For collectors, for reborn artists, and for girls who just wanna have fun, there’s sure to be a Dolls by Berenguer baby to fit your need.

By Kathryn Peck

According to Richard Cerdá, president of Dolls by Berenguer, there is no simpler or more perfect model of inspiration for the company’s dolls than the beauty and innocence of a child or newborn. Designed by head sculptor Salvador Berenguer, Dolls by Berenguer dolls have long remained at the forefront of the baby and toddler doll market. From its more collector-oriented Collector’s Edition lines to its play lines for younger audiences, Dolls by Berenguer offers an expansive range of dolls that appeal to many different types of collectors for sundry reasons.

Dolls by Berenguer considers itself a design-focused company and maintains its competitive edge in the marketplace by consistently producing new and original sculpts. In fact, this year Dolls by Berenguer’s Collector’s Edition and Specialty Play doll lines offer more than 50 different doll sculpts, but it’s the dolls’ “realism, quality, and value,” says Richard, that collectors enjoy most.

The affordable price of Dolls by Berenguer dolls is undoubtedly an attractive feature for many. “Most people that come into our shop are impressed by the quality and the pricepoint,” says Julie Paugh of Checkerberries Dolls and Gifts in Westerville, Ohio. “They can get a nice, well-made doll for a fraction of the price of other brands.”

But take a closer look at the animated expressions of new dolls Lucas and Lily (p. 48-49) or the sweet faces Berenguer Classics like Sofía and Leonor (p. 50), and one begins to understand why the company decided to release a miniature version of Baby Isabella this year, a 9½-inch La Petite Isabella, and why its 14-inch La Newborn Specialty Play dolls (p. 46) were among the most popular at shows this year. Each expression is unique and created with the highest attention to detail. “Many other doll companies design few faces and dress the dolls in various outfits to add range to the collection,” says Richard. “Dolls by Berenguer, on the other hand, designs many faces and gives each doll its unique look without much, if any, repetition.”

According to Brenda Grooms of Christmas & Dolls in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., customers love the distinctive facial expressions of Dolls by Berenguer dolls as well as the weighted feel of its dolls, a feature which adds to the realism of their design. First Sunday has been one of the most popular dolls sold Brenda’s shop because of its lifelike feel and appearance. 

The realism and range of expressions makes Dolls by Berenguer dolls particularly appealing to reborn artists as well. “I think the most popular aspect of Berenguer babies is the variety of sizes and styles to choose from,” says reborn artist Jeannine Holper of Excellence in Reborn Artistry™. “Their face sculpts capture the imagination and appeal to a wide variety of reborning audiences.”

Ellen Zimowske of Ellen’s Dolls online shop adds that many Dolls by Berenguer dolls are attractive to her customers who are to reborn artists because they offer anatomically correct dolls as an option.

“We are quite proud of the reborn world and are happy that so many artists are using our products and in many cases improving an already beautiful baby doll,” says Richard. In its continuing support of the reborn industry, Dolls by Berenguer will introduce new Berenguer Reborn Kits later this year, including old favorites and new exclusive sculpts.

For beginning reborn artists considering a Dolls by Berenguer doll, Jeannine recommends La Newborn Moments or a Lots to Love Babies. “They are all-vinyl dolls, so you don’t have to worry about soft body replacements or using cable ties,” she says. For those looking to spend a little more money on a doll, Jeannine suggests a baby from the La Newborn Expressions collection. “These are especially great for the new artist, as soft touch vinyl works wonderfully during the hair-rooting portion of the reborning activity.”

Dolls by Berenguer also has its hand on the pulse of the young collectors market with its play lines. According to Richard, it’s the combination of play and uniqueness that makes the company’s play lines so appealing to younger collectors. “Our play dolls are perfect for young children that don’t even know they are collecting yet,” he says. “But by simply playing with, bathing, or hugging our play dolls, they are appreciating the craftsmanship and beauty of each creation.”

Dolls by Berenguer play dolls are designed to have a lot of personality, which often triggers the imagination of young collectors. “We have received phone calls and e-mails from young collectors trying to reach their favorite doll character,” Richard says. “One little girl once sent an e-mail addressed to her favorite doll, Chloe, from the Lots to Love Baby Steps line.”

The face of the collector market is constantly changing, and the variety and innovation of dolls offered by Dolls by Berenguer keeps this company a step ahead.

“They have collectible dolls geared to collectors, play dolls for children, and a crossover line of Specialty Play dolls, a mix of quality design and playability,” says Ellen, “something for everyone.”

Contact Information

Dolls by Berenguer
Web site: www.jctoys.com

Checkerberries
Tel: 614-794-3082
Web site: www.checkerberries.com

Christmas & Dolls
Tel: 800-867-2272
Web site: www.dollcorner.com

Ellen’s Dolls
E-mail: service@ellensdolls.com
Web site: www.ellensdolls.com

Excellence in Reborn Artistry
Web site: www.rebornartistry.com

Buy This Issue: June/July 2008
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