed for you to create versatile style combinations for any occasion. Each Fashion Pak includes individual hanger for costumes."
Midge introduced in the 1962-dated Barbie, Ken and Midge booklets
Magazine page showing black and white drawing collaged onto green background. A caption reads "Hi! I'm Midge and I'm so happy to meet you!" In the drawing, Midge with chin-length flip wears Cotton Casual, an hourglass-shaped knee-length striped dress with bow details on the front, and stand waving next to a room divider screen. Stuck all over the screen are simple little sketches of Barbie (longer blond hair) and Midge, usually dressed in matching ensembles, doing various activities: wearing striped tops and slim slacks in front of a bicycle; posing in formal gowns; wearing jackets and waving a penant; etc. A pajame top and slakcs also hang on two hangers on the screen. Down the side of the screen, additional text reads, "What fun getting to know Barbie's friends! I've jusr arrived in town, but I feel as if I've know Barbie all my life. As you can see by the snapshots on these pages, we're already fast friends. Sometimes we like to look like twins, so we'll dress alike (although you can always temm me by the freckles on my nose). Other times, we show up in completely different costumes -- after all, you don't want to be a carbon-copy all the time, even of your best friend. You'll be seeing me with Barbie all the time from now on, and I'm looking forward to being your friend, too!
Precious little inset “photos” in Midge’s 1963 Barbie Magazine debut, via jcschneider06 on ebay
Color photograph of a vintage paper doll photo for Barbie, Ken and Midge Paper Dolls ("Clothes Ready to Punch Out - No Scissors Necerssary"; "52 Costumes and Accessories"). Illustrated on the folder are the three characters (blonde ponytail Barbie, blond Ken and your usual ginger Midge) in their swimwear and holding garments before them--but the garments, though same-size as the lifelike characters, are the paper versions with tabs sticking out. An aside, I absolutely love the surreal conceit of this illustration, although its execution here is kinda milquetoast. Anyway, lying atop the folder is the actual Midge paper doll "dressed" in one of the fashions: A black sheath with sheer, loose top and large pink flower on the shoulder. It's not based on an actual Mattel ensemble--the fashions in this set weren't, though those in the illustrations on the folder are all real. The paper doll's pose is with body angled slightly toward the viewer's right, with head turned to our left looking over she shoulder. She has her spray of frecklers and a mild half smile. I digitally darkened the background folder to let the paper doll stand out in this photograph, hence "stealing the spotlight" in the caption.
Stealing the spotlight in ’63
Interior of a different paper doll folder that was just for Midge. The two Midge paper dolls have not been cut out, so the whole forms a nice illustration. Blonde and ginger Midge stand to either side of a dresser, each with one hand on hip, leaning inward. At left, blonde Midge wears a two piece swimsuit in two shared of blue and blue closed-toe shoes. At right, the second Midge has been digitally "dressed" in one of the set's fashions, which is Sorority Meeting but in a church-y powder blue. The ensemble consists of a sheath with knit vest trimmed in white, plus matching brimless hat. The figure's shoes are red as those coordinate with the bathing suit beneath. Between them, the dresser is white with gold trim; a colorful rug runner sits before it; along the dresser top are a vase of flowers, some little perfume and cosmetics bottles; and a b/w photo of (probably) Allan. Also overlaid is a little accssory from the set: a pair of white gloves and powder blue envelope clutch. Rounding out the scene are a pendant light, a gold-framed mirror, some hearts affixed to a ribbon, and two framed pictures of what looks like flowers along the wall. The background is shaded in pink and red.
from a solo Whitman paper doll outing, also 1963.
Two coloring book pages. Left is a line drawing of Midge sitting cross-legged on a bed, wearing slippers and a full-skirted day dress with a little bow at the neckline. A long curtain hangs in back. Midge's head is tilted to sone side, a slightly dreamy look on her face. Bottom caption reads "I'm Glad You're Here, Barbie." At right, a second line drawing labeled "Midge Chooses This One" showing the same curtain at back and Midge in a fit-and flare dress, sleeveless, with sweetheart neckline and wide band waist. With one had she holds the skirt out to demonstrate its fullness. An unknown artist has colored the dress purple, the curtain red, and Midge's hair brown.
