Doll with a Caribbean theme

Hello everyone. I love dolls, as a child we made them from beans. Today ther are many dolls of all discriptions. However, I have not been able to find a play doll with a Caribbean theme. I have bougtht my daughter many dolls but still not 100% satisfied so I think I have to do it myself. I know its a neich market but if you have any comments please feel free to add your 2cents.

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Groups AdminPermalink Reply by Deb on March 16, 2013 at 22:31

Hi there, Debra...how would you define a Caribbean theme?  Is it a certain look in regard to facial characteristics or moreover, a style of attire?  Please clarify for me?  This is intriguing since I have quite a number of AA ladies, now I'm wondering if one (or more) may have 'the look'. 

Permalink Reply by Debra Ross on March 17, 2013 at 3:27

It is poise, a look a characteristic, but it is not static, there are several Caribbean looks that do not fit into any of the African American looks. I am form an Afircan Caribbean background but i am not basing it on skin colour. The Caribbean is a multicultural region. thanks for responding. I have spent months researching but have not found any play dolls with that effect.  

Permalink Reply by Nilsa M. Donelan on March 17, 2013 at 19:56

Hello Debra!! Nilsa here. Interesting topic. First let me tell you that I'm from the Republic of Panama. We have coasts on both oceans: Pacific and Atlantic (Caribbean Sea). Our costal Caribbean area is different from the Pacific one and we have a big mix of races, traditions and foods.

Back to your topic, below is a quick photo that I just took (from left to right):

Some friends of mine brought me a souvenir doll from Jamaica 2 years ago. Her size was similar to Barbie so I used a Doll of the World Jamaica (Mattel) and dressed her up with the fashion from the souvenier doll. Her sombrero reads "Jamaica" on the top of the brim)

From a collection of magazines that comes with fashions, I dressed up another barbie. To me, this fashion is more modern and based on reggae music (don't ask me why, I just have that feeling). I used a Barbie with a skin less darker than the previous.

A third one is a Jamaican Barbie from the Doll of the Word collection (in the box), which I guess is inspired on the colonial times.

 

 

Now, Mattel also has a Pto. Rican Doll of the World in a white dress.

From the collection of magazines that I mentioned previously I dressed up a doll with a costume from the  "Cuba" issue. Obviously inspired by their music. I added the "maracas" - for her I selected a lighter skin doll, more of a sun tanned doll, to represent the mix .

 

 

Permalink Reply by Debra Ross on March 17, 2013 at 22:28

Thanks Nilsa. I really dig what you have done. I love your Pto. Rican Doll of the World in a white dress and a the middle doll above you dressed up. I have found lots of commerative and collector pieces but nothing spot on. I am seriously doing reseach to start my own line of dolls reflecting all of the caribbean/all nationalities. What do you think? Why cant we have some fun too. I want practical dolls that children can play dress up and toss around but they must reflect our experiences.

Permalink Reply by BarbieFantasies on March 19, 2013 at 10:49

They are so pretty! Beautiful

Nilsa M. Donelan said:

Hello Debra!! Nilsa here. Interesting topic. First let me tell you that I'm from the Republic of Panama. We have coasts on both oceans: Pacific and Atlantic (Caribbean Sea). Our costal Caribbean area is different from the Pacific one and we have a big mix of races, traditions and foods.

Back to your topic, below is a quick photo that I just took (from left to right):

Some friends of mine brought me a souvenir doll from Jamaica 2 years ago. Her size was similar to Barbie so I used a Doll of the World Jamaica (Mattel) and dressed her up with the fashion from the souvenier doll. Her sombrero reads "Jamaica" on the top of the brim)

From a collection of magazines that comes with fashions, I dressed up another barbie. To me, this fashion is more modern and based on reggae music (don't ask me why, I just have that feeling). I used a Barbie with a skin less darker than the previous.

A third one is a Jamaican Barbie from the Doll of the Word collection (in the box), which I guess is inspired on the colonial times.

 

 

Now, Mattel also has a Pto. Rican Doll of the World in a white dress.

From the collection of magazines that I mentioned previously I dressed up a doll with a costume from the  "Cuba" issue. Obviously inspired by their music. I added the "maracas" - for her I selected a lighter skin doll, more of a sun tanned doll, to represent the mix .

 

 

Permalink Reply by Nilsa M. Donelan on March 19, 2013 at 15:19
Thanks BarbieFantasies !
Permalink Reply by Nilsa M. Donelan on March 19, 2013 at 15:24
I wish you good luck, Debra!
Are you planning the dolls to "fashion" or more like little girls looking ?

I always thought about a line of fashions really based on each country.

Have fun with your project!
Permalink Reply by Debra Ross on March 19, 2013 at 19:52

Thanks I am doing my research to see if there is any validity to the idea. The real truth is not sure if the market want another doll when they will be dolls of colour.

Permalink Reply by Debra Ross on March 19, 2013 at 20:04

Ideally I am very attracted to fashion dolls but eventually if the idea sticks I will like it to be a variety of adults and children.

Permalink Reply by Nilsa M. Donelan on March 21, 2013 at 18:02

Well, keep us posted!!


Community ManagerPermalink Reply by Simon Farnworth on March 21, 2013 at 21:15

Hi Debra, from what I have seen and heard from collectors I think a doll of colour that truly represents would be very popular. Most attempts so far have not met with most peoples expectations. 

I wish you good luck with your endeavour and do keep us posted :)

Debra Ross said:

Thanks I am doing my research to see if there is any validity to the idea. The real truth is not sure if the market want another doll when they will be dolls of colour.

Permalink Reply by Debra Ross on March 23, 2013 at 2:12

Thank you Simon for your words of encouragement. I have to talk to more people before I make a decision.

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