The Disney Store’s Aristocats Marie plush from the Birthstone Series represents a unique intersection of pop culture collectibles and the tradition of birthstones. This specific plush, representing the month of October, features the beloved character Marie from the 1970 animated film The Aristocats. Designed as a collectible item within a series that associates each month with a specific gemstone, this plush serves as a tangible representation of the October birthstone. While the provided source materials focus on the commercial listings and physical description of the plush toy, they offer a window into the craftsmanship, thematic design choices, and collector market for such items. This article will explore the specific details of the October Birthstone Marie plush, its place within the larger Birthstone Series, and the characteristics that define it as a piece of Disney memorabilia.
The October Birthstone Marie Plush: Design and Specifications
The primary source material provides a detailed physical description of the Vintage Disney Store Aristocats Marie Plush designated for October. The item is characterized by its specific color palette and decorative elements that distinguish it from other months in the series. The plush is described as a white cat with bright blue eyes, adhering to the character design of Marie from The Aristocats. The distinguishing features for the October version are the pink details. These include a pink bow on the head, a larger pink bow on the back, and a pink collar. A key thematic element is the embroidered "October" detail, which visually anchors the plush to its designated month. Additionally, the plush features a pink heart gem charm, a subtle nod to the gemstone association of the birthstone series.
The item measures approximately 10 inches in height, making it a substantial plush toy suitable for display or play. The material is listed as soft plush, indicating a focus on tactile appeal and comfort. The condition is noted as excellent, which is a critical factor for collectors of vintage Disney merchandise. The brand is explicitly the Disney Store, confirming its origin as official merchandise rather than a third-party reproduction. The character is Marie from The Aristocats, and the collection is identified as the "Birthstone Series – October." The aesthetic keywords associated with this listing include "vintage plush," "kawaii cat," "nostalgic Disney," "cottagecore decor," and "kids room decor." These keywords suggest the item's appeal spans from nostalgic adult collectors to children's toys, and its design fits within modern interior design trends like cottagecore.
The source material for the October plush is more comprehensive than for the other months mentioned, providing a full description and condition report. This allows for a clear understanding of the product's intended appearance and quality. The listing emphasizes the item's excellent condition, which is a significant selling point in the secondary market for collectible plush toys.
The Birthstone Series: A Thematic Collection
The provided sources indicate that the Aristocats Marie plush is part of a larger "Birthstone Series." While the October version is described in detail, the other sources confirm the existence of plushes for other months. A separate listing mentions a "Disney plush Aristocats Marie June Birthstone 9” cat kitten," indicating that the series includes at least June, with a slightly different size (9 inches vs. 10 inches for October). Another listing describes a "Disney Store Aristocat January Birthstone Faux Garnet 'Marie' The Cat Plush 8"." This confirms the series includes January, and introduces the concept of a "Faux Garnet," which is the January birthstone. The use of "Faux Garnet" suggests that the plush for January may incorporate a specific gemstone-colored accessory or detail, mirroring the pink heart gem charm on the October plush.
The existence of a series implies a coordinated design effort by the Disney Store to create a collectible set. Each plush is tailored to a specific month, likely with unique color schemes and charms corresponding to that month's traditional birthstone. For example, October's birthstone is opal or tourmaline, which are often associated with pink and multi-colored hues, consistent with the pink details on the October plush. January's garnet is typically deep red, which may be represented by the "Faux Garnet" in that plush's description. This thematic connection between the plush's design and the traditional birthstone for each month is the core concept of the series.
The series appears to have been produced for the Disney Store, targeting collectors and gift-givers. The varying sizes (8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches) might indicate different production runs, variations within the series, or simply measurement differences in listings. The consistent character (Marie) across the series provides a unifying element, while the monthly theming creates individuality and encourages collecting the full set.
Collector Market and Secondary Sales
The provided sources are listings from online marketplaces, specifically Poshmark and eBay. These platforms are primary venues for the secondary sale of vintage and collectible items. The listings provide insight into the current market for these specific plush toys.
The October Birthstone Marie plush is listed on Poshmark for $5, with a "sold" status, though it also mentions a price of $29, which could be a previous listing price or a reference to market value. The listing is currently unavailable, indicating it has been sold. The June Birthstone plush is listed on eBay for $9.99, with 9 watchers, suggesting active interest. The January Birthstone plush is listed on eBay for $12.99 or Best Offer, with 3 watchers. These prices reflect the typical range for vintage Disney Store plush toys, which can vary based on condition, rarity, and demand.
The condition of the items is a critical factor. The October plush is described as "excellent condition," a strong selling point. The January plush is noted as "pre-owned no hangtags" with "some flaws," which is reflected in its lower price point compared to the October plush's original listing price. The June plush listing does not provide a detailed condition description but is listed as "used."
