1998 – Barbie – Tangerine Twist – AA – NRFB

Sale price: $134.00
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Regular price: $134.00
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Product Description

Kitty Black Perkins Gave Her a Leopard Hat and Leather Gloves and Called It a Day — Correctly

Tangerine Twist Barbie was released in 1998 as the first doll in Mattel's Fashion Savvy Collection, a series designed by Kitty Black Perkins to specifically reflect the style of the African-American woman. The doll is dressed in a vibrant tangerine satin suit — jacket and skirt — with a leopard-print beret with feather trim, black leather-look gloves, a matching handbag, and shoes. The whole ensemble has a confident, city-chic energy that feels like a deliberate rejoinder to Barbie's earlier, more generic fashion identities.

Kitty Black Perkins spent decades as a designer at Mattel and became particularly known for her work on African-American dolls, bringing a specificity and cultural intentionality to the line that was genuinely unusual for the era. The Fashion Savvy Collection was a direct expression of that intent, and Tangerine Twist — all citrus and leopard print — remains the most visually arresting entry in the series.

Manufacturer: Mattel
Country of manufacture: China
Model #: 17860

Melody Likes box condition grade: Excellent — 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.