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| Debbie Allen Tribute Barbie |
When I saw the initial photos circulating on social media of the Debbie Allen tribute Barbie, I was not impressed. My initial thought was, she looks goofy. Someone mentioned that the doll looks more like Karyn Parsons (a.k.a. Hilary Banks' character on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). I could see that comparison. But after seeing the image of Debbie Allen that the doll is fashioned after, I can almost appreciate the sculpt. So, a few seconds ago, I carted the doll on Amazon. It's also available on Mattel Creations, but you have to be a Barbie Club 59 member.
In this video, Debbie Allen gives the Debbie Allen Dance Academy students a first look at the doll.
Update
My Debbie Allen tribute Barbie arrived swiftly, two days earlier than expected on October 20, 2025.
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The end of the shipping box had been previously opened and was taped closed. A label on the opposite side of the box read, "This is a new item." The tissue paper covering the doll's box was torn and crumpled. Either someone ordered and returned the doll or a curious Amazon employee opened the box and resealed it. |
Except for the fully side-parted top hair, Debbie Allen Barbie doll looks like the online pictures. Box tampering, described above in the box photo caption, occurred before the doll's arrival.
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| Debbie Allen Tribute Barbie is seen in a photo collage. |
I am pleased and happy I decided to order.
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| Golden Dream Christie, the original doll released in 1980 |
Also offered recently through Mattel Creations is the reproduction of Golden Dream Christie. I have the original doll (shown above) and had no desire to add a reproduction to my collection; one is enough for me, and having the original is usually preferable to owning a reproduction. I can understand, however, why owning an original and a reproduction doll would be desired.
I am very disappointed in the IRL (in real life) photos of the reproduction doll's wiry hair, which is quite different from the beautiful curly ends seen on Mattel's promotional photos.
Below, view Michele Lee's YouTube video unboxing of her reproduction Golden Dream Christie. Her doll's hair looks good compared to some photos I have seen of other reproduction dolls, but as she states, "Her hair looks nothing like the promo pics do."
So many people anticipated this doll's arrival, only to be met with great disappointment. This is not acceptable for a doll at this price point to be released with what appears to be used steel wool-looking hair in many cases. While some collectors have indicated their plan to return the doll, others have opted to keep it and restyle the hair.
Please do better, Mattel. Barbie collectors, the people who support your business, deserve better, especially for the dolls they voted for you to create.
Related Link
Golden Dream Christie (the original doll's museum installation; there is a slideshow of photos in the Gallery section).
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I, too, am unsure how I felt about this doll! I think it is the eyeshadow. That look seems too much for right now. I will wait to see her restyled or repainted before I decide.
ReplyDeleteIf you're referring to Golden Dream Christie, I understand the hesitation to buy.
DeleteIs it just me or does the original doll have darker skin and hair? I like the original one, but the reproduction doesn't seem to match it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the skin tone. The lighting on the picture of my doll might gives the illusion that the doll's skin is darker than the repro dolls. There are honey blonde highlights throughout the original doll's hair. The way my doll is positioned in the box makes the hair appear darker.
DeleteAh, lighting makes sense. But her hair does look like a brillo pad. They couldn't have given her nicer hair? She's a hair play doll!
DeleteI have to admit not knowing who Debbie Allen is even though I LOVED Fame! Now I have the theme song stuck in my head. Looking at the picture that was inspiration, I think they did a good job on the sculpt. And I knew that outfit looked familiar! I have forgotten so many of the early shows, but that outfit niggled at me.
Yes, they could have given her nicer hair. I would be upset if I had purchased that repro.
DeleteThe Fame theme song has been playing in my head off and on since the doll was released. I watched that show religiously.
I did too! It was on after school and was one of the shows I watched when I got home. I loved all the music and dancing.
DeleteThose were the days when you looked forward to after school TV shows but still had to do your homework.
Delete