Name: Barbie Harlem Theatre Collection:
Claudette Gordon, Madam Lavinia, and Selma DuPar James
Made by and When: Mattel; released in 2015, 2016, and 2017
Designed by: Carlyle Nuera
Label: Gold
Material: Vinyl
Body Types: Claudette Gordon uses the straight ModelMuse torso with poseable arms and legs. Madam Lavinia is the first doll to use the Collector Curvy articulated body. Selma DuPar James uses an articulated Barbie body.
Height: 11-1/2 inches
Claudette Gordon, released in 2015
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Short rooted curly auburn hair, brown painted eyes, closed mouth; introduced the Claudette head sculpt
Clothes (Mattel’s Description): The sleeveless dress features a drop waist bodice and embroidered peacock feather design in shades of teal, purple, and gold. Black point d’esprit material forms the dress’ asymmetrical skirt. Includes a 1920s-era microphone stand.
Backstory: The jazz singer and star of the Harlem Theatre Collection was inspired by “the great beauties who sang their hearts out on stage” during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance (Claudette Gordon).
Madam Lavinia, released in 2016
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Burgundy turban-covered head over short brown rooted hair, brown painted eyes, closed mouth with dark lip color; introduced the Lavinia head sculpt
Clothes (Mattel’s Description): The gold-trimmed velvet dress is adorned with a chiffon sash with a brooch on the burgundy turban, drop earrings, a cocktail ring, a brooch on the sash, a fur stole, a lion head staff, and gold high-heel shoes.
Backstory: “Madam Lavinia presides over one of the hottest nightclubs” of the 1920s. “This music maven features a new poseable curvy body and many lavish details” (Madam Lavinia)!
Selma DuPar James, released in 2017
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Black rooted pageboy hairstyle, brown painted eyes, closed plump lips with dark lip color; introduced the Selma DuPar James head sculpt
Clothes: Dusty rose satin fish-tail gown has the same color lace embellishments, white satin cocktail gloves, pearl necklace and silver brooch, silver open-toe high-heel shoes; has a painting of Claudette Gordon singing
Backstory: Selma DuPar James represents a visual artist. An example of her artwork (a framed painting of Claudette Gordon) is included.
Other: From the back of Selma DuPar James’ box, “The bold Harlem Theatre Collection represents the courageous women of an era who paved the way for future generations to freely and creatively express themselves. During the Harlem Renaissance era, patrons of the arts like Madam Lavinia would often commission artists to showcase their latest work. Up-and-coming artist, Selma DuPar James, was selected to hold her first solo exhibition in the Harlem Theatre salon. Her piece is a beautiful portrait of jazz singer Claudette Gordon.” Each doll has a certificate of authenticity and a doll stand.
“Gold Label Barbies are considered to be rarer… the manufacturing limits on these dolls depends on which year it was made. From 2004 through 2014 Mattel limited the production to 20,000 units. From 2015 to 2017 that number dropped to just 10,000 units…” (Treasure Keeper).
References:
Claudette Gordon. https://barbie.fandom.com/wiki/Claudette_Gordon_Barbie_Doll
Madam Lavinia. https://barbie.fandom.com/wiki/Madam_LaVinia_Barbie_Doll
Selma DuPar James. https://barbie.fandom.com/wiki/Selma_DuPar_James_Barbie_Doll
Treasure Keeper. https://treasurekeeper.com/blogs/news/5-barbie-labels-tiers
Gallery
_________
Your comments are valued. Donations aid the initiative to preserve Black-doll history.
If you subscribe to DeeBeeGee’s Virtual Black Doll Museum
by email, click the post title of the email, which links to the website to view all text and associated media. Please “like” and share this installation with your social media contacts. If you’d like to subscribe, add your email address to the subscribe or sign-up field in the footer or right sidebar. Add your email address to the subscribe or sign-up field in the footer or right sidebar.
Search for specific dolls or specific doll categories, e.g. “antique dolls” using the search field at the website.