The plastic holding the shoes in is SEWN to the pants.
Our Generation charges at most $17 for their outfits that need to be cut out of packaging.
My Gabriela has a body tag with 2014 on it.
2014 tag on my number 46.
Lea also has a 2014 tag.
-Madelon
Madelon, my Lea doll also has a 2014 tag.
ReplyDeleteIt is odd, isn't it? Madelon
DeleteIt's odd, yes, because Lea was never part of the contemporary line, or trademarked in that line or anything.
DeleteI am disheartened to report that AG Facebook is flooded with complaints over the new sewn in packaging. I miss the boxes already. One person even blames the parents and collectors over this. I believe people have a right to want what they pay for. I am not a millionaire so it bothers me to buy anything that is high in price and see holes in it. I bought $50 cashmere sweaters, paid for dry cleaning and a week later a moth chewed a hole in all of them. I had to throw them away and buy moth balls. Now I agree that people have a right to defend a toy company, but it is not right to expect anyone to be happy with working hard in a tough, competitive economy, and then pay for doll clothing that cost up to $40 a set that has holes! Where do these people work and live where this is okay? The joy of passing my dolls and their collection down knowing that they are quality clothing is why I continue shopping at American Girl AG. But now with this economy being what it is, it is not worth investing in a company that has changed their values and quality. Sorry I am going to complain because it is my money and I would like to get what a pay for in quality. I am sure other collectors and parents feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100 percent. AMERICAN GIRL BRAND DOLL Company shame on You.
DeleteAgree. If AG markets their products as high end as justification for the high price, then that is what they should be supplying. Doesn't Tiffany's put their jewelry in a light blue box with a bow? How would their customers feel if they decided to charge the same price and put the jewelry in a brown cardboard box?
DeleteMaybe Mattel thought that girls coming from Barbie to American Girl would identify with he packaging better? But I hate it, when I got my first doll it was magical opening the classic box but that was 4 years ago. But that was "good old days"
DeleteI would imagine that AG buys their body parts in bulk, so maybe they just had a really huge body order in 2014 and that's why the bodytags all say 2014?
ReplyDeleteI always figured that TM46 was Cecile with an eye change to use up leftover Cecile parts. Surprised to find out TM46 came out in 2009 with Somali! It does look like Gabriela is just TM46 with either an altered or different wig.
I think Ticia had previously mentioned how AG doll hair is becoming shinier and more pliable. I'm not a fan of the synthetic shine, but I doo love how easy it is to curl the hair. Its like magic. Other dolls and doll companies do not come close to AG in this area. At least not that I've found.
It looks like Gabriela has this newer type of hair. Hopefully it is more forgiving and easier to care for?
I do not understand AG's decision to sew the clothes into the packaging at this price point. I haven't had an issue with holes in the WellieWishers clothes. They are packaged similarly to Gabriela's line.
Belle, I understand about the curls. My 26 has new hair and what a difference! I just bought the holiday gown for my Kendall doll. Fortunately the only hole it left was in the back of the dress. The cape covers it so no complaints since it was on sale. I really want Gabby's collection so I will try my best to find clothing with no holes. I grew up with American Girl the same way my brothers grew up with Legos. I could not have imagined a more beloved brand turning it's back on customers who supported their company over the years. There company is not there same with the reused GOTY doll TM 46 and holes in clothing due to package design. Nonna, called it by hinting at AG that they did not put their all into Gabby...hint...hint upside down heart on bag, but I still want to support the 1st AA GOTY collection with purchases. Years ago, like a few male teachers did with forming a Lego club, I got my local private school to do a book club for American Girl characters. I purchased all of the books for the club and crafts. It was so much fun! It is so difficult and sad what is happening to such a beloved company. I bet if those people who are venting that collectors and parents who care about quality are ruining the brand for today's girls probably never bothered to even read AG books where it promotes standing up for just causes. Keeping and holding AG to their promise is as high of a cause as any to this educator.
DeleteI checked all my dolls I have bought in the last 2+ years and they all say 2014. Maybe it has to do with copyright on the body?? Not particularly when the doll was made. Love all these reviews, thanks for the great work!!
ReplyDeleteI really feel like Mattel thought no one would notice these things...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photos!
There is a post on AG Facebook, under 'Visitor Post' . She wrote a nice post about her experience standing at the counter of the store and see them take out scissors to cut the plastic as they unboxed Gabriella for her daughter. If that is what has to be done in order to get the doll out of the packaging, how is AG handling protecting the doll from damage?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. I remember my sister cut one of the boots Saige came with because the foam slipped out from the rubber band. I have now glues it back together but still, packaging shouldn't be like that.
DeleteHow sad that these changes make us discuss the packaging, and not the actual items. I don't think AG thought this through. They would have been better off doing a web live about the new packaging and why they chose it. Marketing for their packaging. It is obviously something people feel strongly about. Maybe they just didn't realize?
ReplyDeleteWould love to see a side by side review of very similar OG and AG outfits to see if price difference worth it. I always get my AG stuff on sale so there isn't all that much price difference and I think the quality is far superior. Also most OG clothes have throw away pieces like horrible shoes or some very poorly made cheap piece. But a side by side of like things would be great
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, OG stuff looks nice but I would much rather spend allot of money on one good quality item than a bunch of money in a few lower quality items.
DeleteAs an alternative source for doll clothing, including 18", 15", and a couple of other sizes, I thought I'd toss this out there: If anyone is going to be in New Jersey, there's a wonderful shop in Point Pleasant Beach called Amy's Doll Boutique. I do business with them all the time, because of their beautiful clothes, excellent prices, and exceptional service. Presentation is nice, with everything on little hangers. They also have a great selection of dolls (other than AG) and accessories, shoes, doll furniture, play sets, etc. I know it's not going to be close enough for most folks, but if you happen to be in NJ it's definitely worth checking out! :)
ReplyDelete--Michele Grace
{sighs} The more I see of this packaging, the more I dislike it. So not nice. Not inviting at all.
ReplyDelete~Xyra