Tim Gunn Styles Barbie - Be still my beating heart!

According to InStyle magazine, Barbie is getting a Tim Gunn makeover. Barbie is - and may always be my favorite doll, and for the past 8 years, Project Runway has been one of my favorite television shows. These 2 go together like peas and carrots! The $30 dolls and $25 accessory packs are supposed to hit BarbieCollector.com and Target stores on August 1st. I can only assume that these dolls will replace the now discontinued Barbie Basics dolls. I can hardly contain my excitement!

Why!!!!

Once in a great while, a doll company hits a home run. Mattel hit it out of the park this year with the new Barbie Basics 2.5. For the uninitiated, Barbie Basics are a line of dolls utilizing various head molds, skin tones, and poses. These dolls had a price point of about $20 and were perfect for customizers and costumers. I was a fan from the beginning and only wished the dolls were more articulated. My wish was granted when I saw pics of the 2.5 dolls last spring - these new dolls would have articulated bodies - yeah! I read a post on a message board that said the dolls would be limited editions and got more than a bit anxious. If the dolls would be limited, I might not get one, so I was delighted to find a website taking pre-orders. I ordered 2 model #8 dolls and they arrived last week. Here she is and I couldn't be happier with her!

Also last week, I read that the next wave (3.0) will be the last of the Barbie Basics - WHY? I know the dolls are popular with adult collectors and are selling. Heck, I have 10 myself, and I am cheap! I realize that companies must continually alter their product in order to stay current and relevant, but when you hit that perfect wave - ride it!

Restyled Barbie Basics

click photo for larger view

On Monday evening, I went to Target in search of that elusive Moxie Teenz afro wig, but it was nowhere to be found. I didn't leave empty handed as they did have the Target exclusive Barbie Basic in red! I had seen online pics and knew that she must be added to my collection. First, because she has the Model Muse body - this is my second favorite Barbie body - second only the articulated ones. I also love her hair color and texture - a combination I had not before seen on a Barbie doll.

I decided not to delay her liberation from her box, and while I was at it, might as well free Barbie Basic #4 (now named Nnenna after one of my favorite America' Next Top Model contestants) Once free, I looked at them and immediately determined that something was very wrong! That black dress was not at all flattering against Nnenna's espresso hued skin and though "Red" - now named Camille), looked okay in red, I thought she would look much better in basic black. The ladies switched dresses, did a bit of accessorizing, and here is the result!

This may be the last time either of them appear publicly in those dresses as they will soon be modeling couture fashions created just for them......