The year 2015 saw a vibrant and diverse range of Barbie® doll collections, reflecting contemporary fashion, artistic collaborations, and nostalgic revivals. While not directly focused on gemstones themselves, a close examination of the designs, materials, and inspirations behind these dolls reveals a fascinating interplay of color, texture, and symbolic representation that echoes the qualities we admire in precious stones. This article will explore the key Barbie® doll releases of 2015, highlighting the aesthetic connections to the world of gemstones, and examining the design elements that evoke their beauty and allure.
A Year of Diverse Collections
2015 was a particularly active year for Barbie® doll releases, encompassing several distinct collections. These included the Harlem Theater Collection, the Super Star Forever Barbie® Collection, the Teenage Fashion Model™ Collection, the Barbie Fashion Model Collection, collaborations with Moschino and Sophia Webster, limited edition artist series featuring Andy Warhol and Tokidoki, and themed releases like Shamrock Celebration™ and Haunted Beauty™. Each collection presented unique design features, materials, and inspirations, contributing to a rich tapestry of collectible dolls.
Harlem Theater Collection: Emerald and Teal Inspirations
The Harlem Theater Collection, specifically the Claudette Gordon™ Barbie® Doll, draws inspiration from the glamour and artistry of the Harlem Renaissance. The doll’s sleeveless dress features embroidered peacock feather designs in shades of teal, purple, and gold. The prominent use of teal immediately evokes the rich, vibrant hue of emeralds, a gemstone historically associated with rebirth and prosperity. The interplay of purple and gold further enhances this connection, mirroring the depth and luminosity often found in high-quality emeralds and other colored gemstones.
Super Star Forever Barbie® Collection: Golden Hues and Dramatic Flair
The Super Star Forever Barbie® Collection focused on re-releases of iconic dolls from the past. The 1981 Golden Dream Barbie Doll, in particular, stands out for its striking use of gold. The doll’s golden jumpsuit, hair, accessories – including a purse, mules, belt, and earrings – all repeat a rich golden motif. This abundance of gold directly references the precious metal often associated with topaz, citrine, and other yellow-toned gemstones. The dramatic effect of the all-gold ensemble mirrors the captivating brilliance of these stones when expertly cut and polished. The 1983 Dream Date™ Barbie® Doll, with its fuchsia gown edged in purple piping and sequin embellishments, also suggests the vibrant color play found in rubies and sapphires.
Fashion and Glamour: Floral and Silkstone® Elegance
The Fashionably Floral™ Barbie Doll showcases an intricately crafted floral print dress with puff sleeves and a cinched waist. The delicate floral design, adorned with tiny pink flowers and tulle netting, evokes the subtle beauty of rose quartz or morganite, gemstones known for their gentle pink hues and association with love and compassion. The doll’s construction using genuine Silkstone® further enhances its luxurious feel, reminiscent of the smooth, polished surface of a well-crafted gemstone.
Artistic Collaborations: Moschino and Sophia Webster
The collaborations with Moschino and Sophia Webster represent a fusion of high fashion and doll design. The Moschino Barbie® Doll, dressed in a slogan T-shirt, mesh knitwear, and a quilted faux leather bomber jacket, showcases a bold and contemporary aesthetic. While not directly referencing specific gemstones, the doll’s abundance of accessories – earrings, sunglasses, bags, and belts – reflects the multifaceted nature of gemstones and their ability to complement a variety of styles. The Sophia Webster Barbie Doll, featuring Riko hi-top glitter sneakers and a custom message clutch, similarly emphasizes playful design and attention to detail, mirroring the artistry involved in gemstone cutting and setting.
Limited Edition Series: Warhol and Tokidoki
The 2015 releases also included limited edition dolls inspired by artists Andy Warhol and Simone Legno of Tokidoki. The Barbie Andy Warhol Doll pays homage to the pop art icon, while the Tokidoki Barbie Doll embodies the vibrant and whimsical style of the Italian artist. These collaborations demonstrate the versatility of Barbie® as a canvas for artistic expression, and the ability to translate diverse aesthetic visions into collectible doll form.
Thematic Releases: Shamrock Celebration™ and Haunted Beauty™
The Shamrock Celebration™ Barbie® Doll, released for St. Patrick’s Day, features a green dress decorated with shamrocks, evoking the vibrant green of peridot or emerald. The Haunted Beauty Zombie™ Barbie® Doll, with its grey and off-white satin gown and skeletal motifs, presents a darker aesthetic, reminiscent of the mysterious allure of black onyx or obsidian. These thematic releases demonstrate the doll’s ability to adapt to different cultural celebrations and explore a range of aesthetic styles.
Global Glamour™ Collection: Philippine Inspiration
The Global Glamour™ Collection, specifically the doll inspired by the Philippines, features a long gown with a sheer overdress printed with a tribal motif and a sun icon from the Philippine flag. The embroidered floral design of the sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower, adds a delicate touch. The golden-tone accessories and lace fabric fan further enhance the doll’s elegance. The use of gold and floral motifs again echoes the beauty and symbolism of gemstones.
Birthday Wishes and Other Releases
The Birthday Wishes® Barbie® Doll, available in blonde, brunette, and brown hair variations, arrives in a pink party gown, symbolizing joy and celebration. The Ballet Wishes® Barbie® Doll embodies grace and elegance, while the Queen of the Dark Forest™ Barbie® Doll presents a dramatic and mysterious aesthetic. The Totally Hair™ Barbie® Doll, a re-release of a popular 1990s design, continues to captivate collectors with its iconic long hair.
A Reflection of Design Principles
While the 2015 Barbie® doll collections do not explicitly feature gemstones, the design principles employed in their creation – the use of vibrant colors, luxurious materials, intricate details, and symbolic representations – mirror the qualities we admire in precious stones. The dolls serve as miniature works of art, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of their designers. The collections demonstrate a keen understanding of color theory, texture, and form, resulting in visually stunning and collectible pieces.
Conclusion
The Barbie® doll collections of 2015 represent a diverse and captivating range of designs, reflecting contemporary fashion, artistic collaborations, and nostalgic revivals. While not directly focused on gemstones, the aesthetic connections between the dolls and the world of precious stones are undeniable. The use of vibrant colors, luxurious materials, and intricate details evokes the beauty and allure of gemstones, demonstrating the enduring power of design to inspire and captivate. The dolls serve as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of their creators, and their enduring popularity underscores the timeless appeal of beauty and elegance.