The Modernization of American Girl Dolls
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
With the sea of toys that have come and gone throughout our journey of adolescence, one has been able to maintain social relevance for decades: American Girl dolls. Founded in 1986, American Girl dolls have stood out amongst other dolls with their connection to American history and the brand’s ongoing mission of inclusivity and representation for all girls.
While American Girl dolls are toys marketed toward young children, the dolls have been able to find their way into other subcultures on the internet, serving as an outlet for creators of all ages to express themselves, using the dolls as a canvas. Creators have been giving the dolls a more modern look, with makeup, clothes, and hairstyles designed to mimic current trends.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
These American Girl Dolls can be found across various pockets of the internet. Omar, also known as @sm0lfriends on social media, has been customizing dolls since 2015, turning his hobby into a full-time job! Omar draws inspiration both from the world around him and the internet to create the dolls. “I was inspired by my mom who I took a lot of makeup inspiration from watching her apply makeup every day and AGtubers who often made customization videos and it just sparked so much joy and creativity to me,” Omar said in an interview with Strike Magazine. Using the world around him, Omar creates uniquely crafted dolls that fans of American Girl enjoy. Whether they admire a specific character, covet these trendy looks, or see themselves in these custom dolls, there is something special that draws people in.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
While some creators like Omar focus their craft on creating the dolls, others use these ready-made dolls to display other forms of art, such as clothing designs and photography. Lily, also known as @juniperilly on social media, uses the dolls to create new personalities and take photographs both outdoors and in her beautifully constructed doll house. “I love taking photos and also sharing their outfits! I’ve made so many amazing friends in this community and I’ve felt so welcome.” Lily said in an interview with Strike Magazine. Lily has amassed over seventeen thousand followers on Instagram, curating a community of fans and other creators who share her love for modernizing this toy and telling a new story.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
There’s just something about American Girl dolls that has drawn people in for years and years. While some are intrigued for aesthetic purposes, others find comfort in the message American Girl has been spreading since its origin. American Girl has always sought to tell the story of every kind of girl, with their Historical Dolls, spanning centuries of characters dating back to 1764; their Girl of the Year Dolls, which tell a new story of a young girl in present time every year; and their Truly Me Dolls, which aim to have as many different physical feature combinations as possible. There is something for everyone. American Girls’ mission to share everyone’s story has inspired artists to create and foster a community of collaboration and positivity.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
We may find ourselves growing out of the toys we had as children. Growing up brings new interests and hobbies, sometimes leaving the toys we once cherished behind. However, just because something is marketed towards kids, that does not mean it’s off limits for those who still seek a creative outlet and want to expand their artistry. Many artists today show us that you’re never too old for dolls, and creativity comes in all kinds of forms.
Strike Out,
Writer: Dana Liberto
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Graphic Designer: Lindsay Merrill
Tallahassee