Fashion Doll collecting incorporates a language all it's own.
This section provides you with a
few technical terms
that different collectors use with their hobby.
Artist Doll-a fashion doll that has been redesigned
from the original factory style, usually around a theme.
Artist doll's usually feature new face paint, hairstyle, and
costume. Cost varies according to the experience of the
artist and the materials used.
Barbie Bazaar - Magazine devoted to the
Barbie doll. Features articles about collecting,
restoring, customizing, identifying, forming doll clubs,
and pricing dolls. Has a classifieds section for
listing dolls for sale or dolls wanted for purchase.
Available by subscription, at newsstands, bookstores,
Walmart, and other magazine retailers.
Collector's Editions-Barbie dolls, friends, and family
that are designed for the collector ages 14 and up.
These are often more expensive than pink dox bolls, and they
have more elaborate hair, costumes, and make-up.
Customize-to take a fashion doll and change the
appearance from the manufactured look.
Customizing may include any or all of the following: redressing a doll in ready-
made or sewn outfits, changing the face paint,
changing the hairstyle, adding custom made jewelry,
exchanging doll heads,
and making other changes to the doll body.
Doll Artist-someone who customizes or restyles fashion
dolls. See Customize and Artist Dolls.
Doll Artists in other doll categories often design,
sculpt, and create dolls from the beginning. Fashion
Doll Artists work with existing dolls and design new
looks.
Ebay-online auction at www.ebay.com.
Ebay Auction is used by many Fashion Doll collectors
and dealers. It is probably the most used online
auction service out there today.
Exclusive-items produced for a specific store
or market.
Exclusives are not available on the
general primary market. Many consider Exclusives as
highly collectible. These items often show up for
sale on the secondary market with a price mark-up.
Mackie-a collector Barbie doll designed by celebrity costume and fashion
designer Bob Mackie (Carol Burnette and Cher). Mackie's first doll was the Gold Barbie, which
debuted in 1990. Mackie's series dolls include the Jewel Essence collection, a closed edition
of 4 dolls, and the current Fantasy Goddess series.
Mackie Face-closed mouth face mold that appeared on Bob Mackie's 1992 Neptune
Fantasy doll. As the Superstar face had been used predominately up until that point,
many collectors flipped for this new mold and refered to any contemporary
doll with a closed mouth mold as having a "Mackie face". This mold is being used more often,
including on pink box dolls such as the Bead Blast and Pretty in
Plaid
MIB (Mint In Box)-
MIB refers to items that have been removed from the
box and are in excellent condition. The owner kept the box and the box remains in pristine condition.
If the item is for sale MIB, that means the item is for sale in the original box.
Miller's Fashion Dolls or Miller's - Miller's is a magazine for Barbie collectors.
Unfortunately, Miller's recently sold to Doll Reader magazine, and
no new issues will be published. If you want to research
the history of Barbie, identify items, read about restoration
techniques, and price items, Miller's is an extremely helpful tool. Back issues are available
at doll shows, through dealer lists, and sometimes on Ebay.
NRFB (Never Removed from Box)-NRFB items have never been taken out of the box, and
wrappers (if any) are still intact. NRFB items usually
command a higher price on the secondary market.
NRFB refers to dolls or outfits.
Pink Box-Barbie dolls, friends, family, and accessories
that are intended for children to play with. Opposite
of Collector's Editions.
Primary Market-stores and dealers who buy directly
from the manufacturer and sell to consumers.
These sellers
are the first source of purchase.
Secondary Market-Refers to the second level source
of merchandise.
For example: The Target Exclusive Barbie and Kelly
Halloween set's primary market is Target Stores.
The Secondary Market is the toy show, dealer list, or private
collector who obtained the item from the primary market
and resells it.
Collectors have to turn to the secondary
market when they don't have access to a primary source or if the
item is sold out from the primary vendor.
Items sometimes command a higher price on the
secondary market.
Superstar face - refers to the face
mold introduced on the 1977 Superstar Barbie. This
face mold features an open-mouth smile. Used predominately
throughout the late 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
TNT - Twist 'N Turn™ - refers to the new body and face style introduced in 1967.
Mattel decided to introduce a "mod" look with the TNT Barbie Doll. She
has a younger looking face, rooted eyelashes, long straight hair, and a torso
that twists at the waist. Recently reproduced for Collectors.
toy show -usually refers to a large setting where
dealers buy tables and set up their items for sale.
I first thought these were shows, like museum shows.
You can go and just look, but items are for sale.
Admission is usually charged. If merchandise is just
dolls, referred to as a doll show.
TRU - Toys R Us.
Major toy retailer in the United States. TRU has
a "Barbie Aisle" in most stores. Some are more elaborate
than others. TRU has lots of pink box and exclusives.
Vintage - Barbie dolls, friends, family,
clothing, and accessories produced from 1959-1974.
(1969-1974 may be referred to as Mod)
