Some of the many faces of Modsdoll, with makeup designed and painted by Yian Lee
Arguably some of the most enigmatic and beautiful fashion dolls on the market today are made by Yian Lee of Modsdoll. Produced in strictly limited editions of only 25-30, these dolls have gained something of a cult following since their introduction in 2013, with the imaginatively named No1. At the time of writing in 2017, Lee had created an astonishing 25 Modsdoll models in a relatively short amount of time, with the smallest edition being just 10 dolls.
No.1, the first-ever Modsdoll, wearing her launch outfit. V1 body type, in a limited edition of 25 dolls.
Formerly with Ficon, Lee was deeply involved in the creation of the brand’s signature look of small-headed, willowy, fashion BJDs. But she wanted to create her own distinctive style inspired by the real people, not least Tilda Swinton and Audrey Hepburn. The model David Gandy is another influence, but more of that later.
Following the success of No.1’s debut in 2012, a succession of limited editions have followed. They sell out rapidly, their popularity fueled by both rarity value and the casually sophisticated images that Lee creates for her dolls. Modsdolls are typically created in limited edtions of 30, exceptions to this are pointed out in the captions.
Nyx and Miao, the second and third dolls created by Yian Lee in 2013 for the Modsdoll line. Nyx uses the No.1 face sculpt. Both dolls are on the V1 body, Miao has additional ballet feet.
Modsdoll, is a reference to modern modes and styles, the company consists of a team of artisans assembled by Lee, who is sole proprietor. While the dollmaker herself paints each Modsdoll’s face, she enlists her fashion designer, Hong, to help realize her concepts for the outfits and accessories. Clothing is made by a South Korean manufacturer. Wigs are created to Lee’s specifications in collaboration with the Italian wigmaker Illaria Mazzoni. The entire process from design to production takes up to three months. Although Lee aims for perfection, she explains, “It is practically impossible to get a 100% perfect product. So I have many instances of changes or revisions. Doing my best is the best way to be satisfied.”
Using a limited number of head sculpts, Lee creates dolls in an incredibly varied range of styles. In order of appearance: Asura; Hana; Bronte; Chloe; and Ylang. All five dolls use the V1 body. Asura and Hana are from 2013 and have the Miao face sculpt. The next three dolls are from 2014: Bronte is a new face sculpt which is also used for Chloe; Ylang has the No.1 face. Both Asura and Bronte have additional ballet feet, Asura also has a ‘bent fingers’ right hand.
Lee is married, “to my beloved husband of 19 years,” and mother of two sons, aged 14 and 17. She realized her own personal dream, both professional and creative, by launching Modsdoll. She studied fashion design at university about 20 years ago, and worked in the fashion industry initially. Then she trained in make-up design and worked professionally as a make-up artist. Skill sets learned in these occupations have proved invaluable in her career as a doll designer. Still passionate about fashion, Lee says, “I love all kind of fashion and I’m very interested mixing western and eastern influences; favorite designers are Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, (there are others, too).”
Always fashion-forward, the influence of some of Lee’s favorite designers, such as Alexander McQueen and Jean-Paul Gaultier, is apparent in her work. In the order they were released for sale: Asali; Choo; Aurum; Darin; and Bisous. Asali is a new face sculpt; Choo and Aurum both use the Miao face, these three dolls are from 2014. Darin has the No.1 face, and Bisous uses Asali in a lighter skin tone. All dolls are on the V1 body. Aurum, Darin, and Bisous are both 2015 dolls, they have additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing. Darin also has a pair of flat feet, the first Modsdoll with this feature.
Lee’s connection with Ficon, and her decade-long career in the fashion BJD industry, led to a desire to make a doll of her own. “I always imagined in my head how to make dolls. “I love human proportions on dolls. That is why I love fashion dolls.” The Modsdoll body is similar to the Ficon physique, but subtly different – with under-bust jointing, thicker arms, a flatter abdomen, and a little less booty. Lee has a fascination with natural movement and is constantly working with her sculptor on ways to modify and improve Modsdolls’ jointing.
Having said that, her dolls can borrow clothing from other lines, including Ficon and Numina. Sybarite footwear generally fits too. For alternative wigs, those with a 4- to 5-inch circumference are a good fit. There are currently seven face sculpts in the Modsdoll line.
