What's the big deal about Puppy52 clothes?

I have been watching Chun's auction for her Santa's Helper outfit set and I am stunned at the current going price. I think her stuff looks great but I'd like to know from others why her clothes are so highly sought after. I'm really hoping that I don't sound snarky because that's the last thing I intend. I am just genuinely curious. For months I've heard tons of positive comments about Chun's clothes. The only reason I commented on the price is because I really had no idea that anyone would spend that much on an outfit set. Why yes, I am a noob... On the customer and collector end of it, what does Chun do right to make you a devoted buyer?

 

Is it because they are well made?

Or how the clothes fit?

Is it simply because they are hard to get?

Or that they are tailored specifically for a DD's body?

Could it be because it's a themed set?

Because they are one of a kind?

Is it just the style of clothes she makes?

Does she send them in really adorable packaging?

Is there some quality about it that I'm just not picking up on?

Do people just personally love Chun that much?

 

From the photos I've seen she does an excellent job and shows a lot of skill and talent. I wish her all the best in what she enjoys doing. With as much sewing experience I've had, I've been highly curious about what makes her stand apart because I am interested in doing something similar this summer. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to do exactly what she does. Just because someone can sew one style of clothing doesn't mean that they can do every style. In general I like sewing dresses with fitted bodices and poofy skirts, but there is a lot more that I can do other than that. Pants are not my strong point. Would there be any real interest in having another DD seamstress making one of a kind quality clothing in the community?

 

~Sister Kyoya

Is it because they are well made?

Or how the clothes fit?

Is it simply because they are hard to get?

Or that they are tailored specifically for a DD's body?

Could it be because it's a themed set?

Because they are one of a kind?

Is it just the style of clothes she makes?

Do people just personally love Chun that much?

 

Answer to all those questions is Yes

 

I have several of clothing pieces from Chun (Puppy52) that I was lucky enough to buy from her website when she lists things for sale, and I love them.

In addition to the points you've mentioned, the pieces don't stain (she tests all her fabrics for at least a week, either on spare pieces or on her own dolls) and the fabrics/ prints that she chooses are very cute, and nicely accented with delicate lace/ribbon/trim, often from Japan.

 

The fit is perfect, and aimed specifically at Dollfie Dreams, which is still hard to find. Even Volks stuff is sometimes SD13/DD so it's loose in the waist since it needs to fit the SD13 bodies too. She's also one of the few people that makes tops for S/M bust in mind. Her pricing is reasonable, considering the work she puts into them - even this Santa auction started around $25 I think.

 

Having sewn costumes and dresses for myself, and attempted a few DD projects (and then shelved them!!) I do know how much work goes into making DD clothes. It's just as much work as making human sized stuff, if not more work! So, when I'm looking at buying DD clothes I think to myself "If this was human sized, would I pay $XX.xx for it?" If the answer is yes, then I can somewhat justify it - at least that's how I justify spending $120 on a Volks outfit.

 

Some of the "hype" you see on puppy52's eBay auctions is likely because the clothing sets are limited, and in the case with the Danny Choo Mirai uniform auction a while back (since she made all of the uniforms for Danny Choo too) it'd be like having "the real" Mirai DD uniform. Don't underestimate the Danny Choo fans out there 0_0" It's not unusual to see one-off outfits on YJA got for hundreds of dollars too - like things from Le Chat de Neige.

 

It also helps that Chun is active in the community (albeit less so on this forum), is helpful and nice, and a lovely person in real life too.

Edited December 12, 2012 by Guest

I have never had the pleasure of owning any of Chun's fashions for my girls. I would love to because I am sure the quality and fit are top-notch. Chun also seems to be a very nice person and that always helps.

 

I think Chun also made Danny Choo's DD's outfit (and some art, if I am not mistaken) that became his original character, Mirai Suenaga. Mirai has become very popular - figures and other merchandise, cosplay and now an anime in the works. Chun's fashion is the one she is most known for.

