Is that MOLD?

Today I’m pushing through pandemic fatigue and whatever is wrong with me. This post is so woefully overdue it’s not even funny. For now, I think I’ll aim for a weekly post and see how it goes. Anyway, let’s get on with it, shall we?

Forever and a day ago I posted about the new signature 2021 dolls (which aren’t all that new by now).  I was really excited about them, but to say the launch was poorly handled would be an understatement. People who pre-ordered the dolls on Amazon were met with randomly cancelled orders, folks who ordered via Mattel back in June still have yet to receive their dolls.

I think the word I’m searching for is CLUSTERFUCK.

While more prominent bloggers and youtubers seemed to get their dolls promptly, the rest of us plebs sat by and waited. Some of us are still waiting. For those lucky enough to have gotten at least part of their order, unfortunately, the quality control is lacking.

Okay, so, at first glance – I like this doll.  She’s cute, petite, fully articulated, she’s got an edgy haircut, and her outfit is simple but really stylish.  Nicely done.  But she’s not without her flaws.  I’ll get to those in a bit.  For now, let’s start with the shoes, shall we? 

I’m not sure why they added platforms to a petite doll, I think her lack of height adds charm to her. But, they’re stylish and textured to look like leather. They’re not going to fit any dolls that aren’t petite, but that’s to be expected.

Now, normally this is where I’d chatter about the accessories. But, as you can see from the first picture: she doesn’t have any. I’m not complaining, I think the brilliance of this doll line is the simplicity.

The outfit is a monochrome two-piece featuring a black pencil skirt and a layered midriff-baring blouse.

But what about the doll herself? This is where I get annoyed, especially when I compare her to the loveliness that is the curvy BMR 1959 doll from the first wave. They did such a nice job on her face.

She’s got a cute face, don’t get me wrong, but here’s where quality control failed. See that mark on her right cheek (left in the image)?

I’m not sure what that mark is. What I do know is that it can’t be wiped away with a dry cotton swab, a wet cotton swab, a microfiber cloth, gently removed with dish soap, and it cannot be roughly scrubbed off.

Whatever it is, it’s permanent.

It honestly looks like mold, but I’m not sure how that could happen on a flat surface in a doll that was fresh from the manufacturer.

Other people have reported that the flocking on the head has bald patches. So, just be aware if you’re going to get this doll, and you don’t intend to repaint her, she might not be perfect right out of the box.

When I realized this mark, I thought I might just go ahead and swap her head for another one of the Asian dolls, until I can get her repainted. But, because this Mattel we’re dealing with, and they don’t label their skin tones: good luck finding a good match.

From Left to Right: BMR Tall Asian, 2021 Signature Petite, and the original made to move purple yoga top barbie (she’s been repainted, had her hands replaced, and has an awesome long wig now - but you can still see her skin tone). She’s got a very pink skin tone. If you’ve found a match, please let me know in the comments below.

Overall, I like this doll, it’s just too bad about the mark/mold on her face. If that mark wasn’t there, she’d be five stars for me.