This doll dates back to the 1980s, and has followed me around the world. The clothes I made for her back then, not so much. She never really had a name until I moved to France and discovered the new curvy dolls. The French for a very skinny person is Brindille, which is pronounced - you got it, Brandy. Trying to place a style personality for her is hard. She was a gift from my Mattel client in the 1980s. However, she is marked 1986, Taiwan. From that, I found out sh was originally Dee Dee in the Barbie and the Rockers release. These dolls challenged the launch of Hasbro’s Jem doll, announced in February 1986. Mattel aunched in the Spring. March would have been too soon after the announcement of Jem, which leaves a choice of April or May for an estimated birthday. She was not the lead singer, Barbie was, so she would have been backing. This makes Aries a less than ideal choice, so I’m leaning towards Taurus for her. End of April/Early May is enough lead time to launch new dolls in a tearing great hurry after early February.

The idea is to create style personalities for the dolls, based on their zodiac sign stereotypes. Taurus is ruled by Venus, emphasizing luxury and sensuality. High-quality, comfortable fabrics like silk, cashmere and soft cotton.  I’ll take flowing fabrics from that. Taurus is an earth sign, lending itself to earthy colours and classic, timeless styles: elegant, sophisticated and effortless chic. As a Taurus Rocker, she would have a more refined, sophisticated rock style, classic rock with a touch of Stevie Nicks. Her colour palette could include rich jewel tones (emeral green, sapphire blue) or warm neutrals with metallic accents. She seems to be a Cool Winter, and a dash of red lipstick really popped on her. That will become become permanent sometime soon.