2023-09-16 23:52:31
Title: Barbie Doll Collectors Gather at Annual Convention to Celebrate Recent Surge in Popularity
In recent years, Barbie doll collectors have experienced a surge in excitement as the iconic doll gains renewed popularity. The annual convention known as Barbiecon, held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Orlando, brought together over 850 enthusiasts who shared their love for the timeless toy. This year, tickets to the convention sold out within hours of being released, highlighting the growing community of Barbie collectors.
The convention, which has been held since 1980, offers attendees the opportunity to seek out bargains, participate in workshops, and showcase their dolls in a fashion show. One of the highlights of the event is the charity auction, where collectors can bid on unique Barbie items, with all proceeds going to a good cause.
“It’s a celebratory moment for our community,” expressed Jared Mihars, a dedicated Barbie collector. Mihars, who has amassed over 400 dolls, has been attending Barbiecon since 2014. At this year’s convention, he came prepared with a vibrant pink wardrobe that embodied the spirit of Malibu Barbie.
The recent release of the Barbie movie has further fueled the fascination with the doll. The film has created a new type of collector, as it is no longer considered a shame to buy or be seen in a store that sells Barbie dolls. Antiques dealer Billy Harris, famous for his appearances on “Antiques Roadshow,” stated, “The film has opened doors for a wider audience to appreciate the beauty of Barbie dolls.”
Mattel, the company that produces Barbie dolls, has also embraced the heightened interest by designing dolls inspired by leading actresses such as Margot Robbie and Issa Rae from the movie. Kim Colmona, senior vice president of the doll department at Mattel, expressed her joy in witnessing Barbie “come to life through the children and collectors” at the convention.
Vintage Barbie dolls remain in high demand among collectors, with special editions being particularly sought-after. Limited edition dolls, produced in smaller quantities, gain value over time, making them more valuable to collectors. For instance, the 2014 Karl Lagerfeld Barbie is currently being sold online for $700. Other notable dolls commanding high prices include Barbie versions inspired by Iris Apple, the Supremes fashion brand, and even Van Gogh’s sunflowers.
The original Barbie dolls, commonly referred to as “Barbie number 1,” were released in 1959 and were meticulously hand-painted. These early models, accompanied by their original packaging, can fetch hefty sums at auctions, sometimes reaching up to $15,000.
Accessories such as clothing, houses, and cars designed specifically for Barbie dolls create a separate market for collectors. Rare items, particularly those that were easily lost during playtime, hold significant value. For example, Ken’s car keys can sell for over $70 on eBay, and Skipper’s pencil, Barbie’s sister, is priced at $50 to $100 due to its diminutive size.
The increased inclusivity of Barbie dolls is also a notable development. Tino Naija, a fashion editor and Barbie doll collector, shared her experience growing up in Nigeria, where she never encountered a black Barbie doll until she came to America in the late 1990s. She has since been actively collecting Barbie dolls and showcasing her unique collection on social media. The recent convention provided Naija with the opportunity to participate in Barbiecon for the first time, further embracing the diverse community of collectors.
With Barbiecon’s growing popularity and record-breaking ticket sales, it is evident that Barbie dolls continue to captivate collectors worldwide. The convention serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the beloved toy and its ability to evolve with the times.
Note: This news article was generated using the provided content and does not reflect real events.
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