Valentine Picnic

Barbie Loving You / Tendresse 1983 - #7072
Derek Rockers / Rock Stars 1985 - #2428
Derek is wearing the outfit #1327 from the "Collection Weekend" 1988

Under the xmas tree

Took me a while to show the presents i had for christmas, but here they are!

Barbie "Le Nouveau Théâtre de la Mode" was created in 1985 by Billy Boy to commemorate the first Barbie retrospective exhibit in Paris.

The exhibiton was taking place in a train and was a collection of barbie dolls dressed by the most famous designers, such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Ungaro etc, as well as regular vintage Barbies.

It was the first Barbie to have a designer name on the box, before Oscar de La Renta.

And probably the only doll "Made in France".

Billy Boy had a real vision for Barbie which wasn't a collectible item then. He wanted to create a line that would attract adults. He really disliked the sparkling and acrylic gowns that were made in the early 80's and wanted to get back to more "noble" fabrics as well as different hairdoos and make ups. 

But Mattel wasn't quite ready or it yet... And though "le Nouveau Théâtre" doll has a black dress and black sunglasses which was very unusual at the time, he wasn't very pleased with the make up and hair style.

He would be able to express himself a lot more with his second doll, "Feeling Groovy" released in 1986.

Only 10000 dolls were made with an extra 500 with black finger nails, which is quite valuable now.

Mine is marked 3029, and does not have nail polish.

Barbie Deluxe Tropical giftset #2996 was released in 1985 exclusively for department stores.

It's the same doll as the regular Tropical one but she has a few extra accessories including a surfboard, a towel, a hat, a clear floral beach tote, snorkels, fins and mask, magazines and a black camera.

She is hard to find, so i feel really lucky to have her !

The next two loose dolls are Midge Ski Fun #7513, released in 1991 but wearing Midge Naf Naf outfit from 1993, and Ken Butterfly Prince #13237, a European Exclusive released in 1994.

And last but not least, this very cute vintage Skipper. It's not superstar so not from the period i collect, but i still love her ! I love the old boxes and style of the vintage era...

Since I'm not an expert i can't be 100% sure but i think she is the Vintage Straight Leg Skipper #950 from 1964-1966 as she doesn't have bendable legs.

Unfortunately she got her hair cut so if i can find the right hair i will give her a rerooting.