I must have begun my search for Isabella after sharing requested photos of other 1:6 scale dolls with Cheree Franco of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for her article, "Hello Dolly Look Out Barbie You've Got Some Competition." The article featured D7ana's shared photos of this Get Set Club, Inc. (aka GFIVE or G5) doll. (D7ana's Isabella is shown in the first photo gallery image of Franco's article.)
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| G5 Isbella has a dazzling smile. |
When released in 1999 or 2000, I purchased Vanessa, the African American G5 doll. At that time, I did not consider any other G5 doll as a prospective doll family member. Recently, it was Isabella's captivating smile and cafe au lait complexion that incited the desire to add her to the doll family. I felt I/we, as in Vanessa and I, needed her.
The same day that D7ana posted a comment to my "Barbie's Competitors Throughout the Years" post wishing me luck in finding Isabella, I ventured off to eBay in search of a listing. Who knew I would find one? Unfortunately, the seller's beginning bid was more than I desired to pay. The auction ended without bids from me or anyone else. This resulted in a relisting at a lower beginning bid of $9.99. I was the only bidder of the relisted auction. My/our Isabella is here.
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| Get Set Club, Inc. dolls Isabella and Vanessa |
Isabella is the last entry in the 2014 spreadsheet of my Excel workbook devoted to an inventory of doll purchases extending back to 2008. Her entry on row 106 is copied below:
| Month-Year of Purchase | Manufacturer/Artist/Year Made | Name | Description | Price |
| December | The Get Set Club Inc 1999 | Isabella | Part of a series of five multicultural dolls whose names spell GFIVE, Isabella is the "I" and represents a 1:6 scale, all-vinyl, multiarticulated, Italian female. She has light brown rooted hair that extends to the back of her knees. Her painted eyes are light brown. She has an open smile with painted area to represent teeth. She wears a purple top with the GFIVE logo, black pants. Black and white sneakers are attached to the bottom of the box liner. A purple two-piece swimsuit is attached to the top/back of the box liner. A personality passport and 3D hangtag are included. | 9.99 |
THE GET SET CLUB® is a company that recognizes the educational value of play and wants to add play value to education. Our collection is a patented method of teaching which involves combining our G5 gals with our themed playsets, wardrobes, and activity kits for your G5 Gal. The G5 product line lets you engage in different cool projects, exciting stories and a variety of activities. Combine these components with G5 gals and you can build your own G5 city, where everyone has a job and must learn to work together.
Nice vision... it is sad it was short lived.
dbg
Congratulations on getting Isabella! Good things happen to those who wait. You waited and paid a better price. I translate that as she was meant for YOU. I'm sure Vannessa is glad to have there as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, GG! I have learned throughout my years of collecting that exercising patience when buying on the secondary market saves money. It can happen at the retail stage too when discounts and sales are offered. I don't mind waiting for sales.
ReplyDeletedbg
Not usually being a fan of dolls showing teeth, Isabella is captivating because of the wide smile. It's very inviting. She looks like a lovely addition to anyone's doll family. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks,Troy. One thing I failed to mention that I appreciate about this doll line is the individuality achieved with the different head sculpts. Many times companies cut corners and use the same head sculpts and only offer different complexions, hair, and eye color. This was not the case with the G5 dolls.
Deletedbg
Isabella is a lovely doll! I'm sure that Vanessa is happy to have her friend. I still want to buy Vanessa one of these days. I can see that their toenails are painted - are their fingernails painted also?
ReplyDeleteHi Roxanne,
DeleteI was pleasantly surprised by the toenail polish after I examined Isabella, which made me check to see if Vanessa's toes are polished. They are. Their fingernails are not polished.
dbg