About - Anna Hoo

Zoeken
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In 1991 my "Teddy Bear hobby" started.
At that time I wanted to design a window-dressing with old dolls and teddy bears for my shop – where I sold ladies couture clothing which I designed and manufactured myself.
It was around Christmas time, so a nostalgic window-dressing with antique dolls and teddy bears would be very attractive.
A Christmas tree and nostalgic toys, dolls and teddy bears would surround a silk evening gown.
The dolls I could provide for myself because at the time I was already a collector of old and antique dolls.

But where to find an old bear? 

 
 

I used my education and skills as a fashion designer to make my own teddy bear.

My first teddy bear I made from cotton teddy cloth.
While making that first bear I felt very quickly that this would make a great hobby.
After making the first bear, off course I went and visited a teddy bear show.
It felt like entering a new world.
Up until that point I never realized what was going on, with regard to teddy bears, and especially the "Artist Bears".
After visiting that first show, I actually started making Artist Bears.
I wanted to dress them the way I was used to, with "Haute Couture" fabrics such as beautiful silk and lace, but with one condition: that they should look like nostalgic teddy bears.
Next to "Haute Couture" fabrics, I use old fabrics and baby dresses used for baptism to make little dresses for the teddy bears; this provides the teddy bears with a nostalgic look.
I like to describe the look of my teddy bears as a "Classic Teddy bear", the way they looked at the beginning of the 20th Century, the time of the first teddy bear.
The clothes vary from "Romantic" to "Masculine".
Before dressing a teddy bear in a uniform, I do some research, but I never make an exact copy of an actual uniform, because I like making my own interpretation.
I make my own design with the idea of old fashioned uniforms.
To complete the outfits, I use old medals, which I buy, at antique markets.
When designing a teddy bear, I feel that the teddy bear itself is the first thing that should be to complete satisfaction.
The bear should already draw emotion without even wearing its clothes.
The outfit comes later.
A nice face with a well-proportioned body is my condition.
Although I do not give the mohair fabrics an "old look", I do like to airbrush the face and the paws of the teddy bear.
Airbrushing is like putting on make-up, which gives the teddy bear its character. If you have any quarries please contact me.


Best regards,


Anna Hoo

 
 
 
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