Ginger Giggles

The Enduring Charm of Blythe: From 70s Flop to Customization Queen

Greetings, Beastie fans! Today, we’re diving into the captivating world of Blythe dolls. These wide-eyed, expression-changing beauties have captured the hearts of a passionate adult collector base. Their journey is intriguing, from a brief blip in toy history to a global phenomenon of customization.

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A Fleeting Start: Kenner’s 1972 Vision

Our story begins in 1972. The American toy company Kenner released a unique fashion doll named Blythe. Allison Katzman designed her. Blythe stood out with her oversized head and slender body. Most notably, her mechanism allowed her large eyes to change color and direction. A string on the back of her head facilitated this. She offered four different eye colors: blue, green, orange, and pink. This gave her a range of captivating expressions.

However, Blythe didn’t quite take off with the mainstream audience. She had distinctive features and a line of groovy 70s fashions. Perhaps her “uncanny” look was too ahead of its time. Or maybe she just didn’t resonate with the dominant doll trends. Whatever the reason, Kenner discontinued Blythe after just one year. She was then relegated to the dusty shelves of toy history.

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The Japanese Revival: A Cult Following Blooms

For nearly three decades, original Kenner Blythe dolls remained a niche curiosity. A handful of collectors quietly appreciated them. But everything changed at the turn of the millennium. In the late 1990s, Japanese photographer Gina Garan stumbled upon a vintage Blythe doll. She was instantly smitten. Garan began incorporating Blythe into her artistic photography. She captured the doll in various settings and costumes. Her work garnered significant attention.

This newfound exposure sparked interest. Junko Wong, a producer at CWC (Creative Work Company) in Tokyo, noticed Blythe. She recognized Blythe’s unique appeal and potential. Therefore, CWC partnered with Japanese toy manufacturer Takara (now part of Good Smile Company) to revive the doll. In 2001, the first Neo Blythe doll was released. It faithfully recreated the original’s charm while introducing modern updates. This revival was an instant success in Japan. Soon after, Blythe’s popularity began to spread globally.

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The Reign of Customization: A Collector’s Canvas

Blythe’s incredible potential for customization truly propelled her into the collecting stratosphere. This is also why adult collectors gravitate towards her. Unlike many mass-produced dolls, Blythe is seen as a blank canvas. She invites collectors to unleash their creativity. They can transform her into a unique work of art.

The customization process can be extensive. It often involves:

• Face-ups: Repainting the doll’s face with intricate details, new makeup, and blush. This changes her expression and overall aesthetic.
• Eye Chips: Replacing the original eye chips. Custom-made ones come in a vast array of colors, patterns, and designs.
• Hair: Rerooting or replacing the doll’s hair with new wigs. These come in different styles, colors, and textures.
• Carving: Modifying the doll’s face mold by carving details. These include lips, noses, and philtrums for a completely new look.
• Outfits: As you know well here at Ginger Beasties, handmade Blythe clothing is a huge part of the Blythe world! Collectors commission or create exquisite, detailed outfits. These range from historical garb to contemporary fashion. They reflect their personal style and the doll’s new personality.

This deep level of customization has fostered a vibrant and dedicated global community. Collectors share their creations online. They participate in customization challenges. Furthermore, they attend Blythe conventions (like BlytheCon) to connect, showcase their dolls, and purchase handmade Blythe clothing and accessories from talented artisans.

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The Current State of Blythe Collectors

Today, the Blythe collecting community remains strong. It may be a bit more “underground” than in its peak mainstream visibility. Newer toy trends and evolving social media algorithms have shifted some spotlight. However, Blythe retains a fiercely loyal fanbase.

• Dedicated Artisans: The demand for high-quality handmade Blythe clothing, wigs, and custom face-ups is consistently high. Artisans often have long waitlists for their bespoke creations. This testifies to the appreciation for their skill and artistry.
• Online Community Hubs: Forums, Facebook groups, and subreddits (like r/BlytheDolls) serve as vital hubs. Collectors share tips, buy and sell dolls and accessories, and simply admire each other’s work there. Instagram is also a popular platform for showcasing stunning Blythe photography.
• Emphasis on Individuality: The core appeal of Blythe continues to be the ability to create a truly unique doll. It reflects the collector’s vision. This drive for personalization fuels the demand for custom work and handmade items.
• Value and Investment: Original Kenner Blythe dolls are highly sought after. They can command significant prices. Limited edition Takara releases and expertly customized dolls also retain strong value within the collector’s market.
• Diversity and Representation: A growing trend within the community is the demand for and creation of more diverse Blythe dolls. Artists are leading the way. They produce dolls with a wider range of skin tones, hair textures, and facial features. This reflects the global community of collectors.

From her humble beginnings as a short-lived toy, Blythe has transformed. She is now a cherished muse for artists and collectors worldwide. Her unique charm and the endless possibilities for customization ensure her continued inspiration for creativity and fashion for years to come. For those of us who appreciate the art of handmade, she remains a perfectly dressed icon.