Parenting

Artists Reimagines Bratz Dolls As Amazing Women, And You're Going To Want One

by Maria Guido

A lot of parents take issue with dolls like Bratz – with their mature wardrobes and massive amounts of make-up. One artist, inspired by the DIY tutorials of another, took Bratz dolls and transformed them into recognizable, impressive women. The results are amazing.

For years, artist Wendy Tsao has been taking children’s drawings and turning them into one-of-a-kind works of art with her project Child’s Own Studio. You may have seen her work: parents could send in their kids doodles and she would make adorable stuffed animals out of them. Now, Tsao has shifted her focus and begun transforming dolls. Like these:

©Wendy Tsao

Malala Yousafzai, 1997-, Pakistani activist, youngest Nobel Prize laureate

©Wendy Tsao

Jane Goodall, 1934- , British primatologist, UN Messenger of Peace

From Tsao’s blog, “After 8 years of making softies with children’s drawings, I felt it was time to stretch out a bit, and try another craft or two. I saw Sonja Singh’s work several months ago, and ever since, I’ve been itching to have a go at it myself. I have to say that it has been a welcome change, surprisingly fun and satisfying work to refurbish Bratz dolls and give them new personalities.”

©Wendy Tsao

Waris Dirie, 1965-, model, author, social activist

©Wendy Tsao

Roberta Bondar, 1945- , first female Canadian astronaut

Tsao says, “I am overwhelmed by the amount of positive feedback and support for the dolls, and I think that it points to the fact that many people feel strongly about these dolls and what they represent.”

Tsao followed the DIY videos of artist Sonia Singh. Sonia created the Tree Change Dolls – dolls that are transformed by essentially redoing their makeup and re-dressing. Her DIY videos are amazing. If you have artistic talent, you can actually do this yourself! You won’t even believe how adorable Bratz dolls are when you remove their makeup. Here is a still from one of her DIY videos:

Image via YouTube

Tsao plans to begin auctioning off her dolls in the next few weeks on Ebay. According to her blog, she also accepts commissions.

What a cool idea. Why shouldn’t our children have these options, too? The more excitement and support that’s generated for products like these, the better chance we’ll start seeing more of them on the shelves.