I'm not sure how Avon cosmetics are sold these days but I'm old enough to remember "Avon ladies" in the 60's and 70's. These were local women, generally stay-at-home moms, who wanted to supplement the family income. They built their clientele by neighborhood door-to-door sales, word of mouth, and makeup parties similar to the popular Tupperware parties of the day. My mother, being of Mennonite up-bringing, eschewed makeup but I can remember pouring through the little Avon catalogs at my friend's house. At some point in the 90's Avon developed a relationship with Mattel and a series of Avon exclusive dolls were produced. From about 1995-1997, Avon also sold a bunch of the regular line Fashion Avenues re-packaged in special Avon pink tissue paper sealed in a plastic sleeve. "Fashion Avenue" is not mentioned on the packaging, and the Avon fashions were given new stock numbers.
The back showing a gold "B" sticker holding the tissue paper together:
Doing some online research I've found 10 of these Avon fashions, 7 of which were also sold as regular Fashion Avenues, with the other 3 being unique to Avon. Using pictures of my own Fashion Avenues, here are the 7 that were also sold as FA's showing their Avon stock number, and in parentheses their original Fashion Avenue information.
Fashions for Avon, stock #16802 (1995 Barbie Boutique Collection, stock #14299):
Fashions for Avon, stock #16803 (1995 Barbie Boutique Collection, stock #14360):
Fashions for Avon, stock #16805 (1995 Barbie Boutique Collection, stock #14671):
Fashions for Avon, stock #16804 (1995 Barbie Party Collection, stock #14367):
Fashions for Avon, stock #17668 (1996 Barbie Party Collection, stock #15864):
Fashions for Avon, stock #17669 (1996 Barbie Lingerie Collection, stock #15876):
Fashions for Avon, stock #17667 (1996 Barbie Bridal Collection, stock #15900):
As far as I know those are all the Fashions For Avon that were also sold as FA's in regular stores. There are at least 3 unique fashions that were only sold by Avon.
1997 Fashions for Avon, stock #17807- A gorgeous red cocktail dress with black accents. A sheer black shawl, black pantyhose, black pumps and a red plastic gift box were also included.
The gift box does open and similar ones were seen in FA's from that era.
1997 Fashions for Avon, stock #17808- This gold sheath dress and brocade-look jacket with white faux fur collar is perfect for a festive holiday party. White pantyhose (not shown), white pumps and a white box purse completed the ensemble.
A look at the bodice of the sheath without the jacket. The jewelry is the doll's own.
1997 Fashions for Avon, stock #17810- Finally, this elaborately accessorized ski fashion is just the thing for a day on the slopes. Barbie even has matching boots, skis and ski poles plus a bright pair of mittens.
A close-up of the detailed ski boots which actually snap into the skis:
I hope you enjoyed this trip down Avon Lane. Next week we'll look at the Fashion Avenue dolls.