Whitman coloring book of the same year
Pair of color illustrations from fashion booklets, these both show Midge in Orange Blossom: strapless yellow knee-length sheath with lace fit-and-flare overdress, plus hat or hair ornament of bow with short veil. At left, from the first Barbie, Ken and Midge booklets, a very simple kinda pointy rendering. Midge has dark hair, alabaster skin, short white gloves, on an orange background. Right, on an acid green background, a more detqailed illustration from a later "Exclusive Fashions" booklet, Midge hs red hair and gloves over the elbow. Both have one foot extended forward with toe pointed to emphasize the slimness of the sheath. Both carry a bouquet and each has her body pointed slightly outward, away from one another, while the ginger Midge's head is turned to look in profile toward her earlier iteration. Ginger Midge wears the veil over her eyes.
Elegant in Orange Blossom in booklets dated ’62 and ’63
Three panels. Left, ginger Midge paper doll from a Little Theater themes set. She wears strapless shapewear in teal that laces up the hips. Center, line drawing froma coloring book shows Midge wearing a short slip dress with tattered hemline, waving her arms. Caption says "Sadie Hawkins Day." Right is color (maybe colorized or airbrushed) catalog entry showing Midge with tightly curled flip, wearing a two-piece swimsuit with bright green top and red bottom (a combo that was not offered, but maybe the yellow didn't come out), standing before a beach scene.
Boudoir to beach, ’64, ’64 and ’63.
Color photograph. Vintage Midge wirth red flip hair on a doll stand, wears Movie Date fit-and-flare, blue-and-white striped dress with sheet overskirt, pearl necklace, short white gloves, and white open-toed shoes. In the backgorund is a black vinyl doll carrying case with an illustration of Midge wearing exactly the same thing sans necklace. A larger Midge head floats at her shoulder and a trail of sparkles dashes across the background.
’64 case with doll to match via kase-5974 on ebay.
Color photo from a catalog shows Midge (ginger) and Barbie (dark bubble cut) standing in a snowy scene with bare trees, evergreens, and a bit of house in the distance. Midge wears a gently flared brown coat with fur collar and matching hat, while Barbie wears Red Flare and carries a matching red velvet envelope clutch. Both wear open-toed shoes: Midge's in white and Barbie's in red, while standing on a snow-look surface. Besides the second-hand pain I feel for their toes, the whole is a surprisingly tranquil scene.
’64 Sears catalog via Wishbook Web. Look at those open-toed shoes in the snow!
Two panels from one booklet debuting the "posable" bend-leg dolls. At left, on a white background, brunette Midge models #1637 Outdoor Life: a blue-and-white checked jacket, white slacks, and white flat-heeled shoes, alond with a white knit cap. Truthfully, the main thing that distinguishes Midge from American Gril (bobbed-hair) Barbie in this catalog is Midge's ubiquitous headband which is covered here, but I did some close comparisons with definite Midges of her sweet face and sideswept bangs to declare this a Midge. Second panel, on acid green backdrop, ginger Midge in two piece pink and red bathing suit and red open-toed heels stands beside new posable Midge, who is seated in her one-piece rainbow-striped, belted swimsuit, with white open-toed heels, white headband, rather bouffant blonde short-cropped hair. The image is labeled Barbie's Best Friend (TM) Midge (R). Note: To dress dolls, slip clothes up over feet and hips.
The booklets’ style evolved up to the bend-leg revolution; see more Midge-y examples here.
Two copies of a Midge paper doll who is a dead ringer for the Little Theater Midge paper doll, only facing the opposite direction. One is "dressed" a white sheath with black trim, wide black belt, black polka dots--one of the Sew-Free fashions--and carrying a black hatbox. The other is "dressed" in a white fit-and-flare dress with colorful butterfly print, pink trim, pink buttons down the bodice; she's surrounded by a light green suitcase that very matchy with her prink, and a brown suitcase covered in travel stickers. (Note: I added these accessories from the paper doll set to the scene, so match-y or non-matchy is my doing.) While these fashions are up-to-date, Midge herself is not. To the right, a second panel shows the cover of this set: in pastels is drawn a rainbow-striped hot air balloon festooned with ribbons and flowers and, ranged around the basket, little drawings of dresses each in a different solid, candy color. Text reads: Barbie and Midge paper dolls Travel Wardrobe, no scissors necessary, clothes just punch out, 58 outfits and accessories.
