My Scene is a new line of Barbie dolls that is taking the youth and "tween" market by storm. Barbie and her friends Madison, Chelsea, and Nolee are teen versions of the iconic Barbie line from Mattel, styled after today's hottest and hippest trends. For example, the massive hit show Project Runway held a competition where their world-class designers were asked to design a My Scene doll; so the level of style is more reminiscent of couture design than of a standard doll. Many parents who didn't like Barbies because they are seen to promote an unrealistic body image like My Scene dolls because they are more realistic in their proportions. There is an anime influence to the design, which can be seen in the extra-large eyes and mouths. The sensibility of the My Scene doll is pop-culture, urban, and modern. The girls also have male counterparts who embrace the same metropolitan, multi-ethnic style. Bryant, Hudson, River, and Sutton (all named after areas of NYC) came out in 2003, and they have provided new marketing possibilities for the girls--especially in their TV and movie spin-offs. 2004's Masquerade Madness film ties in to a whole new product line of My Scene dolls featuring extreme glam and themed costumes like mermaids and pirates. As with Barbie, My Scene has two totally different fan bases. Most young people just want to play with the dolls, dress them up, and have fun. Others have their eyes on collecting dolls in pristine condition that will appreciate in value, and could possibly someday be worth hundreds of dollars!
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