Selma DuPar James

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. 

This is the cover of the doll's box. Underneath is a removable cellophane lid.

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.

 

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.

Her silver high heels are shown in this photo.

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.

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. 

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. 

Related Links:

Introducing the Stunning Claudette Gordon

Romona J. shared photos of her Selma DuPar

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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.  

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