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.
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