Plonsjeroze is the first Blythe brand I bought a design from, and guess what? It was not for my dolls! Actually, I didn’t have any Blythe at that time, but I couldn’t resist to get my daughter the raincoat that Chantal designed for Mim-pi. Totally covered with Blythe pictures, I think that it is the coolest coat ever for a little girl! I am very honored and pleased to interview Chantal today and know more about her story with Blythe.
Hi Chantal! Can you introduce yourself?
I am Chantal from the Netherlands, I was born in Amsterdam but I now live in a small village just outside Amsterdam called Krommenie. I am 33 years old. I have a big love for animals and went to an agrarian school at the age of 13. After one year I realized this was not what I wanted, I wanted something creative. I got my diploma and started studying at the MDGO (Middle services and health care education), where I obtained my diploma for display. After the MDGO I continued my studies at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, but did not finish it! I have worked at several fashion styling offices, but since 2007 I have my own creative company: Plonsjeroze, where I put all my love in!
Raincoat from the Mim-Pi 2009 collection.
Mim-Pi Summer 2009 collection designed by Plonsjeroze.
How and when did you discover Blythe?
I discovered Blythe in the American Book Store in Amsterdam in 2001, Gina Garan’s book: This is Blythe. 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! During my holiday in the USA, I bought the Barbie Bazaar Magazine with an article about Kenner Blythes. At that time (2001), Mattel also made a sort of copy of Blythe when they introduced their Diva Starz dolls.
Barbie Bazaar Magazine – 2001.
How many Blythe dolls do you have in your own collection?
Currently, I have only 4 Blythe dolls (Angelica Eve, Simply Guava, a Factory girl and a blonde Kenner). I had 5 girls before. My very first Blythe was an EBL Asian Butterfly. I bought her at a Dutch Collectors fair. It took a while before I had the guts to debox her!
Photo: Plonsjeroze. Lady Guava.
What kind of dolls do you prefer?
That would be (of course) Kenners and EBL Blythes. Goldie and Mondrian are my favorites. I do love custom Blythes too, but I do not like the animal versions of it, with all due respect! Julien Martinez is definitely one of my favorite customizers. Besides Blythe I also have a crush for BJDs, vintage Barbie dolls, fashion dolls and collectors toys.
Photo: Plonsjeroze. Mellina, the first Kenner.
Where and how do you store your own dolls?
All of my dolls are on display in an Ikea bookcase in my bedroom. Sometimes I make a scene with furniture and re-ment, but most of the time my poor girls are naked! While sewing I need them as dress maker’s mannequins to model my clothes on them.
Photos: Plonsjeroze. Tippie (Fatory girl) and Flatsy.
Why did you start to create clothes for Blythe?
I was inspired by many creative people on the Internet, I really liked the style of Zozolala from Meet the Sweetles. On Ebay you could find the most amazing handmade sets, wonderful original items such as wonder bras for Blythe! So I really felt the urge to start too! It is different today, there is more commercial stuff on the market place.
Photos: Plonsjeroze. Ganico and Collin gold designs.
How did you learn how to do it?
During my study I never liked to sew, I would rather make a half scale design than one in human size. 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 work perfect for me!
Photos: Rockymountainroz. Alice wearing dresses from The Alice in Wonderland collection by Plonsjeroze.
What gives you inspiration?
Fairy tales, the 60’s (Classic movies from Hollywood ) 70’s and 80’s, Viktor & Rolf, Zombuki, etc. I also adore Gothic, Lolita and Punk.
What’s your work rhythm and how do you like to work?
I used to work at night for a while with in the background the TV channel Cartoon Network (Cow and Chicken, Courage the Cowardly Dog. Love this series!) But now I start making clothes in the morning until midday, then I am full with fresh ideas and I can concentrate the best. I never make a sketch of my collection. First I select my materials on color, then I draw the pattern and start sewing immediately after that.
Besides making doll clothes, I also work on other little projects such as selling vintage items on several fairs in the Netherlands.
Photo: Plonsjeroze. Addicted to vintage.
How does your studio look like?
I do not live in a big house, so my studio is in my bedroom! I am addicted to fabrics and all kinds of haberdashery, most of them are stored in boxes or in a closet. I always must have the opportunity to sew, so even on holidays my sewing machine comes with me, how crazy is that!
Photo: Plonsjeroze. Where Chantal does her magic!
Where do you sell your creations?
I have my own website. But you can also find my creations on Etsy.
Photos: G♥Baby. Bijoux wearing the “Confetti girl” set and the “Ganico” dress set.
What are you working on these days and what are your next projects?
At the moment you can find me at fairs, selling and buying vintage products. There are no special Blythe projects at the moment, so I have plenty of time to work on my next update!
Photos: Plonsjeroze (left) and Rockymountainroz (right) – Dutch glory collection.
What do you like the most about collecting Blythe dolls?
To me she will be always that little innocent girl that never grows up. I just love to sew for her and give her all kind of styles and personalities.
Photos: Plonsjeroze. Retro color explosion.
Many thanks, Chantal, for sharing with us your love for Blythe through amazing and special designs for our dolls! I really like how you gave your girls strong personalities and styles. They are fabulous models for your gorgeous and unique outfits. I especially love your shaped sleeves which make Blythe look very stylish and trendy with a pinch of extravagance. I can’t wait to see where your imagination leads you next!
Photo: Rockymountainroz. Eliza.
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great interview! xxx
Such a colourful interview! Exquisite photo`s.
Yes the sleeves are incredible..such stunning couture.
Awesome and inspiring!!
I adore Art Plonsjeroze, she’s 100% my muse! I’d be lost without her gorgeous clothes!
I love this cool girl’s imagination and use of color combined with unique style! Chantal, you rule!
Fanny, thank you once more for introducing me to another great artist!
best wishes, jean