Focus On: Black Carpet Operetta

Bright Lights, Black Carpet: A Closer Look at Operetta

List mania:

1. Let's start with BC Operetta's hair. I wouldn't exactly call it silky, but it's the closest to it yet for an Operetta doll. I really am amazed at just how soft it is. It's not dry or brittle in the least, two anti-qualities that are usually mainstays of her dolls. Big thumbs up for that, Mattel!

2. Again, the hair. This time it's the style rather than the texture we're talkin' here. It's very unique: black on top, where it has been pulled into a side ponytail holding thick, lush curls. You can play with these curls quite a bit. They aren't gelled at all (thank the Lord!), and can hold a wide variety of styles. Flowing loosely underneath the black are her brassy red locks. They have a moderate wave, and as previously mentioned, the texture is primo. In terms of texture this is easily the best we've ever gotten for an Operetta doll.

3. The dress. Ohhh, the dress! There's just so much detail here. Her shining, ruby red bodice (topped by red lace, no less), gives way to a raised waist of black and white that leads to a thickly pleated skirt featuring a print of Art Deco piano keys. A layer of pleated red tulle rests under the skirt, ending three-fourths of the way down in peek-a-boo style and featuring a black print of music bars and notes. All the materials used have fantastic textures, especially the piano key skirt. It's impressive!

4. Operetta's forearms and hands are painted to create the look of evening gloves. To keep it "Oppy" one glove is black while the other is white. On her left wrist is her now-familiar piano key bracelet. She wears drop earrings that also evoke piano keys. Her shoes are solid black repaints of her deluxe fashion pack heels. She also wears a Music Festival lanyard. (Not sure what that's doing here -- maybe it'll be explained in her diary. No, I haven't read it yet.) If you ask me, it looks out of place on such a smart, upscale ensemble. She carries an oldschool camera -- it even has a flashbulb! -- that is decorated with one of Oppy's key defining details -- lots of conwebs!

5. Her purse is a doozy. In keeping with the other BC dolls, it's somewhat small and doesn't function. But it's absolutely beautiful so we'll let that pass. A black pearl wristband gives way to a flapper clutch. The basic shape is triangular, with the very tip adorned with cobwebs. From there, piano keys fan outward, ending in short, dangling strands of black pearls. Impressive. Who cares if Operetta's a 50's girl? If she can pull off other eras just as well as her usual default setting, I say go for it!

6. Her last piece is her wonderful  headgear. And nope, this time it ain't no mask! She wears a white, heart-shaped hat adorned with five small black circles. I suspect these are supposed to represent rolling dice. Black-spotted tulle spouts out from underneath (a very cool touch). The tulle in back has been shredded into several thin strips, a subtle nod to punk. Although you can place this on top of her head for the standard effect, I suggest playing around with it -- there's no telling what you'll come up with!

7. There's one last thing I haven't talked about and that's her faceup. Black Carpet Operetta is a gorgeous doll, no doubt about it. But I feel like this faceup is very familiar/uninspired. It's pretty, don't get me wrong. She's wearing taupe eyeshadow, a color I love, but there really can be too much of a good thing. We've also seen smoky shades and shimmer surrounding Oppy's eyes many times over. Again, beautiful doll, but Mattel needs to start getting aggressive in trying new colors on this girl's face. To further illustrate my point, BC Oppy wears bold red lipstick. Need I go any further?

I hate to end on a bad note, so I'll finish by saying that, despite the samey faceup, this is one of Oppy's most unique, beautiful, and just plain fun dolls! Go get her -- you won't be disappointed!

An added bonus: HQ diary scans!

Til next time!