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When dolls meet art ~ Gustav Klimt Barbie

 Lately, I discovered the amazing -and vast- world of collectors' Barbies. Yup, I know, how could I not know about them? Where had I been all this time? I'm guessing, knee-deep in diapers and such, but now that I got to see the amazing dolls that Mattel has produced throughout  the years, I can't wait to make some mine and photograph them!

Dolls with big, balloon-style dresses, blond hair and blue eyes were never my style. I like the ones that stand out, because they are edgy, unusual or just different. 

And after that intro, I'd like to introduce you to the amazing barbie dolls of the MUSEUM COLLECTION, which are inspired by the artworks of great artists. These were released in 2011 so they are not new, by any means, but new to me, as I didn't know of their existence till recently... And I thought maybe they are new to some of you too, because it seems not many people know about them. They are PINK LABEL, but have become quite rare in today's second hand market (perhaps their original owners just don't want to part with them..?).

Firstly, let me introduce you to Gustav Klimt Barbie

Inspired by Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch- Bauer I, she is a beauty with black curly hair cut in a wild bob, full cherry-red lips, gorgeous green eyes with golden, black and grey eye shadow (painted beautifully) and a magnificent yellow dress with golden thread that glimmers, printed in the style of Klimt's painting. The long, flowing sleeves are see-through, the main body of the dress is a mermaid-cut and the sides, which are lined, fall like a dream around it, giving the impression of a full skirt.

She wears a silvery choker, silver and golden bracelets and cute platform pumps in nude color (I got her without her original shoes and part of her accessories).

I love her outfit, and as an artist myself, I love how Mattel incorporated the artists' work to Barbie's aesthetic with respect to their vision, while still producing classically beautiful dolls.

Klimt Barbie also has a stunning face, one of the most beautiful Barbie faces I've seen, largely due to her gorgeous make up (the mold is not so unusual but the make up makes her stand out). I love that her head has a 20s vibe going on, reminding me a bit of the Charleston era- it goes well with the overall style of the dress, even though the actual painting used for inspiration was made in 1907.

Enough of my talking though.. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, here is Gustav Klimt Barbie









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