1st Three of 2024

Defa Lucy Fashion Girl's shipping box

Doll 1, Defa Lucy Fashion Girl

A Defa Lucy Fashion Girl was my first 2024 purchase. The doll is described on the cardboard box used to ship it as "Curly Hair Dark Skin Fashion Doll." Defa Lucy is a China-based doll manufacturer.

Defa Lucy Fashion Girl

Inside the shipping box, the doll was in her blister card box covered with a piece of bubble wrap for additional protection.

Defa Lucy Fashion Girl has a very pretty face and is not a Barbie clone but can be considered a Barbie competitor.

 

Full view, still in the box

My only issue with this doll is the super-thin, shapeless legs. It does have click-bend knees. According to other owners of this doll, the curly hair is closely rooted. The clothes are the basic style used for the more popular 11-1/2-inch fashion doll and include a two-piece (top and skirt) of polyester in a multicolored print with orange as the main color, which matches the orange high-heel pumps. She wears blue hoop plastic earrings and has a cone-shaped translucent orange handbag. 

Defa Lucy Fashion Girl is seen in a photo from "The Internet."

Defa Lucy Fashion Girls are illustrated on the back of the box.

Animated illustrations Defa Lucy Fashion Girl dolls are on the back of this doll's box. At the time of my purchase, the doll I ordered and another one with purple hair were the only two available with deeper complexions. (I ordered from Temu's website—I did not use and will never use their app.)

Doll 2, African Girl by Heidi Ott

Heidi Ott's African Girl II

African Girl II is the name I assigned this 19-inch hard-cast vinyl doll that has a stockinette-over-vinyl body. I have another doll with this same head sculpt by Ott that is dressed differently and has a different hairstyle. I received this doll for the assistance I offered another collector in re-homeing her collection. 

I added the socks and shoes.

African Girl II arrived wearing what I believe is the original light-blue smocked dress with matching panties. I added white lacy ankle socks and black Mary Jane-style shoes to the doll's bare feet.

The banged black wig is styled in a high ponytail with two spiral curls. 

Unlike the other African Girl doll that arrived with a deteriorated now-replaced wig, this doll's wig has withstood the test of time. Both dolls were released in 1988. 

Doll 3, Tressy by Ideal

Tressy by Ideal, 1971

Part of the Ideal Crissy grow-hair family of dolls, Sears Catalog-exclusive, Tressy from 1971 arrived with the Heidi Ott doll. This doll has been redressed in a replica of the original Tressy dress, panties, and headband. The black Ideal Crissy shoes are original. The hair remains silky and the grow-hair mechanism still shortens or lengthens when the back knob is turned.

The new girl (on the left) is shown with my originally dressed Tressy. Both dolls wear replicas of the original Tressy headband.

I now own three Tressy dolls as illustrated in the next and final photo.

My Three Tressys

The center Tressy shown above is the first Tressy I purchased during the late 1990s/early 2000s. Dressed in Crissy's Swirla Curla fashion, the doll's center grow-hair mechanism was beautifully replaced by a previous owner, and the two front-side braids were added.  

Related Links

My New Fashion Girl (Ms. Leo's Defa Lucy post)

Making Lemonade from a Lemon

Black Crissy Grow-Hair Family

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

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Every Good and Perfect Gift

Throughout my years as a collector, writing, blogging, communicating with fellow bloggers, and others who share or understand my passion for Black dolls, I have formed lasting friendships and been part of enriching doll networks and groups of like-minded people.

I am taking the time now to thank those who have been part of one or more of my circle of doll-friends many of whom have sent unexpected gifts my way this year.

First of all, I want to thank all the dedicated readers/followers of this blog.  I greatly appreciate those who share their input through comments and also those who are not as vocal but continue to read my posts and often contact me directly.

In no certain order, and I hope I do not omit anyone, below are some of the doll gifts I have received this year from those in my close circle of doll friends and from acquaintances.

Circa 1960s church fan features a praying girl with a doll.

In a recent email from Sherry Howard of Myauctionfinds.com, I was asked if I collect doll memorabilia.  After my "yes" answer, Sherry graciously sent me this delightful church fan that in my estimate, dates back to the '60s or possibly a decade earlier.  The caption on the lower right of the fan with the image of an adorable little girl involved deeply in prayer as her brown baby doll sleeps, reads:  "Bless Dolly Too."  Used in advertising by Hinton and Pennick Funeral Service of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, their name and motto, Our aim is to be worthy of your friendship" appear on the back of the fan.  Thank you, again, Sherry!  Some of Sherry's other church fan finds can be seen here.

Cloth doll plastic bag holder and Santa door ornament

Ms. Harper was a long-time member of my Yahoo Group! WeLoveBlackDolls.  She is now a member of my private Facebook group.  This week I received an unexpected package that contained a 24-inch cloth doll that serves as a plastic bag holder.   The package from Ms. Harper also included an African American Santa door ornament.  Both, shown above, are so delightful and warmly received.  Thank you, again, Ms. Harper for thinking of me!

