Pullip
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Pullip is a collectible fashion doll. It was created by the Korean company Cheonsang Cheonha and marketed by JUN Planning of Japan. Since release in 2003, other types of dolls were added to the Pullip line:
- male Namu (retired)
- male Taeyang
- younger girl Dal
- miniature versions of pullips called Little Pullip
Pullips are released on a monthly basis, and there are additional limited release exclusives sold occasionally. Each edition has a unique name with distinct face make-up, hair, outfit, accessories, and box.
The Pullip has a unique eye mechanism that allows the eyes to move back and forth, and wink, using levers on the back of the head. Pullips are highly articulated and can be personalized or customized. Pullip is about 12 inches tall with an oversized head. The body is about 9 inches tall (1:6 scale), the size of many fashion dolls such as Barbie and Jenny.
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[edit] Body
The articulated Pullip body has gone through several changes. Early dolls had Marmit-type bodies with visible screws. The first three dolls (Moon, Street, and Wind) have necks that can snap easily, though this was fixed with later releases.
Starting in December 2003 with the release of Venus, Pullip had a new body (called the "Type 2" body), which had no visible screws, a soft torso, and joints that can be pulled apart. This body had more realistic proportions, and to date is the most poseable body. Disadvantages of this body include the limbs can fall off or pull apart too easily, the soft torso 'pops' out of the hip joint, and that the plastic of the body had a tendency to melt under certain environmental conditions, mostly high heat and humidity.
With the release of Lan Ake and Lan Ai in 2005, a newer body was created with less articulation, a smaller more child-like body, and hinged wrists/ankles. This is referred to as the "Type 3" body. While sturdier than its predecessors, this body is the least poseable.
[edit] Special Editions and Exclusives
While the regular release of Pullip is 'limited' in that only a certain amount are made, this number is known only by the manufacturer. Occasionally a limited release exclusive pullip will be made in a quantity between 300 and 1500, and sold in addition to the regular monthly release. Some stores that have had exclusives are Toys-R-Us Japan, Magma Heritage (Singapore), HauteDoll (U.S.), TBS shop (Japan), and pullip.net (Korea). The limited sales exclusives came with a certificate showing their production number, until the September 2007 exclusives that did not include a certificate. In early 2006 with the release of Fall Purezza, Jun Planning announced that it would no longer make exclusive dolls due to the dolls cutting in on the demand of the regular releases. They apparently changed their mind in early 2007 with the release of the first U.S. store exclusive, Haute, by HauteDoll, which was later followed by multiple Japan exclusives.
In anticipated of the 5th anniversary of pullip, five dolls were released as part of the "Another Alice" limited edition set including an Another Alice, Another Queen, Another King (Taeyang), Another Rabbit (Dal), and Another Clock Rabbit (Dal). These were inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Pullip collectors often refer to this set as the "Golden Alice" set. Their original release date (August 2007) was postponed in order to include the new eye-closing feature on the Another King Taeyang. Persons that ordered the complete set received a bonus flamingo figurine. Only 500 of each of these dolls were released.
In 2006, Jun Planning began releasing licensed pullips of the characters of the popular anime/manga Rozen Maiden series. These were not limited sales with the exception of the final Rozen Maiden pullip, Kirakishou (which was an exclusive to TBS/Japan[1]). Many other collaboration dolls have or will be released including H. Naoto, Hello Kitty, and Neon Genesis Evangelion Pullips in 2007 and early 2008. Holly is based on Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) from the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Rozen Maiden, Hello Kitty, Evangelion, and H. Naoto editions are not exclusive or limited sales dolls but have higher prices than standard dolls due to licensing.
Prior to 2006, Jun Planning released some editions that bore close resemblance to popular characters and celebrities but are not officially licensed. Fantastic Alice is similar to Disney's rendition of Alice in Wonderland. Rida bears resemblance to Nana. The Happy Birthday 2 doll set is a Native American pullip named Sacagawea and Namu named Geronimo. Principessa bears close resemblance to some images of Japanese musician/designer, Mana.
[edit] Other Pullip Merchandise
[edit] Pullip Costume
Pullip Costume/Fashion are clothes and accessories sold by JUN Planning for Pullip dolls. This includes complete costumes, articles of clothing, and accessories. Pullip Costume items were released sporadically. Many sets were cancelled or discontinued following their announcements.
[edit] Petit Luxury
Petit Luxury are display furniture for Pullip released by JUN Planning of Japan, starting in January 2008. This includes classic French armchairs and chaise longue. They are upholstered and have resin frames.
[edit] Magazine
JUN Planning authorized a Pullip Magazine book that is is 88 pages long, written in Japanese, and published July 2005. The magazine book includes the full catalog of each Pullip released up to that point, concepts, interviews with the designers, collaborations with popular clothing lines, guides on customizing pullips, and outfit patterns of brand name fashion designs.
[edit] Releases
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2003
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2004
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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[edit] Customizing
Like the more expensive Ball-jointed doll, these dolls are easily customizable. Pullip dolls released prior to March 2004 had rooted hair, but the scalp pieces can be swapped with other pullips. Dolls after this point have wigs that can be removed more easily. The head and eye mechanism can be taken apart with a simple screw driver. Changes range from minor such as wig or eye-color swapping, to custom dolls of completely new designs. More intensive customization can include resculpting the face or body, adding piercings, tattoos, ears, teeth, and facial hair.
[edit] Controversy
The doll originally designed for July of 2005 was "Beressa," a 'lady spy', who came with a black uniform and cap with gold braids and red details, including a red arm band and a pistol. Although no swastikas were visible on the doll in photographs, the resemblance of the uniform and gun design made it appear to some that the doll was designed after a German SS officer uniform. JUN Planning announced the cancellation of Beressa out of respect for the 60th anniversary of the Holocaust. Lan, the doll that was to replace her, was delayed for a month and as such there was never a doll for July 2005.
The dreadlocked "Assa" pullip doll has elements that may identify her as a lesbian from southern California. This includes a large "Queer" button, a rainbow headband, patches identifying the SoCal lifestyle/places, male occupation, and overall tomboy appearance.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links / Sources
Official Websites
Unofficial/Information Websites