Shipping costs are notably high in the eBay listings, with international shipping fees exceeding the item's price. This reflects the global nature of the collectibles market and the logistical costs of shipping delicate items. The listings also mention standard eBay policies like 30-day returns and buyer-paid return shipping, which are common for peer-to-peer sales.
The market for these items is driven by nostalgia for Disney films like The Aristocats (1970) and the collectibility of themed series. The "Birthstone Series" adds an additional layer of appeal for those interested in birthstones or themed collecting. The aesthetic keywords ("kawaii," "cottagecore") also point to a modern audience that values cute, nostalgic decor.
The Aristocats and Marie: Cultural Context
While the provided sources are commercial listings, they inherently reference the cultural backdrop of The Aristocats. The film, released in 1970, is a classic Disney animated feature set in Paris. The character Marie is one of the three kittens belonging to Duchess, the main feline protagonist. Marie is known for her white fur, blue eyes, and pink bow, a design that is directly replicated in the plush toys. Her personality is often characterized as sweet and slightly prim, which aligns with the "kawaii" aesthetic mentioned in the listings.
The enduring popularity of The Aristocats and its characters provides a sustained demand for related merchandise. The Birthstone Series leverages this popularity by combining a beloved character with the personalizable theme of birthstones. This creates a product that functions as both a piece of Disney memorabilia and a personalized gift item. The inclusion of the month name ("October") embroidered on the plush makes it a direct representation of the recipient's birth month, enhancing its gift appeal.
The cultural significance of birthstones themselves adds another layer. The tradition of associating specific gemstones with months of the year has ancient roots, though the modern list was standardized in the 20th century. By integrating this tradition into a plush toy series, the Disney Store created a product that taps into both pop culture and long-standing symbolic practices.
Design Elements and Craftsmanship
The physical description of the October Birthstone Marie plush reveals specific design choices that differentiate it from a standard Marie plush. The use of pink details—bows, collar, and heart gem charm—serves a dual purpose: it creates visual interest and ties the design to the October birthstone. While the sources do not specify the exact October birthstone, the pink coloration is consistent with pink tourmaline or the pink fire of an opal, two of October's traditional stones.
The "pink heart gem charm" is a particularly noteworthy element. It is a small accessory attached to the plush, likely made of plastic or acrylic to mimic a gemstone. This charm is the most direct link to the birthstone concept within the plush's design. The embroidered "October" text provides explicit confirmation of the month association.
The plush is made of soft material, emphasizing its role as a tactile object. The 10-inch size is a common dimension for collectible plush, large enough to be visually impactful but small enough for shelf display. The "excellent condition" of the October plush suggests it has been well-preserved, with no significant wear, fading, or damage to the fabric, eyes, or accessories.
The design is successful in creating a cohesive product that is instantly recognizable as Marie yet distinct due to its monthly theming. The color choices are deliberate and thematic, moving beyond the character's standard white and black palette to incorporate the birthstone color scheme.
Limitations of the Source Material
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the provided sources. As commercial listings from secondary marketplaces, they provide descriptive data about the product's physical attributes and current sales status but lack deeper historical, gemological, or manufacturing context. The sources do not provide information on: - The original retail price or release date of the Birthstone Series. - The full range of months included in the series (beyond October, June, and January). - The specific gemstone represented for each month (beyond the "Faux Garnet" for January). - The manufacturing process or materials beyond "soft plush." - Any official Disney documentation or press releases about the series.
Consequently, this article is limited to describing the item based on the available listings. It cannot provide a comprehensive history of the series, its production run, or its place within the broader history of Disney merchandise. The focus remains on the observable characteristics and the market context as presented in the sources.
Conclusion
The Vintage Disney Store Aristocats Marie Plush from the October Birthstone Series is a specific collectible item that combines the appeal of a classic Disney character with the thematic tradition of birthstones. Defined by its white fur, bright blue eyes, and distinctive pink accessories—including a heart gem charm and embroidered "October" text—the plush serves as a tangible representation of the October birth month. As part of a larger series that includes plushes for other months like June and January, it represents a coordinated collectible set designed by the Disney Store. The secondary market listings for these items, primarily on eBay and Poshmark, indicate a niche but active collector base driven by nostalgia for The Aristocats and an interest in themed merchandise. While the provided sources offer limited information beyond physical descriptions and sales data, they clearly illustrate the product's design intent and its position within the collectibles market. For enthusiasts of Disney memorabilia or birthstone-themed items, this plush represents a unique intersection of two popular collecting categories.