Diva Starz was a series of fashion dolls created and released by Mattel in the fall of 2000. They are similar in design to the MGA EntertainmentBratz dolls released in 2001, and the Flavas dolls released by Mattel in 2003. Original four dolls, Alexa, Nikki, Summer, and Tia were offered in the original debut. The line was discontinued in 2004.
History
Each doll is approximately 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 .
Characters
Alexa - 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 - a sporty girl "who'd enjoy skateboarding and many other sports", she was very athletic and optimistic. Besides a skateboard she kept, she also owned other athletic gear and merchandise. Her representation color was purple, which was also her favorite color. She had a pet dog named Budster. Voiced by Joanna Rubiner. Summer - a model citizen who'd "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 - 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. Voiced by MC Lyte. Miranda - a fairly rich girl who "loves all her new friends". She was artistic and humorous and had published a magazine. 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 does not have a pet. Voiced by Tara Strong.
