Name: Ruby Radiance Barbie
Made by and When: Mattel, 1996
Designed by: Bob Mackie
Head Sculpt: Nichelle
Material: Vinyl
Height: 11-1/2-inch
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Upswept curly brown-rooted hair is held in place with a ruby-red velour turban bejeweled with red rhinestones. This doll has brown-painted eyes with painted upper and lower eyelashes and light pink and blue eyeshadow. The closed lips are painted burgundy.
Clothes/Accessories: Ruby red velour gown with cutouts at the waist and gemstone embellishments at the bodice has a ruffled red satin boa. Dark red pumps are attached to the box liner. Accessories include a doll stand and a certificate of authenticity.
Other: Ruby Radiance Barbie is one of five dolls and the only African American doll in the Jewel Essence Collection, designed by Bob Mackie for the adult collector. The back of the box describes the series and includes information about the designer:
Bobie Mackie, designer to the stars, creator of beautiful visions, transforming Barbie into one glamorous fantasy after another, creates The Jewel Essence Collection, a spectacular series of Barbie dolls celebrating the beauty, glamour and brilliance of jewels.
Every doll in the collection sparkles in the color of a jewel. Everything about her emits the glamour, feeling, and richness of that jewel. Here, Ruby Radiance Barbie glows in a deep, dark, fiery red gown and turban flickering with red crystal rhinestones. With her ruffled boa surrounding her like flames, she is the essence of the warmest jewel of all.
Bob Mackie has been designing costumes for films, Broadway and television for more than twenty-five years. His scene stealing fashions for famous stars have won him may Emmy Awards and Oscar nominations. In 1990, he added another star, Barbie, to his list of credits. Now, this world famous designer brings his magic to a collection that can only be described as brilliant!
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