Why do the Chelsea dolls have molded tops now? Also I bought made to moves

[Rosencrantz]

I was trying to find some of the new Curvy barbies because they looked great but they were all sold out where I was buying - that's when I saw these great made to moves. I got the Latina and the Asian one. And THEN I noticed two adorable Chelseas. An Asian one that'll make a great little sister for the made to move, and a black one with pink hair that's definitely a superhero.

But I noticed something weird! All the Chelsea dolls have molded tops instead of shirts.

Does anyone know why they're doing that? I tried googling it and all I found were disappointed collectors wondering the same thing.

[Ponyfan]

I think Mattel did that because they are marketing the  Chelsea dolls to younger children and they seem to think that molded on tops are better since the dolls are dressed and the kids won't lose the whole outfit if  they just do a skirt and molded on top.


Ponyfan

[brightberry]

I think Ponyfan is right.  I remember my niece and her friends saying they liked molded on tops because they didn't like naked dolls.  They were about 6 at the time.   But it's something they out grew.  Now she's opposed.   

[Rosencrantz]

Oh, that makes a lot of sense! It would also go in line with barbies that started getting molded underwear and the ballet barbies with the fixed outfits.

[Wardah]

Not all new Chelseas have molded tops.

https://flic.kr/p/Co8S1Y

[Rosencrantz]

Not all new Chelseas have molded tops.

https://flic.kr/p/Co8S1Y

oh! Excellent! That cheers me up a little - I didn't like the idea of the redo of my old favourite line (I have so many Kellies) forever condemned to tanktops instead of t-shirts or sweaters or dresses.