fashiondoll

A fashion doll, sometimes written as fashiondoll, is a doll designed primarily to showcase clothing, accessories, and styling. These dolls are typically small to mid-sized, often around 11 to 12 inches tall, and are manufactured from vinyl or plastic. Common features include articulated joints to enable posing, interchangeable wardrobes, and styled hair, makeup, or other cosmetic elements that support fashion presentation.

Modern fashion dolls rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, beginning with Mattel's Barbie in 1959, which popularized the idea of a doll as a fashion mannequin as well as a character. Since then, many brands have produced fashion-oriented lines for different markets, including Sindy in the United Kingdom and Licca-chan in Japan. In the 1990s and 2000s, 18-inch fashion dolls such as American Girl and other collectible figures broadened the category to include narrative backstories and high-quality outfits. Collectible and designer lines have continued to expand, offering limited editions, higher-end materials, and more extensive articulation.

Varieties in the category range from mass-market dolls with broad wardrobes to collectible figures with premium outfits and interchangeable parts. Some lines emphasize storytelling and character development, while others focus on fashion experimentation and display. The market also includes hobbyist and 1/6-scale figures used for dioramas, photography, and design practice.

Fashion dolls have had a long-standing influence on toy culture, fashion imagery, and creative play. They serve as both entertainment objects for children and collecting subjects for adults, reflecting evolving styles, diversity, and design trends in popular culture.