As a youngster, I went through a very brief, late Barbie phase, but nothing too involved. I was a tomboy and avid reader at heart, and Barbie really didn’t have a place in my childhood activities. However, as an adult…I have found myself gravitating more and more towards toys and the urge to ‘collect’ creativity.
In one of my many falling-down-the-rabbit-hole moments while gathering information for a blog post, I got lost viewing Special Collection Barbie Dolls – past and present.
Special-themed Barbies have creative personas, eye-catching dresses and impressive details – with some depicting fabulous figures in history and current show-stoppers that go far beyond the usual ‘Barbie’ brand.
Below are a few examples of how easy it is to get sucked into collecting these fancy ‘Barbies’:
Haunted Beauty Mistress of the Manor Barbie Doll
I’m sorry, but the hair alone won me over. And, the dress isn’t too shabby, either.
Aine from the Legends of Ireland Collection
Had no clue there was a Legends of Ireland collection of Barbie dolls, but isn’t she gorgeous? This is Aine (Faery Queen of Munster) and the goddess of love. This doll was released in 2008. Green is my favorite color, so this dress is also perfection.
Queen Elizabeth I
I’m a huge fan of Queen Elizabeth. Love her backstory. Love the ‘Elizabeth’ movie starring Cate Blanchett. And, the details on this Barbie doll are absolutely gorgeous in my opinion. This particular Barbie sells for an average of $800 on eBay right now. She’s a 2004 release.
Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Doll
The facial features and dress of this doll are both Oscar-winning in my book.
Wizard of Oz Fantasy Glamour Dorothy Doll
First off, I love the Wizard of Oz…and look at her dress…and shoes. Love it!
Wizard of Oz Fantasy Glamour Wicked Witch of the West Doll
Wicked witches can get glamorized too!
And, I just love any other Barbie in a pretty dress, like the ones below:
Of course, I would never spend $100 on a doll, let alone a Barbie…unless she came with a matching diamond necklace for myself, but it is fun to browse through these anyways.
You’d be surprised at just how many Special Edition Barbies have come out over the years.
Most recently, Mattel put out an Inspiring Women line.
Mostly priced around $30, I almost sprung for the following dolls in a moment of middle-of-the-night, online-shopping weakness:
Frida Kahlo Doll
Kahlo is one of my favorite artists, and this doll even comes with her signature unibrow, floral hairpiece, and Mexican cultural dress.
Katherine Johnson Doll
This doll commemorates the math wizard who calculated the trajectory of NASA’s first American-manned flight into space; one of the lovely ladies celebrated in the movie, ‘Hidden Figures.’ She comes with a NASA badge, and on a fashion note, I love her shoes. Taraji P Henson played her in the film.
Wow, Barbie sure has changed from when I was young (I’m 60 now!), and even from when my daughters were little (and they’re now 29, 31, and almost 34). These special collection dolls are beautiful! It’s like Barbie grew up and matured! I think the Irish doll is my favorite.
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Those are some really neat barbies. I wish I had more of the older style barbies. That wicked witch one is my favorite.
These special edition Barbies are amazing!! I love that they all represent women of history!! Great going Matel!!
Wow, these dolls are so cool. I love that they make them so intricate that you can collect them.
WOW! I had never seen these special edition Barbie dolls! I have some princesses from past years, but I didn’t even know they made villain Barbies. I have to show this post to my daughter who thought she had every Barbie ever made. lol
These are so beautiful! I’d love to have the Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Doll or everything! ha!
What an awesome collection of special Barbie Dolls. I am not sure I can even say which one is my favorite as there are quite a few I would love to own.