Thoughts for a 20th anniversary doll...

Since so many of the collectors of AG grew up in the 80's and the style is just so cute, I think they should make a special edition or anniversary doll for 2006 that is styled like in the '80's. They never had the AG today's then, so it's be curious as to what they'd come up with. In a more subtle way, she could be like the Madonna doll, but that may be more teenager. So how about clothing like on full house with the poofy hair. Just something different.

Does anyone else have any idea what they'll do for the company's anniversary? [img]graemlins/wonder.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50"><font size="1">[ September 05, 2005 09:48 PM: Message edited by: lucybelle ]</font></font>

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 05, 2005 09:48 PM: Message edited by: lucybelle ]</font>

I know it's not really an anniversary-type thing, but I keep hoping AG will re-release the scenes and settings, and add ones for the girls who never got them.

Other than that, I'd like to see them do something to commemorate the original three girls, Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly. Like offering the original complete collections again, or having limited-edition, white-bodied German dolls of these three. I have no idea what kind of outrageous price they might charge for that, but I think it has the potential of being pretty cool. [img]smile.gif[/img]

I called CS a couple of weeks ago and said that for the 20th anniversary, the AGTs should come with a little booklet or paper describing how much things were in 1986, like a loaf of bread, a movie ticket, or a candy bar. Sort of like the "on your birthday" sheets you can buy describing how much stuff was in the year you were born.

I think it would be cute if they at least had a special "80's outfit."

I know this is going to sound terrible... but tech. a 1980's doll would be historical now. It would be great to see her added to the collection... in those black or stripped leggings with the sweaters with the pompom yarn for pigtails on the knitted little girls and scenes.

I've been thinking about this, too, but the idea of a "Christmas in 1984" or "School in 1984" essay at the end of the books seems a little ridiculous to me. The 80's are certainly different in terms of technology and fashion, but are more of a novelty than anything else. I don't think they are quite "foreign" enough to warrant a new historical doll. Not yet. Maybe an 80's outfit or two would be nice, though, for the AGTs?

<font color="#051E50"><font size="1">[ September 05, 2005 10:56 PM: Message edited by: ksami ]</font></font>

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 05, 2005 11:27 PM: Message edited by: ksami ]</font>

This has been said in other posts, by me and others, but I think that they should come out with AG fan dolls for their 20th anniversary! That would be so cute (and very popular)! They could even add mini AG doll clothing and accessories for the Fan dolls to play with! LOL! I would love that [img]biggrin.gif[/img] !

As a true teen of the '80s (graduated from HS in 1985, college in 1989) very few of us wore those crazy fashions you're talking about. The big fashion craze was still "preppy" - as in Calvin Klein or Levi's 501 blue jeans, oxford shirts (or even better madras plaid), Bass Weejun penny loafers, Sperry Top Siders and Lacoste or Ralph Lauren Polo shirts (with the collar turned up). Logos were really big - even though the "style" was to cut the Calvin Klein label off the jeans. The leggings/big sweater style came really late into the '80s - almost the 1990s.

Maybe they could do an LE like Marisol next year, only she'll be a "Girl of the Year 1986"? I would definetly buy her, seeing as how I'm an 80's child. [img]wink.gif[/img]

Quote:

---

Originally posted by balletmom:
As a true teen of the '80s (graduated from HS in 1985, college in 1989) very few of us wore those crazy fashions you're talking about. The big fashion craze was still "preppy" - as in Calvin Klein or Levi's 501 blue jeans, oxford shirts (or even better madras plaid), Bass Weejun penny loafers, Sperry Top Siders and Lacoste or Ralph Lauren Polo shirts (with the collar turned up). Logos were really big - even though the "style" was to cut the Calvin Klein label off the jeans. The leggings/big sweater style came really late into the '80s - almost the 1990s.

---

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It really depends on the social group. If a story were well written to explain why they dressed that way it would be accurate.

My parents were hippies , and my older cousins were punks. I wore stuff like in 1986 for sure. But it wasn't terribly trendy yet, and it was not worn by the majority. I owned ALOT of handknit bright patterned big sweaters. I can't remember leggings, but probably because I liked the jeans with the little zippers on the ankles [img]smile.gif[/img] Pretty in Pink was 1986, but those outfits were supposed to be FRINGE, not mainstream. Yeah there were people wearing this stuff, but it hadn't hit big yet.

The things kids now think of as 80s were probably more popular 87-91.

Continuing the thoughts that kasami brought up, I also think it would be difficult to come up with enough unique stories for a series of books for an 80's doll. As a history buff who's particularly interested in recent history... politically, socially, and economically speaking, the 80's, 90's, and arguably the "00's" are very similar to one another. Politics have virtually been the same since Reagan, social issues/strife have been relatively few compared to other periods in U.S. history, and the 80s and 90s were characterized by relatively stable economic conditions. In other words... there's very little to distinguish the 80s from the 90s, and both are too recent to judge what kind of impact those decades will have on the future of America. However... to make a fun little prediction... I think 20 or 30 years from now a "00's" or "Milennium" doll would certainly be interesting. with technology infiltrating every facet of life like never before (laptops, ipods, dvd players all are commonplace in homes), political issues being prominent (9/11, Iraq), etc., I think the era we're living in now could be a very intriguing doll a few decades down the road. [img]wink.gif[/img]

I don't really like the idea of a 1980's doll. It just doesn't seem like it is commemorating the start of Pleasant Company, just the time period of the 1980's. If they do anything for the anniversary I'd prefer it related to the founding of the company in a more clear and direct way.

