Francie Fairchild, introduced by Mattel in 1966, represents a unique chapter in the history of fashion dolls. While not a gemstone in the traditional sense, the Francie doll, particularly specific iterations and collectible versions, has achieved a significant status within the collector’s market, commanding prices comparable to those of valuable gems. This article will explore the history of Francie, her various forms, and the factors contributing to the value of certain dolls, effectively treating specific Francie dolls as collectible “gems” within the doll collecting world.
Francie was initially marketed as “Barbie’s MOD ‘ern cousin,” reflecting the burgeoning mod fashion scene of the 1960s. At 11 ¼ inches tall, she occupied a space between Barbie and Skipper in terms of size and perceived age, appealing to a slightly different demographic. Her introduction marked a shift in Mattel’s approach to doll design, embracing a more youthful and contemporary aesthetic.
A Decade of Evolution: 1966-1976
The initial Francie dolls, released in 1966, featured a straight-leg design and a grayish-tan skin tone. A subsequent release later in 1966 and into 1967 saw a shift to a pinker skin tone. These early dolls were characterized by rooted eyelashes, a feature not present in all subsequent versions. The bend-leg doll was also introduced during this period, offering a wider range of posing options.
From 1967 onwards, “Twist ‘N Turn” Francie dolls were produced, allowing for greater articulation. These dolls underwent further stylistic changes, including variations in hairstyle. Between 1969 and 1970, Francie sported a short, curled flip hairstyle, often accessorized with a colored elastic headband. In 1971, a no-bangs hairstyle was introduced, marking another distinct iteration. Throughout this period, dolls were generally available in blonde or brunette, with consistent features like brown eyes and rooted eyelashes (except for the earliest straight-leg models).
The Rarest Finds: Japanese Variations and the 1971 Sun Malibu Francie
The production of Francie dolls extended beyond the United States, with Japan serving as a key manufacturing location. Certain Japanese variations have become highly sought after by collectors. The rarest of all Francie dolls is the 1971 Japanese Sun Malibu Francie. This doll is distinguished by its deep suntan and the use of the original Francie head mold with rooted lashes and long brunette side-parted hair. This contrasts with the American issue, which utilized the Casey head mold, lacked rooted lashes, had blue eyes, and featured blonde side-parted hair. Due to the extremely limited production numbers, the 1971 Japanese Sun Malibu Francie commands prices of $1000 and upwards on the collector’s market.
A Hiatus and a Silkstone Revival: 2011-2022
After a hiatus from 1976, Mattel reintroduced Francie in 2011, targeting the adult doll collector market. This revival saw the introduction of a new Silkstone body sculpt, designed by Robert Best. The Silkstone material offered a different aesthetic and feel compared to the vinyl used in the original dolls. The 2011 releases included the “Check, Please!” Francie doll, featuring a red and white check hat, jacket, and mini skirt with a dog accessory, and the “Nightbrights” gift set, available exclusively to Barbie Fan Club members, which included both a day look and pajamas.
Further Silkstone Francie dolls were released in 2012. The “Fuchsia ‘N Fur” doll, a Barbie Fan Club exclusive, featured an African American version of Francie wearing a pink faux-fur coat. “Kitty Corner” was a Gold Label release, including an A-line dress, a nightgown set with kitten slippers, and a cat accessory. These dolls continued the trend of high-quality materials and detailed designs, appealing to serious collectors.
Commemorative Releases and the 50th Anniversary
Mattel continued to celebrate Francie’s legacy with commemorative releases. The 2016 National Barbie® Doll Collectors Convention featured a one-of-a-kind (OOAK) 50th Anniversary Francie doll, replicating the 1966 Blonde Francie doll and her 1967 Miss Teenage Beauty fashion outfit. A Barbie Fan Club (BFC) exclusive 50th Anniversary Francie doll was also released, recreating the 1966 Francie doll and her 1967 Miss Teenage Beauty fashion—a bright pink A-line ruffled skirt paired with a sweet sleeveless lace top adorned with floral appliqués, complete with elbow-length gloves and pale-blue pumps.
The Prototype "Francie Grows" and the Transition to Casey
An interesting, though ultimately unrealized, concept was the 1967 prototype of “Francie Grows,” a doll designed to transition from a young girl to a “blossoming” teenager. This prototype utilized the “Casey” head mold (Francie’s best friend) instead of the traditional Francie head mold. This marked Mattel’s first attempt to transition Francie into the Casey head mold, a change that was later solidified with the release of “Malibu Francie” in 1971. The “Francie Grows” concept, which involved squeezing the doll’s waist to simulate growth, proved too difficult to execute at the time. This idea was later revisited in 1974 with the release of “Growing Up Skipper,” which employed a similar gimmick.
A "Colored Francie" and the Path to Christie
In 1967, Mattel introduced a “colored Francie,” the first doll in the Barbie line with a truly dark complexion. However, this doll did not feature genuinely African American features, as it was made with the same head molds as the Caucasian Francie doll. Consequently, Christie, introduced in 1968, is often considered the first true African American doll in the Barbie line. This highlights the evolving representation within the Barbie universe and the steps taken towards greater inclusivity.
Value and Collectibility
The value of Francie dolls varies significantly depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and completeness (including original packaging and accessories). The 1971 Japanese Sun Malibu Francie, due to its limited production run, consistently commands the highest prices. Dolls in pristine condition, with original packaging and accessories, are also highly valued. The Silkstone Francie dolls from the 2011-2012 revival period, particularly those designed by Robert Best and exclusive to the Barbie Fan Club, are also sought after by collectors. The 50th Anniversary releases further contribute to the collectibility of Francie dolls, representing significant milestones in the doll’s history.
Conclusion
Francie Fairchild, though not a traditional gemstone, represents a fascinating and valuable collectible within the world of fashion dolls. Her evolution over the years, from the early straight-leg models to the sophisticated Silkstone revivals, reflects changing fashion trends and Mattel’s evolving approach to doll design. The rarity of certain variations, such as the 1971 Japanese Sun Malibu Francie, and the commemorative releases contribute to her enduring appeal and high value among collectors. Francie’s story is a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia and the enduring allure of collectible dolls.