SMAK!, a special program that periodically unveils artistic "Monchhichi" dolls. The highly anticipated fourth installment in the series marks a collaboration with the global fashion brand ANNA SUI, infusing feminine and romantic elements with a spirit of rock and roll.

SMAK! is an acronym for "SEKIGUCHI & MEDICOM TOY ARTISTIC MONCHHICHI PROJECT featuring KAORI HINATA!". Previously, SMAK! featured designs by Kaori Hinata, the creator of the popular character "MORRIS" who was also adapted into a comic, and French artist Nathalie Lété. To enhance detail reproduction, an M-sized body was adopted, equipped with internal plastic joints "Pokipoki" for versatile posing. Furthermore, this is a special doll made with boa fur specially sourced by Sekiguchi for SMAK!.

To commemorate the release of the "SMAK! ANNA SUI DOLL," we interviewed designer Anna Sui, who is also known for her love of dolls.

— It has been two years since the Japanese corporation ANNA SUI JAPAN was established in 2020. What have been some of your most memorable initiatives during this period?

We've been able to undertake so many new collaborations! I love working with Francfranc, and our projects with anime such as "Evangelion," "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," and "Sailor Moon" have been wonderful. The collaboration with My Melody was also fantastic!
Working with atmos also allowed ANNA SUI to tap into a completely new streetwear audience! And it was a pleasure to collaborate with BABBI (an Italian specialist in wafers and sweets) on a Valentine's special gift with exquisite packaging.

— A new collaboration with Medicom Toy's "SMAK!" has now been announced. Firstly, what are your impressions upon seeing the completed "SMAK! ANNA SUI DOLL"?

"Kawaii." The "SMAK! ANNA SUI DOLL" is so lovely!

— We understand that you are quite fond of dolls, Ms. Sui.

Yes! I collected dolls when I was a child. I was surrounded by dolls from all over the world, and of course, I loved Barbie dolls too.

— Please tell us about the concept.

For the "SMAK! ANNA SUI DOLL," we prioritized capturing the essence of ANNA SUI. The hairstyle is inspired by "Ms. Sally" from the Dolly series (*). The outfit also carries the DNA of ANNA SUI BLACK (the brand's signature color, jet black). The purple and rose print is from the collection.
* A character inspired by Liza Minnelli's portrayal of Sally Bowles, the heroine in the 1972 film "Cabaret."

— Please tell us if there's anything you'd like to do with Medicom Toy in the future.

I love BE@RBRICK! I would definitely like to create new versions. It's always exciting to see how BE@RBRICK can be "SUI-ified."

— Lastly, could you tell us about the 2022-23 Autumn/Winter collection, "Ready, Steady, Go!," which was just announced? This collection presents a rock-inspired world.

"Ready Steady Go!" was the title of a television program broadcast in the UK during the 1960s (August 1963–December 1966). It introduced many new bands at the time, and artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, who appeared on the show, all went on to become number one in Britain. The host, Cathy McGowan, was a trendsetter. She wore BIBA and Mary Quant (fashion brands that became popular in the 1960s), and girls adored her style.

The song used in the video for this collection is "Ready Steady Go" by Billy Idol's band, Generation X. It's a punk-era track where Billy and Tony James sing about their love for the television show of the same name.

SMAK! ANNA SUI DOLL
Size | Approx. 300mm (Height)
Release Date | Scheduled for June 2022
Price | ¥24,200 (incl. tax)
Sales Method | Scheduled for release at Medicom Toy's directly managed stores, online stores, and select retailers. Pre-orders will be accepted from April 24, 2022 (Sunday) 00:00 to May 10, 2022 (Tuesday) 23:59 at MCT TOKYO(http://mct.tokyo).
For details, please visit the Medicom Toy official website(www.medicomtoy.co.jp).
Manufacturer | Sekiguchi
Distributor | Medicom Toy
©️ KAORI HINATA
©️ Sekiguchi Co., Ltd.