Tea Time

After 20 years of being regaled by the Barbie Fashion Model Collection, designed by Robert Best for Mattel, we're getting close to the end. For the line that brought back the Barbie doll's 1959 sculpt to a rarefied world of fashion, heavy on references to haute couture, will soon become part of the doll's history.

"Best to a Tea" is the second doll being offered this year and like her sister "Best in Black", she is an enchanting presence. Dressed in a Channel-inspired suit, the black Barbie doll has vivid make-up that pops-out from under the black tulle veil of a fascinator hat with fuchsia blooms. Although the doll and fashion ensemble are designed to be a total look, this beautiful iteration of the Barbie doll is versatile and will be a favorite among collectors for redressing. Note: Dolldom's stylists added two classic BFMC cuff bracelets that are not part of the production doll.

As the line's trajectory reaches it's conclusion, it's important to point out that its evolution has maintained a sense of coherence due to Best's vision. At the same time, one must consider the effect that market forces and manufacturing challenges have had on the realization of Best's designs. What was possible in 2000 seems not to be possible in 2020. A line that was predicated on bringing back the details of the Barbie doll's heyday under the direction of Charlotte Johnson, is, 20 years later, making adaptations that divert from its original philosophy. For "Best to a Tea's" undeniable loveliness brings the use Velcro closures to the skirt, blouse and belt. Perhaps a decision made to reduce the bulk created by metal snaps, yet, one that is readily associated with other lines in lower price points. Not that Velcro closures have not been used before in the BFMC ("Boater Ensemble's" halter blouse comes to mind), but in "Best to a Tea", it feels normalized.

This said, "Best to a Tea" is an afternoon delight of sorts, more so now that we collectors know that there's only two more dolls before the Barbie Fashion Model Collection ceases production.

In this Dolldom exclusive, "Best to a Tea" and "Best in Black" gather for an afternoon of fashion talk and tea. Dolldom thanks Robert Best and Mattel for 20 years of steadfast dedication to beauty.









"Best to a Tea" Silkstone from the BFMC

Pink Pride, Pink Power

As time passes, our perception of the color pink continues to evolve and connotations of a type of femininity contrived by outmoded patriarchal values disappear. As she turns 60-years old, the Barbie doll is the consummate representative of the ever controversial hue, poetically defined by the also-iconic Elsa Schiaparelli as “bright, impossible, impudent, becoming, life-giving, like all the light and the birds and the fish in the world put together.”

Designer Robert Best regales the Silkstone Barbie Fashion Model Collection with a look that would make the legendary Schiap proud and it's called "Proudly Pink". In a feat of monochromatic daring, the Barbie doll wears pink, PMS 219 - its official Pantone denomination, from head to toe. Too much pink? Absolutely no. For this is a look that epitomizes what the Barbie doll has come to signify: she is, in her unapologetic pinkness, a symbol of personal empowerment while having had to weather many a storm of criticism, ridicule, and scapegoating. With utmost pride she comes out of her dressing room exclaiming that strength comes from accepting who you are - pink, blue, green, or purple. "Proudly Pink" Barbie exhorts us to own our true colors, to be true to them, and to inspire others to do the same.



In this Dolldom exclusive, "Proudly Pink" Silkstone Barbie from the Barbie Fashion Model Collection celebrates her essential glow while demonstrating how versatile the color is when paired with black, silver, turquoise, and, of course, more pink! Be proud, be powerful, be pink!




A look for the ages - "Proudly Pink" adds another jewel to the crown of iconic Barbie doll fashion moments.


"Coquette" is all about volume - from the pouf sleeves of the blouse by Tania Lawrence to the full faille skirt by Bogue's Vogues.


"Bloomers" matches the roses from Fashionistas #92's "Retro Garden Party" and "Proudly Pink's" stretch stiletto boots.




"Night Angel" is evocative of 1980s Claude Montana. Suit by Tania Lawrence.


"Watusi" is for a night out disco dancing! In a fabulous-cause-it's-faux-fur coat from Mattel's 1996 Clueless collection, Barbie heads out to Studio 54.


Underneath, a silver mesh mini by Francesca Pigliapoco for Lotus Dolls reflects the light like the mirrored ball.


