Back in 2003, I eagerly awaited a series of Barbie dolls called, 1 Modern Circle.   These dolls were hip, modern, and looked to be leading an alternative lifestyle. I couldn't wait to get my hands on them.  Included alongside Barbie, were Melody, Simone, and a cool looking Ken who had a vintage vibe to his innocent face.    The 1 Modern Circle dolls' storyline began with four friends who started an Indie film company and set out to make their first movie.   Barbie Bazaar, The Official Barbie Collector's magazine, ran a great article by Christopher Varaste and gave a preview of the dolls and their tragic love triangle story that went along with them. (Alright, maybe it wasn't tragic, but it was definitely intriguing. It centered on who would win Ken's heart, - Barbie or Melody? Ken had a thing for Melody, his best friend as well as Barbie's production assistant, but Melody only saw him as a friend. Barbie was eyeing Ken the minute he walked through the door for his initial interview.  Would Ken ever find his way to Barbie? I know, first world problems! But great fun none the less!)   

PICTURED BELOW:  First Edition 1 Modern Circle doll teaser ad.  RIGHT:  Redressed First and Second Edition 1 Modern Circle dolls (from the collection of Jim Taylor).

The first 1 Modern Circle series Ken was #B2524.  Ken had a retro vibe with a vintage inspired, innocent, freckled face with blue eyes, and brunette hair with yellow streaks. It was revealed in the Mattel press release that Ken is part Asian. The head mold used was the very first original vintage Ken face mold.  He wears blue jeans, a yellow green shirt, a black leather jacket with a silver zipper, and black cowboy boots.  His accessories include a leather portfolio with 2 blueprints.  On the back of Ken's box it says: "Ken® is art director on the latest film at Modern Circle Production Company.  Professionally, he sees Barbie® as open and energetic, but while not engaged in business matters, he finds her shy and distant.  Ken® adores Melody® with whom he has worked on two previous films..." It also mentions Barbie has a hard time focusing on her interview questions because she finds herself distracted by Ken's eyes which she describes as  "soulful pools of blue," and she thinks, "this man has it all..." Then it included the following information: "Ken® fun facts: has built a reputation as an artistic visionary has passion for black and white photography"     PICTURED LEFT:  First Edition 1 Modern Circle Ken #B2524

These dolls were taking Barbie, Ken, and the gang in an exciting, new direction!  Taking chances with bold hair and clothing choices and a more adult storyline, these ideas took the dolls to a new level.  In my eyes this was a huge step forward.  Unfortunately, these dolls seemed to come and go without much fanfare from collectors, a fact which baffled my mind. I thought this was an irresistible collection of beautiful dolls, clothing, boxes, and accessories, for a relatively inexpensive price. I think they were way ahead of their time. I had hoped for some accessories. Outfits and a studio playset would have been awesome! 

Then 1 Modern Circle Series 2 was released and these dolls were even more incredible than the first series. The gang had completed working on their movie, Love in the City of Angels and it was time for the world premiere! The creative team dressed to the nines for this special evening. Ken # B2245, like the first doll, was encased in an isosceles triangle shaped box, came with thick, rooted, tousled, punk inspired dark black and blue hair. He again had a retro look from his vintage head mold, had gentle blue eyes, a smattering of freckles under the eyes and across his nose, and a serious expression on his lips. Dressed in black dress pants with folded cuffs at the ankle, a black belt with a shiny silver buckle, a black button down Nehru style shirt with black buttons, a long metallic, burgundy trench coat, black socks, and black loafers, Ken is the epitome of cool.  In his right hand he carries a CD with the movie title written on it.  Ken's left hand is in his pocket with his thumb resting in the pocket while he stands on the red carpet as paparazzi flash pictures of the handsome and stylish art director.  On back of the isosceles triangle shaped box, Ken is noted as "A sensitive artist with a passion for life." Then it says, "You are cordially invited to the world premiere of Modern Circle Production Company's newest movie, Love in the City of Angels." Below that in smaller font is written, "Fabulous formal attire required. Black tie optional." The bottom of the box encourages owners to follow the love triangle story by going to check it out on the 1 modern circle website.-  "The story plays out at 1moderncircle.com and Barbie Bazaar!"  The graphics on the boxes of these dolls are some of the best ever. At one point the graphics showed up on postcards in public restrooms in clubs in LA. They were not labeled as Barbie items, but were trademarked with Mattel 2003. They were free to take so believe me I did!  They also appeared on a box of stationary from Graphique de France and sold separately. I bought these as I loved the drawings of the dolls.  Each doll in both series came with a stand and a Certificate of Authenticity.   If you are not familiar with these dolls, you need to give these underappreciated dolls  a closer look.  It isn't often dolls in Barbie's world get to be edgy and artsy, or come complete with a built in soap opera storyline. These dolls were ahead of their time and hopefully one day will be given there proper due by collectors for the incredible step forward they truly were. PICTURED CLOCKWISE RIGHT:  Second Edition 1 Modern Circle Ken #B2245.  BELOW RIGHT:  1 Modern Circle Ken post card set.  BELOW:  1 Modern Circle Ken postcard.