My first thoughts were: does this doll really exist? Or was she specially made for this book. I have been a doll collector for a very long time, but I had never seen her before. I was fascinated and fell in love immediately!

 

My first tryouts were Barbie/Francie/Skipper patterns from the pattern book: Vintage clothing for the fashion doll by Mari Dewitt. It was hell to make them. I really wondered how people could like making Barbie clothes? It was no fun at all. So I quit making Barbie clothes for almost 1 year. But after discovering Blythe I had to try again, again and again. I found my own methods and techniques and they worked perfect for me.

 

After Leonora from the Dutch childeren brand Mim-pi discovered my work at "Marktplaats" (a Dutch auction site) she asked me to design some products for her new summer 2009 collection: Dolls. This collection was Blythe inspired. I designed the raincoat, shirt's, labels and polka dots rain boots. It was the most awesome experience in my Blythe career and something I am still very proud of.

 

March 2012 was my last update, after 6 years of making Blythe clothes it was time to jump into a new adventure. These days I am totally obsessed with buying and selling vintage fashion items from the 50's/60's for my own company.

 

I decided to make a portfolio of my work and I hope you will enjoy.

 

Thanks.

 

Chantal^^

 

You can read my full interview at Mademoiselle Blythe Fashions Blog - Fanny Zara 2010