An influential era in Barbie history was the introduction of iconic Superstar Barbie in 1977. She was ready to do the Hustle under a disco ball at Studio 54, right along with Karen and Tony in Saturday Night Fever! Barbie Signature Principal Designer, Bill Greening, said SuperStar Barbie was a game-changer Barbie doll. Glitzy SuperStar Barbie was Mattel’s first major redesign since the 1967 Twist ’n Turn Barbie. The updated head mold featured a new smiling and decidedly different face. Also new were her bent arms but she kept her twist ’n turn waist and bendable legs. She sported a Farrah Fawcett-inspired hairstyle with a flowing blonde mane parted on her left with pretty sun streaks. The first SuperStar Barbie dolls on the market included a star-shaped SuperStar necklace for the child.

In honor of this doll’s 45th anniversary, a vintage SuperStar Barbie reproduction debuted in 2022 for adult collectors. “Superstar Barbie reflected all of the glitz and glamour of the disco era,” Bill recalls. This reproduction (repro) doll is dressed in a fabulous pink evening gown with a glittering ruffle boa. Sparkling “diamond” jewelry and matching pink heels complete her glamorous look. This doll uses the same Superstar face sculpt that was introduced with the original doll. The SuperStar Barbie face mold stayed in the Barbie line for more than 20 years! 1982 Twirly Curls Barbie, 1978 Pretty Changes Barbie and 1984 DreamTime Barbie are examples with the same face sculpt as SuperStar Barbie. 

The 2022 repro SuperStar Barbie isn’t Mattel’s first, though. For Barbie’s 50th anniversary, in 2009, Mattel produced six reproductions of past popular Barbie dolls for the My Favorite Barbie line: 1959 Original Teenage Fashion Model “Ponytail Barbie,” 1982 Bubble Cut Barbie, 1967 Twist ’n Turn Barbie, 1971 Malibu Barbie, 1977 SuperStar Barbie and 1986 Rockers Barbie. There were several other dolls were created to celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday but they weren't reproductions.

SuperStar Barbie’s best friend was 1977 SuperStar Christie #9950 who also uses the SuperStar Barbie head mold. She has black hair with copper highlights and wears a yellow version of SuperStar Barbie’s pink satin gown. Mattel produced a beautiful reproduction of SuperStar Christie in 2021, a year before SuperStar Barbie’s repro debuted.

Aloha Hawaiian Barbie! She’s the most recent addition to my collection and I’m excited to tell you about her. In 1975, the first edition of Hawaiian Barbie #7470 was released. I discovered there are several versions of this doll so I’ve broken it down for you – it’s a bit confusing! The only Hawaiian friend produced for Barbie in the 70s was 1978 Hawaiian Ken #2960. Here’s more info on Hawaiian Ken: manbehindthedoll.com. In the 90s, a few more Hawaiian dolls were added including Skipper, Midge, Christie and Teresa. Their names were just Hawaii (insert name) vs Hawaiian.

1975 Hawaiian Barbie was the first “exotic” version of Barbie. She was a department store special using the Steffie face sculpt. She has side-parted, long, straight, black rooted hair. Her eyes are brown and her eyebrows are pencil thin. When I was in 9th grade in the late 70s, my mom tweezed my thick Brooke Shields eyebrows to Twiggy thin. It was “in” then but what were we thinking?!

1975 Hawaiian Barbie wears a beautiful outfit, a colorful abstract floral print on a white bikini with a matching long print skirt that ties around the waist. She also comes with a natural grass skirt with an elastic waist, a plastic colorful red/yellow/purple/white plastic lei (another version was just green, thinner and longer), a pink fabric hair flower on the left side of her head, a tan plastic ukulele and a white surfboard with a red sail. I’ve seen this referred to as a sun-sailer and a wind sail but the back of my 1975 box calls it a surfboard with detachable sail. The front of the box has a big sticker that says, “SPECIAL! Unique costume and accessories!”

The second edition Hawaiian Barbie was released in 1976. She was produced in a few new, but similar, outfits. In addition to the white bikini print, she now also came in blue and black prints. As a side note, there were two fashions produced in 1964, “Barbie in Hawaii” and “Ken in Hawaii.”

In 1978, Hawaiian SuperStar Barbie #2289 was brought to the market. She’s distinguishable by her  SuperStar face sculpt and SuperStar body with bent elbows. There are other differences too. Her hair wasn’t stick straight anymore, it is a bit wavy and thicker. The lei is now made from fabric instead of plastic. It’s green and has 3 pink flowers. Some 1978 Hawaiian Barbie dolls came with a green plastic lei instead. Her eye shadow is the popular 70s sky blue. Her sail color changed from red to a yellowish orange. The floral tricot fashion has a somewhat larger print than the 1975 doll and it’s mainly orange whereas the previous was white. There are slightly different variations of this orange fashion on the Hawaiian SuperStar dolls. Her grass skirt is now made with green plastic. I don’t think she came with the ukulele.

The 1982 – 83 Hawaiian Barbie is another version and drops “SuperStar” from her name. Her bikini and wrap skirt are now a maroon and green floral print and she has a cloth flower garland in her hair. Her face mold is back to Steffie’s – yay! And she got her ukulele back.

In 1990, Jazzie Hawaiian Fun Barbie #9294 was introduced. She didn't look like the other Hawaiian dolls. She’s blond in a bikini with a neon green top and no skirt.

There’s a 1994 – 95 Polynesian Barbie from the Passport Dolls of the World series #12700. She’s in a red print bikini top and bottom and a grass skirt. She has an orange and yellow lei around her waist and a white one around her neck. She has an orange flower in her hair, too. Another Polynesian Barbie was added to this line in 2012. She wears a floral lei, colorful bikini and traditional raffia "grass" hula skirt. She also comes with a passport, country stickers, sea turtle friend and a brush.

In 2005, Mattel added a Princess of the Pacific Islands (Pink Label) Barbie to their Dolls of the World line. The Barbie Princess of the Pacific Islands has draped the muu muu, traditional island attire over her shoulders. This doll is decorated with lei of "plumeria," a sweet-scented flower that inhabits the Hawaiian Islands. 
​
I have images of all of these Barbies in my Pinterest slide show here: pinterest.com/pin/553379872972821464. I had to scour the Internet and my reference books for information on Hawaiian Barbie over the years, so if you have anything to add – please let me know and I’ll update this post. Thanks dolls!

​

Julia, a friend of Barbie, ​was introduced in 1969 and two different versions of the doll debuted​ that year​ – both using the Christie face sculpt.
 
