Barbie Dolls of the World Collector Edition Austrian Barbie (1998)

Good quality. Authentic dress.

This Austrian Barbie Doll of the world is very pretty. Fair haired and fair skinned and blue eyed. It is difficult to say what historical period or part of Austria she is meant to represent. Her costume has elements of the dirndl dress which generally describes a light circular cut dress, gathered at the waist, that falls below the knee. The dirndl consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron and was originally the dress of the serving class. However in the 1870's the upper classes began to emulate the style and while appearing to be simple and plain, a properly made dirndl may be quite expensive as it is tailored and sometimes cut from costly hand-printed or silk fabrics. This one is made of printed cotton with a short cotton scarf trimmed with the same lace that trims the hem of her skirt. So it appears to be modest in choice of fabric. Yet she sports a waistcoat which seems to emulate loden felt with embroidery on the lapels that co-ordinates with the print in her skirt. And the waistcoat has cuffs trimmed in dark green piping the matches the green piping on the lapels. Her dress may reflect the more modern fashion called Landhausmode, or country estate style, which takes its personality from the cultural dress of the working people of the Alps but is an expensive reproduction. At any rate she wears winter white hose and alpine walking shoes. Her hair is pulled back off her face and held with a tri-colored silk ribbon braided band that co-ordinates with the colors of her skirt and vest and is repeated in silk ribbons on the bottom of her dress skirt. Her jewely is understated tiny pearl earrings and matching pearl ring. It's Austria. What connects with that? The Von Trapp Family so, I am going to introduce my grandchildren to "the Sound of Music" ( Amazon Prime available film for instant watch) which they probably won't sit still for, but I will enjoy seeing again. And they'll stay until the popcorns gone. And then there's Freud,or Kafka....I don't think the kids are ready for that. Well, there's always Heidi....she Swiss Alps, but then the Alps are the Alps.

This beautiful Austrian Barbie doll from the Dolls of the World collection by Barbie is very authentic. I collect Barbie dolls and she is my favorite!

I'm a huge fan of all the Germanic regions, so finding this Barbie was very exciting. Beautiful doll, although the box was damaged. This was not a problem for me, as I had no intentions of keeping her in the box, but it is worth noting for future buyers to make sure you check the item description before purchasing if you are looking for mint condition.

This dirndl Austrian outfit is true to all regional dirndls, Whether in Germany or Austria. It was a delight to find it offered on Amazon!