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| Selma DuPar James Barbie |
Released on 07/20/17, Selma DuPar James is the third and final doll in
the Harlem Theater Collection. Claudette Gordon is the first doll in the series. Madame Lavinia is the second doll in the series. Designed by Carlyle Nuera, this Gold Label doll introduced the SELMA sculpt.
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| This is the cover of the doll's box. Underneath is a removable cellophane lid. |
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| The box cover (1st photo), the text on the box bottom (2nd photo), and the text from the back of the doll's box are illustrated above. |
As the back of the box indicates:
The bold Harlem Theatre Collection represents the courageous women of an era who paved the way for future generations to freely and creatively express themselves. During the Harlem Renaissance era, patrons of the arts like Madam Lavinia would often commission artists to showcase their latest work. Up-and-coming artist Selma DuPar James, was selected to hold her first solo exhibition in the Harlem Theater salon. Her piece is a beautiful portrait of jazz singer Claudette Gordon.
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| The cellophane lid has been removed to prevent glare from the camera's flash. The doll's box nests inside the box cover. The removable cellophane cover protects the doll from dust when displayed with the cover on, as seen in the first picture. |
Selma DuPar James retailed for $85. At the time of my June
2020 purchase, Amazon listed Selma for $39.99 with free PRIME shipping for
PRIME members. In the midst of my
pandemic doll buying, I could not resist the price.
When this doll was released, I did not find her at all
appealing. It is obvious to me now that her prototype pictures concealed her
true beauty. I love her, especially her luscious lips!
Selma's black hair is permanently styled in a bob hairstyle with a glaze that stiffens the hair. She has brown painted eyes and
full lips that are painted a deep burgundy.
Selma wears a full-length deep mauve fishtail gown
accessorized with a pearl necklace with pendant, white elbow-length gloves, and
silver shoes. Her body is articulated.
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| Her silver high heels are shown in this photo. |
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| This is the portrait Selma "painted" of the lovely Claudette Gordon. |
Her accessories include a plastic framed painting of Claudette
Gordon (shown above), a doll stand, and a certificate of authenticity shown next.
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| The certificate of authenticity is attached to the back of the box liner. |
In the following final photograph, Selma poses with Fancy Flowers Fashionista #20 Barbie for a complexion comparison.
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| There is just a slight difference in their deep brown complexions. |
I did not buy Madame Lavinia, but I did buy Claudette Gordon in 2015 when that doll was released.
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There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________
Thank you for reading. To contact me, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in the "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
Check out what I am selling here.
Check out my eBay listings here.
Please follow my sister blog Ebony-Essence of Dolls in Black.
Donate here to support this blog. Thank you!
There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
Thank you for reading. To contact me, please use the contact form on the right of the home page, which is visible in the "web view." A link to web viewing should be visible at the bottom of this page.
Check out what I am selling here.
Check out my eBay listings here.
Please follow my sister blog Ebony-Essence of Dolls in Black.
Donate here to support this blog. Thank you!