DOLLS 2022 Limited Edition Dolls
The quality is definitely lower on this last Ariel doll. I'm probably a bit more critical than some doll collectors (because I try to sew and make customs, which makes me very critical of every stitch), but I noticed a few glaring issues with this Ariel.
The biggest one for me is how boring the inner part of her dress is. I had a very similar problem with the first Aurora doll in this series too. For Ariel, the pencil skirt interior is not working for me. I wish they had just made the dress one flowy solid piece (like in the concept art), or added a panel that goes to the floor. No stiff pencil skirt please.
After that I realized that other than the embroidery on the side panels the dress itself is too simple in overall design. And this inner/outer skirt style has been done on Merida, Moana, Cinderella, and Aurora... Come on, lots of dress styles out there! Let's not all be the same.
Disney also continues to use the same range of fabrics in this line, and it just does not interpret well from concept arts to final dolls. The Ariel doll needed completely different fabrics to make that concept art a reality. But they must be limiting the fabrics available, because the final product is way off. It's too stiff and simple. The same tulle (or maybe organza) for the sleeve and the same type of stiff fabric we've seen on other dolls for the puffy skirt.
Overall it's still pretty, but oh my gosh, if they could have used more appropriate fabrics. Like a satin sewn to look plush. The use of sheer organza. Anything that could look shimmery. Or maybe even Lycra for the slinky, curve-hugging appeal. I'm just rambling now, lol.
I have some issues with the plain makeup and accessories (or lack thereof, maybe a bracelet on the arm you can't see?), but if the dress was more appropriate, the other lacking features could be ignored.
If I get her I'm definitely going to try to spruce her up. Removing the flower, repaint the lips, change the shoes, add some jewelry, or whatever works.
The biggest one for me is how boring the inner part of her dress is. I had a very similar problem with the first Aurora doll in this series too. For Ariel, the pencil skirt interior is not working for me. I wish they had just made the dress one flowy solid piece (like in the concept art), or added a panel that goes to the floor. No stiff pencil skirt please.
After that I realized that other than the embroidery on the side panels the dress itself is too simple in overall design. And this inner/outer skirt style has been done on Merida, Moana, Cinderella, and Aurora... Come on, lots of dress styles out there! Let's not all be the same.
Disney also continues to use the same range of fabrics in this line, and it just does not interpret well from concept arts to final dolls. The Ariel doll needed completely different fabrics to make that concept art a reality. But they must be limiting the fabrics available, because the final product is way off. It's too stiff and simple. The same tulle (or maybe organza) for the sleeve and the same type of stiff fabric we've seen on other dolls for the puffy skirt.
Overall it's still pretty, but oh my gosh, if they could have used more appropriate fabrics. Like a satin sewn to look plush. The use of sheer organza. Anything that could look shimmery. Or maybe even Lycra for the slinky, curve-hugging appeal. I'm just rambling now, lol.
I have some issues with the plain makeup and accessories (or lack thereof, maybe a bracelet on the arm you can't see?), but if the dress was more appropriate, the other lacking features could be ignored.
If I get her I'm definitely going to try to spruce her up. Removing the flower, repaint the lips, change the shoes, add some jewelry, or whatever works.
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Though honestly the story should be rewritten better, lol. Still love the animation style and romance.
