The Casting

To commemorate the summer of '23, the Barbie doll collaborated with Dolldom on a by-the-shore fashion entry using several elements from her recent BarbieStyle giftset. As Dolldom's editors pondered how to give the warm-weather fashion show a fresh slant, Barbie suggested that a new male model be cast. And so a casting call went out...

And a very healthy number of hopefuls gathered at our  studios ready to present their own unique style. 

As it happens in every casting call, special characters made an appearance. 

"Attention, please! - Barbie exclaims. Time for one-on-one interviews."

First off is Clay in turquoise briefs by LindasPassions on Etsy. Barbie wears her own bikini top with a pleated mini by Party Doll Fashion Shop, also on Etsy. Barbie admires Clay's strong character and flowing black mane. 

Next is Ken. He and Barbie agree that to give this entry a fresh start, he should kindly agree to bow out. But not before he bats his baby blues at Barbie.

Jeff is the next model. Barbie really adores his Cali style, more so his vintage straw hat and retro necklace. And yes, the dimples!

The next model, Geoff, is rocking an impressive retro look. White briefs by LindasPassions on Etsy combine with a stripped cabana shirt and hat by Mattel. His gaze is stunning. 

Brad, the most eager of all hopefuls, arrives in red, white, and blue briefs by LindasPassions on Etsy. 

Dolldom favorite Jon makes an appearance in Mod Ken's trunks. Barbie likes his style a lot! 

Last but not least is Brandon who was reluctant to attend. Barbie thinks he has the style needed for the entry. From his boater hat to his classic black briefs by LindasPassions on Etsy, Brandon is it! 

And so the modeling begins...

Black swimwear and straw hats for both!

Sightseeing is best done with an orange kerchief, palazzo pants and the versatile bikini top. Brandon opts for a t-shirt by Integrity Toys and joggers by The Confusion 83 on Etsy. 

Happy hour will turn into dinner in BarbieStyle's suit for Ken and Barbie's blouse, this time worn with an off-white pleated skirt by Party Doll Fashion Shop on Etsy. Brandon lends Barbie his boater as he thinks it's cute on her.

May your late summer adventures be full of fun. 

The Look of Goro

Goro Tachibana (second from left), younger brother to Wataru, is one of those almost mythical dolls of which dreams are made. As part of first generation Licca-chan's storyline, Goro expresses boys' sartorial styles at the very end of the 1960s, and as such, is a proud exponent of Mod style. Goro's fashions, created by Takara, invariably feature short pants, sometimes with a tie, sometimes with suspenders, sometimes with a jumper, sometimes with overalls, but always, always -  shorts, for Goro was after all, a kid, and long pants seemed to have been the purview of older boys like Wataru.

For this end-of-July-2023 feature, Dolldom celebrates the joys of being Goro Tachibana with an exploration of his style as only LeRetroz can do it. From space exploration to hanging out with Gumby and Pokey, LeRetroz's creations delight with their pop-culture references and tongue-in-cheek humor.

LeRetroz's fashions Goro his first pair of long pants in emerald green velvet to go with a colorful turtleneck. Yeah, Baby! 

L'artist! Goro paints Licca-chan's portrait in a classic look pairing black slacks, a horizontally striped red and white turtleneck, and the necessary wool felt beret. Will Licca be as delighted as we are when she sees Goro's version of her? Licca's dress also by LeRetroz. 

Double the fun! The Tachibana twins hang out with inseparable friends Gumby and Pokey in colorful shorts (yes, cool for summer!) with suspenders and short sleeved knit tops. 

Space: The Next Frontier! 

Goro plays that he is not lost in space in LeRetroz's imaginative space suit featuring 3-D printed helmet, glasses, and laser flashlight. But who are the inhabitants of this planet? Vintage Funny Fringes, of course.

Best Beyond Meat Burger? Check out Big Goro's! LeRetroz's pays tribute to this icon of the fast food world with a fabulous interpretation of the red-checkered overalls and logo t-shirt! 

Tachibana Brothers - your Bay Area source for the best vintage sports cars! Making San Francisco proud, the Tachibana twins model their car dealership looks by LeRetroz. 

Dolldom thanks LeRetroz for their generosity of spirit and never-ending dedication to the creation of what does not exist in the doll world. If it were not for LeRetroz, Dolldom would not have as much fun! 

LeRetroz YouTube

LeRetroz Instagram

LeRetroz e-Bay

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.