The Classic Face Mold was introduced in 1986 as the first face mold created for American Girl dolls. Its debut featured beloved characters Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly.
For American Girl enthusiasts, distinguishing between different face molds is a skill. However, not everyone shares this ability. My mom, for instance, cannot tell any of the AG face molds apart at all. To her, they all look exactly the same. My little girl, on the other hand, can kind of tell some of them apart, but even she finds it challenging at times.
The Classic Face Mold, being the first-ever mold for American Girl dolls, has undergone several changes since its introduction. In this article, I aim to share my observations on these changes and see if others have noticed them as well.
Evolution of the Classic Face Mold
The Classic Face Mold, introduced in 1986, has seen an evolution over the years. Originally designed by Götz as their “Romina” face mold, it became the foundational look for American Girl dolls, characterized by large eye sockets with slight tapering at the bottom, a narrow and slightly upturned nose, thin lips with slight dips, a rounded chin, and full cheeks.
This mold most closely resembles a European/white background and has set the standard for many of the early American Girl dolls.
See also: Corinne and Truly Me 124 Mold
1. Early Design
In its earliest incarnation, the Classic Face Mold was easily recognizable. Dolls from this era, such as Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly, often had wider faces with more pronounced cheeks. Their eyes appeared slightly sunken, giving them a somewhat sorrowful look.
2. Mid-2010s Changes: The “Chipmunk Face”
As the years went by, subtle changes began to appear in the Classic Face Mold. By the mid-2010s, some collectors started referring to this version as the “chipmunk face” due to its chubbier cheeks and rounder appearance.
3. Recent Transformations
In recent years, the Classic Face Mold has undergone even more transformations. The latest versions of dolls with this mold feature thinner faces and eyes that some describe as beadier. These changes are so drastic that it can be challenging to recognize these dolls as having the Classic Face Mold without prior knowledge. The newer versions have a more modern and streamlined look.
4. Create Your Own System
In the Create Your Own system, the Classic Face Mold is described as having a “round face with full cheeks” and “oval-shaped eyes.” Initially, it was also referred to by shape, such as “square.” Later, this description was updated to “round, open smile” to distinguish it from the closed smile of the recently added Kaya Mold.
Below is a detailed table that outlines the specific features of this Classic mold.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Eye Sockets | The mold has large eye sockets with a slight tapering at the bottom. This design gives the dolls expressive and lifelike eyes. |
| Nose | The nose is narrow and slightly upturned. |
| Lips | The lips are thin with slight dips, often featuring two visible front teeth with a slight gap. This gives the dolls a sweet and approachable smile. |
| Chin and Cheeks | The face mold has a rounded chin and full cheeks. |
American Girl Dolls Featuring the Classic Mold
This mold has been used across various doll lines, from historical characters to contemporary figures. Below, we explore the diverse range of dolls that feature the Classic Face Mold.
1. Historical Characters
- Kirsten Larson – One of the original dolls introduced in 1986, Kirsten represents a Swedish immigrant in the 1850s.
- Samantha Parkington – Also part of the original trio, Samantha hails from the Victorian era.
- Molly McIntire – The third of the original dolls, Molly represents the World War II era. Her stories reflect the resilience and patriotism of children during the 1940s.
- Felicity Merriman – An adventurous girl from the American Revolutionary War period.
- Kit Kittredge – Kit’s stories are set during the Great Depression.
- Ruthie Smithens – Kit’s best friend, Ruthie, shares her adventures and provides a caring presence.
- Emily Bennett – Molly’s English friend, Emily, brings a unique perspective on World War II.
- Caroline Abbott – Set during the War of 1812, Caroline’s tales emphasize courage and nautical adventures.
- Maryellen Larkin – A girl from the 1950s, Maryellen captures the post-war optimism and the cultural shifts of the era.
- Courtney Moore – Representing the 1980s, Courtney’s stories are a nostalgic journey through the pop culture and innovations of the decade.
See also: Comparison of Claudie with Makena Face Mold
2. Girls of the Year
- Lindsey Bergman – The first Girl of the Year, Lindsey, was introduced in 2001. She is a modern-day girl.
- Kailey Hopkins – Kailey, the 2003 Girl of the Year, is an avid surfer and environmentalist.
- Nicki Fleming – The 2007 Girl of the Year, Nicki, is an animal lover with a passion for horseback riding and helping others.
- Mia St. Clair – Mia, the 2008 Girl of the Year, is a figure skater, who loves the artistry of the sport.
- Gwen Thompson – A supporting character in the Chrissa Maxwell series.
- Lanie Holland – The 2010 Girl of the Year, Lanie, is a nature enthusiast with a love for outdoor adventures and scientific exploration.
- Saige Copeland – Saige, the 2013 Girl of the Year, is an artist and horseback rider.
- Isabelle Palmer – The 2014 Girl of the Year, Isabelle, is a dancer and fashion designer.
- Tenney Grant – A contemporary character, Tenney, is a singer-songwriter with a passion for country music and storytelling.
3. Truly Me Series
The Truly Me line allows collectors to create dolls that reflect their unique personalities and preferences. Many Truly Me dolls feature the Classic Face Mold, offering a wide array of options:
- Truly Me 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 – A diverse range of dolls with varying skin tones, hair colors, and eye colors, ensuring every collector can find a doll that resonates with them.
- Truly Me 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 – Each doll in this series offers unique attributes.
- Truly Me 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 32 – The extensive range of dolls continues, reflecting the inclusivity and diversity of the American Girl brand.
- Truly Me 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41 – These dolls further expand the options available, each with the Classic Face Mold’s signature charm.
- Truly Me 42, 43, 44, 48, 49, 51, 52, 55 – The line includes dolls with a variety of hairstyles, eye colors, and fashion styles.
- Truly Me 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 63, 65, 69 – Continuously evolving, these dolls cater to the ever-changing preferences of collectors.
- Truly Me 70, 71, 74 (Boy), 78, 81, 87, 88, 92 – Including a boy doll, the line showcases the brand’s commitment to diversity and representation.
- Truly Me 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 (Boy), 105, 126, 129 – The most recent additions to the line, offering the latest in doll customization and fashion trends.
The Classic Face Mold has been a staple of the American Girl Doll collection for decades. Each doll, whether a historical figure or a personalized Truly Me creation, carries the enduring charm and distinctive features of the Classic Face Mold. This mold has allowed American Girl to create a diverse and beloved lineup of dolls that continue to inspire and delight collectors of all ages.
