View allAll Photos Tagged superstarken

Kissing Barbie 1978, Superstar Ken 1977 & Superstar Barbie 1977.

From Superstar Ken, Barbie & Christie! May your holiday be whatever it is you wanted it to be! Happy Dollidays!

 

Photographed in the diorama by Ken Haseltine of the retired Regent Miniatures. 1/6 Scale Flickering Fire Blocks by Playscale Furnishings in Australia on Etsy at : www.etsy.com/shop/PlayscaleFurnishings.

 

Photos by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com

Superstar Barbie & Ken

 

Photo by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com.

You can see, right up until the 90s, Ken needs a stand, but the latter models can stand on their own.

 

Flocked Hair Ken-Vintage

Painted Hair Ken-Vintage

Live Action Ken-Mod

Mod Hair Ken-Mod

Malibu Ken-Mod

Superstar Ken-Disco

Fox Mulder Ken-90s

Fashionista Ken (1st issue)2010

Harley Davidson Ken--2010

Fashionista Ken (2nd Gen) 2010

Superstar Barbie & Ken

 

Photo by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com.

Superstar Barbie & Ken head out to a premiere just in time for Oscars Weekend!

 

Photo by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com.

Pics of Superstar Era Hawaiian Barbie & Ken on Poipu Beach in Kauai, HI

Superstar Barbie & Ken head out to a premiere just in time for Oscars Weekend!

 

Photo by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com.

Superstar Barbie & Ken head out to a premiere just in time for Oscars Weekend!

 

Photo by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com.

BOX DATE: 1977

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Ken (dated 1977); Christie

RELEASES: 1977 separately sold; 1977 "Gift Pack"

BODY TYPE: 1968; elastic waist; pivotal neck; bent arms; ring hole; bend & snap legs

HEAD MOLD: 1977 "Superstar"

It's Ken's 50th Birthday (so of course there's a whole new Barbie doll to commemerate it!) But I dug deep into my collection and found that I had quite the visual history of Ken's evolution.

From Left to Right:

Flocked Hair Ken-Vintage

Painted Hair Ken-Vintage

Live Action Ken-Mod

Mod Hair Ken-Mod

Malibu Ken-Mod

Superstar Ken-Disco

Fox Mulder Ken-90s

Harley Davidson Ken--2010

Fashionista Ken (1st issue)2010

Fashionista Ken (2nd Gen) 2010

BOX DATE: 1977

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Ken (dated 1977); Christie

RELEASES: 1977 separately sold; 1977 "Gift Pack"

BODY TYPE: 1968; elastic waist; pivotal neck; bent arms; ring hole; bend & snap legs

HEAD MOLD: 1977 "Superstar"

 

