1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair

1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair

The 60s brought a new generation, a youth revolution, called "mod" which strongly influenced music, fashion and make-up. Think go-go music, mini dresses and heavily applied mascara and eye liner. Does anyone remember the show Laugh In?! Mattel embraced this new attitude and in 1966 released Francie, Barbie's MOD'ern cousin. Her fashions even coincided with the times with groovy names like Fur-Out, Swingin' Skimmy, Leather Limelight and Hip Knits. How would you recreate Francie's pink party look today? 
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I have several Francie dolls in my collection and, one of my favs, released in 1970, is this Growin' Pretty Hair Francie #1129. She wears a cute pink mini dress with a pink metallic top and satin skirt with pink tulle and silver dots with a silver trim waistband and bow, sewn in panties, and soft, pink pointed heels. Her hair is pulled up in a bun with a retractable ponytail, bangs, and adorable pin curls on each cheek. The pony retracts through the top of her head when her left arm is turned to shorten her hair, and pulled out to make it longer. The first issue #1129 didn't come with any hairpieces but the 2nd issue model number changed to 1074 and included two hairpieces and some hair accessories.

​There is also a Growin' Pretty Hair Barbie. All Francies and her wardrobe were phased out in 1975. Total bummer. Bring back Francie! Am I right dolls?!

Which is your favorite Francie doll?

​xo, Lynne

1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair

1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair from the collection of Lynne Pelzek

1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair - Values: $225 - $350 NRFB; $125 - $200 mint/no box

Values from "Vintage Barbie Dolls" by Hillary Shilkitus James (2011)