The first Julia doll is a Twist ‘n Turn (TNT) #1127 wearing a two-piece white nurse uniform and hat – which is harder to find than the one-piece uniform it changed to in 1970. She was created in the likeness of Diahann Carroll from the TV series “Julia” in which she played a nurse and widowed mom in Los Angeles. The show ran from 1968 – 1971 and Julia was sold from 1969 – 1971. Mattel produced a 50th-anniversary reproduction of Julia in her nurse outfit in 2008. Amazon sells this doll. Ms. Carroll married four times and passed away in 2019 at the age of 84. RIP, beautiful lady.

The other Julia produced in 1969 is Talking Julia #1128. I was lucky enough to score a 1969 NRFB Talking Julia for $120. She came with brunette hair but her hair​, like most,​ oxidized to red over the years. When you pull the string in the back of her neck, she "spoke" with Diahann's voice! ​Some of the things she says is:
 "I love the new dress styles!"
"We sure have a lot of fun!"
"What should I wear on my show?"
"Nursing is great fun!"
"Would you like to be an actress?"
"Hi, my name is Julia."
 
Talking Julia wears a disco-esque gold and silver one-piece jumpsuit with a sewn-in belt and gold glitter open toe. There is also a Talking Christie, Talking Barbie, Talking Stacey, Talking Ken, Talking Brad and Talking P.J.
 
​Even though ​Julia is the same size as Barbie ​and can wear Barbie's fashions​, ​Julia is one of the few Barbie dolls who has her own wardrobe (so did Twiggy). ​Julia had four outfits in 1969 designed for her: #1752 Brrr-Furrr in red or blue, #1753 Candlelight Capers, #1754 Pink Fantasy  and #1751 Leather Weather.

The Sears Exclusive, Simply Wow Julia gift set #1594, was also released in 1969. The set included Talking Julia in her gold and silver jumpsuit and the hard-to-find Simply Wow fashion. It includes a sleeveless dress with a white satin bodice and turquoise knit skirt, a turquoise knit jacket and turquoise pilgrim shoes. The dress and jacket both have gold braided trim.
 
#JuliaDoll #JuliaBarbie #DollCollector #70sDoll #Barbie #60sDoll #DiahannCarroll #JuliaShow #FashionDoll #60sBarbie #70sBarbie #BarbieDoll #ReproBarbie #ReproJulia​ #ModJulia #VintageJulia​ #DollCollecting #BarbieCollecting

Hi dolls! Here's my collection of Barbies from the 1960s and 1970s. I have blog posts about each one. Just enter their name in the search box to the right. Which are your favorites? Enjoy!

​I find my Mod Barbies on eBay!

In 1974, Kenner debuted two sports action dolls, suntanned Dusty and her African American gal pal Skye. Dusty wears a navy one-piece swimsuit and Skye's is pink. The dolls encouraged kids to participate in outdoor activities like tennis, golf, softball, volleyball, fishing and horseback riding. Watch their commercial here.

The dolls are 11 1/2” tall, around the height of Barbie, but their waists are thicker, chests smaller and feet flatter. No high heels for these girls! She did have cool platform sandals though in addition to her cute tennis shoes and cowboy boots. Dusty wears her platinum blonde hair in a shag, a popular trend in the 70s, while Skye has a beautiful afro of curls. Dusty has a sprinkling of freckles and white’ish light pink lips. 

Dusty is an action doll that comes in four sports versions; golf, tennis, softball and volleyball. The sports equipment and outfit were also sold separately as accessory packs. Dusty and Skye’s hands are in a gripping position so they can hold on to sports equipment like a tennis racket, fishing pole and golf club. They have jointed wrists and elbows, vinyl “skin,” a spring action arm, clickable, bendable legs and a twistable waist. Their stance is a little wide, but it’s perfect for standing on their sports stand. When the doll’s waist is twisted back and let go, she can swing at her golf, tennis or soft balls. When pushed down, the right arm springs back up which lets her punch a volleyball. There’s a base for the doll to stand on and either a hanging apparatus or stand for the ball. 
​
​When it came to fashions, in addition to the sport sets, there is an Awards Night Set, with either a tennis or golf outfit, evening gown and accessories. There were stylish outfits too, like crop tops, bell bottomed jeans and funky platforms. Dusty and Skye could wear each other's clothes.

There was a trade-in Dusty that you could buy for just $1.99. Compared to the original Dusty, the trade-in version is easy to identify. She has longer hair, wears a light blue one-piece swim suit, doesn’t have freckles, is unjointed so her arms and legs are straight, and she has pinker lips and a peachier skin tone.

Dusty has a golden palomino horse named Nugget who has a fuzzy coat with a beautiful mane and tail to brush. Nugget's head moves up and down. You can watch Nugget's commercial here. 

Dusty didn’t have many extra items but she does have a 1975 Bubblin’ Bath and Shower with accessories - which is kind of random. I guess being so sporty and sweaty, she needs a lot of baths, lol. Dusty and Skye also have a gymnastic set. Dusty has a boyfriend named Cliff but I’ve never seen him.​ He may have just been a prototype that never went to market.

There’s a British Airways Dusty who’s a flight attendant. There's a Dusty's play-jet, her take on Barbie’s United Airlines Friendship plane. The British Airways jet-setting girl has four international outfits including a kimono, an island look with a hulu skirt and surfboard, a ski jacket and pants with skis, and a safari jumpsuit.

Find your Dusty and Skye dolls on eBay!

#dustydoll #kennerdusty #70sdusty #skyedoll #kennerskye #70sskye #nugget #dustyshorse #kennerhorse #palomino #70sdolls #notbarbie

Find Dusty doll on eBay at this link!

​​A plastic tan never fades! In 1971, Barbie kissed her mod years goodbye and welcomed Malibu Barbie #1067. She rocked the quintessential California surfer girl vibe with her blissfully tanned skin, blue eyes and platinum blonde hair – even though her roots peg her to be a native of Willows, Wisconsin! With California’s white beaches and Pacific blue waves, Malibu was the perfect setting for a new Barbie lifestyle. Golden couple, Malibu Barbie and Malibu Ken, could paddle out into the ocean to surf, roller skate on the boardwalk, make sandcastles and picnic at the beach or lay out and soak up the rays.

