Avant Garde
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Blythe is back. A bit of a late bloomer, Blythe the doll first came to life in 1972, but had trouble gaining the fame, respect and adoration she deserved until recently. In the toy department, it's still a Barbie's world, and other dolls (with the exception of Barbie's less distinguished step-sister, the Cabbage Patch Kid) have had a tough time climbing to the top.
But then again, what lady hasn't encountered roadblocks in her life? Originally manufactured by Kenner and designed by Marvin Glass Studios, the vintage Blythe acquired her trademark lithe body paired with an abnormally large head due to packaging restrictions. But her mesmerizing eyes -- which were supposedly created for a dog toy – ultimately became her most identifiable feature. That said, for her first 28 years in this world, old Blythe remained somewhat lonely and unpopular. Go figure!
Finally, through the eyes of photographer Gina Garan, Blythe was given a second chance to shine: In 2000, Garan published her first collection of photographs of Blythe tricked out in supermodel-style duds, This Is Blythe. Blythe was so cute, all the girls wanted to be just like her. That same year, Blythe was signed by Parco Japan to model for their Christmas campaign, setting her career ablaze! She was revamped as a "Neo-Blythe" by Hasbro Japan in 2001.
Fashion shoot after fashion shoot ensued, and Blythe was finally the darling of the fashion world. In Garan's 2005 book Blythe Style, Blythe sports designs by Sonia Rykiel, Prada, Versace, Christian Dior and Dolce & Gabbana like a pro. Not only is Blythe coveted and collected by little girls, ******** grownups like myself find her hard to resist.
Blythe is currently touring the world, and campaigning to promote creativity and sisterhood (as well as the CWC Neo-Blythe dolls and Blythe Style). She's showing off clothing designs by artists such as Junie Moon and Momolita, while also "voguing" for big brands like Nike (!) and girly Japanese labels like Milk. Blythe is an "It" girl, and she doesn't beat her assistants! Don't miss her in New York!
"Behind Blythe, A Cute And Curious Doll Exhibition." The Showroom, 117 Second Ave., 2nd Fl.
(212) 673-5450.
Through Mar. 17.
source: papermag
