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BLACK DOLL-E-ZINE

Vol 1, Issue 2                               Spring 2002


Doll Collecting News

Index ||| Welcome ||| Mailbag ||| About the Editors ||| Collecting News ||| Profile of a Collector ||| Profile of an Artist ||| Doll in the Spotlight! ||| Doll Care Basics ||| Resources ||| FAQ ||| Closing Words

Our favorite Fashion dolls are back and looking better than ever...

Violet Waters, the only black doll in the Gene line by Ashton Drake Galleries, returns with four new dressed dolls and two new outfits:
Autumn Lace Doll
"Autumn Lace" is limited to 3,000 dolls worldwide.  Dark lace and sequins cover a pastel gown with a flashy bow on the side

Fascination Doll
Retailer Exclusive. "Fascination" is limited to 2,002 dolls worldwide.  Fascinating flashes of orange peep through the folds of this dark sheath, as Violet's handled mask provides a touch of mystery! Third Quarter Release.

Mood Indigo Doll
"Mood Indigo" is limited to 3,000 dolls worldwide.  dressed to the nines in this navy and white suit with stylish hat.

Out of the Blue Doll
"Out Of The Blue" is limited to 3,750 dolls worldwide.  Violet is a dream in this blue gown with velvet trim

Torch Song Doll
"Torch Song" is limited to 3,000 dolls worldwide. Form-fitting velvet -- until it hits the knee, then it blossoms into a full skirt. Includes beaded cloche and tassled embroidered shawl. Third Quarter Release.

My Sunday Chapeau, and Evening Sunrise are new outfits.  You can see them all here.

Also new, from Robert Tonner:

Wild Orchid Esme by Robert Tonner

On the runway, Esmé glided in the currant berry and black burnout velvet of soft South-American visions and dark orchids that were found in the deepest niches of the rainforest. ... Hand-beaded accents at the bodice harmonized with spiral earrings and matching make-up to capture 7th Avenue on Esmé’s final accentuated flip of the train.

Urban Sport Esme by Robert Tonner

 elaborate braided coiffure  For comfort and style en route, she slips on a jersey mock neck and leggings with her taupe boots. The metallic fabric of her drawstring vest and her quilted ¾ coat add a touch of high style to Tyler’s functional design. Urban Sport is also available as an outfit only.

From Madame Alexander,  the 16" fashion doll, "Paris", is back as three dressed dolls:

Crocus Paris wears a pale yellow gown with an orchid, chiffon scarf accent.
Backstage Pass
doll wears a long, black lace skirt and midriff top. 
VIP Paris wears leather jeans and jacket.

Last year, New Zealand artist Jan McLean introduced Grace seated, and Grace standing.  Both dolls were hits with doll collectors everywhere.  Following the success of Grace, Jan introduced Nikita at the 2002 Toy Fair in February.  Like Grace, the 33" vinyl doll comes seated, and standing.  She is limited to an edition of 3500 and cost about $345.  In addtion to Nikita, other McLean offerings for 2002 are Bebe from Babados who is 5th in the Lollipop Series (and also the first black doll in that series), and, the beautiful Desire!  

Zwergnase Doll Company was founded in 1994 by German artist Nicole Marschollek-Menzner, along with her husband, Bernd.  There are 3 black dolls in their vinyl line for 2002...another first!  Leon, Agnetha, and Cathelinje are all 31.5", and limited to editions of 250 each.

Leon, especially, is destined to be a favorite with his captivating grin and up-to-date hairstyle.  Does he look like anyone you know?

Byron Lars has done it for Mattel again!  Check out Mbili!  She is the second doll in his Treasures of Africa collection.  "Moja" was the first.  Incidentally, in Kiswahili Moja means "one" and Mbili means "two".

Also from Mattel in 2002: 

Society Girl™ Barbie® 
She’s a big city girl with a hot, happening life! She’s everywhere that’s anywhere – she’s Society Girl™ Barbie® doll. Dressed for another night on the town, she wears an extraordinary gown featuring a black satin top with a lace-covered skirt. Sophisticated gloves and sleek purse are her perfect accessories.

All That Glitters™ Barbie® 
The fabulous princess of pop is back! Second in the Diva Collection™, this edgy trendsetter is dressed for ultimate impact in a golden metallic chain mesh halter top, sunburst orange glitter print skirt, and a golden belt that spells out "DIVA" in sparkling letters. Equal parts glitz and soul, she’s a superstar for today.

Wendy Lawton has made an interesting porcelain doll inspired by African American heroine Harriet Tubman and her work with the Underground Railroad..  The 11 " doll is titled  Courage to Run.   She wears a homespun, patched dress, tattered straw hat and much worn work boots. She carries her treasure, the quilt made for her by Old Rit.  An autographed copy of the book is included. Autographed Book: Courage to Run: A Story Based on the Life of Harriet Tubman by Wendy Lawton (Moody Press 2002).

Bratz!  Four ethnically diverse fashion dolls from MGA Entertainment were introduced in 2001.  They have been a huge hit with collectors and have been featured in magazines and even have a fan club. 

The most popular of the funky foursome is Sasha: the African American fashion diva.  On the shelves in 2002, you'll find the 2002 Limited Edition Beach Party Sasha, and the  Spring Fashion Sasha.  There is also a micro Sasha.  The dolls are available at Toys-R-Us, Target, and Kmart.

 

Upcoming Doll Shows:

Barbie Grant-A-Wish Doll Show
April 12-14, 2002
Sponsored by the Great Lakes Fashion Doll Club
Hyatt Regency
Dearborn, MI

Atlanta Doll Collectors Doll Show & Sale
Saturday, May 18, 2002   ~   10:00 am -3:00pm
Radisson Hotel Atlanta Northlake
4156 LaVista Road
Tucker, GA   30084
Admission: Adults-$4.00, Children under 12-Free
Info: Atlantadollcollector@aol.com
404-212-9368

Annual Black Doll Convention, Show, & Sale
May 25-26, 2002
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street 
Philadelphia PA
Sponsored by Dark Images in conjunction with
 the The Philadelphia Doll Museum 

1st annual Dolls of Color Show and Sale
Hosted by doll artistisan: Hope Cherewich  
 October 5, 2002  ~  10am-5pm
The Robert Treat Hotel
Newark, NJ 
For exhibitor application or general information:
908-322-9219 or hopecrafts@comcast.net.

Watch for more doll show updates in the next issue of Black Doll-E-Zine. If you have information about upcoming shows to share, please e-mail us.

We're also looking for show reviews!

To contact us:
blackdollezine@yahoo.com (Zee)
blkdollezine@aol.com (Deb)

Disclaimer: Other than our own, we are not affiliated with any of the web sites, manufacturers, their registered trademarks or trademarks nor any of their affiliates mentioned in this newsletter. We do, however, greatly appreciate the information they provide.



Violet Waters - Autumn Lace
from Ashton-Drake Galleries


Violet Waters - Torch Song



Crocus Paris - Madame Alexander




Desire by Jan McLean


Leon - Zwergnase


Mbili by Byron Lars for Mattel
(photo courtesy of Barbiebazaar.com)