I'm A Little Bit Hip-Hop...and Goth...and Punk....!
Written: Dec 02 '03 (Updated Dec 02 '03)
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Pros: Colorful, almost inoffensive clothes allow for interesting wardrobe combinations
Cons: Snap-on shoes a minor annoyance and can easily get lost; the Bratz "attitude."
The Bottom Line: "Kool Kat" Jade's fashion sense successfully straddles the line between "tomboy" and "glam," while maintaining a relatively modest appearance.
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| indigospot's Full Review: MGA Entertainment Bratz 2003 "Strut It" Fashion Co... |
Until recently, I had very little cause to collect dolls outside my primary interest, Mattel's Barbie and friends. I didn't have much money left after my regular Barbie retail raids to even consider purchasing other dolls; the major exceptions being some of the "Disney Princess" dolls, also from Mattel, and Galoob's 1998's dolls from the Anastasia animated motion picture. More importantly, however, during most of my collecting career, I found almost no comparable dolls of interest outside the realm of the "Plastic Princess." Well, I do like those larger fashion dolls like Ashton-Drake's "Gene" and Robert Tonner's "Tyler Wentworth" lines, but they're priced way out of my league!
During 2001, I quietly noted MGA Entertainment's Bratz when they quietly materialized in the non-Barbie doll aisle at my local Target stores. Their cartoony oversized heads, tiny bodies and extra-large hip-hop style clothes got my attention. But I assumed girls would overlook them, as has usually been the case with upstart fashion dolls, in favor of Barbie and her cadre.
As you are likely aware, much has changed since then. As I've discussed in a couple of my other reviews (which I invite you to read if you haven't already, gracias), the near overnight success of the so-called "Bratz Pack" has proven a serious challenge to what was once Barbie's near invulnerable position at the top of the fashion doll heap. Mattel has apparently been sufficiently concerned about the Bratz, as to create two competing doll lines: Bratz' clone
"My Scene," which was introduced in late 2002; and the less successful hip-hop themed "Flavas" dolls that debuted last spring.
Similarly, my doll collecting habits have drastically changed. I still buy high end Barbie Collectibles dolls, albeit less frequently, but I have nearly abandoned the "Playline" or "Pink Box" Barbies (the line intended for children's play), in favor of My Scene, Flavas, GRG's "Get Real Girl," and Bratz! Ironically, it was upon learning of Mattel's announcement of "My Scene's" initial release that my resistance to Bratz finally broke down. Needless to say, I have been on cloud nine ever since.
If I remember correctly, the Bratz' wardrobe originally leaned toward the unisex and sportswear styles characteristic of so-called "hip-hop" fashion. However, with each new release, the girls' clothes have evolved (or degenerated, depending upon your take), into more feminine, frilly, skintight and revealing costumes. By the time of the "Strut It!" collection earlier this year (preceded by the debut, "Flaunt It!," "Xpress It!," and "Beach Party" lines), Asian American Bratz Packer Jade had become the last holdout of the athletic look.
But even Strut It! Jade isn't totally immune from the feminine influence of a almost tutu-like skirt. By itself, that tiered, tulle piece has her straddling the line between Hip Hop, Goth and Punk in terms of her overall look.
She's either has eclectic tastes, or she's merely schizophrenic!
Jade's pink newsboy cap (no, Jennifer Lopez didn't invent the thing!) keeps her in league with the trend-obsessed, while her striped polo shirt, running pants and athletic "snap on" shoes (more about that peculiar feature later) prove she's still down with her roots. Too bad she's since went totally "femme!" Strut It's answer to Doc Marten's are a pair of purple "lace up" combat snap-on boots. Pair those up with her ballet skirt and her "Doll Face" T-shirt--with it's accompanying picture of said Ms. "Face"--to create a Punk or Goth wanna-be!
Jade's bag seems to be patterned after a bowling bag, but don't hold me to it. Finally, she comes with a star-shaped comb, as is typical of most of the Bratz.
Of course, I have a few hangups about Strut It! Jade. Because of her teeny-tiny body, the clothes are sized accordingly; the process of having to dress and redress her becomes a chore, particularly with these adult hands. Jade's polo shirt could probably fit one of my 4" Kelly Club dolls with no problem!
I don't care too much for the "snap on" shoe concept; I would prefer the doll had her own feet, just for the sake of her "bodily integrity." If by chance I somehow lost her footwear, Jade would resemble an amputee. Of course children may somehow lose the shoes, compelling you to return to the store and buying one of those footwear packs (don't forget to get shoes that matches Jade's skin tones. In fact, I would recommend you buy a pack concurrently with the doll)!
Jade's countenance (a fancy word for facial expression) is essentially identical to those of all her "sisters" in the Bratz Pack: a nonchalant, sideways glance and a pouty smile that sometimes can be off-putting. An expression that tells the world, "As if!" Sigh...
But the overall pastel violet, pink and black color scheme of Jade's outfit gives this "Kool Kat" a cheerful, carefree attitude that offsets a potentially severe appearance. In this respect, Jade distinguishes herself from the frou-frou trendiness of her fellow "Strutters" in the collection: Yasmin, Cloe, Sasha and Meygan. Due to the number of small parts, Jade shouldn't be purchased for very small children.
Those parents who would like to satisfy their child's desire for a "Bratz" doll, but are turned off by their risque fashions, may want to look into Bratz "Strut It!" Jade, as her outfit is cute, and is probably as tame as it gets for the Pack these days.
Although released earlier this year, Jade and the other characters in the "Strut it" collection have mostly disappeared from the shelves of some retail outlets such as WalMart and Target, as of the time of this writing. Toys 'R' Us, KB and Kmart may still have some in stock duing this holiday season; check out their online stores also. I recommend eBay only as a last resort. Good luck!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10.95
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 9 Years or Older
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Epinions.com ID:
indigospot
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Location: Oakland, CA
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Artist, avid reader, comic book fan, toy collector, and obsessed Barbie doll collector since 1998
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