This is the last year described here in detail. Ken and his clothing became simply too tacky, as the ridiculously uncollectable Jewel Secrets Ken below demonstrates. Since 2006 things have improved and there are some fantastic Kens (and if you search this website thoroughly, you might just find a 21st-Century Ken I’ve sneaked in!). However, my collection ends here, in no small part owing to environmental concerns about plastics and packaging: I’m still waiting for Earth-Lovin’ Ken, made from 100% recycled and recyclable/biodegradable materials.
JEWEL SECRETS KEN
The Caucasian Jewel Secrets Ken has a new head-mold which was used twice more; for the Barbie and the Rockers Ken (blonde), and the BiBops Bobby doll (auburn). Mattel took tacky to a whole new level with all three dolls, especially Jewel Secrets Ken, who came with this glitzy silver outfit and super-cheap accessories. Which is a shame, as it does tend to disguise the fact that he has quite a handsome face. In France he was also known as Ken Diamant, in Canada as Ken Bijoux Secrets, in Italy as Ken Gioielli Segreti, and in Spain as Ken Diamantes. Mattel Mexico possibly produced a version called Ken Brillantes Secretos as companion to their Barbie.
JEWEL SECRETS KEN #1719
JEWEL SECRETS KEN #3232
KENNY JEWEL SECRETS #8719
TENNIS KEN #1761
Tennis Ken or Ken Tennis was released in Europe, Canada and Mexico. Domestically he was only available together with Barbie in the Tennis Stars #7801 gift set. The gift set box is dated 1988, so it was sold either late 1988, or 1989. I’ve read it was a Toys R Us exclusive. I have yet to find any printed catalogue evidence, but the boxes seem to back this up, as they are only ever found with Toys R Us price stickers.
Despite these two boxes showing an altered photo of Ken wearing white shorts on the reverse, I’ve yet to find an actual version of him with white shorts.
BOOKLETS & CATALOGUES
Rockers Ken and the second version of Derek can be found in the section 1986-87 Derek & Ken Rockers.