You may have read our Black Barbie feature last week, and specifically the comment from the CNN article we found, that said: “‘Black women come in all shades, shapes and varieties that there is just no way to capture everyone with three dolls.”
As it turns out, there IS someone who is making those varieties of shapes and colors where Barbie is concerned. This week, Jezebel turned up a whole host of gorgeous ethnic dolls made by Loanne Hizo Ostlie.
Tabloach Productions doll (below)
(Click image for link)
Ostlie’s site, Tabloach Productions is a showcase of her work. Fair and freckled dolls sit next to dolls modeled after real women – like pop star, Brandy. Ostlie has even reworked Skipper – Barbie’s long-neglected kid sister.
As Jezebel’s article points out, “The features and styles used on some of the dolls defy easy racial categorization.” An article at Feministing notes, “Mattel needs to employ Loanne as a consultant if they truly want to create a doll that represents black women.” How about all women? Ostlie’s creations span entire markets of lovely girls who would all benefit from having a doll that resembled them – including Skipper, Kelly, Stacie, Kiddle and Tommy.
What do you think? How do Ostlie’s creations stand up in your opinion?
I love those Barbies as an alternative to the Mattel dolls. I grew up with the Mattel dolls, but I always wanted a little bit more variety. These dolls are definitely much better with the different hair and looks all around.
.-= Sheena´s last blog ..Sustainable Chicago: Vert Couture Fashion Show =-.
I do really like them, as well. The variety in the dolls is gorgeous IMHO.
Something about that bottom doll is so chic! Maybe it’s the fur?
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..How to Kick Acne to The Curb! =-.
Hayden – I think it’s the fact that she looks super realistic where the real Barbie is super cartoony.
I like the dolls
my friend has a collection of dolls (bratz) amoung other rad toys she collects. I would if I could afford to keep up with them he I think they are the cuteness hehe. I prefer theese realisitc barbies xx
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Polyvore =-.
Her dolls are gorgeous! And the time they must have taken is amazing to think about too.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Marvelous Monday! =-.