IN THE BEGINNING, BEYOND KEN AND HIS WARDROBE, CAME KEN AND ME. I TOOK A COUPLE OF KENS TO THE BEACH. I FOUND THE PERFECT ORANGE PLASTIC PAIL AT A CONVENIENCE STORE EN ROUTE. NOW KEN WAS PART OF MY TRAVEL PHOTOS, AND, IT WOULD LEAD TO REENVISIONING THE SCENES AT HOME..
Once I returned home I “recreated” the beach on my bookshelf. Ken vignettes would soon take over most of the shelves. Now I had a reason to collect Ken and his outfits, and cool “stuff” to help me tell the whole story…
I started collecting VINTAGE KEN in 1998.
i just wanted 1 as a representative of mens fashion in the early 1960s.
I had no idea that 1 doll would lead to 200+ dolls, all vintage (from 1961 – 1968) and at least as many ensembles (complete outfit and accessories), some MIB (mint in box) some loose (many duplicates and several in triplicate, sometimes complete sometimes not), all the paks (maybe a single garment or some extra accessories, usually) MOC (mint on card) and loose, miniature accessories 1/6th scale (1 inch = 1 foot) (usuually designed for this size doll) a car, a vespa, furniture, etc, other dolls (Ken clones) + toys, advertising, and other ephemera from the period to compliment the “looks” and tell the story.
Ken’s story became my story, hence the site’s title. He’s overtaken a lot of my home at times, travelled with me, been put in exhibitions and yes, we even have a book!
I have been told I’m obsessed…lol…but I’ve seen photos of people with way more…
This site chronicles my collection, and other “stuff” so you can see just what I am talking about!
Follow us for more…
Best, James
(James B Fowler)
Welcome to “KEN and ME”. There have been various iterations of this site in the past, which, for whatever reason, have magically dissappeared…let’s see if this one will stick.
I have been an avid Ken collector since 1998. It started with the “booklet” and was quickly followed up by my first “real” purchase; a blonde molded hair straight leg Ken wearing “Dreamboat”.
My dreamboat
Love at first site…
KEN AND ME 