 

I think in every doll community there are a few OOAK artists that become very popular and their works (fashions) become almost legendary, for lack of a better word. They don't happen often, they are very well made and detailed and the style is unmistakeable - therefore they are sought after and command a price.

 

When I collected Silkstone Barbies, there was an OOAK fashion artist who did amazing ensembles and her stuff would sell out as soon as it was posted or if it was put on Ebay, it would go for prices like Chun. Her name was (is) Matisse. But if you ever saw a fashion by her, you knew it was one of hers without ever asking. Sort of like real people designers, I guess.

 

Other than that, I cannot tell you because I haven't seen any of her fashions in person and probably never will. They are very cute and seem to be really well made. But the auctions usually go out of my price range.

 

In the end, I guess the answer comes down to a well-deserved reputation.

 

Hope that helps.

Edited December 12, 2012 by Guest

She has sales on her website? Good to know. I have only ever looked at auctions.

 

Ahhh, there is hope. I really want some of her jeans.

 

Thanks!

That is true about her auctions. She does start them very low and it is a case of supply and demand. It is not up to her to raise the price. It is those who bid on the item, like most popular dolly designers.

 

Just a testament to the quality, rarity (I doubt she has a ton of time to make very many) and popularity, I suppose.

 

edit - Just looked at the auction and it includes 2 complete fashions (minus shoes). Not such a bad price compared to Volks. Cool Cat commands similar prices for their limiteds.

Wow, thanks for the fast replies! I really appreciate the feedback a lot.

 

I saw the auction listing when she first posted the link on twitter and saw the starting price. That more than anything floored me by how much it went up. That's one of the things I think is really cool about auctioning the clothes is she can set the base price but ends up being paid what people think it's worth. In other handmade doll fashions I saw people aiming to be the cheapest and yet would never realize that they were losing money, not making it. There has to be that balance. Otherwise you'll end up hating and resenting something that was otherwise a lot of fun.

 

I know that someone doesn't attain what Chun has by mere chance or dumb luck. I really respect her for how much work she has put into the outfits as well as keeping her target market interested in her products. I had no idea that she made Mirai's outfit! We surely know about her and have the Moekana cards.

 

Although it shouldn't have taken me by surprise, I guess I assumed that there was more properly fitted DD clothes out there. Once I stopped to think about it I know of many places that are "close enough" but it hadn't sunk in that DD are minor compared to BJD. Even the blue striped underwear set Raven bought from Volks doesn't impress me. Our set at least had the underwear cut out a tiny bit crooked from the jersey and it is forever causing trouble with them looking right. Then the hooks on the back of the bra are fine, but the cheaply stitched "eye" has already pulled out and irks me to no end. Tamayuki's striped Volks shirt is better... except the Velcro gets stuck to the threads inside every time I take it off of him. Eventually it is going to damage the seams even though I try to be careful. Volk's "quality" is almost a joke around here. I'm curious as to what I'll think of the workmanship of Kos-Mos and Momo's outfits. Attention to detail is one of my strong points in any of my creative pursuits. I have most of my Photoshop projects on my Flickr that clearly illustrate how picky I am.

 

Doll clothes definitely takes more work than normal sized clothes, especially when it comes to the tiny arm holes! Sometimes because of scale, Doll clothes need more extensive hand sewing to finish it properly. If the whole outfit needs to be lined, essentially two outfits are being made into one. Normal clothes don't have that concern. And all of that comes after you have a properly fitted pattern. OOAK DD clothing is great on the creative end of it too. I don't have all the fun taken out of it because I'm trying to figure out how to make identical pieces of clothing one after another, but instead can take the energy to make one really amazing outfit.

 

~Sister Kyoya

The clothes seem very nicely made and are attractive.

 

In fact, some doll clothing is better(!) made than our own clothing!

I'll mirror what everyone else has said about Chun's clothing. I only own a few things from her but all of them have great fit and finish to them and are super well made.

 

I think the main things that make her stuff desirable and expensive are as follows:

 

She's a great person to talk to and isn't a snob.

She's active in the doll hobby as a whole, not just Dollfie Dreams.

