Malaville Dolls
Malaville Toys is the creation of South Africa based model Mala Bryan. A doll collector herself, Bryan was frustrated by the difficulty in finding a diverse - and affordable - range of black dolls. In early 2016 the first four dolls were officially launched: Maisha, Mala, Malina, and Mhina.
In 2017 they were joined by Alexa, the world's first doll with albinism, Lola, Imani, and Viv. Most are still available directly from Malaville Toys' website, with prices ranging from $32.99 to $39.99 each.
There were also plans for a line of collector dolls, beginning with Oshun, but I'm not sure if she was ever actually released.
Alexa - box front / back.
'Alexa’s name means “to defend”, and she will be that friend who will always be there for you. She is a budding artist and already has some of her work on display at the local art gallery. On weekends, she volunteers at the children’s hospital where they’re always eager to have their face painted with her fun and colourful designs. ... Alexa is Malaville’s first doll with albinism. Because she loves being outside in the sun, she uses sunscreen to help protect her beautiful sensitive skin. Albinism is a condition in which a person lacks melanin, the pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism are from every race. Animals and even plants can have albinism.'
Imani - box front / back.
Limited Edition Imani - box front / back. This collab with Foschini hit stores in August 2017.
'Imani means “faith” in Swahili. She is the editor of Malaville Magazine and a journalist for The Malaville Journal. She is amazing at her job, and her love for reading and writing helps quite a lot. Imani is also the proud owner of “Bookworms Bookshop”, try saying that three times in a row!'
Lola - box front / back.
'Lola is a flight attendant and she gets to fly all over the world with her job. Her name is of Spanish origin meaning “strong woman” and that she definitely is. Lola with her beautiful red curly hair and a face full of freckles is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.'
Maisha - box front / back.
'Maisha is always on the go and always upbeat! Her name means “life” in Kiswahili, and Maisha lives hers to the fullest. One of the most positive and outgoing people you will ever meet! She brightens up the room with her beautiful smile, so when you’re around her there is no way you can feel down.'
Mala - box front / back.
'Mala has an Indian name which means “necklace of flowers”. Mala is a fashion designer that never seems to run out of ideas! She has an eye for beautiful printed fabrics and that makes her fabulous outfits extra unique. Mala is the very picture of confidence and self-assurance and she seems to have a way to pass that on to everyone around her.'
Malina - box front / back.
'Malina means “calming” or “soothing” in Hawaiian, and the name fits her personality perfectly. When this fashion model is not jet-setting around the world on photoshoots and strutting her stuff down major fashion designers’ runways, you will find her curled up with a good book.'
Mhina - box front / back.
'Mhina’s name means “enjoyable” and “delightful” in Kiswahili. Mhina is an interior designer that really takes time to get to know her clients, and that is something everyone loves about her. She soaks up motivation from all around her and is able to incorporate the most gorgeous textures and colors into her work. Nature inspires her, and reflects greatly into her work.'
Viv - box front / back.
'Viv’s name means “to live” in French creole. Viv is a photographer and loves capturing beautiful pictures with her camera. She enjoys taking pictures of birds and flowers, so she spends lots of time outdoors.'
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