By Allen Voivod
Christie arrived on the scene in 1968, and Barbie has been one of her best friends ever since. 55 years later, the two are still close, and now it’s time to honor this lasting friendship.
The Christie 55th Anniversary Doll has landed at Mattel Creations, and she’s a member exclusive. (Not a member? Sign up now and add her to your collection right here.) Christie is one of four characters celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, and we’re showcasing each one in our special “Year of Friends” series for 2023.
Of those four friends, “Some are true reproductions and others are ‘tribute’ dolls like Christie,” says designer Bill Greening. “This is a modern take inspired by the early Christie dolls, particularly the second issue of Talking Christie and the first Twist ‘n Turn Christie. They both featured bright, bold colors and ‘swirly’ stipes on their swimwear.”
Bill and the design team worked from a broad color palette – orange, yellow, pink, white, and green – to create a floor-sweeping high-low look that’s perfect for a glamorous poolside soirée. Her bright orange dress is paired with a sheer overlay in a swirling, mod print. “The orange mini dress is a nod to the Talking Christie orange bikini she wore under her swimsuit cover up,” Bill explains. “I think the bold colors are very ‘mod’ yet modern.”
And speaking of modern, Bill and company added updated details to this fashion tribute, including strappy orange boots, golden hoops, and a “C” monogram necklace. Those are stand-out aspects of the design, according to Bill, as is her lush, curly hair. Those curls frame a face sculpt that’s also a contemporary choice. “Christie has used a variety of face sculpts in her long run,” Bill says. “She’s used the original Christie, Steffie, and Asha face sculpts to name a few. Since this doll is not a reproduction, I chose to use one of the newer face sculpts, first used on Barbie Looks. She features the Simone sculpt for her special anniversary.”
At launch, there will be a limit of two dolls per order – one to de-box, and one to keep intact. For the latter, packaging designer Laydiana Chiv created a doll box that you’ll be proud to display. “My favorite thing about this design is the use of the bright rich yellow color. We kept it a solid color with no pattern to make the doll and dress stand out in the package,” she explains. “Plus, the use of the vintage Christie logo brings a nice touch of retro, bringing the collector to that era.”
The doll box design was also created with more than just Christie in mind. After all, she’ll be one of four dolls released in this “Year of Friends” line. “Knowing that other Barbie friends will be joining the series in the future,” Laydiana adds, “we designed the packaging with that in mind, for how they would all look together.”
You can’t get all four of these dolls just yet, but you can get the Christie 55th Anniversary Doll right now at Mattel Creations. Don’t miss your opportunity to own a beautifully designed member-exclusive doll – one that’s part of an exceptionally collectible series.
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