Archive for June, 2009

Mixis – Mixed Race Dolls by YNU Group

Friday, June 19th, 2009

YNU Group is a Canadian based company founded by Debbie Goodland (Company President) in 2005, that makes a series of dolls with multi-ethnic features called the Mixis.

You can find pdf info sheets on the YNU Group website.

The Mixis even have a “blog” complete with character profiles.

The four main characters at this point in time are

  • Emerald Okada – this raven haired girl is Black American, Native American and Japanese
  • Houda Degas – this blonde girl is French and Lebanese
  • Opal Nkrumah – this girl with dark blonde curls is Nigerian and British
  • Rosa Dominguez Katz – this brunette is Latina and Jewish
Emerald, Houda, Opal and Rosa

Emerald, Houda, Opal and Rosa

These dolls have fully articulated arms and legs and a naturally proportioned body. (hmm, are the legs really articulated – no visible joints? – TN)

Aparently four more characters will be released in Northern Hemisphere Spring 2009 – Ruby, Kirsten, Melissa and Pria – wasn’t that supposed to be… last month?

Check out the Philly Collector Blog to see real life photos of these dolls :)

Just Sitting Around

Friday, June 19th, 2009

Just some photos… for fun :)

Adele - The Muse

Adele - The Muse

Luchia - Future Bound

Luchia - Future Bound

Ethnic Barbie, Beauty @ Sociological Images

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

While on the search for any new information about the new SiS dolls, I’d stumbled across this blog and found these interesting articles.

Ann Ducille on “Ethnic” Barbies @ Sociological Images 081027

White As Beautiful, Black As White @ Sociological Images 080320

These blog articles discuss how the standards of white beauty defines black beauty and how “ethnic barbie dolls” reinforce a westernised view of different cultures and ethnic groups.

The second article showcases some make up ads that show white models alongside black models who look very much like a black twin of the white model.

Barbie Loves MAC Collection

Barbie Loves MAC Collection

These images also show that black women can naturally have features that are more associated with European women, well… of course there is great genetic variance within the vast continent of Africa, it is the cradle of human life after all.

So the problem isn’t making too many dolls that might look like white girls in black paint it is more an issue of not enough black girls showcasing other black features. Variety/diversity is key here.

BTW I didn’t find anything new about the SiS dolls – I tend to end up coming back here to this website which is a bit annoying because I already know what I’ve written!

First Thoughts on SiS Dolls

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

After the initial excitement of discovering that the SiS dolls are now reality, the analysis and critique of the dolls begin.

Um… firstly the faces… they are not new! Now, I love the Mbili face mould but I was hoping for different new ones or even a revisit to old ones that are no longer used…

Mbili Face Mould

Mbili Face Mould

For those who remember the first “African American” doll series of Shani and her friends, you would know that these dolls each had their own face mould. The series even included a MALE doll! The little sister dolls in the SiS series are just standard Kelly dolls in brown plastic.

Shani Face Mould

Shani Face Mould

In fact I still believe that the Shani dolls are one of the prettiest dolls made by Mattel and that is one face that hasn’t been seen around for a long while…

Nichelle Face Mould

Nichelle Face Mould

Nichelle-II Face Mould

Nichelle-II Face Mould

Even if they were too lazy/went over budget, any number of past African American doll head moulds could have been used. Does anyone else remember that whole fuss over a supposed new face sculpt that was supposed to be used on the Bathing Suit Then & Now 50th Anniversary doll? She ended up with the Mackie face sculpt, which is a lovely face in its own but not exactly new.

Aside from all said above, I personally think the SiS doll outfits are really cute and fun :)

Those are mostly just my own thoughts, please feel welcome to share yours by posting a comment!

Doll fans and collectors also hope that these dolls will be sold outside of the USA too… and judging by the number of hits on this blog from European countries, AA dolls are very much desired outside the USA.

More News About SiS Dolls!!!

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

coye has just commented in the New “NEWS” about So In Style Dolls! post -

hi all, i JUST saw these dolls in Toys R Us here in Chicago! i had them in my hand and put them down for a few mere seconds and they were snatched up. i’ll need to check target tomorrow.
the dolls are beautiful and have great new head sculpts. each doll costs approximately $22 and comes with a little sister.
i did read the back story on the boxes and it stated that Grace was a friend of Barbie who moved to Chicago.

i think it’s wonderful that Mattel is finally stepping up and doing this.
thank you Mattel and thank you Stacey!

How wonderful does that sound? Expect pictures to be appearing any day now! *runs around crazy*

OMG! PICTURES!!!

ALL PHOTO CREDITS TO chdenni of the BFC.

Trichelle & Janessa

Trichelle & Janessa

Grace & Courtney

Grace & Courtney

Kara & Kianna

Kara & Kianna

ALL PHOTO CREDITS TO chdenni of the BFC.

PS. I know that many visitors to this site actually come here searching for news about so in style dolls – sorry to disappoint as I just repeat news if I can find them HOWEVER you are here because you want to see something, please feel free to comment on what your thoughts and expectations for this series are :)

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