Updated: Debbie Allen Barbie and Golden Dream Christie Repro

Debbie Allen Tribute Barbie

When I saw the initial photos circulating on social media of the Debbie Allen tribute Barbie, I was not impressed. My initial thought was, she looks goofy. Someone mentioned that the doll looks more like Karyn Parsons (a.k.a. Hilary Banks' character on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). I could see that comparison. But after seeing the image of Debbie Allen that the doll is fashioned after, I can almost appreciate the sculpt. So, a few seconds ago, I carted the doll on Amazon. It's also available on Mattel Creations, but you have to be a Barbie Club 59 member. 

In this video, Debbie Allen gives the Debbie Allen Dance Academy students a first look at the doll.

Update

My Debbie Allen tribute Barbie arrived swiftly, two days earlier than expected on October 20, 2025.

The end of the shipping box had been previously opened and was taped closed. A label on the opposite side of the box read, "This is a new item." The tissue paper covering the doll's box was torn and crumpled. Either someone ordered and returned the doll or a curious Amazon employee opened the box and resealed it.

Except for the fully side-parted top hair, Debbie Allen Barbie doll looks like the online pictures. Box tampering, described above in the box photo caption, occurred before the doll's arrival.

Debbie Allen Tribute Barbie is seen in a photo collage.

I am pleased and happy I decided to order.

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Golden Dream Christie, the original doll released in 1980

Also offered recently through Mattel Creations is the reproduction of Golden Dream Christie. I have the original doll (shown above) and had no desire to add a reproduction to my collection; one is enough for me, and having the original is usually preferable to owning a reproduction. I can understand, however,  why owning an original and a reproduction doll would be desired. 

I am very disappointed in the IRL (in real life) photos of the reproduction doll's wiry hair, which is quite different from the beautiful curly ends seen on Mattel's promotional photos. 

Below, view Michele Lee's YouTube video unboxing of her reproduction Golden Dream Christie. Her doll's hair looks good compared to some photos I have seen of other reproduction dolls, but as she states, "Her hair looks nothing like the promo pics do."

So many people anticipated this doll's arrival, only to be met with great disappointment. This is not acceptable for a doll at this price point to be released with what appears to be used steel wool-looking hair in many cases. While some collectors have indicated their plan to return the doll, others have opted to keep it and restyle the hair. 

Please do better, Mattel. Barbie collectors, the people who support your business, deserve better, especially for the dolls they voted for you to create.

Related Link

Golden Dream Christie (the original doll's museum installation; there is a slideshow of photos in the Gallery section).

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There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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The Other Doll in the Order

Another Xian Xian Supermodel arrived.

In my post about the #1 Barbie-ish clone, I mentioned that another doll was included in the order. This post is about that doll. Except for hair color, she is identical to this Xian Xian supermodel doll. After the auburn-haired doll arrived, I ordered one with black hair. 

This close-up illustrates the "pink" eyeshadow that I could live without. Other than that, I'm pleased.

Just like the others, she arrived in a bubble-wrapped cellophane envelope inside a plastic mailer. There were no issues with her. 

This two-piece suit was my first choice for her. 

She modeled it with the auburn-haired supermodel.

Next, she tried on a cute dress that has a faux leather bodice and a floral tulle skirt. A black and white houndstooth print neck scarf  matches the print of the other doll's suit.

She wears a faux leather and floral tulle dress with black slingbacks and holds a black satin purse. 

The two pose together.

A close-up of the two

The decision is final. The second fashion works well for her. 

Related Post

#1 Barbie-ish Clone

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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

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Detroit Doll Show 2025 November 15, 2025

Sandy’s Land LLC, known for its mission to empower, entertain, and inspire, with brand products, books, art, and cultural events, is proud to announce the 2025 Black Art and Doll Show (Detroit Doll Show), an empowering celebration of history, culture, and diversity through the promotion of Black dolls and art. Read more here and here.

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All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

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

__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published, so don't waste your time. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

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