Monday, November 20, 2017

Selma DuPar James, Already Sold Out?

Screen capture of Selma DuPar James, the third doll in The Harlem Theater Collection by Mattel

The third doll in the The Harlem Theater Collection, Selma DuPar James, after a long wait for production dolls to arrive, has entered the collections of those who preordered and the doll (as of this writing) is already sold out at TheBarbieCollection website.  (Just this past Friday, order status there was shown as "preorder").  Intense interest among collectors must have been the driving force for the first dolls to sell so quickly.  Will there be others produced?

Described as follows:
The bold Harlem Theatre™ Collection represents the courageous women of an era who paved the way for future generations to freely and creatively express themselves. During the Harlem Renaissance era, patrons of the arts like Madam Lavinia™ would often commission artists to showcase their latest work. Up-and-coming artist Selma DuPar James™, was selected to hold her first solo exhibition in the Harlem Theatre salon.  Her piece is a beautiful portrait of jazz singer Claudette. The third doll in the Harlem Theatre™ Collection, Selma DuPar James™ Barbie® doll is powerfully creative and powerfully stylish.

Doll Designer: Carlyle Nuera
Label: Gold
Body Type: Articulated
Facial sculpt: NEW, Selma sculpt
Fashion: Dress
Fashion Sewn On: No
Accessories: Pearl necklace with pendant, gloves, shoes, painting with frame


Price $85.

Barbie enthusiast, Romona Jennings, is one preordering collector who is now enjoying her doll.  In her collection, Selma joins the first and second dolls in the collection, Claudette Gordon and Madam Lavinia.  Romona's lovely photos of Selma follow:

Holding a box of long-stem roses, (added by Romona), Selma relaxes during her first solo exhibition in the Harlem Theater Salon.

Art gives her life and it is her hope that her artwork inspires others.

Selma's portrait of jazz singer, Claudette, is admired by none other than Claudette herself.

The three divas, Claudette, Selma, and Madam Lavinia, pose for one final photograph at the conclusion of Selma's art exhibition.

When asked which one of the three dolls is her favorite and why, Romona replied, "Selma!  Her lips, her entire ensemble, and her hair; however, it is gelled.  I washed her hair to make it soft.  The dress has snaps in the back.”

Romona seems thoroughly pleased with the doll's appearance and the quality.  Here's hoping Selma's initial sellout was only for the first run of the dolls and that more will be in stock soon at TheBarbieCollection.com.  

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8 comments:

  1. I hope more of the dolls are produced. I am glad to hear that the sales were good for this doll. I wish good things for Mattel for producing this line.

    Do you have a favorite among the three? I'd say Madam Lavinia, but they're all striking dolls.

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  2. They are all lovely dolls. My favorite is Claudette.

    My hope is that Mattel does add a male to the collection. It will be incomplete without African American male representation.

    dbg

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  3. I don't know if you saw it, but the Selma DuPar James doll shows as available now. She is in stock and is even on the Black Friday sale list.

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    1. I did not see that. Thanks for letting me know Phyllis!

      Happy Thanksgiving!

      dbg

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  4. Hello, What is Selma's skin tone? She looks like she would match Chandra from the So In Style line? Can you give us some insight?

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    1. Hi Tulip Flowers,

      According to Romona Jennings, the person who shared photos of her doll, Selma's complexion is similar to S.I.S. Chandra's.

      dbg

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  5. Tuesday Morning has a few of the Selma DuPar James dolls. I picked up a few for me and my sister

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