Mattel gave Malibu Barbie a fresh look. For the first time, she featured an open smile and her coy, sideways glance was updated to forward-looking eyes. Her TNT face was replaced with the Stacey face mold. She has long, straight, blonde hair with a slight off-center part and a smile much like Marcia Brady’s! Her lashes are painted on and she has soft coral lips. Malibu Barbie was ready for the surf in her powder blue swimsuit, lavender goggle glasses on top of her head and yellow beach towel. 
​
​Malibu Barbie established a look that first springs to mind, even to this day, when someone says “Barbie.” I was obsessed with the Sun Set Malibu dolls as a little girl in the early 70s; I dreamed of being a Cali girl. I grew up in Wisconsin and, in the late-90s, I moved to San Diego where I still reside. Coincidence? Was Malibu Barbie my inspiration? Especially since she, too, is from Wisconsin? :-)​

​The Malibu dolls were an instant hit so Mattel added Malibu friends and family soon after. It also spawned licensed products, such as Colorform sets and coloring books. The tanned Malibu Sun Set included Barbie’s boyfriend Malibu Ken, little sister Malibu Skipper, cousin Malibu Francie, and her best friends Malibu P.J. and Malibu Christie. The introduction of the Sun Set family was an off-the-charts hit but, as Stephanie Deutsch, author of Barbie the First 30 Years, notes, “It sadly marked the beginning of the end of the "Golden Time of Vintage Barbie dolls." The following mass-produced, low-budget Barbies lacked the quality (lashes, elaborate hairstyles, etc.) and flair of the early Barbie dolls that collectors love so much. 

​Check out this fun article on #MalibuBarbie in the Malibu Times, written by Benjamin Marcus.​

Click on images below to see full photo.

Malibu Barbie and her friends were produced from 1971 – 1984. In 1979, they were renamed from The Sun Set Malibu to Sun Lovin’ Malibu dolls and have tan lines. In 1981, they were renamed “Sunsational” Malibu dolls. That same year is the first year there was a black Ken doll, #3849, Sunsational Malibu Ken, who has a funky rooted afro. There were previous black male dolls in the Barbie line such as Brad and Curtis, but this was the first black Ken doll. In 1983, Mattel introduced a Latina Sunsational Malibu Barbie #4970. In 1983, the Malibu dolls were renamed “Sun Gold” Malibu dolls. The 1983 Sun Gold Malibu Barbie #1067 uses the SuperStar Barbie head mold. 1986 was the last year of the Malibu series of dolls. 

Malibu Barbie was so popular that Mattel reinvented her in countless different versions throughout the years (see list below) such as the 1974 Sports Set Sun Valley Barbie skier, 1974 sailing Newport Barbie, several versions of 1975 Gold Medal (Olympic) Medal Barbie and a number of reproductions including 2013's Malibu Barbie by Trina Turk.

Below is a summary of Malibu Barbies produced from 1971 – 1975:

1. 1971 Malibu Barbie #1067
2. 1971 Malibu Ken #1088
3. 1971 Malibu Skipper #1069
4. 1971 Malibu Francie #1068
5. 1971 Sun Sun Malibu Francie (Japan) 
6. 1972 Malibu P.J. #1187
7. 1972 Forget-Me-Not Malibu Barbie #3269 is a Kellogg’s promotion in a baggie
8. 1972 Twist ‘n Pose Barbie from England is a Malibu Barbie with a paler skin tone with Malibu Barbie’s makeup, hairstyle and blue swimsuit
9. 1973 Malibu Christie #7745
10. 1974 The Sports Set Sun Valley Barbie #7806 wears an orange and yellow ski suit and comes with a hooded jacket, skis and ski poles
11. 1974 The Sports Set Newport Barbie #7807 wears white pants and a nautical-style sleeveless top with sunglasses. She’s packaged with a red and white striped bikini and surfboard with sail.    
12. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie #7233 debuts Mattel’s Gold Medal collection of U.S. Olympic dolls featuring Malibu Barbie, Ken and P.J. dressed to compete in the 1976 Olympic Games with gold medals around their necks. She wears a one-piece red and white swimsuit with a blue collar.
13. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie Skater #7262 is packaged with a special plastic base that allows her to glide across the floor to simulate ice skating. She wears a cute red, white and blue sweater with a white skating skirt and ice skates.
14. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie Skier #7264 wears a red ski suit with blue trim, red cap, and comes with skis and ski poles
15. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie #9044 and her U.S. Olympic wardrobe is a Sears store exclusive. It includes the basic Gold Medal Barbie in a swimsuit with an ice-skating outfit, a parade dress ensemble and not one, not two but THREE gold medals!
16. 1975 Gold Medal Barbie Winter Sports #9042 is a Sears catalog exclusive with Gold Medal Barbie Skier and an aprés-ski fashion: a white blouse, a red, white and blue long patterned skirt and blue pilgrim shoes
17. 2002 Malibu Barbie (reproduction of 1971 doll) #56061
18. 2009 50th Anniversary Malibu Barbie (reproduction of 1971 doll)
19. 2013 Malibu Barbie gift set by Trina Turk #8259

Sources:
Barbie, a Rare Beauty, Sandi Holder, 2010
Barbie Doll Photo Album, J. Michael Augustyniak, 2010
Barbie, All Dolled Up, Jennie D’Amato, 2009
The Best of Barbie (four decades of America’s favorite doll), Sharon Korbeck, 2001
Face of the American Dream, Christopher Varaste, 1999

#MalibuBarbie #MalibuSkipper #MalibuKen #MalibuPJ #MalibuFrancie #MalibuChristie #BarbieCore #BarbieMovie #MalibuBarbieHouse  #SunsationalBarbie

Twist 'n Turn Barbie (#1160), also known as TNT Barbie, debuted in 1967. The 1965 American Girl Barbie doll was the first with bendable legs, but TNT Barbie was the first who could turn at the waist! She was a dynamite addition to the prior static dolls who didn’t twist. A pivoting waist added playtime fun and more pose options. She wore a salmon-colored bikini featuring a groovy net cover-up, and she kept the red fingernail and toenail polish that were a hallmark of earlier Barbie dolls. Check out her 1967 commercial!

In response to rapidly changing styles and ideals of beauty, the Barbie face of 1959 wasn't relevant for the mod fashions dominating the fashion runways. Mattel's designers re-launched Barbie with a brand new look. Now featuring long, rooted eyelashes and a more youthful face, TNT Barbie was given a trendy hairstyle of straight chest-length hair with bangs. TNT Barbie’s new rooted lashes made her eyes as dramatic as those of Twiggy, the famous 60s British model. Mattel also made a Twiggy Barbie doll in 1967, its first doll based on a real person. ​​

The TNT doll's flowing straight locks got a boost in color and, for the first time, her super-shiny hair was given a description. Hair wasn't just blonde, brunette or titian (red). That wasn’t fashion-forward enough for a model! Now her hair came in Sun Kissed (light blonde), Summer Sand (grayish blonde - which I have in my collection, see side photo), Red/Titian (rare), Platinum (rare), Go Go Co Co (brownette), and Chocolate Bon Bon (dark brown).

In an interesting marketing move, Mattel initiated a trade-in promotion for the popular TNT Barbie. Mattel promised children they could exchange any old doll and pay $1.50 to acquire the all-new Twist 'n Turn Barbie. The trade-in dolls (#1162) were identical to regular TNTs, but they sealed in a plastic bag and packaged in a slim pink box.

