Barbie enters the Star Wars universe!

It was expected for quite some time, there were even preorders from dealers available, but we had not seen any photos of the Barbie Star Wars dolls. But now they have arrived, with the doll’s already available to preorder at the official Barbie website and Amazon. They were inspired by original concept art from Star Wars: A New Hope. Robert Best, the designer of the three doll Star Wars™ X Barbie® Collection puts a high-fashion twist on the iconic characters. The official Barbie blog had an exclusive interview with Robert Best about his love for Star Wars, design challenges, and his experience in bringing this new collection to life.

What was particularly exciting or unique about this collaboration for you?

The unique aspects of this come from the collaboration of two unique icons that truly stand alone. Barbie and Star Wars are cultural phenomena like no others and so it’s exciting to bring these two worlds together. I also think it might be an unexpected collaboration and I love that.

The character of R2-D2 is instantly recognizable. What are some of the more subtle ways you integrated elements of the droid's design into the doll’s fashion?

Barbie doll’s hair and make-up firstly are a fun, subtle nod to the signature shapes and colors that fans of R2-D2 will recognize. Her belt is a very specific R2-D2 element that immediately stands out. The silver lining of the puffer vest is also a nice detail.

With the Leia-inspired doll, how did you approach the task of designing a look that’s fresh, yet honors the original, since the movie costume and hairstyle are so indelibly iconic?

With the look inspired by Princess Leia, I knew that keeping the signature elements would be important and the challenge was making them different enough where it didn’t feel like a costume or a strict recreation. I also wanted to make sure Leia's confidence shined through. I took the hairstyle (that might be one of the most recognizable of all time) and added braids and volume as well as lowering the placement. For the gown I really wanted to amp up the glamour but still keep it relatively clean & simple. We created a stunning white gown with dramatic cape-like sleeves, highlighted with the silver corset belt, necklace and cuffs adding a cool touch of shine and texture.

Darth Vader’s movie costume is actually a suit of life-supporting armor and cybernetics. How did that fact change, enhance, and/or limit your approach to the doll’s couture design?

While these details are interesting and relevant to the characters in the narrative related to the films, when you're creating a look “inspired by,” the purpose is to capture the essence of the character and include notable details. Then, it becomes more about what the costume and its narrative purpose represents emotionally, and finding a way to convey that through fashion.

What do you think fans of Star Wars and Barbie will be most excited about?

As a fan of both myself, my hope is that fans will share the excitement and joy that I had when creating these dolls from this unique and amazing collaboration. For me personally, this was definitely a dream collaboration and I hope that comes through to the fans.

Below you can see each doll with the details from the Barbie website plus the official description. The $100.00 price for each is a bit steep, but not unusual for collector dolls with this kind of packaging - the boxes look amazing. For this price level though, they should have had articulation (just imagine the posing!) and some of the accessories could ave been made in better material. They will be available on the 18th of November. More comments on each doll below.

Star Wars™ R2D2 x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$100.00

PRE-ORDER 
AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019

SKU #: GHT79

The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collaboration is an homage to Star Wars: A New Hope. This eponymous collection, inspired by the film’s original concept art, re-imagines iconic characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. A resourceful astromech droid, skilled starship mechanic and fighter pilot’s assistant, R2-D2 showed great bravery in rescuing his masters and their friends from many perils. Star Wars™ R2-D2 x Barbie® doll captures the lovable droid’s look in a geometric ensemble with a dome skirt, bomber jacket and thigh-high boots over silvery tights. A vibrant blue ponytail and “radar eye” detail complete the look. Star Wars™ R2-D2 x Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Star Wars™ and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars™ doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 8/13/2019

• Included with doll: Jacket, gloves, Top, Skirt, tights

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: Dome skirt, bomber jacket and thigh-high boots over silvery tights

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: Model Muse (Straight arms)

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: BCP92

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 6" x 11"

She’s the hip, young one of the trio, fittingly for the character she is inspired from. The use of the elements of R2D2’s construction is imaginative and creative, even with her make up and hair. The bag is a hint for the other droid, C3PO; smart, but I would have loved to see a doll inspired by that one. Maybe later on - imagine another trio with dolls inspired by C3PO, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. I also love the box design. It immediately brings the film sets to mind and can be displayed open or closed.

Star Wars™ Darth Vader x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$100.00

PRE-ORDER 
AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019

SKU #: GHT80

The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collaboration is an homage to Star Wars: A New Hope. This eponymous collection, inspired by the film’s original concept art, re-imagines iconic characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Once a heroic Jedi Knight, Darth Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force, became a Sith Lord, and led the Empire’s eradication of the Jedi Order. This collectible Star Wars™ x Barbie® doll captures Darth Vader’s Sith armor silhouette in a head-to-toe shiny-black ensemble. Metallic details at her collar and waist, dark glasses and an emblematic black cape finish the look. Star Wars™ Darth Vader x Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Star Wars™ and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars™ doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 8/13/2019

• Fashion: Shiny-black peplum top, panelled pencil skirt and knee-high boots

• Fashion Sewn On?: Yes

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Body Type: Model Muse (Straight arms)

• Facial sculpt: N6599

• Included with doll: Glasses, Choker, Holster, Corset, boots, clutch, Doll Stand

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 6" x 11"

They have to have a female Vader in the new films ASAP! This is incredible: the styling and fashion are gorgeous and fit the character inspiration perfectly. My only peeve is with her sunglasses: they should have resembled the iconic Vader face mask a bit more. The helmet hair help a lot though. Superb. Anna Wintour has found a match!

