New prospects

In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the acceptance and enthusiasm surrounding dolls. "It's rewarding for designers to witness their creations reach a broader audience," said Chen, who has observed a notable shift in the doll market.

In addition to curating her own line of doll clothing, she has expanded her horizons by forging collaborations with trendy toy brands.

Many toy brands, such as Pop Mart, have also ventured into the production of BJD or vinyl dolls. These companies boast well-established production lines capable of mass production at a more affordable price, which, according to Chen, is good for the development of the market.

"For people who are not familiar with dolls, there aren't many doll products visible in the market," Chen explained.

"But when big toy companies — with their numerous physical stores and wide consumer base — start to integrate into the doll culture to elevate their products, they are able to introduce more people to dolls and the rich experiences associated with them."

Contact the writer at mengwenjie@i21st.cn