The latest addition to the historical doll collection from Mattel‘s American Girl has arrived, and her story and development were spawned by a tweet from a fan who just happened to be a New York Times best-selling author.
Claudie Wells celebrates the Harlem Renaissance with a backstory rooted in New York City, circa 1922. The 18-inch doll features an all-new face mold and has shoulder-length hair styled in bouncy ringlets and a hairbow. Claudie comes dressed in a blue-and-white plaid dress and knit cardigan, and features several accessories, including a heart-shaped necklace, a cloche hat, a journal, and a vintage-style Baby Ruth candy bar alongside a companion book.
“The debut of Claudie Wells is a true full-circle moment for American Girl, and it all started with a tweet,” says Jamie Cygielman, general manager of American Girl. “In it, celebrated author Brit Bennett shared her desire to write an American Girl story based on her own experience with the brand. We loved the idea and felt it was the perfect time to celebrate how — after more than 35 years— American Girl has made such a positive impact on the lives of so many. The timing is even more powerful given this incredible resurgence of nostalgic love we’re experiencing from our fans of all ages.”
“Before I ever sat in front of a computer to type, I had already started telling stories each time I played with my dolls,” Bennett says. “My sister and I were in love with our American Girl dolls and books, especially Addy. While the doll itself was beautiful, what enchanted me was Addy’s courageous story written by the trailblazing author Connie Porter, so creating a new historical character for American Girl has been a dream come true. As a girl, I always loved studying the Harlem Renaissance, an outpouring of Black artistry that emerged alongside larger struggles for equal rights. I hope readers will enjoy exploring this fascinating era through Claudie’s eyes.”
Mattel says that its American Girl designers were inspired by a host of authentic, 1920s archival materials and other resources like The Brownies’ Book, a magazine for Black children published by W.E.B. Du Bois, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance.
Additional toys in Claudie’s collection include a doll-sized kick scooter, a plush version of her dog, and an elaborate bakery playset that comes with more than 60 pieces. Additionally, a trio of outfits designed in collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row and designer Samantha Black is also available. A second Claudie book will be released next year.
The full collection is available now at American Girl stores and online.