Opal Lee Inspiring Woman Barbie

I updated the previous post about this Opal Lee Inspiring Woman Barbie. I also wanted to create a new post with pictures of the actual doll and include Mattel's description: 

The doll is available to Barbie Club 59 members now, and will be available to purchase on the Mattel Creations website to anyone on 1-23-26.

Anyone can also purchase it now on Amazon while quantities last.

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©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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First Dolls of 2026

In addition to Barbie Fashionista #245 (Autistic Barbie), I have made a few other unintentional doll purchases this year. I say unintentional because after viewing the total I spent on dolls in 2025, I need to curtail my doll purchases in 2026 and here on out. So far, that plan has not worked well, but there is always time to do better.

Amazing Girls Jada by Adora was my first 2026 doll purchase.

Even though Jada uses the same head sculpt as a doll I've owned for several years by Adora (Kayla Scout), her reasonable price and her cute fashion influenced my first 2026 doll purchase. I love her smile, too. 

Made in 1988, this is a 14-inch kid leather doll by German doll artist Beate Schult.

Leather is stretched over a sculpted head. She has a white fur wig and painted facial features.

The legs and feet are covered with off-white leather, which gives the illusion of boots.

A paper hang tag bearing the artist's name and 1980s contact information is attached to the off-white jacquard fabric dress.

This is how she looks undressed.

My second doll purchase in 2026 was for a 14-inch kid leather doll made in Munich, Germany, in 1988 by Beate Schult. She is not a Black doll, but because of her unique composition of leather, paint, and fur, and her giveaway price, I purchased her to display with my other two Black dolls by this artist. 

The new girl is shown with my other two dolls by Beate Schult.

My first two dolls by this artist arrived in 2024 (the boy) and in 2025 (the Beate Schult doll on the far left in the image immediately above). The tallest doll's name is Whitney. She is 20 inches tall. The boy and the new girl are 14 inches tall. Their artist-given names are unknown.

Target-exclusive, Naturalistas Whitney close-up

A full view of Naturalistas Whitney

Because I had not used my Target Red Card or visited a Target store after their compliance with the demands of the current administration to roll back their DEI initiatives, I received a letter from Target stating that my account would be closed for inactivity if a purchase was not made by a specific date. I don't need their credit card, but I did want to add Naturalistas Whitney to my collection. This doll, from the most recent wave of Naturalistas, is exclusive to Target. So, I purchased her along with other non-doll items made by other Black-owned businesses (Tabitha Brown and Goode Foods.) 

Naturalistas CROWNfest fashion

Because the 1970s decade was my coming-of-age period, '70s-inspired dolls and fashions are always a consideration. This Naturalistas CROWNfest fashion was no exception, so it was purchased with Naturalistas Whitney. The fashion pack includes a long-sleeved white Naturalistas-logo'd top, a crown logo chain belt, elongated bell-bottom jeans, white chunky-soled logo combat boots, bamboo 'N' logo earrings, a festival swag bag, a CROWNfest flyer, a gel container, and a leave-in conditioner bottle.

The back of the CROWNfest fashion describes "CROWNfest" as "a stylish celebration of a self-care filled day in the life of a Naturalistas doll!" An image and a brief bio of the creator of the Naturalistas brand, DeeDee Wright-Ward, are also on the back of the package.

Zuru My Mini Baby: This 3-inch silicone baby arrived nude, wrapped in a white animal-head-print blanket, lying snugly inside a heart-shaped bed with a white furry heart-shaped liner. The My Mini Baby Sweet Heart's Collectors Guide was included with the doll. However, because the doll's bed looked all pink in the online pictures, and it did not have a red blanket, a red and white striped hat, or a red heart-shaped pillow, I wasn't sure before the purchase if it was the same doll shown in the guide image that I saw online.

The baby is shown unwrapped, lying on its blanket, and the white furry bed liner is shown outside the bed.

This is a closer look at the baby and the blanket. It appears that, except for complexion, all My Mini Babies are identical.

