If you’re expecting Blythe dolls to resemble Barbie dolls, you will be in for quite a shock. After all, Blythe dolls are far from your average play toy. In fact, these dolls are rarely played with by children at all. Instead, they are considered high fashion dolls and are often collected and photographed by private investors.
Blythe dolls have been around since the 70’s but they haven’t exactly been embraced by American consumers. Instead, they attracted the eyes of collectors in Japan. It is rumored that designer Allison Katzman was inspired by the popular animated character Betty Boop. As a result, these dolls are known for their oversized heads, small pouts and strikingly large eyes that change color with the pull of a string. Despite these similarities, you’ll find that Blythe dolls are all rather unique since enthusiasts are most known for customizing their Blythe dolls and turning them into collectible, high fashion works of art.
Of course, we can’t say these dolls are for everyone. Despite their popularity in Japan, there has always been an eeriness to Blythe dolls that have generally made the public rather uncomfortable. Maybe it’s their lifelike features that make them so taboo or their massive marble eyes that seem to peer into your soul. I don’t know the answer, but I do know that these dolls are some of the most expensive dolls in the world. Ranging from sixty to several thousand dollars, these collectibles are not to be taken lightly. Some might find this a strange hobby, but in a weird way they are quite beautiful. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So what do you think? Are Blythe dolls creepy or couture?
Featured Image Courtesy of flickr.com
