Few dolls have ever stood toe to toe with the iconic Barbie phenomenon and lived to tell the tale, though many have certainly tried. Jennie, however, had a distinct advantage over the other competition. You see, at one time, she actually was Barbie. Confused? Here’s the scoop.

It all started when Mattel determined that they would license the Takara Company in Japan to handle their overseas production of Barbie. The doll was basically the same as her American counterpart, with the exception of the eyes, which were a bit wider and larger. All went well until 1985, when Mattel decided to revoke the licensing agreement. Normally, this would have spelled the end for these dolls, but the distinct difference in the eyes allowed Takara to legally continue production, as long as they didn’t dare call her Barbie. They, of course, didn’t and chose to rename the doll “Jennie.” As far as the dolls that had already made their way to toy store shelves? Simple – a sticker on the box informed buyers that the enclosed doll was no longer Barbie, and now went by the name of Jenny. Likewise, her steadfast boyfriend was re-christened “Jeff”. Sort of like the witness protection program of the doll world.

Jenny boasted a unique, if not somewhat far-fetched biography to explain her existence in the doll world. She was supposedly a character that Barbie had once played in a theatrical production. When Barbie cut ties with the character after a successful run, the real Jenny was finally able to have her day in the spotlight. She was given a sizeable wardrobe that fans insist is a bit more cutting-edge than the duds in Barbie’s closet, thanks to the numerous European and Japanese designers that have been eager to make clothing for her. Jenny also boasts a much larger entourage than her American counterpart, having as many as thirty different (and often eclectic) doll pals to spend her days with. 

Will Jenny ever surpass the reigning queen of the doll world? Well, let’s not get crazy here. But for her devoted fans, she is certainly “all that” and more and is assured a respectable piece of the pie for years to come. Not too shabby for a girl who proved that she had her own life to live, and could do so with immeasurable style and class. May she live long and prosper.