A Taiwanese collector is transforming his huge array of Barbie dolls into one-of-a-kind creations with his artistic skills.
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00:00After years of collecting and modifying, Barbie enthusiast Tangtang is improving on a classic design.
00:07I like Barbie dolls because of their beauty.
00:11They can show various styles, such as cute, sexy, seductive, intelligent and elegant.
00:18Tangtang's Barbie collection, which contains over a thousand dolls from different eras,
00:23started when his mother bought him his first one as a child.
00:27This is my first doll.
00:29It's a 1997 golden symphony.
00:33Since then, he's been collecting them from all over the world.
00:39Over the years, Tangtang's gained a reputation as a Barbie stylist
00:43and has made a cottage industry out of giving customers dolls glamorous makeovers,
00:48improving their makeup, jewellery and hairstyles.
00:52He says the trick is not overdoing it.
00:56I think every doll has its original characteristics.
01:01We just need to preserve the essence, remove the rust,
01:04and change the bad parts of the doll.
01:06We don't need to redo it.
01:08It's not my intention to change the doll completely.
01:11From his studio in Jilong in northern Taiwan,
01:14he handles around 30 cases a month from customers all over the world.
01:19It's a lot trickier than he makes it look.
01:22I think the most difficult part of Barbie makeover is the makeup.
01:26It's small, so you need to be more careful.
01:31If you make a mistake, it's a mistake.
01:35Like every artist, Tangtang can point to his favourite work,
01:39one he thinks reflects the best of the medium, his collection and interests.
01:44I currently like two styles from different eras.
01:47The first one is from the 90s.
01:50As you can see, it's a perfect big wave style.
01:55Why is it my favourite?
01:59I think this style best reflects Barbie's femininity
02:03and shows my skills.
02:06The other style is from the 50s and 60s.
02:10It's the rich lady style from the 50s.
02:13With confidence and pride in his work,
02:16Tangtang is determined to push the boundaries of his craft.
02:20He dreams of one day holding his own exhibition
02:23to share his passion for Barbies
02:26and inspire others with his unique artistic talent.
02:29Barbie dolls have taught me to appreciate each person's beauty
02:36and to appreciate each thing's uniqueness.
02:42For Tangtang,
02:43the dolls have become more than just a source of income or a collection.
02:47They hold a deeper, personal meaning
02:50shaped by years of dedication and creativity.
02:53Fu Hua Hong and Sainichi for Taiwan Plus.