1978-1983 SUPERSTAR

MALIBU KEN #1088 The final Malibu Ken was released, looking exactly like the last model from the previous year. The packaging is different (‘open’ on one side, resealable ends), with slightly different graphics and illustration. He was called Malibu Ken everywhere

Despite SuperStar Ken being launched this year, the clothing was still designed and packaged as Best Buy Fashions and Get-Ups ‘N Go outfits. Only one of the 1978 Best Buy Fashions (#2241) originally came with footwear, so I’ve added some

SUN LOVIN’ MALIBU KEN #1088 Mattel produced several near-identical dolls over the next few years with different names and outfits, but Sun Lovin’ Malibu Ken is the only one with tan lines. There are several slight variations of both doll and

In 1979 the Best Buy Fashions and Get-Ups ‘N Go ranges were replaced by Fashion Collectibles and Fashion Favorites. The Collectibles, like the Best Buy Fashions, tended to be just a basic outfit with an occasional accessory, and the Favorites,

SPORT & SHAVE KEN #1294 Sport & Shave Ken was Mattel’s most flexible Ken ever at the time; a similar body to SuperStar Ken, but with articulated wrists, and arms which bend at the elbow. He has a unique head-mold,

Until 1980 the design of Ken’s trousers hadn’t changed since 1972, with a half-elasticated waistband (at back). During the Superstar era Mattel began to experiment with new styles. A few remained the same, but some had a totally elasticated waistband,

WESTERN KEN #3600 Also known in Canada as Ken Style Western. GOLDEN NIGHTS/SOIR DORÉS or DISCO KEN #3208 This Ken was made in the Philippines. He has side-pointing hands and unusual caramel-colour hair. He was only released in Europe (as

The Fashion Collectibles and Fashion Favorites ranges continued. The clothing is slightly better made than the previous two years (except Paint The Town Red, which is very shoddy), and there are some fantastic outfits here, with loads of great variations. Unfortunately

SUNSATIONAL MALIBU KEN #1088 Sunsational Malibu Ken was the first Ken available in various ethnic types, unless of course you count Hawaiian Ken from 1979, but he was just a regular Mod Ken with slightly darker skin and brown eyes.

FASHION COLLECTIBLES FASHION COLLECTIBLES #3773 FASHION COLLECTIBLES #3774 FASHION COLLECTIBLES #3775 FASHION COLLECTIBLES #3776 The version below right has the slippers packaged in a separate plastic bag. FASHION COLLECTIBLES #3777 FASHION FAVORITES FASHION FAVORITES #3793 FASHION FAVORITES #3794 FASHION FAVORITES

KEN CÉRÉMONIE #693 Ken Cérémonie was unique to Mattel France. He looks almost identical to the regular domestic Superstar Kens, but is shorter with slightly waxier skin. His suit is the Designer Originals outfit Dandy Lines #3797 (see section 1982

In 1983 Mattel ended the Fashion Collectibles and Fashion Favorites lines, and replaced them with Fashion Classics. These outfits all came with shoes. They are also better-made, and there are some great classic outfits among them. The Designer Originals were

Mattel France, Germany and Spain produced their own versions of several regular Kens (as well as Derek and the Heart Family Dad) throughout the 1980s. Mattel Spain even produced their own clothing. The Mattel France Kens are marked Made in

The classic Mod Ken clone doll continued to be sold by various companies as shown below, packaged as Harry in Germany, and Gary in the US (see also section Now Look Clones & Clothing). Montgomery Ward sold Gary, but the