1995 – Barbie – Reproduction – Busy Gal – NRFB

Sale price: $145.00
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Regular price: $145.00
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Product Description

In 1960, Barbie Was a Fashion Designer With Her Own Portfolio of Sketches — and That Portfolio Is Still in the Box

Busy Gal was Barbie fashion number 981, first sold in 1960 as part of the second year of Barbie's existence — when Mattel was actively building out what careers and identities the doll might inhabit. The fashion established Barbie as a working professional in her own field: red and white striped blouse, red linen jacket with matching striped lining, a red knee-length skirt, a navy straw hat, navy belt, open-toe heels, black sunglasses, and a black portfolio containing two sheets of fashion illustrations. Mattel's 1995 limited edition reproduction gives back the brunette ponytail body, the vintage face painting, and every item from the original — including those sketches.

The portfolio prop is the detail that makes the reproduction genuinely interesting. It establishes Barbie not as a model or a showpiece but as someone who does design work — someone with a portfolio, appointments and a reason to be on the street in a red suit carrying something important. The 1995 release arrived in the same year as the Barbie as Maria doll, which made 1995 a strong year for Mattel's collector reproduction programme. Both came with the same vintage face that tells you immediately these are something different from a standard nineties release.

Manufacturer: Mattel
Country of manufacture: China
Model #: 13675

Melody Likes box condition grade: Very Good — View our box condition guide.

Delivery & Returns

🚚 Delivery Information

Orders are dispatched within 2-3 business days. Please allow additional time during: Sale events, holiday periods and large restock weeks.

We ship Monday–Thursday only.

📦 Shipping Rates

Parcels under 500g
$10 flat rate nationwide

📏 Please note: shipping cost is based on weight and parcel dimensions. Some smaller items may exceed the flat rate due to their size.

Parcels over 500g
Auckland Flat Rate: $19 | 2–3 business days
Bay of Plenty & Waikato Flat Rate: $13 | 1–3 business days

Rest of North Island from $17 | 2–3 business days
South Island from $22 | 3–5 business days

Rural Customers
An additional $5 charge is applied to all rural orders.

🔁 Returns

All items are vintage, pre-loved, or collectible unless stated otherwise. Please review all photos and descriptions carefully before purchasing.

We do not accept returns for:
• Change of mind
• Incorrect choice
• Minor wear consistent with age
• Buyer damage

Read more about our Return and Refund Policy

Buying Vintage

Buying Vintage at Melody Likes

Every vintage piece in our shop is photographed exactly as it is — what you see in the images is what you will receive.

Our photos are part of the product description, so please take the time to review them carefully before purchasing.

All items are sold in the condition described and shown. These are real pieces with real history, and we think that's part of what makes them special.

📦 Carded & Boxed Items
Vintage packaging can show its age — you may see card yellowing, corner wear, bubble discolouration or light crushing, and sticker residue. The item inside is typically untouched. What you see is what you get.

🤖 Loose Figures & Playsets
Loose vintage figures and playsets may show paint wear, light scuffing, or minor marks from years of storage or play. Accessories are noted in the listing — if it isn't mentioned, it's not included.

🧸 Plush & Soft Toys
Vintage plush can show pile flattening, light colour fade, or gentle wear at seams and features. We note any significant issues in the listing, and our photos show the piece as it truly is.

📚 Books & Paper Goods
Paper ages beautifully — but it does age. Vintage books may show spine wear, light browning, or minor cover scuffs. Any notable marks or damage are called out in the listing description.

✨ Modern Collectibles
Modern collectibles are described with the same care and accuracy as our vintage items. As a recent release, stock or manufacturer imagery may be used in place of personal photography — this will always be noted in the listing.