- Q: How did you become interested in Blythe?
- I always liked dolls and collected them, about 8 years ago I when I hooked up to the Internet Blythe caught my eye, from there on I was hooked.
When I heard there was a Blythe reproduction out I searched my neighborhood toys shops until I found one and I bought it.
I remember Rosie Red, Kozy Kape Inspired, All Gold In One, Sunday Best lined up on the toy shop shelf !!
Thinking of that day brings back happy memories.
- Q: Can you tell us something about your Blythe collection? Also, do you have a favorite Neo Blythe or Petite Blythe?
- I have many Neo Blythes but my favorites are Sunday Best, Dotty Dot, Bohemian Beat, Skate Date, Rouge Noir, Pow Wow Poncho, I Love You It's True, Birdy Blue, Margaret Meets Ladybug, Samedi Marche, Strawberry Millefeuille, Hello Harvest and Prima Dolly Cassis.
I also have many Petite Blythes but my favorites are Ho!Ho!Ho!, Piyo Piyo Messenger and Jeremy Macintosh .
- Q: How do you usually play with your Blythes?
- They are dress-up dolls so I enjoy making clothes for them to suit different scenes and seasons.
Also, when I travel I always take them with me and photograph them in places that I like.
- Q: Do you have new Blythe challenges in mind?
- Well, I would like to give people who don't know or have a Blythe the chance to get one.
- Q: If Blythe dolls were human what do you think they would be like?
- I think they would be full of curiosity and inspirational friends.
- Q: Can you tell me about the concept of Baby's Breath and the origin of the name?
- During the very first Blythe Beauty Contest at the 2006 Anniversary exhibition event I met Allison, the original designer of Blythe, she left a lasting impression on me, it was so moving to hear her talk about the beginnings of Blythe.
When I showed her my vintage Blythe she touched it's forehead so gently - a moment I'll always cherish.
This time I had an opportunity to design a Neo Blythe so I tried to express the memories of the team that developed vintage Blythe.
Vintage Blythe came in 4 hair colors, blonde, red, brunette and black, I tried to think of what a 5th color might be.
I thought a color in between red and brunette would be nice so chose a reddish brown hair color.
Baby's Breath expresses a scene on a certain day but I think those who get her can have her express any scene they want.
I designed her hoping that she will be a Neo Blythe that inspires imagination in everyone.
Based on the image of the doll, Junko came up with the name and story behind the doll.
I am very pleased with it because if matches the dolls image perfectly!
- Q: Are there any particular details about Baby's Breath that you like?
- A lot of attention was paid to details, from the coloring of her makeup, the eyelid details, the way her bangs were cut to the way her dress is sewn etc.
To give her eyes more depth a lot of experimentation was required but it was a success.
The eyes are the charm of Blythe so we were pleased to be able to spend time on them.
Decorative flower shapes matched the designs and and every has been made with extreme care.
I particularly like the warmness of parts that had to be done by hand.
- Q: A special set was used in the production of Baby's Breath animation and photography, can you tell us about it?
- Yes, the set was one that I arranged for my personal exhibition in 2007 although I changed the decoration of the room suit the Baby's Breath animation scenes.
A point of interest is the babies' breath flower in the tea pot shaped vase on the table and the tiny Baby's Breath doll and framed Baby's Breath illustration on the shelves.
- Q: Finally, do you have a message for fans of your work?
- Let's all continue to share the joy of Blythe!
This time Saki took pictures of the doll for us! All the pictures on this page are taken by her. Thank you very much Saki!
[Saki Yamashita's Profile]
Saki Yamashita currently lives and works in Kobe, Japan.
She has loved to create things since she was little.
After studying clothing design in high school, she started her brand "CHERRY MERRY MUFFIN."
She is not only designing clothes for women but she is also famous for her doll outfits.
She entered the 1st Blythe Beauty Contest as "LALALALA FACTORY" and became one of the finalists.
She had held 2 individual exhibitions at gallery LELE in Daikanyama.
She is active in many exhibitions and charities and continues to produce her original characters and dolls.