To add at least one more Zuru My Mini Baby to my collection (see my 1st one here and here), I purchased the above pre-opened baby (some pieces are obviously missing or swapped out, including the ball capsule). Because I like to know what I'm getting, I didn't mind purchasing this one. 

But then I did this:

I purchased another My Mini Baby.

I took a chance on purchasing a second My Mini Baby after buying the first one because I wasn't sure if it was the same version. However, it is. And just as I suspected, the first seller replaced the red blanket with the white animal-head-print blanket and did not send the cap or the red heart-shaped pillow.

 

My Mini Baby was removed from the bed for this picture.

At least now I have a complete one from the Sweet Heart's Collection.

Barbie Fashionistas #245

 

Although I've published two blog posts about Barbie #245, the doll that represents someone on the autism spectrum, this doll is actually the last doll I've purchased in 2026 (so far). 

I plan to follow the advice I gave another collector who has also already purchased a few dolls this year: slow my roll!

All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Barbie Basics You Create Neutral Kits

The back of the box of Barbie Basics You Create Neutral Kit 001 illustrates the doll, the three extra heads, the clothing, and the accessories that are in this kit.

The Barbie Basics You Create Neutral Kits 001, 002, and 003 include a customizable Barbie in each kit, universal-fit neutral clothing and accessories, one posable body of a different size in each kit, and three extra swappable heads as illustrated below with buy links to Amazon and Target. At the time of this post, the dolls are shown as "currently not available" on Amazon, but the buy pages are active on Target (if you choose to buy from that site). The dolls will be available to non-Barbie 59 Club members on 1/21/2026 at around 7 a.m. PST, but if you're a Barbie 59 Club member, they can be ordered now (1/20/2026) at MattelCreations.com. Kit prices are $50.99 (Target) and $54 (Mattel Creations).

Amazon Buy Links (to use when the dolls become available on this site):

Kit 1: https://amzn.to/45kzN6X

Kit 2: https://amzn.to/4t7Cpzp

Kit 3: https://amzn.to/4bHSRjk 

Target Links:

Kit 001: https://www.target.com/p/barbie-you-create---01-fashion-doll/-/A-94760198

Kit 002: https://www.target.com/p/barbie-you-create---02-fashion-doll/-/A-94760172

Kit 003: https://www.target.com/p/barbie-you-create-03-fashion-doll/-/A-1003836411?fbclid=IwY2xjawPcrlVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5YnNpUDZuWXN6bXhHZ2dZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHi3C1jeeKb3YyQdbdGPykpSeCvFA5_FfxKh7yc9rJF_o9PUpzNx7drwP1vUp_aem_rvF5jjZoEV_CAMXgnQ8WWA

Kit Photos (from the Internet):

Kit 001: Model of the Moment Nichelle, Mermaid, and Lara are the head sculpts used in this kit. The body type is Made to Move Tall. The skin tone matches Barbie Basics 2026 Series Petite Doll (JJX27)

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Kit 002: Tango, Elle, and Pazette are the head sculpts used in this kit. The body type is Made to Move Athletic. The skin tone matches Barbie Basics 2026 Series Curvy Doll (JJX28)

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Kit 003: Fryda, Millie, and Olivia are the head sculpts in this. The body is Curvy. The skin tone matches Barbie Basics 2026 Series Original Doll (JJX25).

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Dressing Detroit Goodfellows Dolls

One of 30+ dolls dressed by the Motor City Doll Club of Detroit for Detroit Goodfellows 

I have been an active associate member of the Motor City Doll Club of Detroit since 2012. Through the club’s annual donation of approximately 30 doll outfits to Detroit Goodfellows, I regularly contribute identical fashions for the 17-inch dolls distributed by Detroit Goodfellows for Christmas to children in need. One of the outfits I contributed in 2025 is worn by one of the Detroit Goodfellows dolls dressed by MCDC.

MCDC members had a doll dressing get together before the dolls were transferred back to Detroit Goodfellows. My donated doll fashions (dressed by fellow MCDC members because of my long-distance absence) was awarded Best Dressed among 7,500 judged dolls!

