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The Wide-Eyed World of Blythe
Re-popularized by photographer Gina Garan, Blythe is the eye-color changing doll of the 1970's. The Blythe doll is based on the art work of Margaret Keane.
Today fans of Blythe customize her clothes, hair and make-up for fun. Hobbyists also take pictures of their Blythes in a variety of settings, showcasing their sewing and customization skills. Blythe is stylish, smart and sophisticated, reflecting the dreams of her owners.
Blythe (pronounced [blaɪθ]) is a doll created in 1972 by designer Allison Katzman with the now-defunct U.S. toy company Kenner. Reportedly, she was modelled after drawings by Margaret Keane, similarly to many other dolls of the '60s and '70s. Her most distinctive and notable feature were eyes that changed color with the pull of a string attached to the back of her head. Due to a lack of interest, Blythe dolls were only sold for one year in the U.S. (produced in Hong Kong), during 1972.
Petite Blythe dolls are four inches tall and an economical and aesthetic alternative to Neo Blythes
Petite Blythe dolls are four inches tall and an economical and aesthetic alternative to Neo Blythes
Thirty years after her first release date, Blythe regained popularity. In 1997, New York TV and video producer Gina Garan was given a 1972 Kenner Blythe by a friend and began using it to practice her photographic skills. She began taking her Blythe everywhere with her and took hundreds of photos. Then, in 1999, a chance encounter with CWC's Junko Wong brought Blythe to the attention of Parco and toy executives. In 2002, Gina published her first book of Blythe photography with Chronicle Books, This is Blythe. Later that year, Hasbro (the Trademark and License owner) gave Takara of Japan a license to produce the New Edition of Blythe (NEO Blythe). Blythe was used in a television advertising campaign by the Parco department store in Japan and was an instant hit. Success in Japan led Hasbro to issue a license to Ashton Drake Galleries (ADG)to produce Blythe exclusively in the U.S., where the doll become a niche product in a marginal market, selling largely to adults.
In 2003 Blythe was the subject in a segment on the popular VH1 special, I Love the 70s, where she was said to look like either "Barbie with elephantiasis" or "Christina Ricci" among other things.
In 2004, the Ashton-Drake Galleries began to produce their own Blythe replica dolls in the United States.
A vibrant Blythe subculture flourishes on the Internet, predominantly in forums and user groups. There is a large network of hobbyists who customise the doll for resale, people who create unique clothing and shoes, as well as accessories specifically for Blythe.
There are two types of Blythe dolls: the 28cm (1/6th scale) "NEO" and the 11.2 cm "Petit Blythe." Only NEO Blythes have colour-changing eyes, which include the colours blue, green, orange, and pink (except for cases with limited-edition dolls). Newer releases of the Petit Blythe dolls have moveable eyelids and bendable bodies.
A smaller Kubrick version of Blythe also exists.
The measurements of Blythe: 4.17-2.76-3.89 (in inches) or 106-70-99 (in mm). The measurements of Petit Blythe: 1.77-1.18-16.5 (in inches) or 45-30-42 (in mm).
Blythe dolls are collectors items, and are not a childrens toy; it is NOT recommended for small children. Blythe dolls range in price (at release date) from USD$60 (ADG versions) upwards of USD$300 (limited edition NEOs). Older dolls are sought after in the collectors market, and can sell for as high as several thousand dollars for a Kenner to a thousand dollars or more for the first edition NEO.
LINKS:
The Valley of the Dolls (Where I purchased my Blythe)
Toy Tokyo
Magic Pony
Hobby Link Japan
Beans Gifts and Toys
Nasty Nip
Collectibles Today (Available in 4 Installments!)
Dollmore
This is Blythe
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