Darci was introduced in 1979. She was created by Kenner to be direct competition to Barbie. Darci was very different. She was larger at 12 1/2 inches. She had an extremely poseable body--she could do splits and had bendable arms. There are three Darcis: blonde, brunette, and redhead. Erica and Dana are Darcis friends. It is unique that Erica and Dana have completely different face molds. Dana, Darci's African-American friend, is not a black Darci--but is a separate doll. Dana wore Darci's fashions--there is no evidence that there were Dana outfits. Erica was to have her own fashions, but they were more than likely never produced. Two other Darcis are the Department Store Darcis. They are packaged in special boxes wearing the Bionic Woman's Gold Dust and Red Dazzle. It is believed that very few were made. The final Darci is Fashion Fragrance Darci. This Darci does not have bendable arms. Her makeup is different in that the eye shadow has more blue. Her hair is not as easily styled as there is a permanent part. She comes with her own perfume as well. Fashion Fragrance Darci did not sell well--she was discounted quickly.

Kenner spared no expense when it came to promoting Darci. She was advertised almost like she was a real fashion model. Darci's sales were very good the first year. There are some terrific advertising materials to collect. There were suppose to be two Store Displays. Only one has been proven to exist. A lenticular hanging display could also be used to encourage Darci sales. Although much was done to push Darci, she could not beat the competition. As her sales lagged, so did the promotion.

Darci is most likely the finest fashion doll ever made. She is very high quality. Her hair is as easy to style as it was twenty-eight years ago. Her clothing has also stood the test of time. The majority of the fabrics used have fared well. Twenty Fashion Finds, three Perfect Pose Fashions, and seven Lifestyle Fashions were made. There are several outfits in question. Collectors would love for proof of Sensational Senorita, Hi Roller, the Designer Jeans, and the Fashion Feelings. Not having these so easily may add to the thrill of the "hunt".

Darci's world also included a disco that she designed and a fashion studio. Her disco is very 1970s. A pinball machine, disco ball, and working spotlight all make the playset a lot of fun. Darci's Perfect Pose Studio could be used with any fashion but were especially useful with her Perfect Pose Fashions. These fashions each come with a backdrop that can be used in the studio.

Darci only lasted a few years but she has remained in the hearts of those who loved her for a very long time. I played with Darci as a child over twenty years ago. I have never forgotten Darci and wanted to share my love for her with other collectors. Everything on this site is from my personal collection. The values are only what I have noticed after years of collecting. I always enjoy hearing from fellow Darci collectors. I hope you find the pictures and information helpful.

e-mail me: darcidoll@aol.com