 |
Stanley ColoriteAmerican businessman, Barbie doll collector
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Stanley Colorite
- The Barbie Man
- Building the Collection
- The Most Expensive Barbie
- A World of Barbie
- A Passion for Collecting
- Partners in Collecting
- A Dream House of Barbie
Biography of Stanley Colorite
Stanley Colorite, an American businessman and Barbie doll collector, was born and raised in Hudson, Florida. With a passion for collecting Barbie dolls, Colorite has spent over $80,000 to purchase 2,000 Barbie dolls and 1,000 Ken dolls.
The Barbie Man
Colorite, who refers to himself as the "Barbie Man," has transformed his home into a life-sized Barbie Dream House. He has filled four out of seven bedrooms and even the bathroom with dolls, turning his house into a true Barbie museum.
Building the Collection
Colorite began collecting dolls 16 years ago and has no plans to stop until his entire home is filled with iconic Barbie models. Currently, he spends around $30,000 per year to add to his toy collection. He searches for rare Barbie dolls at charity sales, second-hand shops, and through online platforms like eBay. Additionally, his boyfriend, Dennis Schlicker, houses 1,000 Ken dolls in his own collection.
The Most Expensive Barbie
Colorite's most valuable Barbie doll in his collection is the "Pink Splendor Barbie," worth almost $1,000. In addition to collecting Mattel's famous dolls, he also purchases toy limousines, motorcycles, and airplanes, all for Barbie and Ken's "full-sized" lifestyle. He has acquired 3,000 outfits for his dolls, including designer pieces from Oscar de la Renta.
A World of Barbie
Colorite's extensive collection includes Barbie mouthwash, watches with Barbie designs, cosmetic sets, and even "building materials" for his Barbie Dream House, which features a working shower and elevator. As the owner of a cleaning company, Colorite recalls that it all started with the purchase of one doll from the "Happy Holidays" collection in 1997. He remembers, "I saw her and thought she was very beautiful. I immediately bought her."
A Passion for Collecting
Colorite believes that Barbie is not just a children's toy but also an object of desire for collectors. He admits to being a Barbie "addict" and cannot stop collecting. He typically buys around 20 dolls per trip to toy stores, sales, and eBay. His favorite Barbie doll is from 1992 and cost him $975. The oldest doll in his collection dates back to 1962, which he purchased for $6 at a second-hand shop.
Partners in Collecting
Colorite's boyfriend, Dennis Schlicker, who is 61 years old, has collected every version of Ken doll ever made in America. The couple met 13 years ago and have since attended Barbie conventions together in the United States. They enjoy making accessories and styling their dolls' hair in different ways during their free time. Schlicker says, "When I first met Stanley, he had only 150 dolls. They were all in boxes and lined up against the walls, and I had never seen such a large collection of dolls in one place before." Schlicker soon began collecting Kens and assisting Colorite with his collection.
A Dream House of Barbie
People are often amazed when they visit Colorite's museum-like home. Barbie dolls occupy four rooms, but the collection will continue to expand until every available room is filled. Colorite is willing to attach dolls to the ceiling or create doll chandeliers if necessary, but he has no plans to move. He states, "I don't need a mansion for my museum. My home is my mansion, my very own Barbie Dream House."