There's no doubt this was a turning point doll for Mattel. It was a departure from the doll's earlier more staunch, proper look. Pop culture strongly influenced Barbie doll fashions and attitude, which continued throughout Barbie history. The movin' groovin' world of the late '60s, with its mod haircuts, micro-minis, and moon boots, inspired Mattel designers to create a new line of clothes for Barbie and her teenage friends.  
​

• 1967 Twist 'n Turn Barbie #1160
  • NRFB $600 - $875 (blonde + brunette), $1,200 - $1,500 (redhead)
  • Mint/Complete $275 - $375 (blonde + brunette), $450 - $600 (redhead) 
• 1968 Twist 'n Turn Barbie (Trade In) #1160
  • NRFB $475 - $575 (blonde + brunette), $875 - $975 (redhead)
  • Mint/Complete $275 - $375 (blonde + brunette), $450 - $600 (redhead) 

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
​​
​Sources: The Best of Barbie, Sharon Korbeck 2001; Barbie Doll Photo Album 1959 to 2009, J. Michael Augustyniak 2010
​
#tntbarbie #tnt #twistnturnbarbie #twistnturn #1967barbie #1968barbie #60sbarbie

Ken and Brad are best of friends. They’ve likely bonded because they both know what it feels like to be living in their girlfriends Barbie’s and Christie’s shadow. You know, the purse holder at a Red Carpet event, while the women do their step and repeat, haha! I have to admit, among my extensive Barbie collection, I only have two Kens and one Brad. So, I’ve decided to give them some love and let them be in the spotlight for a change!
 
Ken Carson was born on March 11, 1961 and stood at 12” high. Ruth Handler, prior President of Mattel and inventor of the iconic Barbie, named Ken after her son and Barbie after her daughter. I remember my first Ken doll in the early 70s. It was 1971 blonde Malibu Ken #1088. He wears red swim trunks and comes with a blue towel. He and Malibu Barbie made a powerful “it couple” cruising Malibu beach in their yellow dune buggy with their beautiful tans, bright smiles and laid-back surfer vibes.
 
The other Ken in my collection is 1971 Live Action Ken #1159. He joins my Live Action Barbie, Christie and P.J. so now they make up a band and, man, can they groove! They have a new body construction that allows them to dance on their Touch ‘N Go stand. Ken wears flashy, satiny gold pants (sa-weeeet!), a multicolor shirt, a brown suede fringed vest and brown shoes. Later that year, they added a stage with a microphone, mod stickers you could apply, and a record with two hit sides with a sheet of lyrics. He was Live Action Ken on Stage #1172. There was also a Live Action Barbie and P.J. on Stage.
 
Ken’s bro Brad
I recently acquired a 1970 Bendable Leg Brad #1142, the first black male doll in the Barbie line. He was introduced in the latter part of 1970. Such a handsome dude. My Brad is looking pretty groovy in his denim shirt flanked with flowers and jeans. He comes in an orange shirt with orange and brown print shorts. Earlier that year, Brad debuted as New Talking Brad #1114 and was introduced on the box as Christie’s boyfriend. He wore orange shorts with a colorful orange, yellow and olive jacket to match 1970 Talking Christie’s outfit. #CoupleGoals Unfortunately, he was only produced from 1970 – 1972. In 1975, a black male doll was introduced by Mattel and his name was Free Moving Curtis #7282. He had the Brad head mold and his outfit was identical to Free Moving Ken’s (see below) but in orange.
 
Ken’s history from 1961 – 1975
Ken #750 was introduced in 1961 as Barbie’s boyfriend. According to toy maker Mattel — Barbie met Ken on the set of a TV commercial in 1961. He’s 12” tall with flocked hair (blonde, brunette or light brown) with blue eyes and wears red swim trunks and cork sandals. Later in 1961, Mattel swapped out his yellow beach towel for a red and white striped beach jacket. Mattel felt he was under-dressed in just his swim trunks! The following year in 1962, Ken wears the same outfit but has a newly sculpted head with painted hair in blonde or brunette. In 1963, he remained the same except that he was 1/4 inch shorter; the only time Mattel produced a shorter version of Ken. In 1965, Ken #1020 had lifelike, bendable knees that clicked. Available in blonde or brunette, he wears a blue jacket with a “K” decal and red shorts and sandals.
 
No new Ken doll was produced in 1968 but Talking Ken #1111 was introduced in 1969. He now came with a more bulked-up buff body (he must have spent 1968 lifting at the gym!) with bendable legs and a new painted head mold with a more current looking face. He wears red shorts with a red jacket. 1970’s Talking Ken wears orange shorts with a blue jacket and orange stripe. 1970 also brought New Good Lookin’ Talking Ken #1124. OUCH. Were they implying Ken wasn’t good looking before? They wouldn’t be wrong, ha! 
 
1972 brought a number of Ken dolls. Busy Ken #3314 in an orange or red tank top worn with a brown belt, jeans and white sneakers. The new holdin’ hands feature had jointed elbows, thumbs and wrists that allowed the doll to realistically hold things including a portable TV, a soda set, a travel case with stickers, a record player and a telephone; the kind you had to use your finger to dial! His inner circle included Busy Barbie and Busy Steffie. Mattel produced a 1972 Talking Busy Ken #1196 wearing a blue and red print shirt with a brown belt, red corduroy pants and brown shoes. The last Ken doll produced in 1972 was Walk Lively Ken #1184 who wears a blue polo with plaid pants and brown shoes. Joining him was Walk Lively Barbie and Walk Lively Steffie.
 
Other Kens in the 70s include 1973 Mod Hair Ken #4224, the first Ken doll with rooted hair. He only came in brunette and had facial stickers to give him a mustache, sideburns and a beard When he wears the 'stash, he gives off a Freddie Mercury vibe! He wore a brown and white plaid jacket, white shirt, brown pants and brown shoes. 1974 brought the Sports Set Sun Valley Ken #7809 who wears a blue ski suit with a red turtleneck, and red skis. The Sports Set also included Sun Valley Barbie, Newport Barbie and Yellowstone Kelley. In 1975, there was a Funtime Ken #7194 in blue swim trunks. The set also includes Funtime Barbie, Funtime Cara (who is identical to 1973 Malibu Christie), Funtime Skipper and her girlfriend Funtime Skooter.
 
1975 Free Moving Ken #7280 wears a red and white striped polo and attached white shorts. Basically, a onesie! No judgment here. :-) His ensemble includes a red belt, white sneakers, white socks with red and green stitching, a gray plastic golf club and tennis racquet with a ball. There was also a Free Moving Barbie, Free Moving P.J. and Free Moving Cara. From 1975 – 1976, there was a Gold Medal Ken doll skier #7261; commemorating the 1976 Winter Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
 
Way back in the start, Mattel introduced a friend for Ken in 1964, Allan #1000, and he was touted as “Ken’s buddy.” He has painted red hair and rust-colored eyes, wearing blue swim trunks and a multicolor striped shirt. Allan came with bendable legs the following year, just like his pal Ken.
 