She has a great work ethic and puts a ton of detail into her outfits.

Her outfits and clothing are very limited which causes collectors to want them even more.

She has auctioned off special made outfits for charity.

Her clothing fits the DD's perfectly and does not stain.

The Danny Choo link makes a big impact on her ebay sales. Choo fans are crazy at times.

The money you spend on her clothes goes right back into the hobby.

 

There's more reasons I'm sure but those are the main ones I can think of.

 

It does get frustrating at times if you want to buy her stuff and can't because you didn't see when she released some items on her website. So if you're after her stuff, you have to stalk her religiously on Twitter and her website to see when she is going to list things for sale. And even tho some of her things aren't cheap, you know they will look awesome on your girls, they will be well made and they keep their value or even appreciate in time. It's all win-win if you can get some of it.

 

 

 

Billy

I'm lucky enough to have several Chun items, and I love them all. The best thing about them is that the fit and style are perfect for DDs. They are also made with excruciating detail and quality. Everything is perfect, she obviously does not allow things to slip through her "quality control."

 

She's also an amazing person to talk to and has great blogs to follow. Yes, she does send cute litte thank you pictures with her packages that are amazing as well, and personalized.

 

I think the main thing is that the quality of her clothes is worth the higher price. The auctions do have some hype around them because they are limited outfits, but for all the different pieces that can be used in multiple ways, they are worth it as well.

 

It's just too bad that we can't clone her so she can make more stuff!

 

Great fit of tops and shorts (so hard to find shorts and pants fit for DDs!)

 

_DSC0734 by PrettyCranium, on Flickr

 

Adorably cute:

 

P1030244 by PrettyCranium, on Flickr

 

P1020707 by PrettyCranium, on Flickr

Plus she has two of the cutest kitties ever!

 

... wait... what do you mean that's OT? T_T

 

Just to add in though, I think a big part of it is also her customer care... she really goes above and beyond to make sure you're happy with her product, and throws in just about the world's cutest "extras".

Probably no bigger deal than any other set of one-off clothes. If anything her clothes are still on the 'cheap' side as far as one-offs go if you've ever had a gander at yahoo japan auctions where one-off outfits go for....well..300+$ if not hundreds more. As to how her auctions get to that price despite a low start, its the choo fans I'm sure. I'm probably going to get blasted for saying so but its like buying a 'celebrity' endorsed product even if indirectly.

 

Not saying her stuff isn't good quality, it is, but I'm pretty sure Choo fanblobs make them more expensive than they would normally go for. So to answer your question SK, its not actually a big deal, no bigger than any other doll clothes maker, any hyper inflation of price for her stuff is likely because of the above reason, since as was stated above, its not like the auctions start high (though from brand name alone its not like the seller needs to worry about it going up high enough).

I feel like this is supply & demand at its finest--the supply is limited, and she's done very well in culturing a demand for her products. She has fantastic advertising from her connections with Danny Choo. She creates quality clothing with the details and fit that customers want. She provides customer care and service that is personalized and dedicated, satisfying customers and encouraging them to repeat their purchases. She has a fan following, and that equates to plenty of demand! n_n

Not saying her stuff isn't good quality, it is, but I'm pretty sure Choo fanblobs make them more expensive than they would normally go for. So to answer your question SK, its not actually a big deal, no bigger than any other doll clothes maker, any hyper inflation of price for her stuff is likely because of the above reason, since as was stated above, its not like the auctions start high (though from brand name alone its not like the seller needs to worry about it going up high enough).

 

Yeah, if I remember correctly chun's Mirai outfit went for over $700.

on the OT side - Danny has introduced a lot of people to DDs and Mirai is a very loved 'mascot'.

 

Mirai's original fashions (usually worn by Saber) were made by Chun and thus one reason for the huge popularity. Those aren't mass produced anywhere, so unless you commission a copy...you don't have an opportunity to have own one.

 

I am grateful for this thread and for learning more about the fashions and Chun. I knew from reputation that the fashions were super high quality. But hopefully I will have the chance to own a piece or two one day.

