The Fashion File - Softly She Walks

The Fashion File - Softly She Walks

How did you get involved in Super Dollfie clothing design?

I first became interested in Super Dollfies in 1993. I was randomly searching Ebay and found a listing for an OOAK Alice in Wonderland dress modeled on a Volks SD13 Nono. I was awe struck. I have always loved sewing and design and at 24 I was feeling like I was growing out of the wild styles I loved to create. SD's seemed the perfect venue to display and explore my creativity. From then on I was hooked.

What inspires you?

I owe a lot of my creative inspiration to modern youth culture, art and underground fringe fashion. I am also very inspired by the dolls themselves, and the unique culture that surrounds them. I am very interested in the idea that our dolls are an extension, or a facet of ourselves and I like to explore that.

What do you want people to think when they look at your designs?

I want to impart a sense of youth and desire, as well as a feeling of fun and creativity. A lot of my designs are created with the idea of a sort of youthful neverland; something that we as adults have maybe grow out of, or can't express through our own clothing and lifestyle. I like to play with the idea that we can express our own youthful creativity and sense of fun through our dolls.

What sorts of things do you enjoy the most about your designs?

The best thing for me is hearing from my customers. Knowing that what I've created is well received, that I have made someone happy by helping to add life to their dolls and their hobby. I love the process of creating, of working hard and being proud and inspired by my work, but it's the feeling of sharing what I'm doing that gives me the most satisfaction.

What are your favorite doll clothing brands/designers?

I am a very big fan of Mio's work. Her pieces are very unique, detailed and unbelievably well constructed. I am also a fan of Loveart; her designs have a much darker more deconstructed feel, which I admire. It's a common theme, but it's a difficult one to get right and she definitely does it well.

What's the best thing about designing and selling OOAK fashions?

OOAK pieces are great because I can just go wild. I don't need to worry so much about logistics, like costs, or material availability. It really lets me be free to create.

What's the most difficult thing about designing and selling OOAK fashions?

For me, the hardest part is staying fresh and unique. I am a creature of habit, and I have a tendency to find something I like and explore that one idea until I've exhausted it. There will be times when I have no new ideas for days, and then other times I feel like I'm overflowing with inspiration.

What type of dolls do you enjoy designing for the most (male/female/brands)?

I am partial to Volks dolls. I find their faces speak to me more, and are therefore more inspiring, but I do like some of the other brands as well. I am also more interested in SD13 sized dolls than the minis; I think I just find the proportions more elegant and satisfying to work with. They carry the clothes well.

What is your favorite style to create?

I can't seem to pick a style and stick to it. I think my work can really be all over the map. Mostly I tend towards more punk, youthful street clothes, but there is always a mix of different elements. I love to create a combination between dark and light, soft and hard, messy and neat. Contrasts interest me.

Why choose clothing design as a form of self-expression?

Clothing design is just something that has been with me always. I was that kid who made her own dress and wore it to grade four with the bottom unhemmed. I love that design is a multi-disciplined process. There are so many elements involved. And I love how much feeling and freedom you can impart with an outfit. You can become someone else, create a whole persona. To me it is very well rounded form of expression.

How long does it take from start to finish on a typical outfit to create and complete?

That really depends on the outfit! Usually, if I am inspired I can create something new, from start to finish in one or two days. More complex outfits take longer. I always spend a lot of time thinking about each project before I start, so I tend to have all the details worked out in my head before I even cut the fabric.

How do you like to work best with a custom order for a client? With total freedom to create your vision, or do you like some feedback/interchange with a client who might have an idea or theme they would like to see realized?

Either! A lot of customers just ask me to create something for them from my own idea. I am always so honored that people have so much faith and trust in my ability to realize their design. It's also great when I am given a lot of direction or a very clear idea of what they have in mind. I love the incredible amount of thought and planning that someone will put into their idea. It really brings the project to life for me. Commissions have always been a challenge that I enjoyed and learned from. I tend to take on projects that I wouldn't approach on my own, and it can really open me up to new ideas. I have since moved away from doing commissions and sell clothing in my online store or on eBay.