Best of 2021 - # 6

The next doll is actually one of the few that was promoted, released, shipped, and received in 2021!   This doll show(s) up at Number 25 on the list of dolls added to my collection this year, but I hadn't gotten around to reviewing it yet.

I am one of those collectors that enjoys the imagined back stories of the dolls.  I think that is one of the reasons I got sucked into Rainbow High.   This goes all the way back to my playing with Barbie when I was a little girl.  Barbie Millicent Robert's boyfriend was Ken Carson.  They had a perfect relationship.  They went to college together.  He played sports while she cheered him on from the sidelines.   They went on double dates with their best friends, Allan and Midge.   They went to prom.  They got married.  They explored different careers together.   It was the dream life of a pre-sexual revolution of the 1960's/1970's.   

Jump forward to 2021 and we're definitely not in Willows, Wisconsin anymore.  (In case you weren't aware, that's actually where Barbie grew up and went to college!)

As adults we often forget that children are more aware and know more than we think they do.  Even when I was a little girl, I used to have Barbie and Ken kiss.  I'll never forget how horrified I was when my cousin Danny took off their clothes and put Ken on top of Barbie!   If you collect vintage Barbie, you know you've come across quite a few with holes where the nipples should be.  Over the past few years, we've moved from a "sexual awakening" to an "alternative gender awakening".  As a senior citizen I've been on this rollercoaster for the entire ride.

Please know that I am not criticizing this social change in any way, so hold the "hate comments".   I don't claim to fully understand the topics of "non-binary" or "trans" but, as an elementary public school educator, have been forced to do more research in this area than I ever imagined.  I do believe everyone has the right to choose their walk in life.   I believe it's not my, or anyone else's, place to judge anyone for those decisions.   I've always been taught to respect and accommodate differences in others.   

When Integrity Toys announced this doll as their first "Trans" character, many collectors sang their praises and applauded their inclusive attitude.

Here is a photo of Alejandra Luna Billion Dollar Baddie in the box.

And a closeup.

This doll has some fantastic accessories, and I love those shoes!  (Photo property of Integrity Toys)

Alejandra displays beautifully.

# 6 of 2021 is Alejandra Luna Billion Dollar Baddie.

  

Best of 2021 - # 7

This is another doll promoted in 2020 that was received by collectors in 2021.  I remember when the dolls from the Dolly Days Collection arrived this past spring.  I kept thinking, "It's really too bad this wasn't scheduled in such a way that the dolls could've been promoted so that they actually arrived during the holidays."  It never felt "right" deboxing or displaying these dolls out of season.

From the three dolls in the collection, there was an obvious hit with collectors.  She is supposed to be the half sister of Victoire.  Here is Merry and Bright Della Roux in the box.

And a closeup.  This is one striking face!

This doll was a mini-giftset as she came with a second dress.  Here is a photo of the accessories (property of Integrity Toys).

I'm not a big fan of green in doll clothing, but this shade of green was perfect to reflect the holidays.  The fabric is very luxe and the details are beautiful.  The skirt is quite generous (I wish an underskirt had been designed and included to give added fullness when displayed).  She looks beautiful out of the box.

Merry and Bright Della Roux helped give the East 59th Street line more exposure, as collectors of other IT lines took notice of this doll.  She was an immediate sell-out.   Other East 59th Street and Victoire Roux dolls have fetched higher secondary market prices since the release of the Dolly Days Collection.  Regardless, she is a spectacular doll.   I decided to take her photo in front of a tree, so I could wish all of my followers "A Very Merry Christmas!"   Best of 2021 - Number 7: Merry & Bright Della Roux.