One thing I really love about doll collecting is learning about other country's BIG doll lines, the ones that had a large impact on people's childhoods and yet never broke any other markets.
Chabel is one such doll.
If you're a Spanish Millennial then you probably know her, otherwise, let me tell you a little from what i've managed to glean from my research.
Chabel was a doll line released in 1983 by a company called Feber (who still exist as a subsidiary of Famosa now). Inspired by Japanese anime and manga which was becoming popular in the country at the time, the story goes that a deal was struck with Takara to use Licca Chan's likeness. However I can't find any confirmation that this is for sure what happened. But there's definite heavy inspiration from Licca if nothing else.
Chabel was by the sounds of it, a very successful brand. She had fashion packs, accessories and playsets and even stationary and shoes for kids. But her reign was short lived. In 1993 Feber stopped producing dolls completely, and Chabel was retired. It's unclear what happened, as their 1991 turnover was great, but soon after financial issues arose and the company pivoted to what they still produce today, outdoor toys and playhouses. They were acquired by Famosa in 2006 and exist now rather like MGA's Little Tykes or Mattel's Fischer Price. They in fact seem to make very similar products to Little Tykes, lots of little ride on car things and playhouses and slides.
Anyway, in the 8 years of her existence, Chabel stood her ground against foreign dolls like Barbie and was well remembered enough to get a reproduction doll produced by Famosa and Giochi Preziosi in 2024.
Today i'm going to be looking at a vintage 1989-90 Chabel, and the 2024 reproduction doll. And let's see how she compares with Japan's own Licca Chan.