PERSONAL FUN FACT written by my sister: An icon has finally joined the family! When I first saw this stud in the Ultimate Barbie Book, I was all excited. I thought, "It's Shayla's man doll!" Shelly bought Shayla, SuperStar Barbie, boxed when she was 12! Shayla has become iconic to us. We didn't know that Shayla was iconic to all Barbie lovers--that she debuted one of Barbie's main face sculpts, that she was heavily merchandised, etc. We just knew this sad, very ancient doll, still in her original package when she was 26 years old! Shelly thought she was absolutely beautiful. She had seen her and then persuaded Dad to buy her on another excursion. We were both mortified and saddened upon discovering that her pink dress had fused to her body and Shelly recalls that she didn't even wait to get home before she talked Dad into carefully using a razor to separate poor Shayla from her dress. From that day on, Shayla was a loved, adored treasure in our home. We got really taken with SuperStar inspired merchandise, like the 1988 Superstar and the playsets marketed for her. So, naturally, when we looked at Ken back in 2010 or 2011, we knew we coveted him too. I had forgotten, over the years, what Ken looked like and what his outfit did. But Shelly remembered! The second week of the flea market season in 2019, we thought we'd be going home without much, just a Dance Class Lagoona. However, in the back of the indoor building, I spied an old Barbie case. We aren't really interested in cases--unless there's something in them! I didn't know whether the case had dolls/accessories in it, if it was empty, or how much it cost; so, I inquired. The very kind seller told us the case had a few dolls inside and that he'd throw in some furniture and a carded fashion (that he thought was a picture) for fifteen dollars. But, who or what was in the case? When he opened it, Shelly instantly recognized SuperStar Ken and spied his outfit. She didn't recognize Fashion Photo Barbie, the only other doll in the lot, because she looks so different than her other one. There was a good number of clothes and, while in rough shape, they were legit. Shelly dubbed the bin "The SuperStar Ken Lot" which I think is fitting. I think it's fitting not only because Ken was the best find in the bin (he totally was), but because there was also a SuperStar dress and a piece to what we identified was a promotional SuperStar dress! The regular SuperStar dress was very needed--one of our SuperStars, Shaylene, didn't have her dress. The promotional SuperStar dress, which to me is like an exciting piece of Barbie history, was cut so only the upper half remained. Shelly turned it into a usable shirt, but it's too distorted from its original form to include in our Flickr guide. What I will remember most about this bin, in years to come, might be my excitement. Going through the small bin, with only two dolls and some rather rough clothes, I felt like it was an exciting treasure. Doing research and finding out that there were inflatable furniture sets marketed for Barbie in the 70s and discovering shards of a store promotional SuperStar was really intriguing. I remembered that Sunday that at the age of 32, with a collection of over 3,200 dolls, I still feel as excited and interested in every part of Barbie's little world as I did at the age of seven. Every doll, every bin, every find is like unearthing a new discovery.

Superstar Barbie & Ken head out to a premiere just in time for Oscars Weekend!

 

Photo by Steve McKinnis of stevemckinnis.com.

Mesh Diva Ken and Shortie Short Shorts Ken have a moment by the Dream Cottage.

Look at all that beef between them...

Before and after, refresh the hair

One of my dream dolls ever :) Finally got him. He's so handsome!

Ken Western 1980, Made in Taiwan

 

Trovato in un lotto su Vinted, gennaio 2023.

Del suo outfit originale aveva solo la camicia. L'ho completato con un paio di scarponi sportivi e i jeans. Condizioni molto buone, però purtroppo la plastica del torso si è un po' ingiallita mentre le cosce si sono annerite, penso a causa dei pantaloni neri che portava in origine.

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Ken Western 1980, Made in Taiwan

 

Found in a lot from Vinted, January 2023.

Only the shirt is part of the his original outfit. I completed it with a pair of boots and jeans. Very good condition, but unfortunately the plastic on the torso has yellowed a bit, while the thighs have blackened, I think because of the black pants he originally wore.

  

Thrift Shop Find Ken

BOX DATE: 1977

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Ken (dated 1977); Christie

RELEASES: 1977 separately sold; 1977 "Gift Pack"

MISSING ITEMS: Shoes, belt, bracelet, watch, sunglasses

 

PERSONAL FUN FACT written by my sister: I never would have thought, when I first saw Shelly's childhood SuperStar doll circa 2003, that the coordinating Ken was sold in an outfit like this. On some level, it makes sense. This very velvety suit looks very expensive and like Ken is ready to walk Barbie down the red carpet. The color is very rich and deep and it contrasts nicely with Barbie's hot pink dress. Perhaps it is merely unexpected because many Kens marketed with dolls like SuperStar...well, they wear a lot of pink, purple, and white. They tend to match Barbie very literally. But, honestly? This doesn't make me think in the least of SuperStar Barbie. No, it's what Ken would wear as an auto mechanic--navy coveralls. But the fabric choice is all wrong for that! He'd be sweating to death in this outfit! Yet the shape and color make me think Ken is ready for the garage, not the red carpet. Even the way the collar sits, it looks open and slouchy. Also, I think the faux shirt underneath is an odd color choice. It looks weird with the blue and doesn't match Barbie's outfit either. I'm thinking that maybe if I'd gotten some of Ken's jewelry--which, according to the Ultimate Barbie Book is very swanky--the outfit would look more expensive to me. I guess his bling is supposed to make him look like a real Hollywood star. I just don't know what they were thinking with these blue coveralls. However, they are really nicely made and the fabric choice is great. The blue is very thick and durable and the accenting fabrics around the collar are very soft and flexible. Obviously, it held up really well to play. Considering the condition of many items in the bin (we got this in the "SuperStar Ken Lot" of 2019), this is in really great shape! I'm so glad my Ken doll arrived here with his duds!

