#0014 Barbies

The collector: Estelle Rigoudy, Bordeaux, France.

The collection: Barbies.

The story behind the collection...

Once upon a time a little spoilt girl...

When I was a child, at around the age of 4 years old, I received my first Barbie from my parents.  Due to the admiration that I had for it, Barbies and their accessories became my favourite present for birthdays, Christmas and any occasion.  I guess my collection started there, and it was when I first bought a Barbie for myself that I considered myself a collector.

What is it you like about them?

They represent the American doll from the 1970s.

How long have you been collecting?

A lot of these Barbies were collected during my childhood and the rest were bought more recently through second hand sellers.

How many do you have?

I have 60 Barbies and 8 Ken dolls and a lot of accessories such as cars, houses, horses and a swimming pool.

Where is your collection kept?

They used to be in my bedroom displayed over half of the room.  Each of them in it's own specific place.  Now I conserve them in their boxes preciously waiting...

Do you have a favourite?

My favourite is the one that represents Claudia Schiffer.  Why? I guess for sentimental reasons relating to the person who gave it to me.

Is there anything missing from your current collection?

I guess I am not looking for any Barbie in particular, but if I have the good fortune to stumble across a vintage Barbie or one suitable for my collection I'll make sure I get my hands on it!

Do you have any other collections?

I also collect shoes, the same as all girls!  But I also have a collection of photographs of toilets which I started whilst studying for my Masters in Product Design.

Are you obsessed?

Not any more, but I will say that I used to be.  I still get a lot of pleasure out of looking at them.

Images © Estelle Rigoudy and used with her kind permission.