Continued from Pullip Pilipinas Triptych — Featuring Kaoko.

The last girl in our Pullip Pilipinas Triptych is Cla, or cgines on Flickr. During the day she is an art director for an advertising agency, but the rest of the time she is a tennis addict, a keen photographer, and mom to a horde of cats and Dals. Cla very gamely answered our interview questions despite her hectic schedule.

How did your Pullip collection start?

Because of Kaoko! She was the one who introduced Pullips to me. At first, I found the dolls to be cute but I didn’t think too much about owning one then. But Kaoko kept bringing her Pullip Nina to work… and I started liking her a lot. Eventually, I gave in and bought my first doll, a Pullip Latte. Then I got a Taeyang, a Dal, and another Dal, and what I promised myself would be the last doll… and now I have eight.

For you, what is the best thing about collecting?

More than re-dressing and customizing them, it’s photographing them that I find the most rewarding. I love thinking up different set-ups and poses for them. I’ve gotten them wet with bubble solution, posed them in the rain, had them balancing on window ledges, laundry racks, gates and bamboo fences. I’d even perched them top of a small cliff by the sea! Whenever I travel, I bring along a doll, too. They are my most willing models 🙂

Which release was your favorite?

I really love Dals! I didn’t like them at first because of their pouty and grumpy expressions. It was Dal Cinnamoroll that changed my mind about them. She looked more melancholy than grumpy, and who could resist that fluffy fat suit? And lately, I’ve been more interested in the Dal releases. If I were to pick my next doll, it would most likely be a Dal.

What is the hardest part about collecting? Have you dealt with any problems?

Personally, I’ve not had any big problems with collecting. Difficulties only arise when I start thinking about how to pay for them and how to get them shipped to the Philippines!

What advice would you give to others who want to start collecting Pullips?

They’re nice to display and to just to look at, but don’t be afraid to take them out for pictures and get them just a little dirty (or wet). With proper care and handling, they’ll be just fine. Have fun and be imaginative! They can help jump-start your creativity.

Cla’s doll photography is the stuff of legend, which photo credits to several doll mags, calendars, and books. Do drop by her Flickr account to see more of her amazing photos.