I have also brought up this topic, and I think an 80s doll would be absolutely wonderful. I deffinitly don't think she should be a historical doll.

Unless she's a Limited Edition historical. Then only one book would be needed, and she could still have a couple of outfits. That's what I think would be perfect.

I was born in '85, so I'm really just at the tailend of the 80s, and I don't remember much more than Disney Afternoon cartoons, Madonna, and a few of the clothes fashions. I would love to see them strike up an agreement with Disney and make a few 80s-Disney things, and a Barbie, I would think that would be easy as heck for them to do, and would be sooo cute.

Since I've already got my AG Madonna, I thought I'd chime in.
Early 80's I was wearing polo shirts with the collar up. 82-86 (High school) Started out pink/green, discovered madonna went Black minis, shaved the head into Mohawk. 87-90 Don't remember alot, except we were very much at war with Russia.
For a Commerative doll, I would like to see a Girl from Germany when the wall came down. symbolizing the end of communism. Like Molly, but blond.

I think it would be really cute! I'm a really big fan of the 80s, so I would definately get her. They would have really cool and fun accessories. But I don't think AG would do it. I hope they do!! But it just doesn't seem likely.

I would love to see a book about the history of the Pleasant Company, with pictures of the Gotz doll they found in Marshall Fields in Chicago and the first building. It would also be intersting to know more about the authors of the books. There are so many bits and pieces scattered around and so many myths. It would be nice to have the real history consolidated with pictures. I guess little girls wouldn't be interested but the collectors sure would be.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Miss_Nellie_OMalley:
I know this is going to sound terrible... but tech. a 1980's doll would be historical now. It would be great to see her added to the collection... in those black or stripped leggings with the sweaters with the pompom yarn for pigtails on the knitted little girls and scenes.

---

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Oh God, does that mean it's OVER for me??? LOL!

Hehe, I definitely like the idea of making German white-bodies again for a LE but (trying not to be too negative) I'm sure they'd make them in a way where they weren't near the quality. Or just make white-bodies in China, but really, that's be more for the collectors and not the girls, so I could see a random historical LE as possible. I suppose we'll find out around New Years, eh?

Average teen-agers in the early 80's wore 50's, preppy-teen inspired clothes. Flannel and striped shirts, soft sweaters, lacy collars, and skirts, most popular in pastel and sorbet colors, were some of the things they were wearing. Leg warmers, nylons and big sweaters did come out in the early 80's, but they were more popular with fashionable young women in thier 20's. And did you know that people started crimping hair in the early 70's? In the mid 80's (1985, about)neon colors, geometric designs, stone-washed jeans, etc. became popular.

I don't remember the teen styles of the 80's. But I do remember the children because dd was born in 1980 and she had her girlhood in the 80's. There were painted sneakers and decorated denim vests. Button covers spruced up old blouses and denim skirts were popular. Fringe or lace was put on everything, including denim vests and jeans. There was a lot of make-it-yourself emphasis when it came to outfits so folks did a lot with trims and fabric paint. Leggings and leg warmers were a must-have and many girls liked them because they enabled them to wear skirts in cool weather and still keep warm.

It seems like the meet outfit that came with the first AGT's was very 80's - the one with the bright felt vest, hat with a sunflower in it and leggings. Since it takes a couple years to develop a doll, it seems the 80's were a strong influence on the first AGT's that came out in the 90's.

If AG made a doll of the 80's, they'd have to do crimped hair because all my dd's friends were into crimping their hair. I don't know what kind of accessories the doll would have though.

Julia

White CANVAS sneakers with no socks, and a huge hobo-type bag. Of course, I was in high and junior high school in the 1980s.

Also - IZOD shirts with collars turned up (I think someone mentioned this already) and I also remember pink and green. Bowler hats (Debbie Gibson's influence - remember her?) were popular, at least where I lived. And turtlenecks and long skirts in the late eighties. Blazers and turtlenecks with jeans and those Sebago loafers were popular my junior year (1989). Or maybe I was just too preppy? [img]cool.gif[/img]

I was telling Mama the other day I miss the days when you dressed up a bit to go to school or to the mall; some of the kids I see out and about look like they're going out to wash cars instead of going out to dinner.

Now I DO sound like my mother! AAARRGHGGGHHH!! [img]rolleyes.gif[/img]

I think the style of clothing has a lot to do with where you live. The South has always been preppy, no matter what the current style. I went to college in the South, in the late 70's. We were wearing pink and green, Izods, topsiders, oxford cloth button downs, khakis, etc. Nobody looked anything like John Travolota and crowd in Saturday Night Fever which came out about that time.

