Josefina face mold, introduced by American Girl in 1997, has become a distinctive part of the brand’s diverse lineup. First seen with the character Josefina Montoya, this face mold is celebrated for its unique ability to represent a wide range of ethnicities.
Designed with thoughtful attention to detail, the Josefina mold features a somewhat longer, less upturned nose, fuller lips with a pronounced philtrum, and more oval-shaped eyes with an indented line to depict the eyelids. These characteristics set it apart from other molds like the Classic and Addy molds, making it easily recognizable among collectors and fans.
Unlike many face molds that may cater to more specific features, the Josefina mold’s balanced and versatile design allows it to adapt to various skin tones, hair types, and eye colors, making it an ideal choice for portraying a diverse array of characters.
The Josefina face mold holds the distinction of being the second-most prolific mold used by American Girl, second only to the Classic mold. As of 2024, it has been utilized in approximately 40% as many dolls as the Classic mold, a testament to its enduring popularity and versatility. Notably, it is the only mold outside the Create Your Own line available in every skin tone option—dark, medium, and light—further underscoring its role in promoting diversity.
Distinctive Features of the Josefina Face Mold
Josefina face mold is recognized for its unique. Here are the distinctive characteristics that set it apart:
1. Face
- Gently Rounded Face: A softer, more rounded face shape.
2. Nose
- Longer and less upturned compared to the Classic mold.
- Slightly wider than the Classic mold but thinner than the Addy mold.
3. Lips
- Much fuller than the lips on the Classic and Addy molds.
- More pronounced philtrum (the vertical groove between the nose and the upper lip).
4. Eyes
- Almond-Shaped Eyes: more oval-shaped with less pronounced corners compared to the Classic and Addy molds.
- Indented line above the eyes to indicate where the eyelids fold, capturing a serene and kind expression.
5. Chin
- Longer and sharper than the chin on the Classic and Addy molds.
- Adds elegance and maturity to the doll’s appearance.
6. Head Shape
- Slightly different from the Classic mold, affecting the fit of accessories like glasses.
- Doll glasses do not fit Josefina-style heads the same way they do on Classic mold heads.
See also: Uniqueness of Marie Face Mold
American Girl Dolls with the Josefina Mold
The Josefina face mold, with its distinctive features and historical significance, has graced several iconic American Girl dolls over the years. From beloved historical characters to modern-day favorites, these dolls hold a special place in collectors’ hearts. Let’s explore some of the notable dolls that showcase the beauty of the Josefina mold.
A. Historical Characters and Best Friend Characters
1. Josefina Montoya
This launch marked a significant moment for the brand, as Josefina brought not only a new face mold but also a rich cultural narrative that expanded the diversity of the American Girl historical lineup.
Josefina Montoya’s character is set in 1824 New Mexico, during a period of Mexican rule before the territory became part of the United States. Her story is deeply rooted in the traditions and challenges of life in the early 19th century Southwest.
Her traditional clothing, which includes a rebozo (a type of shawl), skirt, and blouse, along with accessories like a toy goat, further enrich her cultural narrative.
Her story has resonated with many children and adults, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Mexican heritage and the diverse histories within the United States.
2. Nellie O’Malley
Nellie O’Malley is one of the earliest dolls to feature the Josefina face mold. As a companion to Samantha Parkington, Nellie was introduced to the American Girl lineup in 2004.
3. Elizabeth Cole
Elizabeth Cole, a historical character from the Revolutionary War era, has striking blonde hair and piercing blue eyes .
4. Julie Albright
Julie Albright transports collectors back to the groovy era of the 1970s with her vibrant personality and retro style. Introduced in 2007 as the fourth historical character to feature the Josefina mold, she has her long, flowing hair and bohemian fashion sense.
5. Rebecca Rubin
Rebecca, featuring the Josefina face mold, is a beautifully crafted doll. She has light skin, light brown curly hair that reaches her upper back, styled with a side part and no bangs, and striking hazel eyes.
Her feathered eyebrows add to her lifelike appearance. Rebecca’s meet outfit is designed to reflect the conservative fashion trends of the mid-1910s, suitable for middle and working-class Americans.
B. Girls of the Year
1. Marisol Luna
Marisol Luna was the first Girl of the Year doll to feature the Josefina mold, introduced in 2005. As a dancer with a passion for various dance styles, Marisol brought a new level of diversity and cultural representation to the American Girl brand.
3. McKenna Brooks
McKenna Brooks, the Girl of the Year for 2012, also used the Josefina mold. Known for her athletic prowess and determination as a gymnast.
What makes McKenna unique is her hairstyle without a part, a feature not commonly seen in other American Girl dolls. This, combined with her bright blue eyes and expressive face, made her stand out. In my collection, McKenna, whom I affectionately call McKenna Celine, holds a special place.
4. Lea Clark
Lea Clark, the Girl of the Year for 2016, is another iconic doll featuring the Josefina mold. She loves for wildlife and photography.
She has a unique combination of sun-kissed skin, hazel eyes, and caramel-colored hair. She was the third doll I acquired after rekindling my passion for collecting. Lea’s appealing aesthetics and her accessories, which included a camera and rainforest-themed outfits, made her a joy to photograph and display.
Her commitment to wildlife conservation added depth to her character, making her not just a doll, but a source of inspiration for many young collectors. Lea’s presence in my collection is a constant reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it.
And next the others of Girl of the Year with Josefina mold are Grace Thomas, Luciana Vega, Blaire Wilson, Kira Bailey, and Lila Monetti.
C. Truly Me
And here we have dolls with the Josefina mold from Truly Me. They are so cute! I can’t get over them. I love her cute little face and their gorgeous hair. They are Truly Me #28, #53, #66, #68, #80, #82, #83, #86, #89, #90, #107, #108, #109, #125, #127, and #128.
In conclusion, what is truly fascinating about the Josefina face mold is its unique versatility; unlike other face molds such as the Sonali or Classic molds, the Josefina mold has been used for a diverse range of dolls, including white, Latinx, Hispanic, and now even black dolls.
This adaptability highlights its role in promoting inclusivity and representation across various ethnicities within the American Girl collection.
