Too Many Damn Vampires

 Coming from Mattel in the Fall, Bob Mackie Countess Dracula. Gold label, designed by Ann Driskill.  OMFG.

It's pure over-the-top Mackie. Enough with the vampires and fanged dolls already. Perhaps they're just painted on. I would love to see this doll in person-especially the hair. That's got to be the biggest hair explosion on the planet.

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Coming in August: Gold label Byron Lars Fenella Layla. This doll is also over-the-top but in a stylish and wonderful way like his entire line. The dip 'n dunk arms gotta go along with the model body but that's a never-ending battle and it's useless to hope it will change. The outfit is amazing.

The Mackie style is static. Nothing new; nothing innovative-just more glitter, sequins, feathers and glitz.  There have been a few stunners but it's time to end the line IMO.
Byron Lars on the other hand, is a designer with a vision and a feel for style. His work changes and evolves. I may not like everything he does but at least there's something happening.

Who is Charmaine King?

Was Charmaine King an aviator cum fashion model? If Byron Lars was attempting to do steampunk, he failed.
I like the helmet with goggles, the scarf and the big hair. What I do not like is the dress bottom. This dress would have been hot if it were white 'leather' and stopped just above the knee.  Long gloves out; driving gloves in. Throw a bunch of strange geared and clock jewelry around her neck. Put her in some platform boots with appropriate adornment and voila, steampunk trendy.

Doll retails for $100 directly from Barbie Collector.Com

Wait for a sale.