Fashion Dolls
Fashion dolls  are typically differentiated from other dolls by their elaborate clothing, intricate detailing, fully-articulated joints, and often, rooted eyelashes. Another thing that makes them so special, besides the gorgeous clothes they wear, are the stories that the dolls tell. Each manufacturer's line or doll series has a story behind it that grows with each new addition to the line, making collecting a fulfilling and exciting hobby that offers a bit more than your average doll.
Top-of-the-line fashion dolls are destined solely to collector's, not to children, although they could be the right choice for a teenager interested in collecting after she has outgrown her other dolls and toys.
As one researches more about fashion dolls, he or she will find that fashion dolls come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. Some are small, like Barbie, and others are quite large, ranging from 15" to 18" or more. Speaking of Barbie, one might wonder what the difference is between Barbie and a fashion doll. In fact, Barbie is one of the most popular and easily-accessible of the fashion dolls around. There are constantly new accessories, clothes, and dolls to buy, making Barbie easy to fall in love with. However, besides Barbie and other popular dolls that you can collect, there are a number of other companies that make fashion dolls, some of which are even more coveted than the most exotic of Barbies.
Here are the major brands of fashion dolls and a little information about each one. This should help you decide which type you would prefer to collect, since of course, you'll want to focus your energies on dolls that you like, that you feel you can connect to, and those that make you eager to continue building your collection. Remember, collecting is about the fun, not about the money nor the number of dolls you can amount.
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The Gene Marshall Doll, one of the most popular from Ashton Drake's collections, is typically dressed in 40s style clothes and accessories, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Think Ingrid Bergman... - 15 1/2" tall.
- Starting price: $100.
- Friends include: Madra Lord, Trent Osborn, and Violet Waters.
- A wide variety of costumes and street clothes are available as well as furniture.
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Brenda Starr, the only line of fashion dolls from Effanbee, is a reporter and world traveler always on the cutting edge of fashion. She is based in the 1940s. |
Madame Alexander dolls come in a wide variety of styles, all of which tend to have a more of a doll look to them because they have large heads and some have sleep eyes that close when they are laid onto their backs. - Size varies from 10" to 21".
- New Cissy Collection for 2006
- Prices vary depending on the collection, but most vintage and modern dolls cost upwards of $300.
- Many friends, accessories, and clothes available for the different dolls.
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Robert Tonner makes a wide variety of dolls with contemporary and vintage looking fashions. |
External Links- Clea Bella -- A beautiful, dancer doll, with friends, fashion, and fun accessories.
- One and Only Dolls -- Fairy, gypsy, Hollywood, mermaids, and elf dolls. Quite beautiful, edgy, and not your normal fashion doll line.
- R & D -- Asian inspired dolls, plus mod, fantasy, and popular fashion styles available. Accessories also available.
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