Big-eyed Blythe dolls celebrate comeback with an exhibition

In 1972, it was an unpopular toy that was the brainchild of a now-defunct company and was yanked from the shelves after one year. Now they are highly prized by adult collectors, with numerous famed designers willing to come up with their own versions.

The Blythe doll has come a long way since its birth. What's more, the originals were manufactured in Hong Kong and the company that made them, CWC, is still involved in producing them.

In 2001, CWC executive Junko Wong met US photographer Gina Garan, who had been taking pictures of her Blythe doll everywhere. This led to a book, which led to clothier Parco using the doll in an ad campaign, which resulted in renewed interest in the figurines.

Today, Mong Kok's Langham Place mall will unveil an exhibition of 58 Blythe dolls that have been travelling the world to mark the sixth anniversary of CWC's resumption of production.

Hong Kong is the last stop and all the dolls will be auctioned for charity after the exhibition ends on January 20.

Among the Blythe dolls on show are examples designed by Christian Lacroix, Paul & Joe and Emily the Strange.