I've had a weird struggle writing this post, because I find myself with so much to say about things like supply chains and economic indicators and profit margins that I know a little something about after working over 20 years in retail, but that don't necessarily need to be the focus of a discussion about these specific dolls. These girls are the end result, not the cause, and as such I don't think it's fair to put all that on them. If I get into an especially pedantic mood maybe we'll talk about why I think this is the version of Rainbow High we're getting now (in this economy); for now, in the present moment, I just want to give some attention to the dolls themselves; who I like, who I don't, who's joining the collection, etc.
(Opinions, you know I have them...)
I'll start off by saying overall I really enjoy this line. Yes they're extremely basic, but the gimmick is blessedly innocuous--No slime! No resin! No kinetic sand!--and the dolls themselves are....pretty? What can I say, at this point the Rainbow High pickings are so slim I'm relatively easy to please XD With the exception of the second wave of Sparkle & Shine this is the only RH release I've been genuinely excited for this year. (Setting aside the Shadow High releases which feel like they're decidedly in a separate lane at this point...)
With that preamble out of the way, let's chat about these girls--
Noemie Violette: My favorite, to absolutely no one's surprise XD Give me a purple girl with melanin and it's hard for me not to be instantly delighted. I love her hair blend, her outfit is cute, I don't need much else. I ordered her a couple of weeks ago the instant she went up on Amazon, and she's out for delivery as we speak, so you'll be seeing her again soon :D
Genevieve Bleue: Despite Noemie being my favorite, I think Genevieve is arguably the best doll in this lineup. From a design standpoint she looks the most put-together. her color palette is very harmonious, the fabric textures in her dress provide interesting contrast...overall she's just pleasant to look at. Another must have for me, she's currently on preorder and should arrive sometime next week.
Celine Turquoise: Not quite as exciting to me as Noemie and Genevieve, but I still think she's lovely. I'm sucker for a nice minty, seafoamy green doll, and since I never did manage to get my claws on Daphne Minton Celine can fill that space in my RH lineup for now. Currently out for delivery with Noemie ;)
Adeline Rose: When I look at this doll I just feel...confusion. WHAT is happening here? The partially crimped hair. The watered down pastel streaks. The cake frosting dress. The zipper? The shoes...dear lord, the shoes. I get the impression there was a much more ambitious design concept here originally, which was pared down until we were left with....this. Which I don't quite hate, but find it difficult to summon much enthusiasm for. Perhaps I'd feel different seeing her in person? We'll see if some non-stock photos convince me otherwise. For now she's relegated to the 'maybe I can fix her on clearance' pile.
Vivienne Rouge: Leaving the most disappointing for last. Vivienne's face is radiant (those pretty brown eyes!), and her twin tails have a fun magical girl vibe I could definitely work with, but her outfit is....lazy. Boring. Uninspired. I DESPERATELY long to give her a restyle--look out rainbow yarn stash-- but I'll wait 'til I find her on sale or secondhand to make it happen.
WOO WE DID IT! Take that, procrastination XD Now I'm curious to hear what the rest of you think. Do you like them? Do you hate them? Would you bedazzle them as intended, or be like me and hoard those 'jewels' away for a more appropriate craft project? (What, you don't have a dedicated rhinestone stash...?)
