Category: clones

• Clone Carrying Cases

  We previously discussed some of the gorgeous fashion illustrations that graced the lids of Barbie’s early carrying cases and other various totables; concurrently with these, an assortment of off-brand and competitor cases boasted similar stylish graphics. Like Barbie’s official carrying cases, they also offered alternate color palettes in otherwise identical cases, as you may find…

  sheathsensation

  September 10, 2023

  clones, illustration

  ideal, miner, misty, tammy, tara toy, vanity fair, weldseal

• Beauty Parlors (1964-1977)

  Tressy’s was first, in 1964. Introduced by American Character the year prior, she had the most sophisticated hair play for the time among Barbie and her rivals, with a lock of hair that lengthened and shortened by two separate mechanisms (a button to press and key to turn). Tressy’s Beauty Salon wasn’t functional–it didn’t add…

  sheathsensation

  August 27, 2023

  built environment, clones

  1964, 1965, 1971, 1973, misty, tressy, vintage barbie

• Three Nostalgic Black Barbies We Need (and a few existing alternatives)

  We’ve got a lot to cover today, but first let’s clarify what’s meant here by a nostalgic doll. Since you’re on this page, chances are you’re already aware of Mattel’s reproductions, re-releases of Barbie and family doll+outfit designs that were originally produced decades ago. These are examples of nostalgic dolls, but they are not the…

  sheathsensation

  June 3, 2023

  clones, Musings

  bfmc, silkstone, vintage barbie, vintage black barbie, vintage reproduction barbie

• Penthouse Apartments, 1964-1976

  Skyline views, rooftop patios, luxe furnishings, maybe an elevator that doubles as your front door… A penthouse apartment is practically shorthand for glamorous living. As we’ve noted, Barbie was more bucolic. But throughout the vintage and mod years, her friends and rivals opted for lavish city living on a trio of occasions. Tressy’s Penthouse (1964)…

  sheathsensation

  May 6, 2023

  built environment, clones

  1964, 1970, 1976, jamie, tressy, tuesday taylor

• Sears Karosel Kitchen, 1971-1976

  I’ve seen this funny little kitchen listed as a Barbie playset a couple times and was curious about it. I began my investigation with the handy catalog search feature of christmas.musetechnical.com (E: this feature no longer exists). Although Sears was not shy about letting you know what doll might use the set, it turns out…

  sheathsensation

  July 15, 2022

  built environment, clones

  1971, karosel kitchen, sears wishbook, vintage barbie

• Welcome!

  Thanks for swinging by my vintage Barbie fan site, where you’ll find articles on Barbie’s built environment, Barbie illustrations, vintage rival and clone dolls and playsets, and miscellaneous musings/deep dives. What are you looking for? Vintage Barbie Illustrations Mattel fashion booklets, 1960-67 (approximately) Basic and Dressed Doll Boxes, 1959-64 Doll Carrying Cases, 1961-72 Jumbo Trading…

  sheathsensation

  July 5, 2022

  built environment, clones, illustration, Uncategorized

  vintage barbie, vintage barbie fashion, vintage barbie furniture, vintage barbie illustrations, vintage barbie playsets, vintage barbie structures, vintage reproduction barbie