I have to agree with Mahoro. I really like Chun and she does some really cute outfits but I feel a large part of the price hike is from the Danny Choo fans. ^^; (don't kill me) I think ordinarily the santa outfit would probably fetch between $100 and $150, which is pretty good for a handmade piece. (probably what Chun was expecting herself). While I have seen some piece's on Yahoo go for $300+ these have been near masterpieces of fashion with a lot of detailed fine work.

 

Some examples just from today;

http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f123113591

SKD is a very popular designer on yahoo.

http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m103494590

http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k160464943

 

You can see for yourself really.

Ah, but Chun also fills a niche that others don't want to get into, such as her fitted jeans and jean shorts. No one wants to make those things, because they are extremely labor intensive, and can only fit the size doll they were made specifically for.

 

Although I can recognize the quality and beauty of the outfits you linked, for me they are too busy. Especially the first two. But that's just my opinion. I like Chun's stuff because it's high quality but more everyday fashion. Something the girls can wear all the time, not just for one fancy photo shoot because otherwise the skirt takes up too much room.

I like Chun's stuff because it's high quality but more everyday fashion. Something the girls can wear all the time, not just for one fancy photo shoot.

 

 

I 100% agree with this. Super frilly and "busy" outfits are awesome for sure, I have one or two of them.... but for everyday use, the kinds of things Chun makes fit the bill extremely well. Pants and shirts and shorts are far more usable to me than super fancy outfits. And it looks like others feel the same way.

 

 

Billy

I'm really glad this was posted. I was honestly wondering this for myself. What i don't get is how you order from her site. I understand you watch twitter to see when she posts things but then I don't know how to go bout ordering from there. I want to get dynamite jeans, I don't even know if she has those available for the public actually..but still confused..

I really very much appreciate all the info and input. The two things that do surprise me though are these:

 

-> Her big draw is that she does normal clothes in mix & match sets instead of the ultra froofy and lace encrusted old style outfits

-> and her jean shorts and pants

 

I have been sewing my own skirts and dresses since I was a freshman in high school and I own a grand total of two pairs of pants, one of which I wear only under dresses and the other I don't wear. So with that in mind, please forgive me if my following questions seem blatantly obvious.

 

-> Are shorts and pants really that big of a deal?

-> What about jean skirts and overalls?

-> What about pants and shorts made out of cotton instead of denim?

-> Is it really hard to find everyday clothing sets?

-> What individual clothing pieces would interest you the most (other than the obvious denim jeans & shorts)?

 

Based on what is usually seen in the DD clothing market, it has been rather daunting feeling as if layered, lacy "cake dresses" are the basic expectation of anyone offering to sell clothes. Basic clothing just seemed too basic in comparison. Most of my experience in sewing doll clothes has been with American Girls who's figures are not well suited for elaborate clothing. Even my own clothes I make are not fancy in general but are well made, the fabric almost always wears out before the stitching does. In the back of my mind I've been longing to make clothing ranging from 70s country (I love calico prints), all kinds of 80s to early 90s clothes, and simple but fun stuff. More modern clothing wouldn't be much different from that either. Making DD versions of the school uniforms from Angelic Layer has been on my list almost from the beginning. The mix and match sets is one of the reasons I loved about Barbie when I was a kid. I was always swapping all sorts of outfit pieces. Taking a look at the overall view of the DD realm, so many people have limited dolls that they do not change. I think that has negatively colored my own view to the point that I had to remind myself that my DD could have more than a couple of outfits each.

 

So peoples, gimmie your opinions!

 

~Sister Kyoya

I'm really glad this was posted. I was honestly wondering this for myself. What i don't get is how you order from her site. I understand you watch twitter to see when she posts things but then I don't know how to go bout ordering from there. I want to get dynamite jeans, I don't even know if she has those available for the public actually..but still confused..

