Give Us Hope

The Hope Diamond weighs 45.52 carats. You can visit it at the Harry Winston Gallery of the Smithsonian's Geology, Gems and Minerals exhibition.

Or, if you're Barbie, you can wear it.

The Hope Diamond Barbie Dolls wears the famous blue diamond, and her entire look is inspired by the famous jewel's setting.

The dolls wears a deep blue charmeuse gown with ruffled sleeves and a flared skirt. White opera gloves add an elegant touch, and her red hair pops against the blue gown. The hairstyle is reminiscent of old-school glamor, with the structured waves.

Of course, a replica of the ginormous diamond hangs from her neck. She's got additional bling on her wrist and ears.

I really love her makeup. Her deep red lips form a perfect heart pout. Her eyes up the drama, with lots of blue color and long lashes.

One Year Already?

Americans love royalty. No, we really, really do.

In April 2011, American media outlets actually out-published their British counterparts regarding royal wedding-related stories using traditional news sources, according to Nielsen.

We love them so much we'll buy almost anything with their picture or names slapped on it. According to this article, the largest foreign market for royal wedding memorabilia is the U.S.

One question: What's up with the royal obsession, America? We cut ties to Britain back in the 1700s and ditched the whole monarchy thing.

Let. It. Go.

Alas, I don't think that's going to happen. Ever.

With this much love of the royal couple floating about, Mattel has launched a set of dolls to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the nuptials. It's a must-have for any royal couple watcher (not just the usual Barbie collectors), which I'm sure is why Mattel decided to get on the royal wedding bandwagon.

The dolls wear outfits inspired by the real couple's wedding day clothes. The Prince William doll is wearing a traditional uniform with a red jacket, blue sash and gold details. The Catherine Middleton doll has a floor-length ivory gown with a lace torso and full skirt. She comes with an ivory veil, tiara and earrings.

The doll will be available in April, timed to the couple's wedding anniversary. It costs $100.

Mattel's cash grab, er, marketing of the dolls seems to be working. Media outlets far and wide have picked up the story.

Read about it here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Step Into Her Cloest

Mattel threw a party for Barbie and invited everyone to step into her closet. The Barbie Dream Closet New York Fashion Week Experience, which debuted at Lincoln Center, features a larger-than-life installation of her Dream Closet.

The closet is complete with 24-foot tall, jewel encrusted doors that lead into a two-story, 9,000-square-foot set with multiple dressing vignettes.

Damn. I wish my closet were that big.

Visitors get to try on Barbie's clothes using "augmented reality technology mirrors." The "mirrors" allow people to "try on" the dolls most iconic fashions from the past five years.

Live models also will be hanging out in the closet dressed in clothes that are out of my price range that are on loan from the Albright Fashion Library, an exclusive couture library that includes styles from Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Moschino, Chloe and Burberry.

Read about it here, here and here.

The event is part of Mattel's expanded 2012 marketing campaign. Read about it here.

Under The Sea

Mattel has released Mermaid Barbie, a Gold Label doll selling for $100. While Mattel has created numerous mermaid dolls throughout the years, I believe this one is the first intended for collectors.

But don't worry, the company still has the kids' mermaid needs covered. Mattel is gearing up its marketing machine for Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2. (I know everyone has been waiting on the edge of their seats for it.)

But what's with all the mermaids? Mermaid  Barbie is lovely enough, with a sheer bodice covered in shiny beads. Her "tail" is covered in shiny sequins.

But here's the thing about mermaids: no feet. And with no feet, there are no shoes. And isn't Barbie all about the shoes?

I kid.

Mermaid Barbie is a fun design. I especially like her hair, with the shiny flotsam and jetsam in it.

What do you think?

Barbie as Art

Barbie is an icon on her own, but artist Jocelyne Grivaud has upped the ante by recreating famous artwork using Barbie. The result is a tribute not only to the doll but also to many famous artists Grivaud admires, including Warhol and Picasso.

Check out the artist's website, with images of her creations, here.

Read about it here and here.

I Can Be Awesome

Barbie's latest profession is a good fit: fashion designer. It only makes sense that the fashion queen would become a designer herself one day.

She carries with her the tools of the trade, including a tape measure, wrist pin cushion and a tablet (she's a high-tech designer, of course).

The outfit is fun, but does it really say fashion designer? I don't know if the contestants on Project Runway would wear something so off-the-rack. Stretch capris and a fancy t-shirt? Please. Austin Scarlett wouldn't be caught dead in that.

The End is Near

They're married now. Does that mean the end of Twilight Barbie dolls?