Lee’s enigmatic dolls display an understated, casual elegance – the root of their versatility. 2015 was a bumper year for Modsdoll, with the issue of a further five dolls: Spica; Agatha; Nashwa (in a limited edtion of only 10 dolls); Jazmin; and Eileen. Spica uses the Miao face sculpt; Agatha has the Bronte face; Nashwa uses the Asali face; Jazmin is a new face sculpt, which is also used for Eileen. All dolls are on the V1 body, with additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing.
Lee enjoys the dolls from Tonner, Sybarite, Fashion Royalty, and Numina. She collects Barbies, larger size BJDs, albums by her favorite musicians (particularly Coldplay, Richard Yongjae O’Neill, and Glenn Gould), and all kinds of owls – whether dolls, cups, or paintings. As far as dolls go, Lee points out, “Whenever I want to buy a fashion BJD, I consider my taste and doll play style. If the dolls are just my type, I order it again and again. But if it’s not my style or taste, I pass and wait for new dolls. I think Modsdoll collectors are like this, too – similar to me. Modsdoll style is easy and familiar, so collectors feel more comfortable, and get vicarious satisfaction.”
The designer is equally at home with both daywear and the full-on glamour of evening gowns. The following dolls in the series, are all from 2016: Minjin; Ingrid; Day and Night; Piony; and Sasha. Minjin uses the Miao face sculpt; Ingrid and Day and Night have the Jazmin face; Piony is a new face sculpt on the new V2 body, which has resculpted torso, belly, and back: Sasha is on the V3 body, which is as V2 with new knee articulation, and uses the Piony face. All dolls have additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing. Minjin, Ingrid, and Day and Night were in slightly larger limted editions of 35 dolls. Piony was realeased in a smaller edtion of 25, and 40 Sasha dolls were released.
Two 2017 releases: Bom Bom; and Lara. Bom Bom has the Miao face, and Lara uses the Jazmin sculpt. Both dolls are on the V3 body and have additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing. They were each released in limited editions of 40 dolls.
Modsdoll has produced two standalone outfits for its dolls: Lola (left) from 2013 is modeled by Nyx; and from 2014, Mon Amour (right) is worn by Bronte. 20 of each of these outfits were made.
In the future, Lee has set her sights on producing male dolls, using David Gandy as a starting point. But what she will never do is to take her hard-earned success for granted. Neither are we ever likely to see the designer move into the mass market. These are truly artist dolls. Lee says, “I’m so happy in my dollmaking job. I hope Modsdoll will give happy energy to all collectors.”
This is an edited version of a feature that first ran in the BADDD newsletter, August 2017. You can see more images of Modsdolls on flickr
For reference, the measurements of Modsdolls are: Height 16 inches; Head circumference 4.5 inches; Bust 15.8cm; Waist 10.5cm; Hip 17cm; Foot 4.3cm. These sizes were taken directly from the Modsdoll site and include a mix of metric and imperial measurements.
Since this feature appeared, Yian Lee has created more dolls. We will update as further dolls are added to the line (see below). Here is a very comprehensive reference point for Modsdolls.
Arya, features a new open-mouth face sculpt on the V3 body. The doll was launched in an edition of 30 dolls in late 2017 and includes ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing.
Vivian uses the Arya face sculpt and was released early 2018, the doll has ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing. Vivian has the V3 body.
Emma, a daywear doll from Spring 2018. The doll uses the Jazmin face sculpt, the V3 body, and has additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing.
Ophelie wears an evening gown and was launched Summer 2018. The doll also uses the Jazmin face sculpt, the V3 body, and has additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing.
The Miao head sculpt is reintroduced in Fall 2018 for Anne. She wears a wig by Ilaria, and oversize dogtooth check coat, a lace with tulle inner dress, and hand beaded ‘MODS’ long side slit turtleneck sweater, the outfit is finished with long leather boots. the doll has the V3 body and includes additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing.
Eleanor was released in November 2018. She has the Jazmin head sculpt, the makeup was created by LJ and Yian Lee. Outfit design by Alma and includes a black wool cape with silk satin lining, over a black lace dress, accessorised with black satin strap high heel shoes by sherryfang. Eleanor wears a carrot red wave wig by Ilaria Time of Doll, and a red-coated micro chain necklace. The doll uses the Jazmin face sculpt, the V3 body, and has additional ‘waisted’ hands and ball hands for dressing.
Click here for comprehensive, independent, reference information for Modsdolls.
Here’s a video overview of all of the Modsdolls: