Our editors also gathered to create a fantastic photo tribute featuring a vintage chocolate haired "Riviera Breeze" Susie in all of her monochromatic fabulousness and this year's sensationally blonde "Susie: Fashion Night Out" using elements from the latter's amazing fashion and pieces from Integrity Toy's Poppy Parker's wardrobe.
Happy 20th Susie, darling!
Dolldom: How much was Susie inspired by Takara's Jenny? For example, is Susie's body an evolution of Jenny's Super Action Body?Rudi Teruel: *Very much so… we knew we wanted articulation for her and not so overtly sexy body… but that of a late teens modelesque gal. And Takara’s SAJ bodies were the closest.
Dolldom: Who sculpted Susie's head? Is she related to your resin Angels by having the same sculptor?
RT: Same sculptor but no relation at all to each other. We offered each doll as totally separate lines.
Dolldom: Was Susie produced and manufactured by the same factories that did Integrity's Fashion Royalty?
RT: Yes!!! In the beginning, through our friendship with Jason Wu (whom we have known since his early college and Barbie doll collecting days!) we got into contact with Integrity Toys’ Percy Newsum - a very nice man. We were able to work out the details, the money issues, and everything else that is needed to get her rolling…. And the first few years of Susie were produced by the same factory.
RT: Yes!!! In the beginning, through our friendship with Jason Wu (whom we have known since his early college and Barbie doll collecting days!) we got into contact with Integrity Toys’ Percy Newsum - a very nice man. We were able to work out the details, the money issues, and everything else that is needed to get her rolling…. And the first few years of Susie were produced by the same factory.
Dolldom: A year after Susie's debut, Momoko joined the doll world. Was there ever a connection? Same question for Poppy Parker.
RT: None whatsoever…. We were just lucky enough to have been able to share Susie at the same time as some of my fave dolls: Momoko, AZONE dolls, VOLKS dolls, Annz, Jenny, and Poppy Parker!
RT: None whatsoever…. We were just lucky enough to have been able to share Susie at the same time as some of my fave dolls: Momoko, AZONE dolls, VOLKS dolls, Annz, Jenny, and Poppy Parker!
Dolldom: Susie traveled all over the world just like you. What other elements of her character mirror yours?
RT: Love for travel is the biggest trait of hers we made sure is incorporated into her personality.. into her being. And yes, it came for both David Wu's (Teruel's partner) and my love for traveling and other cultures. I have to insist that her sweetness came from me and her love of adventure and confidence from David.
Dolldom: Explain Susie's transition to Integrity Toys' Dynamite Girls line.
RT: After our original Susie molds were lost - the company we were working with in China, without any warnings, closed down and basically ran off with our molds, every molds they had really (some US doll companies’ also, am told. All was lost…. I was depressed for a good couple of years…. Then Jason Wu, one day, during one of our talks, suggested we bring her back…. It seems they still have the original head sculpt which could be used to produce the heads…. And we decided and agreed on having her join the Dynamite Girls, Electro Pop Series. Worked closely with David Buttry as to what her look would be. With both of us being big fans of Nanie Amuro (Japanese Pop Idol) we knew she would be the inspiration. At this point, I knew I did not want to do regular releases…. Am too tired to make it a full-time job once more…. I went back to my original ideas of producing her now and again…. Not to do it for the money but for the love and fun of sharing what we love.
RT: Love for travel is the biggest trait of hers we made sure is incorporated into her personality.. into her being. And yes, it came for both David Wu's (Teruel's partner) and my love for traveling and other cultures. I have to insist that her sweetness came from me and her love of adventure and confidence from David.
Dolldom: Explain Susie's transition to Integrity Toys' Dynamite Girls line.
RT: After our original Susie molds were lost - the company we were working with in China, without any warnings, closed down and basically ran off with our molds, every molds they had really (some US doll companies’ also, am told. All was lost…. I was depressed for a good couple of years…. Then Jason Wu, one day, during one of our talks, suggested we bring her back…. It seems they still have the original head sculpt which could be used to produce the heads…. And we decided and agreed on having her join the Dynamite Girls, Electro Pop Series. Worked closely with David Buttry as to what her look would be. With both of us being big fans of Nanie Amuro (Japanese Pop Idol) we knew she would be the inspiration. At this point, I knew I did not want to do regular releases…. Am too tired to make it a full-time job once more…. I went back to my original ideas of producing her now and again…. Not to do it for the money but for the love and fun of sharing what we love.
Dolldom: Explain Susie's transition to production by JHDFASHIONDOLL.
RT: After a couple of Susie releases under the Dynamite Girls group, it came to light that IT just had their hands too full…. And then COVID happened, and everything changed in the world…. Doll world included. Then JHD Toys’ Mizi line debuted and it turned out that the producer and designer of the Mizi line, who also happens to be named Jason, is familiar with Susie and RND Dolls. And in fact, have an affinity for her, as well. After a few talks via e-mail, we agreed on releasing a Susie now and again. In late 2020 / early 2021 we released our first Susie with JHD Toys, “Susie: The First Time”. This was followed by "Susie: In The 80’s” in the Fall of 2021. This year, marking Susie’s 20th birthday in July, we are releasing “Susie: Fashion Night Out”.
RT: After a couple of Susie releases under the Dynamite Girls group, it came to light that IT just had their hands too full…. And then COVID happened, and everything changed in the world…. Doll world included. Then JHD Toys’ Mizi line debuted and it turned out that the producer and designer of the Mizi line, who also happens to be named Jason, is familiar with Susie and RND Dolls. And in fact, have an affinity for her, as well. After a few talks via e-mail, we agreed on releasing a Susie now and again. In late 2020 / early 2021 we released our first Susie with JHD Toys, “Susie: The First Time”. This was followed by "Susie: In The 80’s” in the Fall of 2021. This year, marking Susie’s 20th birthday in July, we are releasing “Susie: Fashion Night Out”.
Gold chainmail dress by Francesca Pigliapoco for Lotus Dolls.
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