12 Barbies that are not only exclusive, but extremely expensive

More than a simple doll, Barbie can be considered a true cultural icon. Since 1959, when it was launched, until today, it has had countless models and versions. We have the blondes, the smiling ones, the curvy ones, the ones with long and silky hair (stereotypes of the doll), but also those who stray from this commonplace, with shorter and darker hair and even those who don’t smile, for example. Finally, there are the super exclusive ones, created by jewelry brands, for example, which are absurdly expensive and even inaccessible.

O awesome.club looked for precisely these most exclusive Barbies to show in today’s post. See and be surprised by these true pieces of art… and their price.

Barbies are often associated with the world of jewelry, creating super-limited collections. For the model above, Mattel, the maker of the doll, teamed up with Australian designer Stefano Canturi. The piece, which to this day is the most expensive of all, was designed in 2007 for the launch of the Barbie Basics Collection in Australia. Valued at over US$300,000, it was presented in 2010 in Sydney at Australian Fashion Week. The money raised was donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Her necklace is made with an Australian rose diamond (a very expensive and exotic gemstone), surrounded by three carats of white diamonds. However, it is not just the necklace that is extremely valuable, but also the diamond ring that the doll displays on one of her fingers.

The Barbie above is one of 12 designed by 12 stylists, members of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America — Council of Fashion Designers of America) for an entity project. The premise was that each artist would design and customize their own doll, which would be unique. The 12 were officially launched by Mattel at the end of January 2010. Subject to auction on eBay, the proceeds were donated to various charities and foundations sponsored by this institution. The Barbie created by the famous accessories designer Devi Kroell reached the figure of 1,075 dollars.

The process used to create the doll (inspired by Devi’s figure) was the same as for any other design piece: prototyping, first corrections and final adjustment. Her eye-catching boots are gold-plated and her trendy bag has gemstones.

The Barbie above is part of the same custom doll collection that Devi Kroell was a part of. In this case, its creator was Lorraine Schwartz, a high-end jewelry designer who created exclusive pieces for Hollywood celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and Angelina Jolie.

At the same charity auction, the doll sold for $7,500. And while the value may seem high, it’s actually not, considering that the jewelry alone — including the diamonds with a letter “B” on the belt — was valued at $25,000.

Inspired by the Parisian environment of the 1920’s, this elegant Barbie was part of a limited edition for the Paris Fashion Doll Festival 2012 public. around 850 euros. But in this case, the project was signed by Robert Best, renowned designer and illustrator at Mattel, which makes the doll more expensive. How much? A little more, $1,395.

Golden hair (although versions with dark hair also exist), white and black bathing suit, blue eye shadow, and haughty gaze. These are the characteristics that define the first edition of Barbie, a model inspired by the glamor of some stars of the 50s, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. The first edition is said to have holes in the soles of the feet, while the second already came with solid foundations.

The doll was launched in 1959 by Ruth Handler, an American businesswoman. It was named “Barbie” in honor of her daughter, Barbara, who until then preferred to play with paper dolls. Your inspiration? The Bild Lilli, a German doll produced from 1955 to 1964.

Although at the time of its launch it could have been purchased for only 3 dollars, nowadays, complete (including the glasses with blue lenses that it brought as an accessory) and in immaculate condition, a first edition Barbie costs 27,450 dollars. More incomplete or not-so-intact versions can be had for $8,000.

This pale, historic Barbie was created in 2003, inspired by Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the 1789 Revolution. It belongs to a line of Barbies based on women of royalty and known as the Women of Royalty Series. The Marie Antoinette Barbie had a limited edition and was the first in the collection (as well as the most sought after and most expensive). Then came Queen Elizabeth I, launched in 2004, and Empress Josephine, from 2005. Marie Antoinette’s dress is undoubtedly impressive. It is an ethereal blue, tailored, multi-layered, in lace and with gold tassels. Her neck is adorned with an imitation diamond necklace and the porcelain rose she holds was handmade.

Today, this real beauty can be achieved on social media for almost 3,000 dollars.

It was designed in 2012 by the design duo Phillipe and David Blond (known as The Blonds), along with Bill Greening, Mattel’s lead designer. The doll debuted in 2013 at the Blonds’ spring show during New York Fashion Week. The tiny pink diamonds that grace her dress were hand-placed, one by one, by her creators, the same ones who worked for megastars like Ariana Grande, Madonna and Beyoncé.

The doll’s accessories add luxury and glamour: a pink faux fur coat, a matching diamond ring and fuchsia stud earrings make her look even brighter. Too pink? Yup. Pink Diamond was auctioned and the money raised was donated to the MAC AIDS Fund, which is related to HIV research funds. The doll is estimated to be worth $15,000. However, ABC NewsRadio reported that a replica was available for a while on BarbieCollector.com for just $125.

A far cry from the stereotypical blonde, smiling, fluttering Barbie model, this eccentric doll was marketed in 1995 only in Japan and Europe. And it is very likely that its oriental style comes from the country of the rising sun. It was created by Anne Marie Crivelli, a French designer who started creating clothing in 1996.

A copy of the model was sold at a Christie’s auction in 2006. Value achieved? Neither more nor less than 13,673 dollars. The event took place on September 26 of that year, in London, and the piece was from a private collection of 4,000 dolls.

A black shantung dress, white and black wide-brimmed hat, white gloves, and heels. Unlike other dolls in the line, who seem to be submerged in a sea of ​​eternal, indifferent happiness, Barbie City Smart doesn’t smile. Her makeup, her short, platinum blonde hair and the mole close to her mouth remind us of Marilyn and many sophisticated and glamorous women of her time.

Although it was created in 2003, Robert Best, stylist and designer at Mattel (already mentioned in this post) wanted to recreate with it the environment of the 50s, when the brand’s first doll was born, which also didn’t smile. Maybe that’s why, for its sober and far from glitter and pink costumes, the model is part of Barbie’s fashion collection and is a collector’s item. Its value is in the region of 3,000 dollars.

The slightly happy-faced Barbie pictured above was released in 1989 and was part of Mattel’s 30th anniversary celebration. The party was at Lincoln Center, in New York, and, as a souvenir, the guests of the event received the toy. Her smile, her silver and pink dress, the sparkly earrings, the thick, long, blonde and wavy hair, everything is reminiscent of classic Barbie style.

Value? Regarding the “companions” of this post, a real bargain: 800 dollars

The model was released in 1996 as a limited edition, with 10,000 extremely chic dolls. The doll’s elaborate dress, hairstyle and accessories draw attention. The dress, by the way, somewhat reminiscent of Marie Antoinette’s blue — shown above — is made of fine silk with a pale pink, accented with glittering lace. The doll has a bodice with gold lace and pink taffeta. The model includes stones that imitate diamonds and crystal jewelry. At the time of release, its value reached 900 dollars.

On February 15, 2017, Pink Splendor was exhibited at the exhibition “Barbie, beyond the doll”, on the Madrid Foundation Channel.

The Korean princess dress is inspired by Hanbok, characterized by bright colors and simple lines and no pockets. The costume is used to celebrate the tradition of Seollal (Korean New Year), which is celebrated on the first day of the country’s lunar calendar and is the most important holiday in Korea. The doll, launched in 2004 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Dolls of the World collection, is priced at $1,514.

Which Barbie caught your eye the most? If she could have one, what would it be? Do you know any other more expensive than the ones we show? Tell us in the comments section.