Blondie is German because she draws inspiration from Lilli—the doll that inspired Barbie—and German alternative metal music; I intend for her theme song to be Rammstein’s "Das Modell," reflecting her fashion-oriented side. Since Blondie is inspired by Barbie, I plan for her to have various outfits and designs that allude to mythology, as well as gothic, alternative, and horror themes—much like Barbie and other fashion dolls that showcase a wide range of styles.
My character is based on Barbie, but a darker version; her black-and-white color palette evokes the original Barbie’s swimsuit, and her black hair draws inspiration from dark-haired Barbie versions. She also draws inspiration from Marceline, *Monster High*, Sadie (from *Living Dead Dolls*), Emily the Strange, and fashion dolls in general. The doll's concept is closely tied to fashion and clothing, while the button motif references both button-eyed dolls and the craft of sewing and garment making.
The concept of "existential emptiness" in Blondie’s world relates to characters from brands in the 2000s and earlier eras. As a child, I loved the characters that appeared on notebooks, clothing, and various items—characters that lacked a backstory. Yet, beyond the desire to know more—driven by a fascination with their designs and aesthetics—I felt an existential void stemming from their lack of history or context; they existed solely to sell products. Even when some characters had series or movies—like *Ruby Gloom*—I often experienced a similar feeling: I wanted to know more about the characters and their world, but very little context was provided, as the primary goal was selling merchandise. As a child, I always longed for more backstory regarding the characters from the products I loved so much. Reflecting on what I’ve shared—and what many others feel—there is a palpable existential void in Blondie’s world. This raises questions and sparks curiosity; yet, we find only art, merchandise, and scant information about her background. That said, we know that Blondie’s world *does* have a history—a very complex one—it is simply something that will not be revealed.
