A UK couple are giving a whole new meaning to interactive toys by opening a “doll boutique” where young girls can purchase dolls that look like them and dress them in the same clothes.
The UK’s Daily Mail reported department store My London Girl will open in London’s Westfield Shopping Centre this month offering young girls the opportunity to choose a designer outfit and accessories for themselves and then buy a doll to match.
The store is aimed at girls aged three to 12-years-old, with the same clothing range available to buy in doll-size. The 43cm-high dolls retail for £79 ($120).
Store owners Paul Neagle and wife Kathryn Fleetwood-Neagle, who were inspired by a similar store in the US, said the outfits available would be suitable for girls to wear on special occasions like birthday parties and weddings, with the ability to dress a doll the same way adding to the fun.
Apart from matching clothes, the dolls are available in different skin tones and eye color and the hair can also be as closely matched as possible with different shades from blonde to black available in curly or straight.
Mr Neagle said the store is not about encouraging girls to grow up too fast.
“It will be nice, fun, child fashion,” Mr Neagle told UK newspaper the Evening Standard.
“We will not be selling make-up or anything like that. We are not trying to turn little girls into adults.
“My wife’s background is in education, so she knows what little girls like and what’s good for their development in terms of role play.”
The current clothing range has been created by David Charles who designs clothes for UK stores Harrods and Selfridges, with plans for more British designers to take part in the future.
Your say: What do you think about the concept of the store? Does it encourage young girls to act like adults? Share your thoughts below.
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