Spectra Dolls Astro Fashions Mattel

~ Items on this page are not for sale. ~

In 1968, Barbarella came to the big screen. Jane Fonda was the inter-galactic heroine whose sexy space-outfits and comic adventures, not to mention the set design, created a classic portrait of the free-thinking and hallucinatory sixties. Barbie's 1986 Astro Fashions remind me of a G rated version of Barbarella.

Welcome to VenusGalaxy a Go GoDazzling Dancer

Starlight SlumberSpace RacerBarbarella

Mattel released the Spectra line in early 1987, a year and a half after the debut of Hasbro's Jem line, fully expecting to capitalize on Jem's popularity. By this time however, Jem had already peaked and was falling out of favor. Spectra was not greeted with enthusiasm by the consumers, and never came close to Mattel's expectations.

With multi-jointed metallic colored bodies and ultra-stylized makeup, Spectra was an extreme departure from the familiar Mattel 11 1/2 doll. Perhaps a little too extreme for the target age. Mattel had released Astronaut Barbie with a line of space fashions in 1985/6. Had the space travel rage already run its course for the era? Whatever the reason, the Spectra line ran less than a year before it went out of production. This line has always been one of my favorites.

Spectra and Sparks GiftsetTom Comet

AstraGoldStylaBlueUltraViolet

~ My Spectra Family Deboxed ~

StylaBlue ~ Tom Comet ~ Spectra ~ AstraGold
(UltraViolet was visiting Shimmeron)

Seven fashions were created for the Spectra line, six for Spectra and her girl friends and one for Tom Comet. Each fashion was made with metallic or opalescent material and netting to give it a futuristic look. Lace was also a common factor in these fashions, attempting to soften the styles enough to appeal to young girls. Again, Mattel had miscalculated its target age. Even through the packaging, the outfits looked stiff and difficult to handle, uninviting for play. I have to say that the outfits themselves were unimaginative, relying on metallics and lace rather than style.

Nonetheless, I loved the Spectra dolls for their uniqueness and, as these were their fashions, no other outfits would do. I have to admit, I was also drawn to the spectacular packaging of the entire line. Each box was done in metallic foil, with the Spectra name in a neon spectrum of colors across the front. Yes, I fell for a typical advertising ploy. But, they were only out for a year, and I still enjoy the way they reflect the light and catch my eye today.

Party Dress #3614Sun Suit #3615Ball Gown #3616

At-Home Wear #3724Dress-Up #3727Evening Gown #3729

Tuxedo #3730

~ Items on this page are not for sale. ~

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 2001-2008 ModColors All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use \| Content Label	Contact Webmaster
Home \| Mod Shops \| Mod Barbie Care \| The Mod Era \| Braniff Uniforms \| Auctions \| Contact	ICRA Labeled