[Exclusive Interview] Happydolly & Memento, the Thai Collaborators Behind Pullip Fashion Dolls Callie & Cassie

MERCH
Jun. 24, 2016 01:34 PDT

Back in May, Groove Inc. officially released new models to its Pullip doll series: kawaii twins Callie and Cassie. These dolls are the second collaboration with the Thai doll artist duo Happydolly & Memento. In this interview, we sit down with Happydolly & Memento to find out all about Callie and Cassie.

—Please introduce yourselves to the world.

Happydolly & Memento: We are two doll-lovers living in Thailand. Our main occupation isn’t being doll artists, but we love to do it. Happydolly has a love of custom dolls of all kinds, and Memento loves to tailor. It’s a miracle that we’re able to work together and create wonderful works.

—You’ve collaborated with Groove before on Isul/Glen as a part of the Creator's Label back in 2013, but Callie & Cassie mark your first time collaborating with Pullip. What inspired you to make them?

H&M: For Pullip Callie and Cassie, the first thing we thought about was appropriate attire for spring (yet again LOL). Many girls like spring because they’re able to wear cute clothes and go out and about with friends. We imagined Callie and Cassie to be seriously cute girls with cat-like playfulness clothed in pastel colors and fluffy skirts, and adorned with lace!

—(This kind of question may interfere with fans’ imaginations, but) for Callie and Cassie have you decided which is younger and which is older?

H&M: We think Callie is the older sister. She is neat and caring while little Cassie is playful and cheerful. Cassie is so attached to her twin sister that she won't let any guy get close to her easily.

—Happydolly, your face makeup is very unique. How did you learn to do it?

H: Although I have drawing skills, that doesn’t mean I can skillfully and quickly paint doll heads. Knowing this, I look at work from other doll artists for inspiration and begin by checking out fashionable makeup. I practiced repeatedly on tons of doll heads to find my own style. Many people now enjoy my sweet and natural style. It always makes me happy to have someone look at my work and say that it looks like it’s alive.

—Memento, what's your style and where does your inspiration come from?

M: We think our style is romantic and sweet because we like to make our dolls cute in one way or another and give them pastel colors. Also, our inspiration comes from many areas, and we make use of it in many areas, primarily in designing clothes we want our dolls to wear. However, it’s also used from time to time for fabrics we like.

—We didn't know that you make amazing dioramas as well. How long did it take to make the “Happydolly & Mememto Cafe” diorama?

H: I had thought about wanting to do a cute cafe photoshoot once the designs of the dolls were complete. However, by the time I received the completed dolls from Groove I didn’t have the time. In total it took 15 days to complete the diorama. As always, I had help from Memento with it too. That’s how we were able to prepare it just like I had envisioned. I’m happy it came out so well and I hope everyone enjoys it.