Diva Starz

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Diva Starz was a series of fashion dolls created and released by Mattel in the fall of 2000.^[1] They are similar in design to the MGA Entertainment Bratz dolls released in 2001, and the My Scene dolls released by Mattel in 2002. Original four dolls, Alexa, Nikki, Summer, and Tia (Summer was later replaced by Miranda) were offered in the original debut.^[2] The line was discontinued in 2004.

History[]

Each doll is approximately 9 inches (23 cm) tall, with plastic clothing and combable hair. The owner can change the doll's outfits by snapping on different pieces of clothing. By using small metal contacts in the clothing and on the body, the doll "knows" which outfit it is wearing, and will respond accordingly. Alexa, for example, replies with statements like "You have a great sense of style. I love my pink evening gown. Do you think it makes my eyes look bluer?" The dolls were also made to talk to each other and have conversations.

After the huge success of the original dolls, Mattel released the Diva Starz Fashion Dolls in 2002. While generally identical to the original line, these dolls have clothing made of fabric, and were thinner and had more accurate proportions. Also, the dolls will speak recorded phrases when a button on the top of their heads is pushed. This collection of dolls did not include the Summer doll, but instead introduced the Miranda doll.

With the introduction of the fashion doll, the robotic dolls fell drastically in popularity, and Mattel discontinued them. After a few successful seasons with the robotic dolls, they began to drop in popularity. In the end, Diva Starz soon became discontinued altogether in 2004, and Mattel went on to improving Barbie dolls and creating My Scene and Flavas dolls. The Diva Starz line was placed into two video games, Diva Starz and Diva Starz: Mall Mania.

Characters[]

Alexa (fair skin tone, blonde hair, blue eyes) - an all-out fashionista and a natural leader, she also identified herself as "your personal expert on style". She also kept a diary, where she stored her deepest and darkest secrets. Her representation color was pink, which was also her favorite color. She had a pet cat named Fluffy. Voiced by Debi Derryberry.

Nikki (Latina, tan skin tone, brown hair, light violet eyes) - an athletic girl "who'd enjoy skateboarding and many other sports", she was very powerful and optimistic. Besides a skateboard she kept, she also owned other sports gear and merchandise. Her representation color was purple, which was also her favorite color. She had a pet dog named Budster (nicknamed "Buddy"). Voiced by Joanna Rubiner.

Summer (fair skin tone, red hair, green eyes) - a model citizen who would "love the outdoors so much, that she'd bring it inside", she was an animal lover and compassionate environmentalist. She also owned many pets, including a pet rabbit named Sunny Bunny. Her representation color was green, which was also her favorite color. She was eventually replaced by Miranda. Voiced by Amber Hood.

Tia (African-American, dark skin tone, dark brown hair, brown eyes) - a "hip cool chick and a techno whiz", she was brilliant and inventive, and enjoyed making music. She also loved electronics, such as radios, CD players, and digital planners. Her representation color was blue, which was also her favorite color. She had a pet dog named Hippie (short for "Hipster"). Voiced by MC Lyte (2000-02), and Cree Summer (2003).

Miranda (fair skin tone, platinum blonde hair with pink highlights, green eyes) - a properly rich girl who "loves all her new friends". She is artistic and funny. She had published a magazine. She has dreams of becoming a singer. Alexa, Nikki, and Tia met her at a pop concert while Summer was off on an ocean rescue mission. Miranda eventually became Summer's replacement. Her representation color was undefined, but the website showed a green star with her name on it. She was the only character who does not have a pet. Voiced by Tara Strong.

References[]