Sonali face mold, introduced as part of the American Girl Doll line, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of doll representation. Initially launched with the character Sonali Matthews in 2009, this face mold offered a fresh, particularly for dark-skinned dolls.
Before Sonali’s introduction, American Girl primarily used the Addy face mold for African-American characters. The transition to Sonali face mold reflected a broader range of facial features and a more nuanced representation of diversity.
This face mold was first conceptualized for a prototype of Mia St. Clair, a doll that was never produced, before it found its place with Sonali Matthews. The Sonali face mold quickly became beloved among collectors and fans for its distinctive and versatile features.
Over time, it has been used in a variety of dolls, from historical characters to modern-day “Truly Me” dolls, contributing to the rich tapestry of the American Girl collection.
Characteristics of the Sonali Face Mold
Sonali face mold is distinguished by several key features that set it apart from other face molds in the American Girl Doll line.
1. Facial Features
- Eyes: Sonali mold features round, oval-shaped eyes.
- Cheeks: Dolls with Sonali face mold have full, rounded cheeks, which contribute to their youthful and cute.
- Smile: The mold includes an open-mouthed smile that is slightly wider than most other American Girl dolls.
2. Nose
Sonali face mold has a nose that is slimmer than the one used on the Addy mold but wider than the classic mold.
3. Face Shape
The overall face shape of the Sonali mold is reminiscent of the Josefina mold, with a slightly elongated structure. This shape complements the full cheeks and round eyes, contributing to a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look.
4. Ear Design
A distinctive feature of the Sonali face mold is its ear design. The top part of the ears appears flat, with minimal carving in the vinyl. This is in contrast to the more intricately detailed ears of older molds, such as those used for the Addy or Classic molds.
Later molds, like the Joss and Claudie molds, followed this simplified ear design trend.
5. Skin Tone Availability
The Sonali face mold has primarily been used for dark-skinned dolls. However, it is also available in lighter skin tones through Truly Me line, allowing for greater customization and personal expression.
Comparisons with Other Face Molds
Here’s a comparison table for the Sonali face mold with the Addy and Classic face molds:
|
Feature |
Sonali Face Mold |
Addy Face Mold |
Classic Face Mold |
|
Eyes |
Round, oval-shaped |
Round |
Almond-shaped |
|
Cheeks |
Full |
More pronounced |
Less pronounced |
|
Smile |
Open-mouthed, slightly wider |
Closed |
Open-mouthed |
|
Nose |
Slimmer than Addy, wider than Classic |
Broad |
Small |
|
Face Shape |
Reminiscent of the Josefina mold |
Round |
Oval |
|
Ears |
Flatter with little carving or detailing |
Curved, with ridges and additional defining features |
Curved, with detailing |
Dolls Featuring the Sonali Face Mold
Sonali face mold has been utilized in various American Girl dolls, spanning different lines and themes. This face mold has been particularly significant in representing diversity within the American Girl collection.
Below are the primary categories and specific dolls that feature the Sonali face mold:
1. Historical/BeForever Characters
Cécile Rey:
Cécile Rey, part of the Historical Characters line, embodies the elegance and history of New Orleans. Her character, introduced in 2011, highlights the rich cultural heritage of African Americans in the 1850s.
The Sonali face mold perfectly complements Cécile’s persona.
Melody Ellison:
Melody Ellison, introduced in 2016, is set in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement. Her story and character emphasize the importance of equality and justice.
Sonali face mold helps bring Melody’s inspiring character to life, providing a relatable and realistic representation of a young African American girl during a pivotal era in American history.
2. Girls of the Year
Sonali Matthews:
Sonali Matthews, introduced in 2009, was part of the “Chrissa Stands Strong” collection. As a Girl of the Year companion, Sonali’s character plays a crucial role in the storyline about friendship and standing up against bullying.
Her introduction marked the debut of the Sonali face mold, setting a precedent for its future use.
Gabriela McBride:
Gabriela McBride, the Girl of the Year for 2017, is a poet and dancer who uses her art to overcome personal challenges and inspire change in her community.
Sonali face mold beautifully represents Gabriela’s apperence.
3. Truly Me
The Sonali face mold has been extensively used in the modern lines of American Girl dolls. Notable models include:
- Truly Me 46
- Truly Me 47
- Truly Me 62
- Truly Me 67
- Truly Me 73
- Truly Me 76 (boy)
- Truly Me 91
- Truly Me 112
- Truly Me 113 (boy)
- Truly Me 114
These models offer a wide range of hairstyles, eye colors, and outfits, reflecting the diversity and versatility that the Sonali face mold brings to the American Girl lineup.
Each doll with the Sonali face mold is designed to resonate with different aspects of a child’s identity and interests, making them highly sought after for their realistic and relatable features.