It seems to me that those of you who are remembering what you wore in the 80's have also said that you were teen-agers then. Don't forget that an 80's AG would be only 10 years old in 1984! [img]wink.gif[/img]

Let's see. In 1984, I was 12, going on 13 (my birthday is late in the year). I remember having in my wardrobe:

A lavender lacy top (bought under pressure from a friend)
A pink/purple reversable jacket
A hot pink newsboy cap
Leggings and oversized shirts (got into an argument with my dad over that one)
Mini skirts
I remember that that's when my hatred of turtlenecks started, because they all felt too tight on my neck.
I remember mix-and-match Converse High Tops.

I'm sure there was more, but that's what I remember owning.

I also remember having a hair crimper, even at that young age.

Quote:

---

I also remember having a hair crimper, even at that young age.

---

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">ROFL Atleast you don't STILL own one. I do, and what is worse, I use it!

I wasn't allowed to have the crimper back then, so I did the braid trick.

You braid your hair into lots of braids (about 15 normally did it) while wet, then sleep on it. When you take it out in the morning, it looks EXACTLY like it was crimped with the iron.

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 08, 2005 03:38 PM: Message edited by: GreyMyst ]</font>

Quote:

---

Originally posted by GreyMyst:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by balletmom:
As a true teen of the '80s (graduated from HS in 1985, college in 1989) very few of us wore those crazy fashions you're talking about. The big fashion craze was still "preppy" - as in Calvin Klein or Levi's 501 blue jeans, oxford shirts (or even better madras plaid), Bass Weejun penny loafers, Sperry Top Siders and Lacoste or Ralph Lauren Polo shirts (with the collar turned up). Logos were really big - even though the "style" was to cut the Calvin Klein label off the jeans. The leggings/big sweater style came really late into the '80s - almost the 1990s.

---

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It really depends on the social group. If a story were well written to explain why they dressed that way it would be accurate.

My parents were hippies , and my older cousins were punks. I wore stuff like in 1986 for sure. But it wasn't terribly trendy yet, and it was not worn by the majority. I owned ALOT of handknit bright patterned big sweaters. I can't remember leggings, but probably because I liked the jeans with the little zippers on the ankles [img]smile.gif[/img] Pretty in Pink was 1986, but those outfits were supposed to be FRINGE, not mainstream. Yeah there were people wearing this stuff, but it hadn't hit big yet.

The things kids now think of as 80s were probably more popular 87-91.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I was in high school from 1986-1990, and we didn't wear this crazy stuff these kids are describing either - VERY few people wore leggings and scrunch socks, we were too busy turning up our collars and ironing our pants, and wearing white canvas Keds with no socks. I'm still a blazer-with-turtlenecks nut myself, and I own more button-downs than my DH does. I can't stand not being nicely pressed and these new fabrics they're making pants out of these days drive me nuts because they don't hold a crease. [img]eek.gif[/img] I had pants in high school from The Limited (remember when they sold NICE stuff? Like those gorgeous blazers and sweaters they used to have? And shirts that you couldn't see through the cotton?) that had been ironed so well you only had to pull them out of the dryer and FLICK them, and the crease would fall right in!

I didn't go to some hotshot high school, either; we were 1A, and the reason I graduated in the top five percent of my class is because I was fifth out of 101 seniors - we were TINY. We were a two-bit town in northeastern North Carolina, not some rich and wealthy area.

I miss clothes like that. It's why I love Talbots and Ralph Lauren now.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Felicity Merriman:
Average teen-agers in the early 80's wore 50's, preppy-teen inspired clothes. Flannel and striped shirts, soft sweaters, lacy collars, and skirts, most popular in pastel and sorbet colors, were some of the things they were wearing. Leg warmers, nylons and big sweaters did come out in the early 80's, but they were more popular with fashionable young women in thier 20's. And did you know that people started crimping hair in the early 70's? In the mid 80's (1985, about)neon colors, geometric designs, stone-washed jeans, etc. became popular.

---

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Oh man - remember TWO TONE JEANS? I LOVED mine! They were gray in the front and denim everywhere else.

Why can?t THEY come back?

Of course, I?m just waiting for normal-rise pants to become fashionable again?it?s getting so it?s impossible to buy a pair of khakis that don?t show underwear every time you sit down?.please, I?m not 18!

Also - I don't think you'd be able to market a doll from 1986 as a HISTORICAL. Please, that's when many of these MOTHERS who are actually paying for this stuff grew up - I for one would not be happy about a doll that portrayed my teen years (just 16 years ago!) as HISTORICAL. [img]eek.gif[/img] LE, fine, but historical is 1946, not 1986 (yet, anyway). [img]tongue.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 08, 2005 04:33 PM: Message edited by: AGCrayZee ]</font>

I think they should make a "Luanne" doll transformation..."From Preppy to Madonna!" [img]wink.gif[/img] I do think that would be a very cool time to play with. I didn't do a mohawk, but I was a design major, so I did the celephaned hair...sort of a purplish tint..not to wild, and asymetrical hair cut...Luanne, I do think AG should see your Madonna and see what they can do about a mass production! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Shelly