I was surprised to learn of this honor at our last club meeting on January 18, 2025, which I attended virtually. It gives me great pleasure to know that these annual donations go toward making Christmas bright for children in need who reside in metro Detroit. I am deeply touched that the three identical fashions I donated for 2025 won Best Dressed!

The Motor City Doll Club of Detroit is a nonprofit (501) (3) organization under the umbrella of United Federation of Doll Clubs, dedicated to celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of  dolls with a special interest on Black dolls. Visit the Motor City Doll Club of Detroit Facebook page here. Learn about Goodfellows Detroit here.

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Autistic Barbie in Real Pictures

Barbie Fashionista #245 represents a person with autism.

Barbie Fashionista #245 represents a person with autism.

I ordered Barbie Fashionista #245, Autistic Barbie, from Walmart's website after signing up for a 30-day free trial of Walmart+. The trial includes free delivery for qualifying items with a minimum purchase of $35. The doll and the other items I ordered arrived within three hours of placing the order.

This Barbie has a new head sculpt, wears noise-cancelling headphones, and has a plastic tablet with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app symbols. 

Barbie holds a pink fidget spinner.

The noise-canceling headphones, the fidget spinner, and the tablet with AAC app symbols are all designed to aid sensory processing and communication. Barbie has an ambiguous ethnicity, wears sensory-friendly clothing, and has flexible elbow and wrist joints for "stimming."

Online Buy Links:

Amazon

Walmart

If you'd like to add this doll to your collection or purchase it for someone else, please do not pay more than retail, which is around $11 to $12. Scalpers already have online listings for multiple times the doll's retail cost. 

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

The first-ever autistic Barbie

The autism infinity symbol represents the infinite diversity, potential, and acceptance within the autism spectrum.

In Barbie News:

See Mattel's announcement here. 

CNN's autistic Barbie cover story features a mother and daughter (Precious Hill and Mikko) with whom Mattel has partnered, who are both on the spectrum. See Ms. Hill's Instagram announcement of this partnership here. 

Barbie Fashionista #245 can be purchased on Amazon and Walmart. Other retailers, both online and locally, will have it soon. 

Barbie Fashionista #229 Down Syndrome Barbie is still available. 

__________

All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Black Doll Designers at the Strong Museum

Photo credit: themuseumofplay.org

"Learn about the pivotal role that Black designers have played in diversifying toy aisles in Black Doll Designers, open on the museum’s first floor (near The Strong Express Train)." 

The Strong Museum of National Play

One Manhattan Square

Rochester, New York 14607

+1 (585) 263-2700

info@museumofplay.org 

Read more here.

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Updated: Opal Lee Inspiring Women Barbie

Dr. Opal Lee admires a showcase of Black dolls at the 2024 Queenish Black Dolls Showcase in Lancaster, Texas, as I and others look on.

Update: The buzz is true. Here is the Amazon link to purchase the Opal Lee Barbie. 

Read more about this remarkable woman and the doll here.

A recent online buzz about Barbies planned for 2026 includes a portrait doll of the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," Dr. Opal Lee. A former educator, Dr. Lee's tireless and passionate civil rights work culminated in Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, signed into legislation by President Joe Biden in 2021.  

While official information from Mattel is pending, the online buzz projects the release of the Opal Lee Barbie during Black History Month. It is unknown if the doll will be a one-of-a-kind or mass-produced. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a mass-produced doll.

Navigate here to view images of the proposed doll.

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, Black Doll Collecting Blog readers!

Rerooted Barbie Basics #3

Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, I’m grateful for the visitors and friends who stop by to read my doll musings, who share a love for Black dolls and the stories they carry. May the coming year bring you meaningful finds, joyful displays, and deeper appreciation for the beauty, heritage, and representation these dolls embody. Thank you for reading, supporting, and celebrating with me. I look forward to a wonderful 2026 and wish the same for you and yours! 

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com