For many dollectors, a cherished character is more so when it belongs to a similar category of elusiveness, as its appearance in the market was – just like with cherry blossoms – short lived. But do not think for an instant that the irony escapes us, as being made of vinyl and other manifestations of plastic, vintage dolls will outlive us, just like cherry trees will bloom every spring and some of those who stood under their fleeting canopies may not be there to experience the rebirth of nature. We value a rare doll, such as Japanese Exclusive New Midge, as an exemplary expression of market-driven ephemerality, and enjoy her more due to the awareness of our own chronology.
Because of her limited run, New Midge is a doll that holds much information as to how to (or not to) promote a culturally specific product to a differing aesthetic and moral mindset. Mattel did exactly that work before the release of the Barbie doll in 1959, hiring psychologist Ernest Dichter, whose calculations about mid 20th century societal expectations for women defined the successful advertising of the Barbie doll in the United States. But for 1960s Japanese society, we could infer that, these considerations were not socially and culturally relevant. As part of Barbie’s family, Ken, Skipper, and Midge presented a play option to Japanese children – that according to lore – did not win them over, nor their parents, back in the mid 1960s. Japan, the country whose work ethic and skill gave us the quality that defines the original Barbie doll, was at odds with her looks and concept. Mattel, set on universalizing the Barbie look, did not change her appearance (kimonos, on the other hand, were offered as fashion options) but allowed adjustments to other characters. First to show a transformation was Skipper whose eye paint design showed appreciation for what should have been, in Dolldom’s opinion, Mattel’s first and foremost point of departure when marketing the Barbie doll in Japan – Shōjo manga. Then there was Midge, Barbie doll’s best friend. With her freckles and wide-eyed gaze, Midge’s aesthetic must have been as pleasant as the sight of her Chironomidae namesakes and Mattel agreed to produce a “new” version.
Although fashioned with a molded coif in the style of Miss Barbie, Fashion Queen, and Wig Wardrobe Midge, New Midge’s face is unlike any other in the realm of Barbie dolls offering an original and highly detailed sculpt with beautiful dark brown left side-glancing eyes with a glint expressed by a single white dot, a generously-proportioned nose with a swooping profile, a deep filtrum, and a substantially lipped mouth whose bottom section has a dramatically detailed vermillion border. Yet the true magic of the sculpt is evidenced in the ambiguity of her expression: when faced, New Midge can seem emotionally detached; if looked at from below, her demeanor turns to questioning; observed from above, it’s possible to catch a slightly smile. When studying illustrations from the period, one can surmise that New Midge mirrored the look of Shōjo manga heroines. But, perhaps New Midge was merely referential and not the offspring of this artistic current, like Takara’s Licca-chan would be in 1967, and failed to reach sales expectations leading to her retirement after two years, making her as elusive as Greta Garbo post her departure from MGM and a de facto must have in the wish lists of many vintage Barbie doll collectors.
In this first entry for 2026, Dolldom celebrates the iconic Japanese Exclusive New Midge with a photo portfolio showcasing her unique character in fanciful couture.
Vintage Mattel PAK satin skirt pairs with Fashion Queen Barbie's swimsuit. Reproduction Sears mink fur by Sylvia Campbell.
Vintage Shillman coral and silver lace gown.
Hand knit dress by Crest of the Hill Knits on Etsy. Hat by Cindy Marut for Cindy's Barbie Boutique on Etsy.
Mod pantsuit by Cindy Marut for Cindy's Barbie Boutique on Etsy. Vintage "Blossom" wig by Monique.
Vintage handmade dress is evidence of real love and talent. The hat by Maryann Roy takes it into the realm of sensational.
Reproduction kimono by Sylvia Campbell. Vintage "Blossom" wig by Monique.
Brocade wonder by Rosina Haskell for Rosiebows Mini Couture on Etsy. Wig by Yatabazah.
Vintage "Holiday Dance" designed by Carol Spencer.
Reproduction PAK sheath dress by Marirose Designs on Etsy. Hat from BFMC's Muffy Roberts.
Playsuit with matching hat by Marirose Designs on Etsy.
Grand gala in Sylvia Campbell's emerald variation of a Japanese exclusive gown. With wig or with molded hair, our icon possesses the room.
Two icons together: New Midge and The Golden Gate Bridge. Equally iconic is LizRetros' gold Lurex mini with hand beading at neck and sleeves.
The original fashion royalty in vintage "Sophisticated Lady" designed by Charlotte Johnson and Fumiko Miyatsuka.
Marirose Designs' playful dress pairs well with a wig by Yatabazah.
The Crown. In Julian S. Kalinowski's reproduction "Beautiful Blues" New Midge meets her previous iteration.
Sunday outing in a vintage hand-knitted pant set found on e-Bay.
Vintage handmade day dress found on Etsy provides a fresh look for our gorgeous heroine.
Cocktail hour elegance in Mark Esposito's dress for his Etsy store Markofashion.
A secret magic garden of delights is best evoked by this vintage handmade gown with appliquéd roses found on e-Bay with which we close this first Japanese exclusive New Midge fashion show.
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