Lori Capullo | 5/12/2011

[Photo courtesy of Perla Lichi]

Perla Lichi
Partner, Lichi-Zelman Style Interiors - Pompano Beach

Perla Lichi has been collecting Barbie dolls since she was in elementary school. She's collected approximately 600 of them and keeps them on display in a specially designed "Barbie Room" in her home. "Most of my collection consists of Barbie dolls made specifically for the adult collector," Lichi says. "They eventually go out of production and become more valuable. Some dolls were made specifically for certain stores, such as White Chocolate Obsession, which was released for Toys R Us Exclusives in 2005. This was part of the Flavor Obsession that also included Citrus Obsession and Peppermint Obsession."

[Photo: Barry Grossman]

No ordinary girls: "I love Ferrari Barbie and Givenchy. The Hollywood Stars series is another favorite, including Hollywood Premier and Cast Party, and any of The Jewel Collection: Countess of Rubies, Empress of Emeralds, Queen of Sapphires and Duchess of Diamonds are fabulous. I was known for many years as the "Decor Diva" — I even had a national newspaper column for about five years with that name — so the Diva Collection is another all-time favorite: Gone Platinum-Diva I, All That Glitters-Diva II and Red Hot-Diva III."

The 11.5-inch role model: "I think Barbie dolls are a great outlet for young girls to express what they want to be. This is a good way for parents to understand their daughter's feelings and ideas, just by watching which ones they select."

Barbie's value: "Any of the designer dolls like the Bob Mackie are on the pricier side — in the $250 range. Some collector dolls are worth over $5,000, such as the first Bob Mackie. Mine was personally signed by him at a show."

The Perla Lichi look: "I have made my own dress designs, called Perla Lichi Style Fashion for Barbie, and I've displayed them in past collector shows."