Hear ye, hear ye, there’s a new guy in the “miniverse,” and his name is Greg! Purpose Toys has expanded its viral Naturalistas doll line with the release of the FADE COLLECTION, a line of action figures/fashion dolls that celebrates Black barber culture, entrepreneurship, and the haircuts that are often sported in Black neighborhoods. 

As you may recall, Purpose Toys released the Naturalistas in 2022, and the collection of female fashion dolls instantly became popular among young doll fans and adult collectors who were smitten with the celebration of natural hair textures and diverse skin tones in one-sixth scale. The toy brand with DeeDee Wright-Ward at its helm has once again lit a spark in the doll community with the release of Greg, the first “CULTURAL Action Figures” of the FADE COLLECTION. Here’s why the doll lover in your life wants Greg in theirs.

First off, Naturalistas FADE COLLECTION Greg Fashion Doll‘s ($8.99) haircut is what sets him apart from other male dolls on the market, even those with skin tones that represent the African Diaspora. Greg has a literal short and neat fade haircut with a “traditional line-up (‘curved’ and ‘faded’ at the temple).” The back of his box even identifies his hair texture. It’s 4B if you’re wondering.

“What FADE COLLECTION brings to market, as the world’s first and only line of ‘CULTURAL Action Figures’ to celebrate Black Barber Culture, is our signature combination of flocked, rooted, molded, and gradated (textured) Black male hairstyles, and attention to the nuances of line-ups and the all-important fade,” said Wright-Ward in a press release. “Through FADE COLLECTION, we not only bring authenticity to toy shelves like never before, we also celebrate the camaraderie, the culture, and the brotherhood that comes with the Black barber experience. No more box braids for guys, sharpie-beards, plastic ‘surfer hair,’ or complete lack of cultural representation over here! FADE COLLECTION is here to offer authentically styled Black male characters kids can relate to and be proud of.” 

On the back of the box, you’ll also find Greg’s backstory, because every action figure needs one. He’s from Los Angeles and went to the hair academy with Naturalista Dayna. Greg is a celebrity barber and owns the Fade Collective Barbershop, where his intelligence and sense of humor shine. But it’s not all business with Greg, he also uses his platform to celebrate Black barber culture. 

The attention to Greg’s backstory, and presumably the rest of the FADE COLLECTION, demonstrates Purpose Toys’ commitment to developing toys that celebrate our culture and help foster confidence and high self-esteem in Black children. 

Greg is 11.5 inches and is quite the stylish guy. He comes wearing a light blue T-shirt with “FADE COLLECTION NATURALISTAS” written across it and light green chino joggers. Both garments are made from quality fabrics. He accessorizes his look with a substantial molded brown messenger bag and fresh to death white “Afro-1” kicks featuring teal Afro picks, light blue accents, and “FADE” written on the heels. (Yes, I’d actually wear these sneakers if they were available in my size!)

The muscular doll has seven points of articulation, including the elbows. He has a unique-to-the-doll-industry yet familiar-to-the-Black-community face mold and is quite handsome. Also, the face screening is void of shine or pixelation, and looks realistic.

I hope the FADE COLLECTION includes a deluxe set like the Naturalistas Grace Deluxe Influencer Set. I could see a set that includes clippers and other barber tools.

Mark my words, Greg of the Naturalistas FADE COLLECTION is fast becoming one of the most popular doll releases of 2023, making us eager to see the rest of the collection.