Senegalese boy, Issa Pouye, by Mme. Fabinta Lo

In a package from Paulette of Limbe Dolls, that contained the much-needed Monster High limbs I knew I was receiving, was another unexpected gift.  Seen first here in a guest post written by Paulette about the doll's artist, Issa Pouye was a pleasant surprise upon arrival in his own cloth drawstring bag.  His artist, Mme. Fabinta Lo makes dolls representing traditional aspects of Senegalese culture and history.  After learning about Mme. Lo's dolls through Paulette's post about her work, we (the artist and I) became Facebook friends.  It was my immediate desire to own at least one of her dolls.  Thanks to Paulette, now I do.  As described by Paulette in her guest post, "Issa Pouye is from the Peul ethnic group.  The Peul are traditionally nomadic herders, but Issa has left his rural village to attend school in the city."  Here he is surrounded by many dolls who were not familiar with his culture before now. 

1960s Dress Me-type doll and So In Style Grace with Courtney Goes to the Salon

After participating in a doll museum photo-sharing project hosted by one of the members of the So In Style Fan Club, I received a certificate of participation and unexpected gifts from the project host (JB).  One of the gifts was a vintage, Dexter's circa 1960s dress me-type fashion doll. So In Style Grace with Courtney Goes to the Salon doll set was another.  Thank you again, JB for your generosity!

Paper doll and cutout books published by LaVerne Hall

I placed an order for a sock doll and a clothespin doll from LaVerne Hall, who sent along several of her published paper dolls and additional doll artist-related literature.  Thank you again, LaVerne for your generous gifts.  A blog post featuring my sock doll and clothespin doll by Laverne is forthcoming. 

SIS Baby Phat Kara and Prom Grace

This year I received dolls and other items from Kimberley Wallace, founder and moderator of the So In Style Fan Club.  These were sent after my participation in fan club events.  Two of the dolls received, Grace and Kara, are shown above.

In May of this year, near my birthday, I received this beautiful hand-sewn white dress from Ms. Betty Ativie along with a pair of lace anklet socks as a "just because gift," which I blogged about here.  In a note accompanying the dress and socks, Betty referred to the items as a "just-because gift."  Although they arrived around the time of my birthday, Betty had no prior knowledge of my date of birth. Thank you again for sharing your sewing talents with me and my dolls, Betty!

1996 Clueless doll fashion and Lucky Locket Kiddles boxed paper doll set (1968).

Ms. S. has been a blessing to me for the years I have known her.  I have received several items from her throughout the years.  This year I received a Clueless doll fashion and Lovely Locket Kiddles boxed paper doll set, which are shown above.  Both remain very much appreciated. 

Tressy finally has a headband to replicate her original 1970s headband.  Cinnamon, who has her original outfit, has a new pale peach fashion with matching headband, orange blouse, and a shoulder bag to wear courtesy of Ms. Gauley. 

Earlier this year, email correspondent turned doll-friend, and fellow collector, Ms. Gauley, had items made for two of my Ideal Crissy grow-hair family dolls.  A replacement headband was made for Tressy and a pair of too-cute overalls with matching blouse and shoulder bag were made for Cinnamon.  Thank you, again, Ms. Gauley!

After receipt, I blogged about my "I Can Be" (Little Wyatt)  here.  The doll and now framed poem received from talented doll artist, Wyatt Hicks, will be forever treasured!  Thank you again, Wyatt!

Circa 1940s Black Americana tea bell mammy and circa 1950s beaded Zulu doll

After the death of Maya Angelou in May of this year, I entered and won a Facebook contest for an autographed copy of Maya Angelou's book, Mom & Me & Me & Mom.  The contest was conducted by noted author and heir of her mother's extensive doll collection, Jo Maeder.  The above pictured circa 1940s Black Americana tea bell mammy and circa 1950s beaded Zulu doll had been part of her mother's collection.  After announcing me as the winner, Jo asked if I would be willing to accept the pair as a gift along with the autographed book I won.  Of course, I answered, "Yes!"    Thank you, again, Jo!

Shindana's Kimmie dressed as a bride

Shindana's Kimmie, circa 1968, dressed as a bride, was a gift from fellow black-doll enthusiast, Linda Hayes, as a thank you for posting some of her dolls for sale on this blog over a several-week period.  Kimmie is a welcome addition to my Shindana doll collection.  Thank you again, Linda!

Cutie Pops Candi (stock photo from Amazon.com)

Fellow collector and doll friend, Cheryl Bruce sent Cutie Pops Candi by Jada Toys to me as part of a Pay it Forward Facebook challenge I participated in this year.  In January, Cheryl posted the challenge details as a status update.  Essentially, the first five people to respond in a comment that they were "in" would receive a surprise from her sometime during the year.  The surprise could be something purchased, something homegrown, a book, or something the recipient would like.  I was one of the five people to comment.  In turn, I had to post the Pay if Forward challenge details as a Facebook status update and likewise send surprises to the first five people to post a comment that they were also willing to participate.  Cutie Pops was my surprise from Cheryl and was she ever a surprise. Before receiving the doll I had no prior knowledge of her existence.  Thank you again, Cheryl!