But we were on a break!
Interestingly, in the past 60 years, Barbie and Ken have never gotten engaged nor married. In fact, they were on a bit of a break from February 2004 to February 2006. Barbie started dating hunky Australian surfer Blaine. Ken resurfaced with a makeover in 2006. Coincidence? Hmmmm… Not to fret, our love birds reconnected and have been living happily ever together since – probably in different apartments. There’s still no ring on Barbie’s finger. Ken, you know what Beyonce has to say about THAT. Then again, knowing how independent Barbie is – she probably doesn’t want a ring. You go girl. 

1968 Talking Ken #1111; $175 - $225 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box​
​1970 Sun Set Malibu Ken #1088; $75 - $150 NRFB and $25 - $45 Mint/No Box
1970 Talking Brad #1114; $100 - $175 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
1970 Live Action Ken #1159; $200 - $275 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
1971 Busy (w/Holdin' Hands) Ken #3314; $200 - $275 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
1971 Walk Lively Ken #1184; $175 - $225 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box 
1972 Mod Hair Ken #4224; $75 - $125 NRFB and $50 - $75 Mint/No Box
​
Doll values from:  Hillary James, The Complete & Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls 2nd Edition, 2011

#KenDoll #Ken #BarbiesBoyfriend #Mattel #BradDoll #NewTalkingBrad #CurtisDoll #VintageKen #ModKen #FreeMovingKen #LiveActionKen #ModHairKen #BusyKen #TalkingKen #WalkLivelyKen #FreeMovingCurtis #Barbie #ModBarbie #VintageBarbie

belo
Trend-setting Barbie was living in her 3-story posh beach townhouse tooling around town in her pink Star 'Vette sports car. Dawn sashayed down her fashion show stage and zipped around in her pink convertible action car. Fashionista Tuesday Taylor entertained her highbrow, cosmopolitan friends in a beautiful penthouse apartment. Then... there was The Sunshine Family. A fashionable and luxurious lifestyle was definitely not their vibe!

This salt-of-the-earth hippie family wove macrame belts and purses and made pretty flower pots. They probably also embroidered jeans, baked granola and tie-dyed vintage T-shirts. They made their living selling these treasures to local folks from their mobile craft store in the Piggyback Shack on the back of their far-out yellow van. 

Mattel produced The Sunshine Family (SF) from 1974 - 1978 and they were 9" tall. The first set of dolls included Dad Steve, Mom Stephie and baby Sweets. All of the adult dolls were made of soft, posable vinyl with jointed knees. They wore prairie dresses, peasant blouses, bell bottoms, turtlenecks, cords, rainbow striped tank tops and sandals. I'm willing to bet they recycled and were vegan! Next came The Sunshine Family's white-haired grandparents and family pets, a friendly cat and playful dog.

In 1975, before the second issue of SF in 1976, Mattel added groovy African-American neighbors, The Happy Family, along with their set of grandparents. The Happy Family set included Dad Hal, Mom Hattie and baby Hon. One doll you don't hear much about is SF's red-haired aunt and cousin (a baby). All SF dolls were made the same size and shape.
​
Initially, the dolls' fashions were DIY and you could customize the threads yourself. The second series SF fashions were redesigned and looked a little more modern. Steve wore jeans instead of khaki pants and another red turtleneck but in a brighter color and different fabric. Stephie had a more noticeable update. Her granny-style dress with the apron was replaced with a cooler jumper dress over a short-sleeved red blouse. Her hair was shorter, blonder and styled a bit differently.

In the last year of production in 1978, the third series of The Sunshine Family was updated and changed its name to, "The Sunshine Fun Family." The African-American dolls were renamed "The Happy Fun Family."

​Baby Sweets grew up to be big sister Sweets Sunshine and the family added an unnamed cute, freckle-faced baby boy with red hair. The box the new family came packaged in says, "And now there are 4! Mom, Dad, big sister and baby brother having fun together!" Dad Steve had a new outfit along with a funky, tight-curled hairstyle. Mom Stephie wore a new dress, had longer hair with a more natural color and upped her game with eye shadow and lipstick! Blonde-haired Sweets had orange ribbons in her ponytails and wore a cute orange jumper with matching orange shoes. The baby donned a jumper with a white top and brown shorts that matched the Dad's new outfit. The Happy Family also came in a family of four with big sister Hon Happy. The little girl versions of Sweets Sunshine and especially Hon Happy are probably the hardest to find of the SF dolls because they were only produced for about a year.

The Sunshine Family's modest (vinyl fold-out) one-bedroom home had a wood-burning furnace, rocking chair, kitchenette set, bed and other accessories and furniture. The house was comprised of a bedroom, kitchen, patio and living room. The Sunshine Fun Family got an updated house that included a kiddie pool and swing set. Each Sunshine family of dolls and each family accessory came with its own things-to-make Idea Book. It gave kids suggestions on how to creatively decorate The Sunshine Family's home with odds-n-ends around the house. You could grow potato plants in tiny paper cups, braid yarn to make a rug, make a sofa out of a milk carton or build an ice cream stick fence.

The eco-conscious Sunshine Family had other cool things like a Craft Store that came with a functional spinning wheel and pottery stand, a 2-story farm complete with a cow you could milk, a baby's nursery and a 3-wheeled Surrey bicycle the family could ride together. You could also purchase separate fashions, coloring books and paper dolls.

In our bicentennial year, 1976, a set of dolls were released called the Star Spangled dolls. These were my least favorite. The collection included blonde-haired Miss Alison Thompson (Colonial Girl #7941) in a long blue and yellow dress with a white wrap; Rosa Lee Linden (Southern Belle #7939) with long red hair wearing a floral dress and straw hat; brunette Sara Jane Benson (Pioneer Daughter #7940) wearing a pink bonnet, long purple dress and floral purple shawl; Indian Maiden #7938; Regina and Richard Stanton (Liberty Patriots #7944); Jazz Performers #7945 and Thanksgiving Pilgrims #7943. 
​
Thank you dolls for tripping down memory lane with me! xo

​Find Sunshine Family dolls on eBay in this link below! 

