However, following the old saying that "everything old becomes new again" detailed articulation in modern collectible dolls is once again all the rage! Several major doll manufacturers have decided to take dolls from some of their most popular lines and have added extra articulation to the dolls. This is exciting for collectors for several reasons. First, extra-articulation means better doll displays. There is nothing duller than a cabinet of rows and rows of dolls, all standing like little soldiers, all in the same, stiff standing position, arms at sides. The new, articulated dolls can be posed sitting, reclining, kicking their feet, even crossing their legs! If you even try to sit a doll with "standard" articulation (jointing at the neck, shoulders and hips) the stiff legs of such a doll just splay out to the sides. Not very realistic, and not very attractive! Second, extra-articulation means extra play-value. Whether your play is to dress and pose dolls OR your play is more extensive (as an adult or a kid!) extra articulation multiplies your play possibilities. Lets take a look at three of the most innovated extra-articulated dolls released in 2003.
Tyler Wentworth Signature Style Articulated
The newly articulated Tyler Wentworth Signature Style AR dolls are truly remarkable. These 16" fashion dolls have new articulation at the bust, waist, hips and elbows. The hip articulation is truly unique, allowing Tyler to cross her legs (that is the first time I've seen that in a doll!) and the articulation at the bust lets her twist her torso. Tyler comes in three hair colors, including a deep, "mink" brown hair color first seen on the highly collectible "Look of Luxe" Tyler doll. And, she is dressed in a fantastic stretchy-pants outfit that makes her look like an action spy--a bit like Sydney Bristow from ABC's Alias!
Back To Basics Alex by Madame Alexander
Back to Basics Alex by Madame Alexander is another fashion doll with revolutionary articulation--this time, a full 18 points of articulation. Back To Basics Alex has articulation everywhere--even her wrists and her toes move! The doll can be posed, well, sort of like a pretzel! Also in three hair colors, all three of the new articulated Alex dolls come wearing a are wearing a classic little black dress. Several of the dolls in the main line will also feature this extreme articulation
Treasured Child by Lee Middleton Dolls
Fashion Dolls do not have an exclusive hold on ultra-articulation this year! Even baby dolls are getting into the act. The Lee Middleton Doll company, one of the most popular manufacturers of life-like baby dolls, has just released their new Treasured Child baby dolls. These dolls have full armatures in their soft, baby-like bodies. This enables the Treasured Child dolls to hold nearly any pose--from sucking their thumbs to holding their feet! The dolls are being marketed to both children and adults--great for children because of the enhanced playability (baby can hold its bottle!) and great for adults who collect babies due to the display possibilities.
Not Everyone Is Happy About Enhanced Doll Articulation
Its true that you can't please all collectors all of the time--and although most collectors are thrilled with the ultra-articulated dolls, some positively dislike them. I have one collector who won't collect any Gene or Tyler doll with elbow joints--she calls them "Frankenstein Joints." And, some of my baby collectors have nearly recoiled from the feel of the new new Treasured Child babies because they deeply prefer the traditional, heavier, softer unjointed babies. But, for those collectors who enjoy posing and moving their dolls, 2003 is proving to be a landmark year thanks to the doll articulation trend!
