Puffer Couture à la Defa Lucy

Even in the midst of summer, it's never too early to prepare one's dolls for winter weather. And who better to set the chilly wind trend than Defa Lucy Series 1 Icon No. 02? It would be hard (if not impossible) to find another example of a puffer coat executed with the same gusto for proportions and, of course, color.  Generous protection from the cold, the fully lined coat exemplifies high quality fashion statement in 1/6th scale. A pair of tights, boots, and a chacoal hoodie complete the set. Only chez Defa Lucy Collectible Dolls.

As it is traditional at Dolldom, all models are invited to curate and then model a wardrobe from our vaults and Icon No. 02 delved into the project with joyful zeal, selecting  - just like she is with her rooted eyelashes and vivid face-up - some iconic designs by iconic designers including Sylvia Campbell, Liz Retros, Francesca Pigliapocco and Tania Lawrence. 

Once again, Dolldom is honored to devote an entry to Defa Lucy Collectible Dolls and wishes to express deep gratitude to Rudi Teruel of RND Dolls (the creator of the equally iconic Susie) for exemplifying the spirit of collaboration from which the fashion doll community benefits greatly. 

For more information of Defa Lucy Collectible Dolls (Series 2 is coming up!) inquire about joining the Defa Lucy VIP Club on Facebook or contact Rudi Teruel directly 

Ready for the chill is Defa Lucy Icon Series No. 02 in her monumental puffer coat. 

For a little evening glamour, Icon No. 02 chose a chlorophyll-rich number by the fabulous Liz Retros. 

More glam? Yes, Icon Series No. 02 loves it and chooses a sequined mini with faux fur hem by Dolldom darling Tania Lawrence for a night of elegance. 

MOD party, perhaps at The Factory, call for a silver chain mail mini by the gifted Francesca Pigliapocco. Silkstone Francie boots. 

Icon Series No. 02 closes the show in a jaw-dropping reproduction of a Japanese Barbie doll exclusive gown by the gorgeous Sylvia Campbell. 

Character

Could anything else be said about the functions of a fashion doll? Serving style and fulfilling fashion dreams may be obvious, yet Dolldom appreciates a countenance for its power to evoke character, not simply for being an ideal of beauty.

The beginning of the 21st century brought forth a wealth of ideas thanks to the vision of artists like Robert Tonner who with his 1:4th scale Tyler Wentworth and Sydney Chase redefined what a doll's face could be and do to create a character. Integrity Toys and Jason Wu followed suit with the 1:6th scale Fashion Royalty line and the idea as to what a doll should convey was formed: give attitude and express emotion.

JAMIEshow Doll's Muses line, designed by Owensu, is a current exponent of the trend, one that offers collectors the highest form of refinement due largely to the precisely detailed hand painting of the resin dolls' face-ups. Although Owensu's couture is on par with the dolls' quality, Dolldom was attracted to two of the Muses due to their power to communicate spirit: Camille and Astrid.

Aware of our subjective interpretation of the ambiguity of these resin faces, we dare express why both Camille and Astrid won us over.

Camille (from La Vancanza Collection)
Camille combines heavy upper eyelids (moderate ptosis, perhaps?) that convey a subtly weary gaze while her downturned oral commissures (so often "corrected" with fillers in humans) produce a jaded pout that - to us - exemplifies the emotional detachment of a misanthropic perspective.

 
Astrid (from The Garden Party Collection)
Astrid offers a deeply cathartic combination of a saturated shiny red, downward turning, slightly open mouth (from where her front teeth peek out) and similarly oriented eyes that unequivocally remind us of religious (as opposed to drug-induced) ecstasy.

For this Dolldom exclusive, Camille and Astrid pose for a traditional photo portfolio in exquisite fashion selections by many of Dolldom's favorite designers to show what character is all about.

Designers:
Bakhtier
Dangerous Dames by Juliet Whorton
Bogue's Vogues
Franklin Lim Liao
Robert Best
Integrity Toys
Defa Lucy

R&D Doll

Special thanks to Ahmad An for his support in the making of this feature.

Coat by Defa Lucy. Separates by Integrity Toys. 

Brocaded silk separates by the unforgettable Franklin Lim-Liao. 

Dress by Integrity Toys.

Dress by Integrity Toys.

Dress by Robert Best. Hat by Bogue's Vogues.

Suit by Integrity Toys. 

Hand beaded top and skirt by the gorgeously generous Juliet Whorton for Dangerous Dames. 

Dress by Bahktier. Camille bust by Jonathan Adler. 

Dress by the groundbreaking Bahktier.

Dress by Bogue's Vogues by James Bogue.

Dress by Bogue's Vogues by James Bogue. Hat by Maryann Roy. 

Hat and dress by the incomparable James Bogue for Bogue's Vogues. 

Dress by R&D Doll by the great Rudi Teruel. 

Gown by Robert Best. 

Gown by Robert Best. 

Susie's 20th

When a groundbreaking doll has an anniversary, Dolldom celebrates. As RND's Susie's 20th approached, Dolldom met with the ever handsome and energetic Rudi Teruel to talk all things Susie! 

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.

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!

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.

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”.

Gold chainmail dress by Francesca Pigliapoco for Lotus Dolls. 

For more information on Susie and all of RND's exclusive and fabulous offerings, visit their page.