When Chun tweets that she has items for sale she'll list them on her store. Her store is located on her site:

 

http://puppy52dolls.com/

 

Right below the banner there is a link that says "BUY" which will lead you to the page that talks about how she tweets about her sales. From there you can either click on the picture of the shop or the link that says "Shop". Once you click on that a new page will open up for the store. It says "Dollfie Dream" and there is a picture of whatever it is she is currently selling which you'll click and you'll see what is currently listed on the store. But you have to be extremely quick, because once she tweets about her sales the items she puts up are gone in seconds.

 

I love Chun's style and would love to have some of her clothes in the future. I have a pair of panties with a doggy print on them that I won during one of her giveaways that are so cute. I'd love to get a pair of her Puppy jeans along with her tops. I love the sets that she lists on Ebay, but because they always surpass the money I have I just enjoy seeing how much they go for in the end. I'm always happy for her because she puts a lot of work into the clothing she makes and it's great that so many people love her products regardless of how they learned about them. Chun definitely provides the casual clothing that people want for their DD girls since Volks and so many others go for the super fancy outfits. Having really fancy outfits are great, I have some myself! But sometimes you just want your girls in something they can wear everyday~

 

As for the sets that were linked from Yahoo Japan, they are very impressive sets. They have lots of detail, lots of little accessories and I'm sure they are a hit with those who are into that kind of style. But for myself, I wouldn't buy any of those sets because they are not my thing. Also just because a set doesn't seem overly complicated (such as Chun's Santa's Helper Set) it doesn't mean it didn't take as long or longer to make as the sets linked from Yahoo Japan. They are different types of styles and there will be fans for the many different styles out there. Even if Chun hadn't made those DD outfits for Danny Choo's girls I still believe her auctions would fetch the same prices because of her style and quality products. Everyone who has had a chance to own some of her DD fashions are loyal fans and loyal fans are going to support the creator of items they love

 

And like everyone else has said she is part of the community and a really great person to talk with

heres my two cents:

-> Are shorts and pants really that big of a deal? yes

-> What about jean skirts and overalls? depending on the head mould it could work[ me look at baldylox mai mechanic]

-> What about pants and shorts made out of cotton instead of denim? the gangster or suit pant look looks gut too[ hololo smooth criminal kanu]

-> Is it really hard to find everyday clothing sets? not really there are literally loads of companies that make em. [coolcats, ninestyle, crobi.]

-> What individual clothing pieces would interest you the most (other than the obvious denim jeans & shorts)? i dunno about this. i usually look at sets see if i like it and if i do i buy it. as for me now. i am looking for a dress for my rise with a frilly top and straight bottom [she has a dfc afterall] without the overfrill and laces

I think I was a little misunderstood. I never said intricate clothes were better then casual sets. That really depends on what you prefer. But generally casual or more basic looking sets don't go for $150+

 

Also Volks does do more casual clothing as well as the frilly stuff

https://www.volks.co.jp/page_ex.jsp?CONTROLID=SC0040&BUSINESSID=InitDisp&jancd=4518992393803

I think I was a little misunderstood. I never said intricate clothes were better then casual sets. That really depends on what you prefer. But generally casual or more basic looking sets don't go for $150+

 

Also Volks does do more casual clothing as well as the frilly stuff

https://www.volks.co.jp/page_ex.jsp?CONTROLID=SC0040&BUSINESSID=InitDisp&jancd=4518992393803

I have that set and love it But on a whole when I look at clothes from Volks they sell more dresses/tops & skirts than pants/shorts. And even the stuff that I own which is kind of casual is still a bit fancy (which I do like as well especially depending on the girl who is wearing it)~ I bought that set right away because it said it fit DDdy which is so hard to find because of their lovely shape :3

 

And you're right because it does totally depend on each person's personal taste which is why for myself I wouldn't spend that kind of money on those sets because as nice as they are I don't see myself using them. Whereas Chun's sets I would definitely use and if I had the money would try to purchase her set for the price it went for. Especially since like a lot of the sets on YJA, Chun's Santa's Helper set was 2 sets of clothing in 1 which is always a plus for the price it went for and makes for good mixing and matching (I love mixing & matching ).

