How to reproduce a Vintage Mattel dress

Maybe some of you wanted to create own Vintage Barbie dresses (Vintage era from 1959 – 1966) but have no idea how to. Well, I had a similar problem last year and I solved my problem. The solution is easy. You can find the right patterns online. You just have to know where. I found an incredible fabric last autumn for which I had 1000 ideas what to do with it. I decided to do a copy of the “Let’s dance” dress from 1960. Here’s how I did it.



And you can do it too!

Exploring the Marvelous World of Barbie Doll Design in the 1990s

Introduction:

In the world of toys, Barbie has always reigned supreme, captivating the hearts of millions of girls around the globe. For those of us who grew up in the 90s, Barbie dolls were an essential part of our childhood. The excitement of unboxing a new Barbie and immersing ourselves in imaginative play was unparalleled. Little did we know, however, that behind the scenes, a team of talented designers were meticulously crafting these iconic dolls. Today, we delve into a captivating YouTube video that offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of Barbie doll design in the 1990s.

The Video – a lost treasure from the marvelous world of Barbie doll design in the 1990s:

The YouTube video in question takes us on a journey through the behind-the-scenes process of designing Barbie dolls and their fashions during the 90s. From concept creation to meticulous detailing, the video showcases the immense effort and creativity that went into bringing these dolls to life. As the video unfolds, we are introduced to the designers who passionately share their insights and techniques, giving us a rare glimpse into their world.

Designing Marvels in the Barbie doll world of the 1990s:

During the 1990s, Barbie dolls underwent a series of transformations, reflecting the ever-evolving fashion trends and societal shifts. The video reveals how designers drew inspiration from various sources, such as runway fashion shows, historical eras, and even pop culture icons. Witnessing these influences come to fruition in the design process is truly fascinating.

From selecting the perfect fabric to crafting intricate accessories, the attention to detail in Barbie doll design is awe-inspiring. We see designers meticulously sketching out outfits, experimenting with different color palettes, and ensuring that every aspect of the doll’s appearance is meticulously considered. The dedication and passion of these designers shine through their work, making each Barbie doll a masterpiece in its own right.

Glimpsing into the Past:

As we watch this YouTube video, a wave of nostalgia washes over us, transporting us back to our childhood. We can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for the dolls that brought us so much joy. The video allows us to reflect on the impact Barbie had on our lives, fostering creativity, imagination, and empowerment.

Conclusion:

The YouTube video showcasing the behind-the-scenes process of Barbie doll design in the 1990s is a true gem for those who grew up in that era. It offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Barbie doll creation, revealing the dedication, creativity, and passion that went into designing these iconic toys. As we watch the video, we can’t help but marvel at the intricate details and the lasting impact Barbie had on our childhoods. Although we may have missed witnessing this process as children, we can now appreciate the marvelous artistry that brought our beloved Barbie dolls to life.

Barbie Hair

Have you ever asked yourself what kind of material they used for Barbie hair? I did ask myself this question years ago and I found the answer. The answer is not so easy to explain. The material changed within the years. I’m not 100% sure but I think the early Barbie( 1959 – 1984?) dolls had Saran hair only. Some of the early Barbie dolls and their friends have the problem that the hair feeling is similar to straw. Maybe they changed the composition of materials within the decades?

Anyway, nowadays you can buy Saran hair, Nylon hair and Kanekalon hair ( used from the late 1980s on ).

Barbie hair

You can see Saran on the right and Nylon on the left. Nylon hair was used for the Rockers and Rockstar series in the mid 1980s. I assume there are more Barbie dolls with Nylon hair but I don’t have all of them so that I can look it up. Nylon hair is much shinier than Saran hair. Saran hair is available in natural colours like blond, brunette, titian and black. The main difference is the effort to style it. Nylon hair is easy to style. Just one hot water treatment and the job is done. For Saran you need more effort. It’s not so easy to bring it in any form you want it to. It has a kind own character.

The third material is Kanekalon hair. Kanekalon was first seen in the late 1980s and has a feeling like wadding. It’s also called wadding hair among collectors. It was mainly used for the 1990s dolls with massive amounts of hair like Totally Hair Barbie or Jewel Hair Barbie. I assume the reason they used it is the price. Saran is more expensive. Hollywood Hair on the other hand has Saran hair.  Kanekalon hair tends to tangles. You think you have all tangles out and bang new ones are in.  No problems for collectors but for children a real nightmare.

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Kanekalon was widely used for Barbie dolls in the 1990s. Ski Fun Barbie & Midge, Paint n Dazzle Barbie and many more had Kanekalon hair. There are a few exceptions like the Strolling Fun Barbie & Kelly.