
Kanani Face Mold
Since American Girl dolls were first created in 1986, there have 8 face molds: Classic, Addy, American Girl of Today #4, Josefina, Kaya, Jess, Sonali and Marie-Grace. Some people feel it is time for a new face. But, all of these faces are lovely, each in their own way. The existence of so many molds, combined with a variety of skin tones, hair color and eye color gives each American Girl doll their distinctive character and personality. American Girl is to be applauded for offering such a large variety of ethnic dolls. I don’t believe any other toy company has such a wide selections.
1. Classic Face Mold
By far, the most used of the face molds is the classic face mold. It was used for all 3 of the original dolls, Kirsten, Samantha and Molly.
As these pictures illustrate, even though the face mold is the same, hair and eye color give each girl a distinct character and charm.
The Classic face mold has since been used for Felicity, Kit, Emily, Ruthie and Caroline, as well as the re-released Samantha and now Maryellen.
It was used for the following Girls of the Year: Lindsey, Kailey, Nicki, Mia, Gwen, Lanie, Saige and Isabelle.
The Classic face mold is the one used for most of the American Girls Today, Just Like You, My American Girl and Truly Me dolls.
2. Addy Face Mold
The Addy face mold was first used in 1993 for the historical girl Addy Walker. It has not been used for any Girls of the Year, but has been used for several My American Girl and Truly Me dolls.
3. American Girl of Today #4 Face Mold
This face mold was introduced in 1995 and retired in 2012. It was never used for any other doll. This mold has light skin and supposedly Asian features. To me it is very similar to the Classic Mold.
4. Josefina Face Mold
In 1997, Josefina was introduced with her own unique face.
Since then, this very popular face has been used for Elizabeth, Nellie, Rebecca and Julie.
It has also been used for Marisol, Chrissa, McKenna and Grace and for 2 My American Girl dolls.
5. Kaya Face Mold
In 2002, Kaya was added to the American Girl line. A special face was created for her and has never been used for any other doll. Kaya is the only doll with a closed mouth smile.
6. Jess Face Mold
In 2006, a new face mold was created for Girl of the Year, Jess. The following year it was used for Ivy Ling, Julie’s friend in the historical line.
It was used again in 2011 for Kanani, Girl of the Year and has also been used for 3 My American Girl dolls.
7. Sonali Face Mold
A new face mold was created in 2009 for Sonali, part of Girl of the Year, Chrissa’s collection. In 2011, it was used again for Cecile Rey, an historical girl and it has been used for 2 My American Girl dolls.
8. Marie-Grace Face Mold
In 2011, a unique face mold was created for Marie-Grace Gardner, one of the historical girls. So far, it has only been used for Marie-Grace. Marie-Grace was retired in 2014, so it is not currently in use. Many people like this face and would like to see it used again.
It’s amazing how many dolls you have! You’re knowledge is extensive! Thanks for sharing!
American Girl does not give a racial designation to any of the face molds and generally, any mold could theoretically be available with any skin, hair, and eye combination (as seen in the Create Your Own line). However, the faces do generally map to the general likenesses of perceived racial groups.