Finally, after much anticipation, the Luna doll from the Decora Fashion line has arrived! The excitement has been building, especially for collectors eager to get their hands on these vibrant and uniquely styled dolls. While the initial release on FAO at a higher price point of $30, compared to Walmart’s expected $21.97, caused some hesitation due to shipping costs and lack of installment options, the allure of Luna was too strong to resist. The free shipping threshold of $100 on FAO meant needing to add unwanted items or another doll to the cart, making the purchase less appealing. Despite almost passing due to the inflated price compared to the anticipated Walmart pricing, the desire for Luna ultimately won out.
The good news for eager fans is that the Decora line is scheduled to launch on Walmart.com on March 15th, promising lower prices, a more accessible free shipping minimum, and convenient payment options. This upcoming release is highly anticipated, with plans to acquire more of the smaller blind-packed Decora Fashion dolls, as well as the larger Decora and Celestia dolls, at the more affordable Walmart price point.
The unboxing experience was adequate, although the box’s back panel detached somewhat roughly, peeling off in segments instead of smoothly opening. A minor inconvenience, but the crucial point was the absence of plastic tabs piercing through the back of Luna’s head – always a welcome detail for doll collectors.
Inside the box’s base, the doll stand and brush accessories were neatly included. Despite the initial price frustration, Luna’s undeniable cuteness quickly dispels any lingering buyer’s remorse. It’s possible to acknowledge the price markup and still be completely satisfied with the purchase, a testament to the doll’s charm and appeal within the decora fashion aesthetic.
Luna features beautifully applied makeup, though it’s largely concealed by her bangs. This subtle detail adds depth to her character design. Her hair color is a dark brown, a refreshing departure from typical black hair often associated with “goth” inspired characters, offering a softer take on the decora fashion style which often incorporates darker elements.
Positioning Luna on her stand requires a bit of finesse. Being notably top-heavy, careful adjustment of her feet is essential to ensure stability. A slightly tighter clip on the stand would likely improve its functionality. Furthermore, while the Decora Fashion line is known for its bright and playful aesthetic, the doll stands themselves are surprisingly basic and could benefit from a more decorative design to match the vibrant decora style.
While the back of Luna’s hairstyle appears somewhat casually styled, it’s a minor detail that’s easily overlooked, as the focus will primarily be on the doll’s front-facing display and decora fashion elements.
The included sticker sheet offers a variety of designs, with the winged skulls being a particular highlight. However, the non-puffy stickers intended for facial application are less appealing. Perhaps smaller skull motifs designed for single cheek placement would have been a more versatile and fitting choice for the decora fashion theme, aligning better with popular kawaii and alternative aesthetics.
The accessory pack contains an array of barrettes and a rather shallow brush. These hair accessories are key to achieving the layered and decorated hairstyles characteristic of decora fashion, allowing for customization and creative expression in styling Luna.
It’s worth reiterating the sheer size of this doll – she is HUGE! The head size is surprisingly substantial; even 24-inch Ball-Jointed Dolls (BJDs) can have smaller heads in comparison. This oversized head is a defining characteristic of the Decora Fashion dolls, contributing to their unique and eye-catching appearance.
The barrettes included with Luna are reminiscent of those seen with Shibajuku Girls dolls, known for their bright and playful hair accessories. This connection highlights the broader influences of Japanese street fashion on the Decora Fashion doll line, drawing inspiration from styles like decora and kawaii.
Only one sticker from the sheet was used for this review, featuring a winged skull placed on Luna’s forehead. While stickers are a common element in decora fashion, they may not appeal to all collectors in the same way. The inclusion of “band-aid” style stickers seems somewhat out of place. Smaller, more thematic stickers like single skulls would likely be more universally appealing and easier to incorporate into the doll’s decora aesthetic.
Affixing the skull barrette within Luna’s bangs proved a little challenging, but it now seems securely positioned. These types of hair accessories are essential for achieving the layered and voluminous hairstyles characteristic of decora fashion, adding visual interest and personality to the doll’s overall look.
Beneath her black t-shirt, Luna sports a charming dress, and her skirt is noticeably sheer. Further undressing was avoided due to concerns about the shoes being difficult to put back on over her socks, wanting to prevent any potential damage. The layered clothing is a typical element of decora fashion, allowing for mixing and matching and creating unique looks.
In conclusion, Luna is undeniably adorable and a welcome addition to any collection, especially for enthusiasts of decora fashion. The temptation to immediately order Celestia and Decora is strong, and even Sweetie is starting to become appealing. However, the desire to avoid overspending prevents impulsive purchases of the entire line at once, particularly with a current focus on re-acquiring older Pullip dolls. The hair quality appears good, although braids can be challenging to fully assess. The doll’s body is basic with click knees and limited sitting ability, unsurprising given the large head. These dolls are best suited for display stands or propped arrangements. The substantial head size also raises questions about display space, as a collection of these dolls will likely fill shelves quickly. The wait until March 15th for the Walmart.com release continues with eager anticipation.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mine.
