Christmas is long over, but I still have
one gift to open, it’s a little late because the package took some time
to arrive. To be perfectly honest, I bought it for myself, because I’d
been a good girl all year so I’d earned it. Seeing the United Colors of
Benetton Barbie has brought some very happy childhood memories, because
many, many, many years ago my mum got her for me when I was still a
little girl. Oh how I adored that doll and everything about her – her
voluminous, soft, crimped hair, her incredible outfit and her smiling,
red lips. So when I saw her available on Ebay in a great condition and
with her stock apparently complete, I grabbed her before somebody else
did because this doll is very popular and when she pops up, she never
stays available for long.
There’s been at least three Mattel x
United Colors of Benetton collabs to the best of my knowledge and the
first one took place in 1990. Three dolls reached the US market then –
Barbie, Christie and Kira and Europe was treated preferentially – two
more dolls were released there – Ken and Teresa. Teresa is widely sought
after for her obvious beauty and commands higher prices than all the
rest taken together. One funny thing- Kira was called Marina in Europe
for some inexplicable reason. All 5 dolls were dressed in bright,
colorful clothes whose pieces seemed to conflict with each other but
when you took two steps back and looked at it again, it all worked! And
if Barbie wanted to change into something else but equally spectacular,
the two companies released a line of fashion packs. I love the one
designed for Ken as it’s Formula 1 inspired. That’s because in 1986-2001
the Benetton Group owned the F1 team that was called the Benetton
Formula. In 2002 it changed its ownership and the name into Renault F1.
the
source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65290859@N05/5995260866
In 1991 the two companies joined forces
again and produced 5 equally lovely dolls- the same characters. The
dolls were given new outfits and facepaint and I’d love to have them too
as well as the amazing playset that accompanied them – the United
Colors of Benetton Boutique. Then in 2005 more dolls under the same logo
left their factories, but my knowledge on them is very limited as
they’re past the Superstar Era. These dolls’ outfits were no longer so
lovely and they were supposed to reflect some fashions characteristic of
big cities such as New York, Paris or Stockholm. They were packaged in
clear plastic tubes like socks or knickers. The below commercial
presents them.
My Benetton Barbie isn’t new but her
hair is still very soft, shiny and crimped and a conditioner even
brought the crimps further. A bath also helped to tame the crazy bangs
that looked very much Wet’n Wild. Barbie’s face doesn’t seem to differ
very much from any other dolls of that period, but to me she’s instantly
recognizable. I love how simple her eyes are kept, they’re striking
blue with a detail of tiny lavender moon crescents. Her navy blue
mascara, eyeliner and shadow make her eyes really pop and her red
lipstick and the chocolate brown eyebrows give her a very feisty look.
I’m a little disappointed with her
outfit though. The red velvet jacket and the mini skirt are a little
faded as are her blue floral leggings and her pouch but that’s the
reasonable compromise I had to accept to get the doll at all. Benetton
Barbie is very popular amongst the collectors worldwide and this is
reflected by her price and availability. I may in time get a better
condition outfit for her, but for now I’m happy that her stock is more
or less complete. The jacket is blue trimmed and has a nice floral
detail to it. The yellow half turtleneck should have the application
too, but I guess it’s a replacement. I remembered the jacked and its
every detail but somehow I can’t recall the navy blue floral leggings or
the pouch that’s made of the same exact fabric. The knee-high socks
that Barbie’s wearing over her leggings are pretty interesting and so is
her pink bandana scarf. To complete the look, Barbie’s put on a pink
felt hat and some pink sneakers. The outfit is really spectacular and
the idea seems to be crazy, but that’s the United Colors of Benetton and
their unique style.
A collector is and insatiable creature
and I’m already making plans to purchase Benetton Christie 1990, she’s
such a cute doll. In the meantime, here’s my little childhood Barbie
collection that consists of Super Star Barbie 1988, Toys’r’us Cool Looks
Barbie 1990 and of course, my lovely Benetton Barbie 1990!
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