Doll of the Month – Haunted Beauty Mistress of the Manor Barbie

It’s October, and available just in time for Halloween is “Haunted Beauty Mistress of the Manor" Barbie.   She’s dressed in a plum Victorian gown and carries keys to her mansion, and holds her candelabra to light the way.  This beauty was released only two weeks ago as a direct exclusive, and retails for $100.00.

2014 Haunted Beauty Mistress of the Manor (Stock Photo)

Last year, at almost the same time, my favorite of this series “Haunted Beauty Vampire" Barbie another direct exclusive was available.  I think she’s even more perfect for the occasion.  She retailed for the same price and quickly sold out.  Now she is only available on the secondary market.

2013 Haunted Beauty Vampire Barbie

2013 Haunted Beauty Vampire Barbie

Another lovely doll in the same collection is “Haunted Beauty Ghost" Barbie, which is also sold out.  She was released in October 2012, and retailed for 100.00 too. 

2012 Haunted Beauty Ghost Barbie

All three of these magnificent dolls were designed by Bill Greening and are gold label dolls.

Here’s the link to my website for more Halloween Barbie doll information, dressed vintage dolls in Halloween costumes, as well as a link to where you can buy Halloween Barbie dolls. 

Halloween Barbie Doll Page 

Happy Hunting!

Hervé Léger by Max Azria Barbie

Check out Mattel’s newest high fashion Barbie doll!  This is the Hervé Léger by Max Azria Barbie doll.  She comes with two high end fashion ensembles which are made in the same factory as the Hervé Léger clothing line. And here is the best part, you can buy a matching ensemble in your size for yourself!

 

Hervé Léger by Max Azria Barbie doll

 

In 1998, Hervé Léger, a French clothing house, was acquired by BCBGMAXAZRIA Group (founder Max Azria).  The company was established in 1989 and has been a huge presence in the fashion industry, creating high end, contemporary fashions. 

In 2007, BCBGMAXAZRIA reintroduced the Hervé Léger label, using their creative designs.  By 2008 the incredible fashions were shown on the New York Runway during fashion week.

This Gold Label doll, which was available for purchase on September 17, 2013 at BarbieCollector.com for $150.00, won’t be shipped until October 15^th.  This is the same date she should be available at select Neiman Marcus stores.  The adult size matching outfits can be purchased at Neiman Marcus as well as Hervé Léger by Max Azria stores. 

 

 

The set comes with the doll, two dresses, belt, black gladiator boots, open toe booties, and two handbags. There are no more than 9200 dolls produced worldwide.

Barbie of the Month: Boater Ensemble Barbie

I thought I would shift gears a bit this month and feature a current Barbie doll.  The 2013 Boater Ensemble Barbie who is part of the Barbie Fashion Model Collection and a Barbie Fan Club exclusive gold label doll.

Here’s some background about the glamorous Barbie Fashion Model Collection if you aren’t familiar with it.  These exquisite high-quality dolls are made of Silkstone®, which is a superior vinyl type product.  This was a big breakthrough for Mattel.  The dolls look and feel much like porcelain dolls but are heavier than your standard Barbie’s.  The actual sculpting of this series was taken from the original #1 ponytail doll that was released in 1959.  Unlike most other Barbie’s, these dolls stand in a model pose that is permanent. 

 

Their "couture style" clothing ensembles are made of fine fabrics, much like the early vintage Barbie doll clothes.  Attention to detail is extremely important; from the tiny handcrafted jewelry to the miniature accessories which complete each outfit.  Their hair is styled by hand and each doll that is released has a distinctive hair do.   Robert Best is the Design Director and he and his team, has created some amazing dolls. 

2000 Lingerie Barbie

 

 

The first two dolls debuted in 2000. They were the beautiful blonde and brunette Lingerie Barbie’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new 2013 Boater Ensemble Barbie was released in February of this year.  She has a limited edition of just 5300 worldwide which it is noted on the back of her box.  She wears a tailored sleeveless dress featuring a tight pencil skirt with white bodice, and a double-breasted matching jacket that is trimmed with gold buttons.  Her ensemble also includes short white gloves, pearl earrings, a matching brooch, an extravagant boater’s hat, black textured stockings and navy and white pumps.  She also has her “Barbie Fashion Model Collection” hang tag.  She is undeniably beautiful! 



I’m almost an exclusive vintage Barbie collector, but since 2000 when the Fashion Model Dolls were introduced, I couldn’t help myself but to buy a few of these stunning Silkstone creations to add to my group. I love the Fashion Model dolls because, like the early vintage Barbie’s, they embody sophistication, glamour, elegance, and style.

 



2013 Boater Ensemble

So if you haven’t treated yourself to at least one member of this prestigious collection, you should!  You’ll be surprisingly pleased with the quality of these beauties.

Happy Hunting!