Queens of Africa Nneka, a gift from Mr. Taofick Okoya, founder of the Queens of Africa dolls

In March of this year, I received a Queens of Africa (QoA) doll from Mr. Taofick Okoya, creator of the QoA dolls.  Nneka, shown above, was custom made for me.  Without knowing peach is my favorite color, the doll's costume is various shades of peach and burnt orange.  After reading one of my posts about the Queens of Africa dolls, Mr. Okoya sent me a message through Facebook informing me of his plan to have a doll custom made for me.  My gratitude for his kind gesture continues.  Incidentally, from US-based seller, Slice by Cake, I recently purchased another doll produced as a result of Mr. Okoya's dedicated efforts to provide dolls of color for Nigerian children.  My newest doll is a Princess of Africa and has a different head sculpt than the queens.  A separate blog post about my newly acquired doll will soon follow.

Again, I hope I have not missed naming anyone who gave dolls and doll-related items to me this year.  To each and every one of you, I extend a huge heartfelt thanks.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -- James 1:17


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MIBDH: Early Black Fashion Dolls

It is common knowledge that black Francie (whose marketed name was Colored Francie) was the first dark-skinned doll introduced in Mattel's Barbie line in 1965.  White Francie had been marketed a year prior as Barbie's MODern cousin.  This familial relationship was not used on the black doll's box; however, it stands to reason that if white Francie was her cousin; black Francie had to be as well.  The black doll was followed by friend-of-Barbie, Christie in 1968 (people often mistake Christie as Barbie's first black friend; well I guess technically she is if black Francie was her cousin). Two versions of black Francie were made:  one with red hair and one with dark brown hair.  1965 is the box date for both versions.  Francie continues to command rather exorbitant prices on the secondary market.  As a result, I do not own an original black Francie. 

Dyed/painted 30th Anniversary Francie, and reproduction Wild Bunch Francie

After the release of the 30th Anniversary reproduction Francie (the white doll) in 1996, I dyed/painted one brown (shown above).  This was one of my first attempts at colorizing a doll.  A manufactured black version entered my collection later that same year when Wild Bunch Francie was released. 

Live Action Christie remains one of my favorite vintage friends of Barbie followed by the ebony-complexioned Malibu Christie. 

1975 Malibu Christie and 1960s Midge

Vintage Christie has a dedicated head sculpt; however, it is very similar to vintage Midge, as illustrated above with differences as noted below:

Key Differences:
Midge: Known for a "cheerful," sweeter face with freckles and a narrower nose.
Christie: Designed with a broader nose and larger lips to reflect Black beauty standards, often described as a more "serious" or neutral expression. (Open AI)

American Character's 1963 Tressy, colorized wears the Tressy-tagged Summer Holiday white sundress.

Many companies attempted to ride the coattails of Mattel by producing teen fashion dolls.  American Character produced a limited edition of black Tressy dolls after first producing the white version.  Tressy is not only a fashion doll, but she has hair that grows with the aid of her grow-hair mechanism.  She is essentially America's first grow-hair doll.  Later, Ideal Toys obtained the rights to the Tressy name and grow-hair patent from American Character.  Ideal extended the grow-hair family to incorporate Crissy, Velvet, Cinnamon, et. al. 

Similar to black Francie, black Tressy is not an easy doll to acquire when considering "the find" and the price, or vice versa.  Since the price is the precluding factor for me, I again utilized my amateur colorizing skills to make a black one (as pictured above).

Grown Up Tammy

Tammy was Ideal's answer to Barbie.  The rare, black version, Grown Up Tammy, entered the line in 1963.  I was blessed with my version (not colorized!) in approximately 2003.  While not as popular as Barbie, all versions of Tammy remain favorites for collectors.  The black Grown Up version remains rather elusive.

Sindy's friend Gayle by Marx Toys

Sindy, a doll native of Britain, first manufactured in 1963 by Pedigree, is a Tammy-type doll (or Tammy is a Sindy-type doll).  Sindy, later manufactured by Marx, acquired a black friend, Gayle in the 1970s.

This Barbie Clone by Peggy-Ann Doll Clothes, Inc. no box date, circa 1960s-1970s, was probably originally sold through K-Mart (based on the price tag).

Other less well-known manufacturers produced their versions of teen fashion dolls in the 1960s, but they were no competition for Barbie doll sales. These companies include Hasbro, Kenner, Mego, Shillman, Totsy, and others. 

Peggy-Ann Barbie clone, two fashion dolls by Mego, and fashion dolls by Shillman and Totsy, respectively

Maxi Mod Dolls by M. & S. Shillman, Inc. circa 1970s

Note:  The Barbie clone may actually be a tan white doll.  If so, she's very tan.  She was sold to me as African American and I've always considered her a black doll.

Other than Barbie and friends, what are your favorite early black fashion dolls?

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