I'm missing his glasses, but I love him!

BOX DATE: 1988

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Ken

MISSING ITEMS: Cummerbund, trophy, socks, cardboard punch outs

 

PERSONAL FUN FACT written by my sister: One day we bought some Ken dolls from a regular seller. One was a stud muffin wearing a silver jacket like the one pictured here. One of us thought the jacket was SuperStar Ken and we got excited, thinking we'd found a SuperStar Ken. Sadly, to this day, we don't actually have SuperStar Ken. However, there is good news. First, the doll we bought the jacket on proved to be Animal Lovin' Ken. We were so gaga to find that we had an Animal Lovin' Ken at last that we forgot all about not having SuperStar Ken. Also, we acquired the suit and shoes, along with another jacket, in the "Fountain Mermaid Lot" of 2016. So, now if we do find a SuperStar Ken, he's covered...literally. This suit is boss! Okay, so it isn't exactly masculine but it's SO cool, so very 80s. I'm completely enthralled by it and tickled to own it! I especially like the star printed top and the little bow. It makes Ken coordinate so perfectly with Barbie! Even without the actual doll, I could dress one of my Ken dolls in this outfit and make him match Shelly's childhood SuperStar Barbie! Or, he could pose with Shelly's second, adult-purchased SuperStar Barbie. Or he could pose with both lovely gals...

Superstar Ken is wearing Fashion Collectibles #2793, 1979

Kissing Barbie is wearing Best Buy #9958 1977

Mandatory Credit: Photo Courtesy Michael Williams / @MyLifeInPlastic.com

 

Superstar Ken and Harley Ken have 'pivotal' necks. Not as flexible as Barbie, but does allow for some angled movements.

Pretty Change Barbie, finalmente dopo un anno l'ho risistemata! Grazie Gaia ;)))

"A stroll in the snow" is a mini story in pictures 19

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

Fashionista 1, Mulder and Harley Ken all have elastic strung hips so they have a lot more flexibility. Poor Fashionista 2 Ken can only move his hips from front to back. :-P

 

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

 

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

 

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

 

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

 

Beauty Secrets Barbie doll wears a sort of ski outfit.

The original red ski suit is in bad conditions and I prefered not to use it: a weird plastic fabric with a lot of mini cracks. I made a red a top and pants just to take sone pictures.

White vest, red cap and fur boots complete this outfit made for Italian market in the early 80's.

#beautysecretsbarbie #barbiebeautysecrets

#barbiesegretidibellezza #barbiebeautysecrets1979 #barbieski #barbieskisuit #superstarken #kensuperstar #barbie70s #barbie70 #barbieitaly #barbieitalian #barbieeurope #barbieeuropean #barbiesnow #barbiewinter #barbieholiday #barbieeuropeoutfit #barbieitalyoutfit

There was a vintage bend leg Ken, but I don't have him. Ken was also stuck being a straight arm guy until the Superstar Era when his arms became permenantly bent.

the modern dolls have plastic legs (not vinyl covered) and some have more hip flexibility--the last fashionista Ken can not move his hips sideways--so when you bend his knees on the ground..he has to lean

Most Kens all have swivel neck joints so their heads only move side to side. This started with the first Ken and continues with most Kens today

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