 

And I've seen casual/basic looking sets go for more than $150 on YJA depending on who the maker is. If it's someone really well known the price for the set always goes up quite high, but if it's someone who isn't really well known the price doesn't go up too high so it all depends on what the set is and who made it and the people who are interested in buying it. And just like those well known makers on YJA, Chun is a really well known seamstress in the community and a lot of people are willing to put down a lot of money for her items whether they be items in her shop or one of her auctions because they know the quality is great from previous purchases

 

It's great to see all the different opinions in this thread, good to know the different thoughts that everyone has on it

 

And to answer Sisterkyoya's questionnaire:

 

-> Are shorts and pants really that big of a deal?

I love having shorts & pants for casual looks. I dress really casual everyday myself (jeans & t-shirts) so I like to be able to dress my DD girls the same. I just like having a lot of clothing choices whether it be dressy/semi-formal/or just casual. Plus it's great when you can get shorts/pants that fit your DD girl just right. Sometimes if you buy the ones that aren't specified for DDs they can be too big or too tight.

 

-> What about jean skirts and overalls?

Those would be great to have as well! I have a denim mini skirt that I purchased from Mailittlealien that I adore and would love to have more items like this. Overalls are really cute as well

-> What about pants and shorts made out of cotton instead of denim?

Denim is of course number one when I think of jeans/shorts, but it would be great to have these items made in other materials as well. Especially for something like sweats or work out clothing.

-> Is it really hard to find everyday clothing sets?

It's not hard. There are plenty of places that offer everyday clothing, you just have to see if they fit or not if they aren't specified for DD. I don't like taking the chance of buying something and having it not fit. When Volks offered those sets with jeans that were specified for DDdy a few months ago I made sure to snap up a pair. I have a friend who has bought clothing sets from Volks that had pants that were for SD13 that fit, but wouldn't zip up & button and for myself that would have personally bothered me. So unless it is specified for DD or someone can tell/show me that it fits DD I won't want to take the risk on buying it.

 

-> What individual clothing pieces would interest you the most (other than the obvious denim jeans & shorts)?

I don't really have anything in mind, it would be more that I would see it and if I like it I'll buy it

When Chun tweets that she has items for sale she'll list them on her store. Her store is located on her site:

 

http://puppy52dolls.com/

 

Right below the banner there is a link that says "BUY" which will lead you to the page that talks about how she tweets about her sales. From there you can either click on the picture of the shop or the link that says "Shop". Once you click on that a new page will open up for the store. It says "Dollfie Dream" and there is a picture of whatever it is she is currently selling which you'll click and you'll see what is currently listed on the store. But you have to be extremely quick, because once she tweets about her sales the items she puts up are gone in seconds.

 

Oh Thank you so much. I think her jeans are like perfect little replicas of people pants and the quality looks amazing so One day I would like to have some

wow.. lots of people has answered already.. but I'll also add my little bit..

 

I was very lucky to be able to own a few pieces of Chun's work also, specially this commissioned yellow dress for Asuka:

IMG_5401 by Otakusan167, on Flickr

 

The fit of all her pieces are PERFECT, I have yet to see a piece of VOLKS work fit this well. All materials including fabrics and threads used are tested to ensure no or minimal staining. Anything in doubt will be lined in white. Even the very tiny parts like the shoulder straps on Asuka's yellow dress are lined.

 

When she does put regular items on her store, the prices are VERY reasonable.. in fact I think sometimes they are even too cheap for the quality we get. But they do sell out fast.. I'm talking VOLKS click-war fast... so it's really on your luck.

 

Her evil-bay items do go for crazy prices now after people realized Danny's Miri uniforms were pretty much all custom made by Chun...

 

One last reason to support the worth of her evilbay sets, is that they are pretty much one-offs.. she may have a few similar looking prototypes before the final product that she keeps for herself, but the actual auction sets usually will not reproduced again.

 

I'll list a couple more examples here:

 

Pants only

IMG_5379 by Otakusan167, on Flickr

 

Top & Skirt

IMG_6075 by Otakusan167, on Flickr

 

just look at how well they hug against the doll's curves