#SUNSHINEFAMILY #BABYSWEETS #THEHAPPYFAMILY #70SDOLLS #STARSPANGLEDDOLLS #BABYHON #STEVEANDSTEPHIE #HALANDHATTIE #HONHAPPY #SWEETSSUNSHINE #SUNSHINEFAMILYDOLLS #MATTEL #MATTELSUNSHINEDOLLS #70SSUNSHINEFAMILY

REFERENCES:
HTTPS://CLICKAMERICANA.COM/TOYS-AND-GAMES/SUNSHINE-FAMILY-PLAY-SETS-1970S
HTTPS://WWW.METV.COM/STORIES/THE-SUNSHINE-FAMILY-WERE-THE-MOST-1970S-TOYS-OF-THE-1970S
HTTP://ILOVETHESUNSHINEFAMILY.BLOGSPOT.COM/
HTTPS://CLICKAMERICANA.COM/TOYS-AND-GAMES/SUNSHINE-FAMILY-PLAY-SETS-1970S

​Do you remember World of Love ​fashion ​dolls? Hasbro introduced this doll line in 1971 during the Mod Barbie era. ​Hasbro touted World of Love dolls as "She's what's happening. She's today's American teenager and she's part of the World of Love." These dolls have ​a hippie vibe and are aptly named for the era - Love​, Peace, Soul and Flower! ​They had a catchy TV commercial where the little girls say they want to be like the Love teenage dolls and rap "I got Love, I got Flower, I got Peace, I got Soul!" 

Each doll ​wears a colorful outfit to match their colorful world. These 9” dolls have​ ​rooted ​hair and ​eyelashes, a twistable waist​ and bendable legs.​ ​Two new dolls were added to the collection, Music #4420​,​ and ​a male doll named Adam #4425. Every doll needs her Ken!​ Or another Barbie. No judgment here. :)​ Allegedly, Adam was named after one of the doll designer's sons. 

Love ​#4400 is ​a blond​e​ while Flower ​#4410 is ​a redhead​. Peace ​#4405, ​Soul ​#4415, Music #4420 and Adam #4425 all don jet black hair. ​The first issue World of Love dolls came in cardboard boxes with lids. The second issue came in wider cardboard boxes with cellophane around them. All of the Love dolls have “MADE IN HONG KONG” ​marked on their back and “HASBRO/U.S. PAT PEND” on their lower body. 
​
The Deluxe dolls were introduced in 1972. ​The dolls didn't change but each ​came ​wearing a​ personal t-shirt with her face imprinted on the front, along with an extra outfit. ​There's Deluxe Love #4402, Deluxe Peace #4407, Deluxe Flower #4412, Deluxe Soul #4417 and Deluxe Music #4422. Also in 1972, there was a 2nd edition Love doll wearing a different fashion. She remained product #4400. There wasn't a Deluxe version of Adam.

​The dolls were also sold in Europe under the name of Miss Matchbox Disco Girls, who also produced Matchbox cars. ​​The Disco Girls are blonde ​Britt, ​brunette ​Tia, ​redhead ​Dee and ​African American ​Domino along with Tony. He reminds me of Mod Hair Ken, both creepy IMHO!

​The Beautiful Hair Bonnie Breck doll promoted Breck shampoo in 1971. ​​Miss Breck ​is made from the same mold as the Wolrd of Love dolls. Her dress ​uses​ the same material as Flower's ​dress ​but ​it's a different ​prairie style. “2/HONG KONG” ​i​s marked on her back and “HASBRO/U.S. PAT PEND” on her lower body.

Hasbro had another line of dolls that debuted in 1972 called Leggy dolls.​ ​These long-legged, 10” vinyl dolls include red-haired Kate, brunette Nan, African-American Sue and blonde Jill. They are marked “1972/HASBRO/HONG KONG” on their lower body. 

#worldoflove #hasbroworldoflove #lovedolls #hasbrolovedolls #70sdolls #70slovedolls #love #soul #peace #flower #music #dolls #hasbro

​References: 
https://bit.ly/3gPigIb​ and http://plaidstallions.com/hasbro/love.html​

​One of Skipper's friends from the early 70's is Dramatic New Living Fluff #1143. I'm so excited to add her to my collection. Fluff dolls are very hard to find!

Dramatic New Living Fluff was introduced in 1971 and was the first friend of Skipper's since Skooter and Ricky "retired" in 1967. Skipper followed big sis Barbie everywhere which was a bit annoying, lol! Dramatic New Living Skipper and Living Fluff are only available as blondes. Fluff styles her hair in two pigtails held in place with orange hair bows, and she has bangs with cute pin curls on the sides.  She dons a colorful yellow, orange and green striped one-piece jumper with a bright orange vinyl skirt that has two yellow buttons and attached shorts. She has pretty brown eyes with rooted eyelashes.

Fluff had a new face mold, which she shares with 1972 Pose 'n Play Tiff. Fluff came with a yellow skateboard showing off her athletic skills and prowess! Her body is identical to Dramatic New Living Skipper and has the same body markings. 

In 1971, a Sears exclusive "Living Fluff Sunshine Special" gift set #1249 debuted. It came with a Living Fluff doll (with what appears to be lighter blonde hair) with the same markings as the original Living Fluff. She wore her original playsuit but also came with a cool five-piece fashion ensemble with Skipper labels. The wardrobe included red velvet pants with yellow and blue rickrack, a knee-length ruffled skirt with a matching red head scarf, a gold velvet vest with red trim, coordinating opaque gold tights and a white peasant blouse with yellow, red and blue rickrack. The set also includes flat gold shoes and her infamous skateboard. This set is VERY hard to find. 

Skipper added a few other friends in the 70's; 1972 Pose 'n Play Tiff #1199 and 1976 Growing Up Ginger #9222.. 

According to Hillary James, author of The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls (2nd edition,) a Dramatic New Living Fluff doll never removed from the box (NRFB) is worth around $275 - $350, mint with no box can garner $75 - $125, and. the average doll, in the range of $50 to $75.
​

​Hi dolls! The newest addition to my Mod Barbie collection is Busy Barbie (#3311) who debuted in 1972; the year maxi dresses, mini skirts, knee socks and patterns happened in a big way!

Her "busy" hands can hold a number of accessories including a phone, record player, color TV, travel case and a soda set of a brown tray with two glasses. Her hands can bend and turn at the wrist, and also grasp and carry. 

While the innovations on this doll were designed to make Barbie more active and powerful, with her gripping hands, she ultimately didn't last long. Production costs were prohibitive, and the doll's joints a bit too fragile to survive a lot of play. Personally, I'm not a fan of the mechanical-looking hands.

Busy Barbie has bendable legs and elbows, a twist-n-turn waist, and painted lashes. She's wearing a blue denim halter top with attached white panties, a patchwork gingham long skirt with a ruffle on the hem, white pilgrim shoes and has a pretty brass barrette in her hair.

Seven Busy Barbie dolls with the holdin' hands feature were released in 1972. There are three talking versions; Talking Busy Barbie #1195, Talking Busy Ken #1196 and Talking Busy Steffie #1186. The four who couldn't talk are Busy Barbie #3311, Busy Ken #3314, Busy Steffie #3312, and Busy Francie #3313. A European Busy Francie was released at the same time, German Busy Francie.

