40th Anniversary Barbie

To celebrate her four decades on the scene, Mattel commissioned this Limited Edition 40th Anniversary Barbie doll for collectors of all ages and ethnic backgrounds (see alternative Anniversary Barbie). She wears a sparkling black-and-white striped gown with sheer gathers at the shoulders and an explosion of fabric designed as a fishtail hem that absolutely defies gravity. But what makes Barbie popular to collectors is her ability to accessorize down to the tiniest detail. In this instance, she wears "diamond" drop earrings, sheer black pantyhose, black pumps, an extravagant diamond choker, and a diamond tiara placed in dramatically upswept hair. Our anniversary girl holds a bouquet of 40 pink roses with a tiny card that says "Happy 40th Anniversary." This Barbie steps into the present--with a wink at the past--with the inclusion of the "doll's doll." That is, 40th Anniversary Barbie comes with her own scaled-down premier doll, dressed in said bathing suit and packaged in a box that mimics the original. It all comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty and display stand. Enjoy. --Diane Beall