Princess Leia Star Wars x Barbie® Doll

Ages: Adult Collector

$100.00

PRE-ORDER
AVAILABLE TO SHIP ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019

The Star Wars™ x Barbie® collaboration is an homage to Star Wars: A New Hope. This eponymous collection, inspired by the film’s original concept art, re-imagines iconic characters through a distinctive Barbie™ high-fashion filter. Princess Leia Organa was one of the Rebel Alliance’s greatest leaders, fearless on the battlefield and dedicated to ending the tyranny of the Empire. This collectible Star Wars™ x Barbie® doll captures Princess Leia’s iconic look in an elegant white gown with dramatic, floor-length sleeves. Details include a silvery peplum belt, cuff jewelry and an up-do inspired by her signature bun hairstyle. Star Wars™ Princess Leia x Barbie® doll makes a great gift for Star Wars™ and Barbie® fans. Includes a Star Wars™ doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Colors and decorations may vary.

• Label: Gold Label®

• Designer: Robert Best

• Release Date: 8/13/2019

• Included with doll: Necklace, cuffs, belt, shoes, clutch, doll stand

• Eyelashes: Painted

• Fashion: White gown with silver peplum belt

• Fashion Sewn On?: No

• Body Type: Model Muse (Double bent arms)

• Doll Stand: Yes

• Facial sculpt: DYX39 Collector Size Millie (Closed Mouth)

• Package Dimensions (H/D/W): 18" x 6" x 11"

What a beautiful tribute to Carrie Fisher and Leia Organa. I love how it references the original costume and styling from the first film, while transforming it into a high fashion look. If only the boots were not moulded plastic.

© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All information, interview and photos courtesy of Mattel.

Tonner Doll Toyfair 2018 reveals

It was good to see that among the other toy companies participating at The New York International Toyfair this year was Tonner Doll, with many new releases, either already announced (but not seen) dolls, final versions of dolls that had already been previewed sometime ago or first time appearances. amazing and it was so great to see and hear about everything that’s happening in the doll world. The dolls and accessories shown below include everything showed at Toyfair with a couple of new additions. When you click through to the site there are buy buttons on many of the items in this release, if still available. Some are shipping now and some have projected availability dates in the future. Please be aware that if you add one of those items to your cart and complete the transaction, you will be charged for all the items now and they’ll ship as they become available. Tonner Doll allocated limited quantities on some items to their direct sale inventory and once they are sold the only way to obtain them will be through one of the Tonner Doll retailers, should they have availability left. Let’s check the dolls out!

T18DCDD01 Wonder Woman-Training Armor - $210.00

Featuring a portrait sculpt of Gal Gadot with hand painted details, this ¼ scale figure on the new 16" RTB 101 hard plastic/vinyl body, is heavily articulated and outfitted in a replica of the Themyscira training armor as worn in the Wonder Woman movie. The removable molded armor is movie accurate and hand painted. “Bracelets of Submission” and three sets of hands (relaxed, fists and gripping) are included with this figure. Diana’s sword, shield and fully adjustable base are available separately. Features mink colored saran hair in a long braid and dark brown eyes. June/July estimated shipping (subject to change).

Another great Wonder Woman doll, again very accurate and detailed. I wonder how many of the people who got the first one would get this one too.She comes without the stand, which is always a problem. Would I buy just the outfit? Maybe. But, there’s a second version of this one...

T18DCGS01 - WW Training Armor Deluxe Set - $310.00

Featuring a portrait sculpt of Gal Gadot with hand painted details, this ¼ scale figure on the new 16" RTB 101 hard plastic/vinyl body, is heavily articulated and outfitted in an exacting replica of the Themyscira training armor as worn in the Wonder Woman movie. The removable molded armor is movie accurate and hand painted. “Bracelets of Submission”,  three sets of hands (relaxed, fists and gripping) , her mythical sword, shield and fully adjustable base are included with this ultra-limited set in a custom, collapsible box. Features mink colored saran hair in a long braid and dark brown eyes. June/July estimated shipping (subject to change).

Same doll as before but with all her weapons added, apart from the lasso. We get to see the lovely braided hair at the back here, great job. 