The show closes with a traditional gesture - white. But this is not a wedding dress in spite of it being Poppy Parker's "Wedding Belle's" wedding dress! Barbie edits out the veil and goes places with the polka-dotted net over satin wonder.

Like a Hot Toddy

This winter, stay warm and cozy in a HillCrestBarbies sweater dress. Expertly knitted by Henrietta Lockhart, the sweater dress goes from office to party and keeps the wearer comfortable and chic.


A delectable trio made with fine yarns and ingenious patterns.


Blues and pinks abound in a dynamic play of vertical and horizontal lines. Hair by Pink Bubbles Doll Spa.


A patchwork-look pattern imparts an evocative 1970s vibe.


A beautiful neckline accompanies the shorter hemline of this eye-catching number.

To learn more about HillCrestBarbies, 

visit Ms. Lockhart's boutique on Etsy.

Tweed in the City

2017's Barbie Fashion Model Collection heads back to the atelier. At the very least, this year's line is serving dollectors a well-thought out menu of delights. Starting with the beautiful brunette version of "Classic Black Dress" and now moving into a timeless fashion staple: the tweed suit. "Black and White Tweed Suit Barbie" forecasts an elegantly beautiful spring with its dose of high glam.

The double-breasted jacket and skirt are accompanied by a coquettish and perfectly scaled polka dot bow.



Accessories abound: a white straw hat, golden pearl cabochon earrings, black gloves, black leatherette purse with golden lock charm, and a new shoe design adorned with gold painted chain.



Barbie is a redhead in this iteration. A simple pulled back hair style ends in a short ponytail gathered neatly by a matching hair net.  Barbie's make-up is lush: creamy coral lips and joyful Caribbean cyan eyeshadow complement her brown eyes.



To Dolldom, "Black and White Tweed" Barbie is a total look doll, not unlike its predecessor "Walking Suit" Barbie. But undoubtedly, dollectors will redress and restyle this eye catching, fully articulated beauty.



Black and White Tweed Suit Barbie

Glamourama

Reminiscent of "Enchanted Evening" (#983, 1960-1963), the newly released Glam Gown BFMC Silkstone Barbie doll closes the 2016 Robert Best fashion show.

The beautifully draped satin column boasts a constellation of beads and sequins placed next to the rosette from which the organza trains originates.

The Barbie doll's hair is a sensational shade of platinum grey and her brown eyes create an unforgettable contrast.

An exclusive to members of the Barbie Doll Club, Glam Gown is sure to become a point of reference to collectors just like the Charlotte Johnson's "Enchanted Evening" from 1960 continues to be.

Congratulations to Robert Best for another groundbreaking collection.

Silkstone Underground

Barbie, the Teen-Age Fashion Model, recently found herself in a conundrum. What to wear for the cover photo of the music album of her new band The Silkstone Underground. Quick thinking led her to collaborate with several artists who came up with several excellent ideas. At the end of the session, Barbie loved all the looks and decided to release several songs as 45 RPM records!

First off: an evocation of 1960s spy flicks via a pink brocade trench and mini turtleneck dress by Rosina Haskell.


The platinun-haired beauty looks sensational in soft pink.

Cover for 45 RPM record of "Stop Spying on my Heart!"

Next: a coquettish hand knit mini and white leatherette boots.


Very seductive! Perfect for a rock and roll shindig.

Cover for 45 RPM record of "Cold Waters of Love"

Courrèges, you say?


The icon of 60s couture- the metallic mesh mini!


Barbie is a stunning presence in Francesca Pigliapoco's silver version.


Cover for 45 RPM record of " Zubbi-Dubbi"

What about pink gingham? It's another classic.


This made for Poppy  Parker number is both sweet and sexy. A strong contender.


Cover for 45 RPM record of "Jamais pour toi"


Any gowns?

 
Bien sur! Here's one for you. Empire waist is, after all, le dernier cri.


Silver cuffs and a flower pin add sparkle.
 
Voilà! The Robert Best design is enchanting! It's sophisticated and elegant.


And this is the cover for the LP titled "I Live out of the Box!"