Talking Busy Barbie has short blonde hair and real lashes, not painted lashes like #3311. She wore blue satin hot pants, a red tricot top with a chartreuse belt and knee boots. Talking Busy Steffie said things like, "I dig having my own TV," "The new fashions are wild" and "That music is groovy."  

According to Hillary James, author of The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls (2nd edition,) a Busy Barbie never removed from the box (NRFB) is worth around $475 - $550, mint with no box can garner $275 - $350, and. the average doll, in the range of $175 to $275.

​The latest edition to my Barbie collection! Dressed in a tricot tangerine one-piece swimsuit, the 1977 "Barbie and Her Super Fashion Fireworks" gift set #9805, was a Kresge (Kmart) exclusive. Each pack had four colorful outfits, and with three fashion packs produced, added up to twelve cute outfits. One set included fashions #9552, 9559, 9560 and 9561; a. second set had #9550, 9553, 9556 and 9558., and the third set included #9551, 9554, 9555 and 9557. In 1976, they were called Sweet 16 fashions. 

​She was included in another gift set in 1977, "Barbie doll Plus 3," #9953. Barbie came with three Best Buy fashions, #s 9153, 9160 and 9161.. This was an exclusive set sold at the dime store, Ben Franklin. Who remembers Ben Franklin?! It was the BEST place to score all types of candy!

I'm so excited about the newest Barbie in my collection! I was having a not-so-great week, coming down with pneumonia. To cheer myself up, I looked at Barbies for sale on eBay lol! I came across a beautiful doll that the seller didn't know the name of. I was lucky this Barbie came across my search! I thought she was a perfect Yellowstone Kelley Barbie so I felt I scored, purchasing her for $150. When she arrived, I realized it wasn't Kelley. I blame it on my pneumonia brain, haha! ​

I did some research and discovered that she is a #8587 TNT European Barbie - wow! She was also sold in Canada but the red-haired version was only sold in Europe. I have the red-haired European Barbie (Italy); she looks like a hybrid of Yellowstone Kelley and Malibu Barbie. ​

She has the Stacey head mold, wears a one-piece turquoise swimsuit (the same maillot 1971 Malibu Barbie wears), and bending legs. She was produced in several versions from 1971 - 1976, like this this doll. In 1974, she wore a yellow swimsuit. According to Stefanie Deutsch's book, "Barbie, the First 30 Years," the Barbie I purchased is worth $150 - but this value was given in 2003. I'm hoping she's worth more now! She came in blonde and red hair, the latter being hard-to-find.
​
My doll came dressed in 1975's "A Busy Girl’s Ready-Set-Go Clothes! #7242." According to Mattel, Barbie® doll's bright crayon color mixers included striped tricot halter, long scarf, and knee socks. These pieces accented the woven yellow skirt and jacket with red stitching. The skirt had a yoke at the waist, and the jacket had pocket flaps placed vertically along stitch lines. The bottom was banded. Red woven knickers with an elasticized waist and yellow chunky shoes completed the look.

She KINDA looks like Yellowstone Kelley, right?!

Here she is, Miss America! Naturally, if your career starts as a teenage fashion model, and you're smart and want to make the world a better place - why not showcase those traits in a pageant?! Mattel came out with two different Miss America dolls using Barbie's body and the popular Steffie head mold; 1972 Walk Lively Miss America (#3200) and 1973 Quick Curl Miss America (#8697). You could curl and straighten her hair with the help of a special curling wand, comb and brush. Quick Curl Barbie capitalized on the popularity of hair play in the 70s. 1973 Quick Curl Barbie wears the same fashion as 1972 Walking Miss America but Quick Curl Barbie had painted lashes and Quick Curl hair. Quick Curl Miss America was produced from 1973 to 1979. All Miss America dolls are brunette with the exception of Quick Curl Miss America - the only blonde.

A fun fact... from 1973 on, outfits for Barbie were no longer named. Fashions are now known only by their numbers. Well, that's no fun! Bring back Glimmer Glamour, Intrigue, Movie Groovie, and Stripes are Happening!

Walk Lively Steffie (#1183) is one of three in the Walk Lively series (there was also a Walk Lively Ken and Barbie). The Walk Lively dolls came with a special Walk n' Turn stand which allowed the dolls to move their head and limbs when pushed. Barbie's same-sized friend, Steffie, was introduced in 1972. Steffie used a gorgeous new head mold that would be used for numerous Barbie family dolls over the years.

1972  Brunette Walking Miss America (#3200)

• NRFB $275 - $325 
• Mint/Complete $100 - $150

​1972  Brunette Miss America  - Kellog's Special (#3194)

• NRFB $275 - $325 
• Mint/Complete $100 - $150

1973  Blonde Quick Curl Miss America (#8867)

• NRFB $175 - $225 
• Mint/Complete $75 - $125

1972 Brunette Walk Lively Steffie (#1183)

• NRFB $225 - $300 
• Mint/Complete $75 - $125

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
#WalkLivelySteffie #MissAmericaBarbie #QuickCurlBarbie #WalkingMissAmerica #QuickCurlMissAmerica #Steffie

Sources:
The Dawn Spot, A Little Bling and The Spruce ​

1974’s Yellowstone Kelley (#7808) was one of my favorite Barbies to play with as a young girl. I loved her tan, her cute pink lips and pretty red, shiny hair! She remains a difficult doll to acquire. In fact, I’m on the hunt for one! Mattel used the very popular Steffie head mold for Kelley. She came with blue and white striped camping shorts and pants, a red and white dotted shirt and adorable knee-high socks with sneakers. Kelley also came equipped with lots of fun gear to go on her camping adventures; a backpack, yellow sleeping bag, camping mattress, camp stove, cooking utensils, pots and pans and a brush and comb because a girl can only “rough it” so much!

Barbie dolls in 1974 were a shout-out to sports and physical activity. With the ‘76 Olympics just two years away and sports more popular than ever, Mattel created a Barbie sport series called the Sports Set. These dolls camped, sailed and skied their way into the hearts of children. There were only four sets of these active teens made; sailing Newport Barbie, skiing Sun Valley Barbie and Ken and camping Yellowstone Kelley. She was the only “new” doll in this line, as Sun Valley Barbie and Ken and Newport Barbie were 1973 Malibu dolls just dressed in sports fashions (sneaky!).
​
Barbie’s clothing in 1974 was influenced by the economic times and were less elaborate, featuring theBest Buy Barbie Fashions. Depends on who you ask, but many think 1974 was the last year of the “Mod” Barbie. I could also see it as 1972 or ‘73 when you consider their hairstyles and fashions. What do you think?

