Telha
In Hobart, Tasmania, artist Sonia Singh has taken a unique approach to dolls, claiming that these fashion dolls are undergoing a “tree change,” shifting from high-maintenance glitz to down-to-earth style.
Singh often chooses Bratz and Barbie dolls for her makeovers, giving them new faces, revamping their hair, crafting new shoes, and dressing them in outfits made by her mom. The goal is to make these dolls more relatable and down-to-earth for kids, moving away from the high-maintenance glamour associated with traditional dolls.
The inspiration for this project stems from Singh’s modest upbringing. Growing up playing with second-hand dolls and homemade toys in the natural Tasmanian environment, she values repairing and reusing discarded items to give them a new lease on life.
The result is relatable for young girls, as Singh captures the dolls in photos engaging in typical childhood activities like climbing trees, swinging on tires, and playing outdoors.
After sharing pictures of her project online, Singh received overwhelming support from parents eager to purchase these transformed dolls. She is now preparing to launch an online store on Etsy, where she plans to sell these second-hand dolls to appreciative homes, each accompanied by a ‘before’ photo.
This initiative aligns with a growing movement to create a more inclusive and welcoming world, especially for the next generation. The focus is on teaching kids to appreciate all body types and embrace diverse forms of beauty.
