After years of customer complaints about the Princess of Radiance LE 75 (see tiny right) such as unfairness that it was so rare, so hard to find, so overpriced by resellers, so marvelously special, etc., the Mint surprised collectors by releasing a new and slightly improved version in 2008 (near right.)

Although at first glance, this appears to be the Princess of Radiance, that rare and elusive Holy Grail of so many collectors of this series, there are some major differences, starting with the edition numbers.  The original was an ultra limited edition of 75 dolls; the rebooted version didn't indicate a limit, but is suspected to have produced 750 or 1,000 units.

The new version wears the same 30's style fuchsia Victor Edelstein gown, but in brighter hot pink/less dark salmon shade than the first gown in a softer, more liquid silk fabric. The demi-train on the gown is better fanned out and the cowl-draped back doesn’t show as bulky on the shoulders. The doll has a blonder, fluffier, shorter and softer updated curly hairstyle than was used for the Princess of Radiance product, and the wig was restyled to be contemporary to the majority of occasions when the gown was worn to reflect Diana sporting a root perm hairdo.  The purse is different, a cluster brooch with white stones is included replacing Radiance's pearl/"ruby" choker, and it comes with the same earrings.

One of the big attractions of the original version LE dressed doll was “genuine” rubies in the jewelry.  Does it matter?  They are teeny, tiny specks and I really don’t think it’s really important, although maybe it is to some people.

 Anyone wanting the look of the LE can accessorize with the pearl choker from the purple Versace gown outfit, remove the brooch, and it won't cost you the two grand plus dollars that the Princess of Radiance LE raised on eBay in her heyday.

• • 1930's fuchsia Victor Edelstein gown with a back cowl-draped neckline

  • Diamond cluster brooch attached to the bodice

  • The same ruby/pearl drop earrings from the red bow dress/'98 LE Princess of Hearts doll

  • Matching fuchsia vinyl shoes

  • Satin clutch purse.

Be sure to read about the Princess of Radiance.

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