Nicole

Nicole by Kenya's World LLC (basic dolls)

Several Nicole dolls by Kenya's World, LLC were spotted at a Walgreens located in a heavily Hispanic populated area of the city.  I decided to browse the toy section at that particular Walgreens the week before Christmas.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the above dolls on one shelf.

As I was about to exit the toy aisle with one of the brunettes to purchase, I saw another shelf that contained several additional Nicole dolls.  These were in larger boxes with an extra accessory or two.  All, except one, wore brightly colored clothing of shiny material and/or ruffles.  None of these appealed to me for those reasons and I did not take the time to photograph.  I stacked them back on the shelf as they were and proceeded to the checkout counter with the one Nicole and a few other items I was purchasing.

Turquoise and Vallenato Nicole

At the counter, I discovered I had not one, but two Nicole dolls.  While examining the second set of dolls, I dropped a couple of boxes and inadvertently tucked one of the fallen boxes underneath my arm while I  repositioned the others on the shelf.  The tucked doll did not get replaced because I probably thought it was other merchandise I was purchasing.  At the checkout counter after discovering what I had done, I said, "I have two!"  Then I asked the cashier, "Which one do I need, or should I buy both?"  She smiled and answered, "She needs a friend."  So both came home with me.

My mother, who was with me, as we exited the store asked, "Debbie, what are you going to do with those dolls?  Open them up and play?"  A little annoyed by the mocking tone of question two, after a few seconds of silence I answered, "Not very many dolls representing Latinas are made.  This company designed a line a African American dolls in various skin tones and now they are attempting to serve the Hispanic market.  I will probably keep them in the box."

"Oh how nice," she said.  Do you have any of the black ones?
"Yes, I have them all," I answered.   

Turquoise Nicole was supposed to be the only one I purchased.  Priced slightly higher, Vallenato Nicole has an animal print shoulder bag and child-size purple flower-shaped ring.   Both dolls are articulated at the knees.  The arms are not articulated.   I did not see any fully articulated versions.  As illustrated in the first two photos, some dolls have lighter complexions and lighter hair.  The blonds have dark streaks; the brunettes have highlights.

Closer view of Nicole's face

Nicole has a pretty face and reminds me of actress, Alyssa Milano.

The body appears to be the same as that used for Fashion Madness Kenya. Since I am not removing them from the box at this time, a size comparison with other playscale dolls will not be conducted. 

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