Monday, November 23, 2009

Better Late Than Never!

With the launch of Mattel's Barbie Basics in 2010, Mattel has realized what doll collectors knew. There is a desire for our best loved head molds to be a Model Muse doll. After the release of Nichelle Urban Hipster (2004) , I noticed dolls on the net that had the Princess of South Africa (PSA 2003) head on a model muse Nichelle body. I didn't know where they got that doll from but I wanted one. Only after reading a few site did I realize that they had made a head swap! I went looking for a PSA and a Nichelle doll to do a swap! The Barbie Basics line features a variety of our favorite head molds on a model muse body but if you are like me, you have already made your own.



















I re-dressed my doll in a black and gold dress (this face looks best with golds, Nichelle looks best in silver).







































She normally wears her gold couture runway piece.
I have her here for comparison to the Barbie Basics doll( not the same head mold). Tell me what you think! If you have made your own, let me know! It you have a link to your picture, even better!

7 comments:

D7ana said...

Gold does look great on your Princess of South Africa Barbie.

I have the Princess of South Africa Barbie on her original body; it's okay until/unless I find something her complexion for body swapping. And if the new doll body is articulated. Otherwise, mine is okay on her original body ;-D

I'm looking forward to the Barbie Basics line. Groan. The more I look, the more of them I want. Eh well, I'll see how things go when the actual dolls appear in stores.

Ms. Leo said...

The PSA on model muse is for display and dress! The one on the original body is for play. I also have another doll whose face went well with the PSA body so she has a body too. So... I have an odd head! :)

Black Doll Enthusiast said...

Head swapping... I haven't done this as an adult collector, but I remember doing it often as a child. If I were more of a fashion doll enthusiast, I'd probably notice the different body styles and continue the act of head swapping. Other than redressing and restyling the hair occasionally (if I debox them), I usually accept them as they arrive.

cyano said...

Great pics! Id love to own PSA one day, I just bought Nichelle and my barbie basics will be comming in the mail, cant wait to play!

Ms. Leo said...

BDE--sometimes the face says something that the body can't do. Thats what makes me head swap. Cheaper dolls have great face and need a body equal to the face.

Cyano--I love the Nichelle face! There is an air of reserve to her.

@ebonynicole81 said...

Did you get this doll before I did! I been wanting this lovely lady for everrrrrr! I just love everything about her!

Ms. Leo said...

Thanks Ebony Nicole! I like creating my own dolls!