So dolls… does anyone have a Yellowstone Kelley for sale? I’d love to add her to my ah-mazing Barbie collection!
xo, Lynne

1972 Yellowstone Kelley (#7808)

• NRFB $375 - $450 
• Mint/Complete $200 - $275

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
#kelleybarbie #70skelley #yellowstonekelley #yellowstonebarbie #kelleydoll #70sbarbies

Barbie gained a new friend in 1972, Steffie. She had a gorgeous new head mold that has been used for numerous Barbie family dolls over the years. Walk Lively Steffie was brunette with brown eyes and had pretty rooted lashes. She came dressed in a pink and white print jumpsuit with a sheer pink scarf and red pilgrim shoes. What made Steffie unique is that when she is placed on her walk 'n turn stand and pushed along, her arms and legs move back and forth as her head looks from side to side! Walk Lively Barbie (#1182) and Walk Lively Ken (#1184) were also produced that same year in '72. 

Barbie's vibe changed in the early 70s and this was considered the era of "action," whether it was talking, walking or carrying accessories. This new level of articulation allowed Barbie to pose in a more realistic fashion. The Live Action dolls could dance, Busy Steffie could grab things with her newly-designed hands and this Walk Lively Steffie could strut her stuff!

Moving bodies, extending hair, and a kissing mechanism were some of the added actions Mattel developed for Barbie dolls and her friends in the 70s. More examples of Barbies that could do things are Dramatic New Living Barbie, Barbie with Growin' Pretty Hair and Quick Curl Barbie. 

Some considered these types of Barbie dolls gimmicky and, I have to admit, I much prefer the dolls produced before the action era. They seemed to be of better quality and the fashions were much cooler! I love, love, loved the 1969 Fab Fur #1493 (fake fur, of course, Barbie loved animals!), and 1969's Golden Groove with gold boots #1593.

What are your fav Mod Barbie fashions?

• 1972 Walk Lively Steffie #1183
  • NRFB $225 - $300 
  • Mint/Complete $75 - $125

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
#walklivelysteffie #steffiedoll #walklivelybarbie #70sbarbies

Francie Fairchild was a fashion doll issued by Mattel from 1966 to 1976 and re-introduced in 2011. Marketed as "Barbie's MODern cousin", the doll had an amazing line of "mod"-style clothing. Her fashions highlighted bright colors and geometric patterns similar to fashions associated with London's swinging Carnaby Street in the late 1960s. At 11¼ inches tall, Francie was shorter than Barbie, but taller than Barbie's little sister Skipper, making the character presumably between the two in age.

In the late 60s, Mattel wanted their Barbie line to better reflect the times. However, fearful of losing their core customer base, Mattel decided to produce a "test" doll first, and introduced Francie in 1966. She featured a body reflecting that of a young teen, with a flip hairdo, rooted lashes and a slight figure. Some believe that the Francie doll may have been based on the character "Gidget", whose real name was Frances Lawrence (sometimes called Francie). Francie was such a smash hit that she led the way for Barbie's makeover and MOD debut in 1967.

Francie came in several models over her decade-long run, beginning with a straight leg model (1966–1968) who came in a red and white swimsuit and a "bend leg" doll (1966–1967) who was dressed in a geometric print swimsuit. "Twist 'N Turn" Francie was issued in 1967 and she could twist at the waist. She wore a striped one-piece swimsuit with pink bottoms. These three versions looked very similar. Then Francie was  updated in 1969 with a short flip hairstyle and again in 1971 in a no-bangs hairstyle. All of these dolls were available in blonde or brunette and had rooted lashes, except for the straight leg dolls, who had painted lashes. 

In the 1970s, several hair-related variations of the Francie doll were issued: a blonde "Hair Happenin's Francie" (1970–1972), a blonde "Growin' Pretty Hair" Francie (1971–1973); and a brunette "Quick Curl Francie" (1973–1974). A tanned version, "Malibu Francie", was produced from 1971 to 1976 with blonde hair and blue eyes. She used the Casey head mold. "Busy Francie" (1972–1973) was a blonde doll designed with a hand that was able to grip small objects. 1975's brunette "Baggie Francie", so called because she was sold in a clear plastic bag as opposed to a box, was the last of the Francie dolls produced.

This photo is of my 1970 Hair Happenin's Francie in the hard-to-find 1973 Best Buy Fashion #8644. She has a twist and turn waist, bendable knees, short blonde hair with bangs and a blue ribbon headband (my doll is missing the headband). She comes with four extra blonde hair pieces: Mini Curls, a topknot with large curls; Swingy Swirl, double flip curls on headband with an orange ribbon; Twisty Twirls, a braid on a headband with two banana curls and pink yarn bows  and, lastly, Fluffy Whirl, a green riccon headband with short curls. Hair Happenin's Francie comes dressed in a blue dress with white crochet trim and aqua low heel shoes. The 1970 version has straighter hair while the 1971 and 1972 models have fluffier hair and paler lips.

"Black Francie", first issued in 1967, was the first doll in the Mattel line with a dark complexion. But, the doll did not have stereotypical African American features, since it was made with the same head molds as the white Francie doll. Because of this, a doll named Christie, first issued in 1968, is often considered the first true African American doll in the Barbie line. 

A German variation of Francie (1972) was made with a different head mold, but the same body type as her US counterparts. Blonde-haired, blue-eyed German Francie was sold only in Germany and was only produced as a standard doll and a "Busy" variation.

There are also Japanese variations of Francie and she was hugely popular in Japan. Japanese Francie and her exclusive fashions are the most valuable and sought after items amongst collectors. The rarest of all the Francie dolls is the Japanese Sun Sun Malibu Francie. She is a Malibu Francie with a deep suntan, and uses the original Francie head mold with rooted lashes and long brunette, side-parted hair. American-issued Francies used the Casey head mold, with blue eyes and blonde side-parted hair with no rooted lashes. The Japanese Francie dolls were produced in a very limited quantity so command a price of up to $4,000!

Francie has been reproduced by Mattel three times: in 1996, as a brunette bend leg doll with a reproduction swimsuit and Gad-Abouts outfit; in 1997, as Black Francie (limited to 5,000 dolls) wearing a reproduction of The Wild Bunch; and in 2005, as a blonde, no-bangs Francie, wearing a reproduction of Smashin' Satin.

​Which Francie is your favorite?! Would love to hear from you, dolls!

• 1970 - 1972 Hair Happenin's Francie #1122
  • NRFB $550 - $800 
  • Mint/Complete $225 - $300

Values from The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls, Hillary Shilkitus James, 2nd Edition, 2011
Article source: Wikipedia 2014
#hairhappeninsfrancie #hairhappeninsbarbie #franciebarbie #70sfrancie #franciedoll #vintagefrancie #modfrancie