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The theme "Cinema Princess" reflected Blythe's growing popularity over the past four years, since_ her resurrection back to life in 2000. Each year the content of the fashion show has changed shape and size (eventually making Blythe a celebrity among dolls)._ She has become a star, a princess and a trendsetter in the world of fashion and art.
People lined up to get into the fashion show at the Spiral in order to get the best view in the house. There was limited seating so those that came late stood throughout the nearly two hour show. The eight models who carried Blythe down the catwalk were nervously pacing the area backstage before the show._ A few of them had participated the year before but to most it was a totally new experience to have to make sure the dolls get the highlight and not the model. They kept asking me " how shall I hold Blythe, how fast shall I move and where do you want me to stop?". Their desire to do a good job came through in the end and I think they gave the audience a good long look at each doll. Of course the cutest model was Lisa, 7 years old, and a true Blythe lover. We saw her last year with her bottom tooth gone and this year she had no upper teeth. She stole the show but Blythe didn't mind. She kept saying " I want to go again!"
The panelists were a striking group. Model, Mei Yoshikawa, actress, Reona Hirota,_ toy designer, Noriya Takeyama,_ photographer, Gina Garan and me,producer, Junko Wong all had our fashion statements prepared._ Mei was dressed to show off her lean willowy body being the yoga guru she is. ( Mei is one of the top yoga teachers in the city and graces the covers of major fitness magazines with her flexible yoga poses). Ms. Hirota came as a black swan ( her costume was made by a drag queen she said) . Noriya was in crisp lime green (from head to toe) , Gina was in her signature Vivienne Westwood and I wore the same outfit Blythe was dressed in for the fashion show by Rope. We chit chatted throughout the show in awe of the innovation and creativity of all the designers. Our conversation went like this " ooohh look at how beautiful! How amazing! How incredible!" because it was. The audience responded like an echo to our reaction.
It was interesting that a lot of the designers picked the pink hair this year over black, brown, blond and auburn as the Blythe. Also the idea of "celebrity" for the designers was Nicole Kidman, as many of the designers used her as an inspiration for their doll. ( Not one Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe).
Many of the dolls were dressed as princesses. Brands such as Marika Mariko and Splash and Sammy were gorgeous and grand. Some came as characters from movies, Blythe as Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhand? She looked exactly like Johnny! That was Mr. Anai, the customizing wizard, showing off his skill for Dollybird.
Also the beautiful Ms. Mamechiyo with her stunning lace kimono was a hit with everyone. What an idea! Many people asked if there are kimonos like that for human women. The makeup of Watanabe Saburo's dolls were a wake up call. One of the dolls had dark makeup, tanned and hair highlighted. What more can you ask for? And the Oscar de la Renta Blythe was a replica of the gown that Sarah Jessica Parker wore. Now that's what I call celebrity status!_ The difference between last year and this year was not the fashion, but the characters that were created with Blythe._ She was a little super hero with a bruise on her forehead and tears in her eyes, a baseball champ with a helmet, a samurai deer, a two headed llama and a siameze twin.
What is most satisfying about this event is that it is all for charity. Every year we auction off on Yahoo.co.jp the dolls that were created the preivous year. Make a Wish has been the recipeint of our charity fashion show for the last two years. But we felt that this year we wanted to help people in immediate need. So we gave to a foundation called Japan Platform that deligates financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that require immediate funding. We were able to give to Sumatra and the victims of the tidal wave that happened in December 2004. Make a Wish wholeheartedly supported our shift in charity and agreed that we should help those in dire need. Thank you so much to Make a Wish for being so generous.
Next year will be the 5th anniversary._ It will be the most amazing year and an international one._ It's never too late to be a Blythe Lover, so turn someone on to Blythe and lets make the next anniversary the biggest one ever. Be prepared for a big surprise and get ready to be involved. See you there! |
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