For over 60 years,Barbiehas been one of Mattel’s greatest toy creations. Everyone knows Barbie, and everyone loves Barbie! But did you know that she isn’t the only doll line that Mattel has developed?
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Following Barbie’s success, Mattel has experimented with and sold a variety of different fashion dolls. Some series have had impressive careers and even managed to make a comeback while others have faded into obscurity and are loved only by hardcore fans. Whether you have never heard of these toys before or you just remembered them now, here are ten doll lines that shouldn’t be forgotten.
10Monster High
Initially launched in 2010, Monster High was a spook-tacular line that brought the children of iconic monsters to life. From their Hot Topic style to their unique structures that included Frankenstein stitches and skeletal details, these dolls never failed to amaze their collectors.
Out of all the non-Barbie toy lines, it seems that Mattel has an especially soft spot in their hearts for Monster High. In 2018, this series was discontinued, and it looked like the end for the ghouls, gals, and non-binary pals. But in 2020, Monster High was revived, allowing for these monstrous legacies to continue. However, not every Mattel series got a happy ending.
9Ever After High
Though Monster High was revived from the dead, their spin-off, Ever After High was never able to reach their happy conclusion. Published in 2013, fans were delighted by Ever After High’scolorful and whimsical fairy tale atmosphereas well as the conflict between the Royals, those destined to have a happy ending, and the Rebels, those who received an unhappy ending.
From enjoying fancy balls to exploring Wonderland to figuring out what one wanted to do in life, Ever After High wasn’t afraid to push the limits of how immersive and imaginative their world could be. Sadly, Ever After High was quietly put to sleep in 2019. But fans are quick to point out that the series could’ve kept going if not for the decline in doll quality, the lack of promotion, and of course, Disney’s Descendants.
8Enchantimals
2017’s Enchantimals were initially created as an Ever After High spin-off. But the demise of Ever After High led to Enchantimals shakily developing on its own. The series followed the lives of half-human, half-animal friends and their adventures in the world of Everwilde.
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Like Monster High, Enchantimals wasn’t afraid to lean into their character’s more animalistic parts.With their bunny ears, skunk tails, and even peacock feathers, Enchantimals was determined to show off how enchanting their dolls could be. Technically, Mattel is still selling Enchantimals, but the lack of promotion and new materials has left this series forgotten.
7Cave Club
Created in 2020, Cave Club followed a group of friends who lived in the era of the dinosaurs. The Cave Club dolls were known for their unique blend ofmodern looks with a ‘prehistoric’ twist. Think Flintstones, but more fashionable.
Modeling brightly colored hair as well as animal, leaf, and geode printed outfits, these dolls were perfect for anyone who preferred history to fairy tales. Unfortunately, marketing for Cave Club has diminished over the years. Perhaps someday they’ll make a comeback, but for now, Cave Club appears to have become extinct.
6My Scene
Did you know that the Barbie series isn’t the only toy line the blonde-haired heroine has shown up in? In 2002, Mattel released My Scene. With a more modern wardrobe (at the time) and flashy make-up, the My Scene dolls were marketed to those that wanted to have the ‘cooler’ Barbie.
Despite having a lengthy career, My Scene lasted only until 2011. Although they are no longer being sold, fans will never forget these toys. And, more importantly, they’ll never forgetthe fun room designerand dress-up games that the My Scene website had.
5Diva Starz
Launched in 2000, the Diva Starz started off as an interactive toy before making the shift to a fully-fledged fashion doll. And if you’re wondering what ‘interactive toy’ means, think Furby but with a better sense of style.
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This series had multiple doll releases, a video game, and a website filled with webisodes and activities that helped to give the divas backstories. The Diva Starz was ultimately discontinued in 2004, but these dolls will always be remembered for their large eyes andeven larger shoes.
4Creatable World
Although Barbie is a recognized and well-liked series, the titular character has been criticized for appearing too overtly feminine by some collectors. Hoping to rectify this, Mattel released Creatable World in 2019.
Packaged with long haired and short haired wigs and appearing in clothes that were both traditionally feminine and masculine, Creatable World was aimed to those who wanted to better express their gender identity through their dolls. Unfortunately, lack of marketing has led to Creatable World becoming buried under Mattel’s other titles. Which is sad because this line could’ve become something bigger if the company had tried a little harder.
3Teen Trends
What made Teen Trends so different from the conventional Barbie was their size. Released in 2005, Teen Trends was a line of dolls that towered over the traditional 12 inches of a regular doll. Standing at 17 inches, Teen Trends dolls had fully articulated joints and tons of styles to choose from.
If My Scene was for the cooler Barbie fan, than Teen Trends was for the cooler American Girl fan. But like many of Mattel’s other 2000s lines, these dolls were discontinued, and their trendy attributes became last season.
2Hot Looks
Does anyone remember Hot Looks? Released in 1986, these dolls were known for their 19-inch fabric bodies (even taller than Teen Trends!) and their recognizable ’80s style fashion. From large bows and miniskirts to colorful prints and bold patterns, these toys were decked out in clothes fit for the runway. Fitting, since all the models were, well, models in their backstories.
Hot Looks had a very short run and production stopped for this series in 1988. Despite this, these dolls (and their retro looks) shouldn’t be forgotten.
1What’s Her Face
Who’s this doll? Why, that’s What’s Her Face! Created by Mattel in 2001, What’s Her Face was a bold new take on the traditional fashion doll. For one, the dolls didn’t come with a face. Instead, it was up to the consumer to draw their own faces using the stamps that the box provided.
No need to freehand messy lips or eyes, as the stamps helped you get a perfect complexion every time. That is, if you could get it fully coated. The line was eventually discontinued in 2003, but you should always remember how experimental, and fun, What’s Her Face was.
