The FAO Schwarz Classic Doll line by Götz is in essence an American reiteration of Götz's popular Hannah line sold in Europe. The quartet of dolls include ballerina Tess (a new, blonde incarnation of Hannah) Hispanic school girl Claudia, Asian equestrian Avery, and African American performer Nina. The Classic Collection re-uses the standard Hannah face mold for Tess and Claudia, as well as that of Asian Hannah and African Ancestry Hannah for Avery and Nina, respectively.

CLAUDIA, AVERY, AND NINA

 

The FAO Schwarz Classic line, which sold at Toys R Us, was discontinued in 2013, at which time these beautiful dolls were selling for as much as 50% or more off. Yet they appear to have all the quality of the original Hannah line sold in Europe. They can often still be found on the secondary market.

 

Tess and Claudia share the classic Hannah face mold. However, while Tess is blonde and blue-eyed, Claudia has medium tan skin, dark brown hair and brown or Hazel eyes. Her hair is typically shorter than Hannah's or Tess's, and comes in a chin-length bob with bangs/fringe. Avery is Asian and also wears a bob, making her unique from her Götz twin, Asian Hannah, who has longer hair. Avery has light tan skin and brown eyes, and her dark brown/ black hair is available with or without bangs/fringe. Nina, like her lookalike, African ancestry Hannah, comes with dark skin, brown eyes, and medium length curly black hair. Nina is available with or without bangs/ fringe.
 

TESS

 

Each of the FAO Schwarz classic dolls comes with her own theme, and with her own interests. Tess is a ballet dancer, just like Hannah and Sarah at the Ballet. Claudia comes in her school uniform, backpack, and glasses, and has an additional, team sports outfit. Tess and Claudia seem to have only one available version each; in contrast, equestrian Avery comes wearing her riding outfit with riding accessories, plus an additional casual outfit, while a different version of Avery can also be purchased wearing a pink party dress. Rockstar Nina wears a flashy stage outfit, either a shiny purple shirt or a glittery pink dress depending on which "performer" version you buy. She also comes with a microphone or guitar, heart-shaped shades, and a second, more casual outfit.

AMERICAN GIRL JLY #42 AND FAO SCHWARTZ CLAUDIA
 

	Pleasant Company AG	Mattel AG	FAO Schwarz Classic
height	18" / 46cm	18" / 46cm	19" / 48.5cm
head	12 1/4" / 32cm	12" / 30.5cm	12" / 30.5cm
chest	11 1/2" / 29cm	11 1/4" /28.5cm	9 3/4" / 25cm
waist	11 1/4" /28.5cm	10 1/2" / 26.5cm	9 1/2" / 24cm
hips	12 1/2" / 32cm	12" / 30.5cm	10 3/4" / 27.5 cm

The measurements are approximate. Individual dolls may vary.

Like Hannah, the FAO Schwarz classic dolls are slightly taller than American Girl dolls, being about 19" to American Girl's 18". Also like Hannah, they have all vinyl, "slim" bodies, being more slender than American Girls and more easily sharing some of their clothes with Journey Girls, Carpatina, Magic Attic, and EuroGirls. Most American Girl doll clothing will fit the FAO Schwarz classic doll fairly well, though some may be a bit loose in the waist and shoulders. FAO Schwarz classic dolls have longer arms and legs than AG dolls and larger, narrower hands and feet. They have inset (non-closing) eyes and high quality, washable, stylable, rooted hair typical of most Götz dolls. They are no longer sold by FAO Schwarz, but can be found on the secondary market anywhere from about $20.00 to $160 or more.
 

Interestingly, FAO Schwarz also offered a 14" "baby" version of Claudia, Avery, and Nina.  These can also be found on the secondary market.