T18DCDD03 - Wonder Woman Variant # 1 - $275.00

The new 16" RTB 101 hard plastic/vinyl body has 15 points of articulation and Gal Gadot’s likeness is captured in detail. Saran is used to create lifelike hair set off with an accurate, highly detailed tiara. Accurately sculpted depicting her movie costume, the WW armor consists of a molded breast plate with a genuine leather battle skirt; her armband and “Bracelets of Submission” are made of real metal. Wonder Woman carries her golden lasso in a genuine leather harness. Boots are made of detailed vinyl and resin.  Figure comes with changeable open hands, fists and gripping hands. Fully adjustable Wonder Woman themed stand, sword and shield are available separately. Wonder Woman has mink saran hair and dark brown eyes. June/July estimated shipping (subject to change).

Third WW doll. She’s like the first release, with the cape added. I don’t like the cape, always thought it looks out of sync with the rest of the outfit. The cape is sold separately as well, for those who have the first doll and want to add it. Still no stand. I really don’t like this policy with dolls. They all should come with a stand, so the buyer can display them properly. Making people buy them separately does not look nice, to me at least. 

T17DCOF01  Wonder Woman Gala Gown Set (outfit only) - $109.00

Featuring an asymmetrical plunging neckline, and draped accurately to reflect the 1918 period, the gown is completed with a train and, in true Amazonian warrior fashion, Diana conceals her “God Killer” sword, which is included. Matching blue pumps (authorized by Warner Bros.) are included should you choose to dress another Tonner doll in this outfit. As Shown on WW#1 with an updo. Shipping Mid-March.

This is one of her outfits I really wanted to have. The sword does look plastic in the back photo but I’ll wait to see it in real life. Could not preorder it fast enough. 

T18DCOF01 Wonder Woman 2018 Black Cape (outfit element) - $50.00

Replicating the one from the 2017 movie, this version is complete with a hood and arm holes and the chevroned elements are top-stitched to accentuate the accurate detail. As shown on WW#1. June/July estimated shipping (subject to change).

And here’s the cape, as sold separately. Meh.

T18GWDD01 Scarlett O’Hara BBQ dress (dressed doll) - $235.00

Scarlett’s chiffon gown, emblazoned with green floral sprays and highlighted with a deep green satin sash, is further accentuated by a wide-brimmed straw hat with a generously proportioned matching green satin tie. The outfit is complete with a petticoat, pantyhose and green “velvet” pumps. Featuring the 16" RTB 101 hard plastic/vinyl body and new Vivien Leigh portrait sculpt with green eyes and mink saran hair. Acrylic base stand included.  Limited Edition 300 Shipping Mid-March.

I wonder why did Robert Tonner feel the need to make a new sculpt for his Scarlett dolls. It does not look like Vivien Leigh at all and it’s harsh and square looking, compared with the previous sculpt. She looks more like Heddy Lamar would have looked had she gotten the part. And that’s no 17” waist, fiddle dee dee.

T18OTDD03  (previously T17OTDD03) Jamie Fraser  (dressed doll) - $235.00 (PROTOTYPE)

A portrait sculpt of Sam Heughan, the actor portraying Jamie Fraser in the TV series Outlander, by Robert Tonner, authorised by the licensor. Jamie is wearing a monochromatic but elegant black suit and striking white dickie and cuffs, brocade vest, stockings and black knee high faux leather boots, from the episode where he makes his formal entrée to French society, attendind the levee at Versailles hosted by King Louis XV. Offered on the 17" “Matt” body with Jamie’s deep rich auburn hair and blue eyes. Acrylic base stand also included.  Limited Edition 500. June/July estimated shipping (subject to change).

We had already seen a peek of this sculpt months ago, when a photo partially showing the doll was posted on social media and now we have the full monty. He looks a lot like the actor, the outfit is gorgeous and I’m so glad I preordered him way way back. Only thing I don’t like: the boots that look plastic (the description says faux leather) and cheapen the whole look. He’s has a larger edition than Versailles Claire had, so that’s good, I hope that his body is tall enough to stand next to Claire, who, lest we forget, has Wonder Woman’s body. I will be able to tell sooner, rather than later, since the first WW Doll is almost here and I have a few Matt Tonner dolls to measure them against her.

T17OTDD04 Claire’s New Look (dressed doll) - $235.00

Claire and Christian Dior converge as she re-interprets 18th-century fashion with a version of Dior’s 1940’s “bar suit”. The bespoke off-white satin jacket and floor-length black satin skirt are accented by sparkling faux diamond earrings, white gloves, stockings, family crested bag and bow-front black pumps. The outfit also features a black straw hat which completes the ensemble. Claire’s New Look is on the  16" RTB 101 hard plastic/vinyl body and has a Robert Tonner portrait sculpt of Caitriona Balfe with mink saran hair color and ice blue eyes. Acrylic base stand also included. Limited Edition 300. June/July estimated shipping (subject to change).

La pièce de résistance! That’s the outfit I most wanted to have Claire in, even more than the red Versailles dress! The genius of Terry Dresbach, Outlander’s costume designer shines through in all of her work for the series, but so much more in this particular outfit. A 40s woman, getting her clothes made in 18th century France, presaging the New Look that would debut a few years after her first time travel. Brilliant. Preordered already!