Selma DuPar James, Already Sold Out?

Screen capture of Selma DuPar James, the third doll in The Harlem Theater Collection by Mattel

The third doll in the The Harlem Theater Collection, Selma DuPar James, after a long wait for production dolls to arrive, has entered the collections of those who preordered and the doll (as of this writing) is already sold out at TheBarbieCollection website.  (Just this past Friday, order status there was shown as "preorder").  Intense interest among collectors must have been the driving force for the first dolls to sell so quickly.  Will there be others produced?

Described as follows:

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 Theatre salon.  Her piece is a beautiful portrait of jazz singer Claudette. The third doll in the Harlem Theatre™ Collection, Selma DuPar James™ Barbie® doll is powerfully creative and powerfully stylish.

Doll Designer: Carlyle Nuera
Label: Gold
Body Type: Articulated
Facial sculpt: NEW, Selma sculpt
Fashion: Dress
Fashion Sewn On: No
Accessories: Pearl necklace with pendant, gloves, shoes, painting with frame

Price $85.

Barbie enthusiast, Romona Jennings, is one preordering collector who is now enjoying her doll.  In her collection, Selma joins the first and second dolls in the collection, Claudette Gordon and Madam Lavinia.  Romona's lovely photos of Selma follow:

Holding a box of long-stem roses, (added by Romona), Selma relaxes during her first solo exhibition in the Harlem Theater Salon.

Art gives her life and it is her hope that her artwork inspires others.

Selma's portrait of jazz singer, Claudette, is admired by none other than Claudette herself.

The three divas, Claudette, Selma, and Madam Lavinia, pose for one final photograph at the conclusion of Selma's art exhibition.

When asked which one of the three dolls is her favorite and why, Romona replied, "Selma!  Her lips, her entire ensemble, and her hair; however, it is gelled.  I washed her hair to make it soft.  The dress has snaps in the back.”

Romona seems thoroughly pleased with the doll's appearance and the quality.  Here's hoping Selma's initial sellout was only for the first run of the dolls and that more will be in stock soon at TheBarbieCollection.com.  

dbg
Thank you for reading. Was this post helpful?
Follow my sister blog Ebony-Essence of Dolls in Black
View the Doll Events page for updates. Check out my eBay listings here.

Introducing the Stunning Claudette Gordon

Claudette Gordon is from the Gold Label Collection as indicated on the top of her black box.

Harlem Theater Collection Claudette Gordon, designed by Carlyle Nuera, is as stunning as I had imagined.  I have not deboxed her but wanted to share these initial photos taken immediately after her arrival.

She has such great facial bone structure.  Just look at those high cheeks and well-defined jawline.  I have not determined the real-life celebrity she resembles but she has a very familiar face.

This full-length photo illustrates Claudette's beautiful flapper-style dress with embroidered peacock feather design.  A silver standing microphone and doll stand are included.

Will there be a male counterpart?  The designer has hinted there will.  Only time will tell.  For now, I will continue to enjoy this fully-articulated beauty.  

dbg

New Fashionista, Waiting on One More

New Fashionista Barbie has an Asian-African American look

This girl was supposed to be a travel companion for Carlyle Nuera's Claudette Gordon.  Both were ordered on the same date from TheBarbieCollection.com (formerly known as BarbieCollector.com); however, Claudette's flight was delayed.  I am expecting Claudette to arrive later today.  While free time permits (of which I have very little these days), I wanted to post the initial and additional photos of this lovely auburn haired doll.
 

Wearing a pink and turquoise print romper, she carries a turquoise shoulder bag and wears beige sandals on her flat feet. Bronze diamond-shaped earrings complete her casual look.

Her auburn hair has red streaks.

The beauty mark below her left eye adds to her appealing appearance.

After deboxing, I discovered a dark smudge on the right side of her lovely face and another discoloration in the vinyl on her forehead.  Both areas are too faint for my camera to capture, but because I see them, the plan is to call Mattel for a replacement.  Even though the price was only $10.99, I expect at least a flawless face.

This doll is the final one in the new collection of Barbie Fashionistas that I desire. 

At the time of ordering Claudette and the Asian-African American-looking fashionista, the above doll was not available at TheBarbieCollection website.  At the time of this writing, a couple of Amazon sellers are offering the doll for triple the amount of retail!  I choose to wait until a retail-priced doll is available.


dbg

Claudette Gordon - Harlem Theater Series

View image | gettyimages.com

Mattel-designer, Carlyle Nuera holds one of his new Barbies, Claudette Gordon, which is part of the Harlem Theater series, slated for release in September of this year.  The doll's retail price is $85. This picture does not provide the full detail of her gorgeous face, which is a new head sculpt (and a must-have for me!), the next image, however, does.

View image | gettyimages.com

She appears to have full articulation and has a Jazz Diva Barbie flavor.  See one of the best photos I have seen thus far of her here and a couple of others of Claudette Gordon here.

I am feeling excited about this one!

dbg