The Awards will focus solely on the fashion doll world and there will be 10 categories in all. Each category will capture the best of the last year’s fashion doll industry, including dolls, fashions, designers and retailers.

The round of nominations is now complete and we are have the immense pleasure in announcing the finalists. Voting is now open to the public and the winners will be announced on 19th February 2012. Cast your vote here.

Here are the nominations in full with links to pics/info of the nominees:

1. Best 12″ Scale Fashion Doll

Barbie Basics ‘Model No. 14 – Collection 002.5‘ (Mattel)
Fashion Royalty ‘Modern Comeback‘ Véronique Perrin (Integrity Toys)
NU.FACE ‘Quiet Storm‘ Annik (Integrity Toys)
‘tokidoki‘ Babie Doll (Mattel)
VINTAGE REVLON ‘Blushing Bride‘ (Tonner Doll)

2. Best 16″ Scale Fashion Doll

Related articles

• Why should I join DollObservers.com? (dollobserver.com)
• Say hello to JAMIEshow St. Tropez Angelica (dollobserver.com)
• Barbie & Stardoll Join forces! (dollobserver.com)

An analysis of the ‘States 75 most-popular Christmas gifts found that a total of 2,598 shipments of Barbie products were received in the US throughout August and September, when retailers receive Christmas stock.

Barbie’s popularity continues to rise despite competition from other doll brands. Recovering from a slip in 2008, US sales of Barbie went up 4 per cent in 2009 and 14 percent in 2010.

Related articles

• Barbie & Stardoll Join forces! (dollobserver.com)
• Deck The Halls With Fashion Dolls & Holly! (dollobserver.com)

The “Stardoll^® by Barbie^®” collection will feature eight new fashion dolls, based on four of the most popular virtual Stardoll^® stores in Starplaza. Inspired by Stardoll^® avatars, “Stardoll^® by Barbie^®” dolls come packaged mirroring signature avatar poses. Each doll features amazing details like rooted eyelashes, a unique face and body sculpt, as well as a distinct signature style, for a play experience that is authentically Stardoll^®.

“We’re pleased to be launching a big line of fantastic physical toys, going from virtual to the physical world,” said Mattias Miksche, CEO at Stardoll. “We’re partnering with Mattel because they share our passion for empowering girls and their creativity. We have forged a strong relationship and have lots of exciting things planned – watch this space.”

“This partnership represents two of the world’s largest girls’ brands uniting to create the ultimate fashion play experience,” said Stephanie Cota, Senior Vice President, WorldWide Marketing Barbie and Girls. “We look forward to inviting the Stardoll community into the three-dimensional world of Barbie with new signature dolls and fashions.”

About the “Stardoll® by Barbie^®” Collection

“Stardoll^® by Barbie^®” will be available at retail in the United States beginning November 2011, with another five dolls slated for spring 2012. “Stardoll^® by Barbie^®” will introduce two dolls inspired per Stardoll^® store: Fallen Angel, Bonjour Bizou, Doll Space and Pretty n’ Love. Sample fashions from each line include Fallen Angel, who rocks a gothic look in fingerless gloves and chain accents; Bonjour Bizou, a fashion-forward Stardoll^® sporting ruched miniskirts and graphic prints; Doll Space, in gorgeous ruffled tulle numbers with cropped tweed jackets; and Pretty n’ Love in cozy pink sweaters and heart-patterned tights. Three accessory packs let Stardoll^® fans mix and match the trendy, original fashions and accessories, and give girls the same fun interchangeable closet experience of the Stardoll^® virtual world in the real world.

“Stardoll^® by Barbie^®” dolls will come with a gift card for complimentary membership on Stardoll.com for new and existing members, Stardollars to spend on all Superstar items on the Stardoll^® site as well as free exclusive virtual gifts, connecting the online world to the real world and then back again.

The partnership plans to expand globally with the addition of more collections, products and online extensions in the future. The dolls will retail for $20.99 SRP and accessory packs will retail for $15.99 SRP each.

Barbie and Frank Sinatra: two American icons, one classic look.

Inspired by one of the world’s greatest and most iconic performers of all time, Sinatra Barbie® is the definition of class and sophistication as she takes center stage in Fall 2011.

Beloved not only for his melodic voice, Frank Sinatra did things “his way” with refined style and effortless grace. In a tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, Barbie® puts a spin on one of Sinatra’s most iconic looks, a custom-fitted suit as seen on many of the singer’s album covers, including “Nothing But The Best.”

Looking dapper in tweed, Barbie® wears a tailored houndstooth printed suit complete with a black tie, polished white shirt, and Frank-inspired fedora. Barbie® adds a twist of her own style to the classic look with bejeweled matching earrings and high- heeled saddle shoes. Barbie® also pays tribute to Frank Sinatra with her chic pocket square in orange, Frank’s favorite color.

Available September 2011, the Sinatra Barbie® doll will be a truly tasteful touch to any Barbie® collection and is a must-have for Barbie® and Frank Sinatra fans alike.

Available September 2011 at www.barbiecollector.com

http://www.dollobservers.com/page/win-a-palm-beach-swim-suit

Related articles

• Win a Palm Beach™ Swim Suit Silkstone Barbie Doll! (dollobserver.com)

To help celebrate the Scheme’s launch we are currently running a Silkstone Barbie giveaway competition with a gorgeous Palm Beach Swimsuit Doll up for grabs!

Click here for your chance to win a beautiful Silkstone Barbie!

To ensure Architect Barbie® captured the spirit and style of young architects, Barbie® designers consulted with two female members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) — Despina Stratigakos, Professor of Architectural History at the University at Buffalo and Kelly Hayes McAlonie, Associate Director of the Capital Planning Group at the University at Buffalo and the 2011 President Elect for AIA New York State.

Barbie® is ready to tackle the daily responsibilities of a professional architect, wearing a symmetrically stylish outfit with bold colors and clean lines showcasing a city skyline. She also carries essential accessories for the job, including a hard hat for safety, a carrying case for her latest designs, and a model of her newest Dream House.

Architect Barbie®, the brand’s ‘career of the year,’ enters the design field on the 125th anniversary of women’s acceptance to professional architectural associations.

Available August 2011 at retailers nationwide, Architect Barbie® will be available in Caucasian and African American versions.

Related Articles

• Barbie loses out to Bratz this time around (dollobserver.com)

The ongoing fight between the two companies over exactly who owns the copyright of the Bratz doll line has rolled on for several years with the previous court room ruling in 2008 ruling in favour of Mattel. Not so this time but then barbie does have her 120 plus careers to fall back on in order to come up with the cash.

Failing that she could always sell a dream house or two!

Related Articles

• Barbie vs. Bratz: It’s A Doll-Eat-Doll World (time.com)
• Bratz dolls case resolved with $88.4m payout by Mattel (guardian.co.uk)

On March 11 we see the 50th Birthday of our favourite male arm candy, the one and only Mr Ken Carson. Of late he has really come into his own with a scene stealing role in Toy Story 3 and his very public mission to win back the love of his life, Barbie.

Way to go Ken and a very happy birthday to ya!

Related Articles

• Fun Ken facts (dollobserver.com)
• A 50 Year Romance: Barbie + Ken (dollobserver.com)