Discover the Creative Behind Our Designer - Hime

Ruby Red Galleria Designer - Hime

Tell us a bit about your background and growing up

I have been interested in all things beautiful ever since I was a child, including fashion, beauty, make-up, the arts, and more. I believe many girls had Barbie dolls when they were young, and I was no exception! I had several dolls as a child.

Also when I was young, my parents taught me simple hand sewing techniques, so I would cut up old clothes and make new outfits for my Barbie dolls to wear.

I happen to have a brother who loves anime and that’s how I also became interested in anime too. I would say I am largely influenced by Japanese culture (I have a strong interest in anime, Lolita fashion, kimono designs, etc.).

During high school, I took visual arts classes and at university, I studied fashion design.

So you have a very strong interest in fashion and visual arts, plus experience in making clothes for dolls! And now you get to apply your experience and knowledge to the world of doll making. What do you enjoy most about designing dolls and doll clothing?

I find the process of creating something from nothing very interesting. When making a doll, you have to consider the doll’s shape, its makeup, wigs, clothes, shoes, and more, so as to form a complete doll set. Different combinations will produce different effects. I really enjoy trying various combinations to see how they’ll work as a whole, and what elements look better when placed together.

Where else do you look for inspiration when designing dolls?

Mainly from the Internet, maybe fashion shows, or OOTD (outfit of the day) posts on social media such as Instagram, Pinterest, REDnote, etc. There are times I’ll also take inspiration from movies and anime.

For me, sometimes inspiration comes from fabrics. For example, I might see a piece of beautiful fabric and think it will be suitable for a certain style.

What are some of the most memorable projects that you worked on?

Xióng Xióng (Limited Edition)

When I helped design this doll, I took inspiration from traditional Chinese attire worn during the Ming Dynasty.

Also, as most people know, the panda is considered one of China’s national treasures. They are popular with people in China and all across the world.

As a result of knowing this, I designed a panda pattern on the “mamianqun” skirt (a traditional type of skirt). A special element of the outfit also includes the fact that the top was made using gold heat transfer. Finally, for the outfit, I chose jacquard fabric for a textured design.

Xiong Xiong, Ruby Red Fashion Friends Limited Edition, Jan 2023

Mori Lolli - Fairy Tale Adventure Alice

Launched in Nov, 2024

Mori Lolli - Fairy Tale Adventures Alice

When it comes to this particular design, you can obviously see that it’s got an Alice in Wonderland theme, with the more representative look being the blue skirt and white apron.

However, I wanted a more unique design, so I mixed in argyle check designs and playing card themed patterns (which you can see in the use of hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs).

Also, as I wanted her outfit to look more layered and light, I used mostly transparent fabric for the apron.

Which doll outfit that you designed would you wear if a human-sized version of it was made?

I think it would have to be Maisy’s outfit. I feel this way because her style is very casual, easy to wear, and also looks very cute. The checkered pattern dress is complemented well by the cream-colored long-sleeved shirt. The outfit also includes a stylish handbag, platform shoes, and beret. I can envision myself wearing that outfit often in winter.

Maisy, Ruby Red Fashion Friends Limited Edition, Jan 2025

Are there any particular seasons or special days you especially like designing for? (E.g. Summer, Valentine’s Day, etc.)

I would have to say Valentine’s Day, because I really like Maisy & Tom (our previous Valentine’s Day dolls); they look so well matched and cute. Moreover, for Valentine's Day, you can design a boy and a girl, which gives me more room for creativity.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start designing dolls and doll clothing?

I would say look at different styles and don’t limit yourself to just one. The more you see, the better your design will be. Then you can go to fabric markets more often to see different fabrics and accessories, which can also provide you with some inspiration. You can also learn some basic knowledge of paper patterns, which can help you in designing various outfits.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like watching movies and animation during my personal time. I also like cooking and baking. I really like sweets, as they make me happy. I enjoy trying different types of food and will go to different restaurants to try all kinds of dishes. Before, I used to make clothes for myself, however I rarely do that now.

Can you give us some hints on projects you're working on right now?

Sure! So Mori Lolli will soon have a new doll set, outfit, wig and more. I'm also working on Ruby Red Fashion Friends Halloween and New Year dolls. For the Halloween dolls, some details have already been discussed on the Ruby Red Fashion Friends Official Fan Club Facebook group such as the theme. I know you're all looking forward to these dolls, and i can't wait for you all to see them once they're ready!