The ’65 paper doll sets maintained Midge’s classic appearance–example via Arlene’s Vintage Paper Dolls
Color photograph in which bend-leg Barbie (dark hair in sleek bob) and Midge (reddish hair puffed up around a wide headband are seated, Barbie on a slightly higher block, Midge on a lower cylinder or bucket (?), legs bent and crossed, wearing their striped swimsuits and open-toed teal shoes. Barbie faces inward toward Midge who has her hand raised.
’66 Penney catalog
Color catalog image of three dolls. Text says "Barbie and her Friends; Hidden-joint legs bend in 3 positions." All wear swim attire. Sandy-haired Midge sits on the ground, legs extended, one knee bent. One arm behind her, one extend up and out toward the others, who stand and bend toward her, their own arms extended (Barbie in blonde bob, Ken with medium brown hair painted-on). There is no real background to the photo, but a beach scene is suggested by a wash of sandy color behind the figures.
and here’s Sears… did she fall over!?
Box illustration of the then-new PJ character, who has Midge's face with two long, vlonde ponytails, wide round glasses, and no freckles. The P.J. Swingin' in Silver gift set exterior. About half the space is a lush illustration of a European street at night, with stone walls and rain-drenched cobblestones reflecting red lights from the cinema visible at the back; this may have been intended to evoke Carnaby Street or some other fashionable London locale. In the foreground, the illustrated P.J. stands gazing into a shop window, inside which photographs of a silver jacket with white fur sleeves, a minidress with a pink top and silver skirt, and white-fur-trimmed, knee-length silver boots are arrayed on a solid blue background next to a photograph of the P.J. doll herself, wearing a bright pink micro-minidress, two ponytails, and her signature big round glasses. Labels hover above the photographed elements with descriptions like 'SMASHING SILVER "FUR" TRIMMED COAT!' "NEW 'N GROOVY P.J. DOLL/TINY PINK DRESS!" The illustrated P.J. is shown wearing the silver outfit, but she also appears tempted as she gazes at the garments in the window.
PJ, from 1970, is sort of Midge. She’s like when Maddy moved to Twin Peaks, right down to the big ol glasses. Her face was subsequently swapped, and that new face that we all call Steffie would eventually be used for Midge’s circa-1990 revival, about half the time.
A 1970 "New 'n' Groovy" P.J. paper doll folder and paper doll are shown. On the doll and an illustration on the folder, P.J., with long blonde ponytails, is seen wearing oversized glasses and a bored expression. The doll is digitally dressed in a skintight black unitard (or tank and legginds) with a bell-sleeved reddish crochet overdress, low-slung belt, and mary janes.
There were at least five solo PJ paper doll sets between 1970 and 1972. That’s not counting World of Barbie and others with multiple characters.
Two panels showing product photos of modern, ginger Midge dolls. At right, the silkstone, looks true to the vintage original. Her curls are tight (as 1963 Midge's came) and hair looks glossier than the 60s version. She has her two-piece yellow and orange swimsuit and pink wrist tag. At left, a new interpretation with a modern heart-shaped face sculpt done in 60s-appropriate makeup, a wide orange headband, and a longer, bigger flip hairstyle reminiscent of Francie's. The doll has a new clothes conception that calls back to the two-piece suit, with a yellow cropped bustier-type top, cropped yellow jacket (these both look leather with orange topstitching), gold belt, and long orange skirt which hugs the body to the knee (as far as this image goes) then flares out. She carries a gold envelope clutch and wears two gold bracelets, big gold earrings, and necklace. On the accessories front she could have taken Chanel's advice and removed one thing, in this author's opinion, but I guess for charity they don't hold back.
On the topic of Midge revivals, here are two Mattel promotional photos for releases occasioned by her 60th anniversary in 2023: a one-of-a-kind doll designed by Mattel’s Bill Greening for a charity auction; and a nostalgic silkstone release for the rest of us.

Signing off,

A little portrait-type illustration of Midge. This is a detail from the back of the Barbie, Ken and Midge folder used earlier, where the full illustration is protraits of its three characters; here we just see redheaded Midge with pearl necklace and white Peter Pan collar, surrounded by some scribbles in muted orange/tan, and signed Midge in the bright orange of her hair. She had freckles and is smiling politely. This head illustration is exactly the one used for the Little Theater and Travel Wardrobe paper dolls, though the doll in the set this came with had a different look.

sheathsensation

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