My doll nr 95

Oh what a doll extravaganza today!
Vintage, AA and semiboxed doll in 3in1 kitchy fashions, oh my! (adittionally outworldy make-up an dsparks in eyes!<3)
I was terribly surprised to see her for 0,99 just like that, and what is more shocking that's the amount of money I got her for!

She is one of the three dolls Shani, Nichelle and Asha from Mattels strictly Afro-american doll line, where AA doll is not a 'version' of Caucasian Barbie but and independent character strongly influenced by the African traditions and Black american culture.

on arrival in well fitted box again..

 

The shape of her box is fantastic!

Back of her box shows all three characters.

this is semi-boxed doll;-) sort of attached but missing her shoes LOL

tadaaaa...

she kept her comb, gift bracelet and cardbord accessories (chest is missing)

 When you remove crazy ass gold and peachy tulle gown - 

the doll stays in a simple fruity, slim and stretchy mini dress

Her eye make-up is crazy-ass 80's and big big wavy hair are in two colors actually:

 the frilly thing originally at the waist can be used as an accessory:

now brace yourself as gown when folded turns itself into very 80's patterned oversized padded coat!

colours are just fab!

then I had to put her back into box where she waited for around 8 months for her turn

Luckly I had proper Canon camera phase when she emerged again, enjoy:-)

 

 my inner 8 yo is delighted!

Glorious puffinesss...

h, i think I will call her Gloria...

see you sooner or later - restyled!

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"Shani means marvelous in the Swahili language". This can be read on the big, oval box of Shani yet European version of doll says ' Moani' which apparently means 'view', 'opinion' or a 'comment'...is she good looking and opinionated then??


There were at least three sets in gowns, Soul Train inspired and beach obviously.

I love the style and design and how they represent the variety of 'blackness' skin- and hair- wise and overall post-African aesthetic... I am a bit upset for not getting the darkest and not-so-wild-haired Nichelle...



She seems to be first edition of 1990 Asha facemold as well (more here: http://kattisdolls.net/facesI/fcAsha90.htm)

..and a fantastic video from the lounching of the line:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stAiCsxOTmY

Nichelle florida restyled

Almost six months later, after purchasing this doll, she is still my only Nichelle beauty...
I enjoyed redressing and making clothes for her - she has unusual, realistic and strong face - a bit more mature than what Mattel made us used to...
I love how her turquoise studs are contrasting with warm colouring of her skin...blue eye-shadow and orangey eyes are a bit tricky tho...

Here she is with her new (slightly colour coordinated) friends...

ready steady go!

 picturesque weed?.. lets go...

tbc

she will soon rock two more stylings...

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Doll nr 49

In late April 2016 I had a pleasure to purchase these lovely traditional Mattel black dolls on eBay.

Handsome looking parcel /a bit squished but dolls were bagged/:

 pikaboo - amber coloured eyes and turquoise studs <3...

Wonderful Shani and Christie faces.

Turquoise earring made her easy to identify as Florida Vacation Christie 1998.

despite my hopes Shanties are exactly the same...

but somewhat not really which always amazes me and entertains...

both made in Indonesia but even fonts are different

Scratches and wears are so much more visible on darker plastic...

distribution of brown streaks is different too

At some point I had three similar dolls - was strong enough to sell the excess ...

Which I slightly regret seeing wonderful session and ooaks by Simran:

from Simran's blog

Simran's stilisation

....
This is my first doll with this mold and i am a bit confused as she looks mature and asks for clothes more classy than I am able (time wise essp.) able to create...

tbc
...

This is how doll looked in her swimsuit + glasses in company of her friends:

Teresa has Mackie mold here and she wears purple - interesting

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