Blythe's World

Who: The jet-setting, wide-eyed beauty.
Why: After thirty-four years, the doll has not only been revived—she’s arrived.

After flipping through photos of Blythe in her gala gown, strolling with her poodles in Paris, and looking mod by the beach, you might wish you had it so good. The endearing Blythe doll debuted in 1972, but her exaggerated features freaked kids out so much she was permanently shelved. In 2001, she was reintroduced by Hasbro and Cross World Connections—this time as a collector’s item. Since then, she’s gained fans throughout Asia and now Americans are catching on. Kristoffer Knutson, owner of Minneapolis’s Robot Love, was quick to throw her a debutante ball, and sees that he always has a space on his shelves for her.

CWC founder and president Junko Wong and official Blythe photographer Gina Garan are credited with bringing Blythe into the pop culture spotlight. The one-foot wonder has been seen in fashion magazines, ad campaigns, and in the hands of designers such as Gucci and Versace, who have dressed her for the annual Tokyo fashion show. Serious, grown-up Blythe-owners dress like their doll and carry her around, not unlike tots who tote their American Girls to tea. But contrary to AG’s Felicity and Samantha, Blythe undergoes much more than getting a $10 ponytail at a Chicago superstore. For fans, customizing has become a hobby—dare we say, obsession. 

The allure hits twenty- or thirtysomethings with artistic backgrounds, who are willing to spend money ($120 to $3,000) and time creatively differentiating their doll from others’. First off, the head is removed to change lenses, extend lashes, and style hair. Some even get microdermabrasion (sandpaper), for a matte complexion, and cosmetic surgery—there’s an eighth-inch of “skin” for tiny nips and tucks to create smiles, tears, and other expressions. Finally, a little makeup (paint) enhances lips, eyes, and cheeks. Call it silly and superficial, but the little fashion icon makes such a big impression, it’s nearly impossible to avoid a crush.

Where to see and buy Blythe: Robot Love, 2648 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-9393