Modern Era Dolls Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha and Molly
Modern Era Dolls Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha and Molly
Community, Inside scoop, Learning 3 minute read

Inside the Modern Era Collection

By American Girl Feb. 23, 2026

If you grew up with the original American Girl historical dolls, you probably don’t need a catalogue to know who’s who. You remember accessories and dresses from different eras with ease.

That’s why the Modern Era™ collection was created. It gives the fans a refreshed way to look at the most recognizable elements from historical doll fashions, answering the question: what would these characters look like if they lived today? The result is a lineup that feels current, but familiar in a way fans will immediately love. Each 14.5” doll includes a scaled-down face of the original, with a new take on their accessories, bag, hairstyle, and outfit.

Here’s a closer look at the details you might notice first, and the ones you might spot after a second glance.

Image of American Girl and Modern Era Felicity doll standing side by side

Felicity refines the fit

The foremost Felicity fans will marvel at this new look for their equestrian cutie.

Felicity’s 1774-inspired look channels her bold spirit, with a rose-print satin peplum top featuring front laces and puff sleeves. Bow-trimmed jeans, faux-leather riding boots, and a high auburn ponytail add to her modern riding style, while her faux-coral necklace recalls the beads she wore for luck. Clipped to her saddlebag purse is a horse charm—a sweet memento of Penny, her beloved chestnut mare.


Did you notice?


The bow details on Felicity’s jeans echo the decorative ties found on her original dresses, reworked into denim.


Did you notice?


The bow details on Felicity’s jeans echo the decorative ties found on her original dresses, reworked into denim.

Image of American Girl and Modern Era Josefina doll standing side by side

Josefina blooms boldly

Josefina’s Modern Era look relies on her original rancho vibes, and we can’t deny—it’s beautiful!

Her 1824 camisa gets a breezy update as a bell-sleeved top, paired with vibrant red ruffle-hem shorts in her original floral pattern. Her long hair is now styled in a front French braid, and her hoop earrings and faux-garnet pendant choker—inspired by a present from Tía Dolores—add a golden glint. Colorful primroses bloom on her handbag and cowgirl boots, weaving cherished memories of Mamá’s garden into her modern look.


Did you notice?


The floral details on Josefina’s boots echo the flowers that appeared throughout her original collection.


Did you notice?


The floral details on Josefina’s boots echo the flowers that appeared throughout her original collection.

Image of American Girl and Modern Era Kirsten doll standing side by side

Kirsten sets the trend

Just like the “grow stripe” at the bottom hem of her original dress, Kirsten’s style is also on the rise.

Now full of ’90s flair, her classic 1854 blue calico dress is reimagined with bright florals, ruffles, and a Peter Pan collar. Her loop braids are now gathered into space buns, her spoon bag is transformed into a sparkly monogrammed purse, and her faux-amber pendant becomes a charm bracelet—a token evoking Papa’s encouragement to never lose heart. It’s all about honoring her prairie roots while letting her modern style shine.


Did you notice?


The red accents across Kirsten’s accessories subtly reference the red stitching and details that appeared throughout her original wardrobe.


Did you notice?


The red accents across Kirsten’s accessories subtly reference the red stitching and details that appeared throughout her original wardrobe.

Image of American Girl and Modern Era Addy doll standing side by side

Addy adds attitude

Addy’s Modern Era outfit is made of familiar elements stitched together in a new way.

Her 1864 pink-and-white striped dress and blue-patterned bow combine into a patchwork dress, with her straw bonnet becoming a trendy woven bag. Once a tucked braid, her hair is now styled in modern twists and pulled into a half-up ponytail. She wears classic golden hoop earrings and keeps the heirloom faux-cowrie-shell necklace passed down from her great-grandmother—a beautiful reminder of her strength, heritage, and love of family.


Did you notice?


The blue bow on Addy’s bag directly references the bow on her original bonnet, just scaled down.


Did you notice?


The blue bow on Addy’s bag directly references the bow on her original bonnet, just scaled down.

Image of American Girl and Modern Era Samantha doll standing side by side

Samantha serves style

If you associate Samantha with pretty plaid, you’re not wrong. And the Modern Era version clearly agrees.

Samantha’s 1904 taffeta dress gets a playful update with a pink-and-berry plaid skirt and sheer puff-sleeved top—remaining poised and polished as ever. Her treasured brooch—a keepsake that held pictures of her parents—becomes a velvet bow with a golden heart pendant. Ribboned ballet flats, full bangs, and a headband featuring her signature plaid hairbow make the proper finishing touches for this original trendsetter with timeless charm.


Did you notice?


The repeated use of plaid across Samantha’s outfit mirrors how her original look relied on one signature pattern to define her style.


Did you notice?


The repeated use of plaid across Samantha’s outfit mirrors how her original look relied on one signature pattern to define her style.

Image of American Girl and Modern Era Molly doll standing side by side

Molly perfects prep

Molly’s look has always been iconic, and her Modern Era look keeps the same star-spangled style of the original.

Molly’s spirited 1944 outfit is updated with an argyle-print sweater, matching wrap skirt, and sparkly beret with an embroidered bow. Pops of red, from her wristlet and loafers to her standout glasses, show off her winning spirit. She wears a charm bracelet, echoing the locket that held her dad’s photo—a heartfelt nod to keeping loved ones close.


Did you notice?


Molly’s small side braids mirror
the symmetry of her original pigtails.


Did you notice?


Molly’s small side braids mirror the symmetry of her original pigtails.

Image of Modern Era dolls Felicity, Josefina, Addy, Samantha, Kirsten, and Molly standing and sitting on books

Arriving in style

Each Modern Era™ doll arrives in a book-shaped box with a front flap that opens to reveal the doll inside, a clear nod to the original “Meet” books longtime fans will remember. Inside, an illustration details the character’s story, creating a layered display box. They also nicely work together to create a complete collection.

Image of Modern Era dolls Molly, Kirsten, Josefina, Addy, Samantha and Felicity standing side by side

Then…and WOW!

The Modern Era™ collection honors our original characters in a new way. It’s trend-setting and mind-bending…in the best way possible! Own every era—bring the collection home.

©2026 American Girl. American Girl and associated trademarks are owned by American Girl, LLC.

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