On Dollheart Fer

So it's your fault!!! I'm kidding, but this is funny. I remember when I first joined the hobby, I had no idea what a "Fer" was. People didn't call it a dress, or even clothing, they just called it "DollHeart Fer". It took me like a year to figure it out, and by then I was so sick of the word that even now it still makes me a little irritated to see it. I don't even dislike the dress itself, it's fine, I was just tired of seeing people talk about it like it was made of solid gold. At this point, it's just another funny memory to me. So... thanks for that, I guess?

 

I didn’t know about this, but now I know one thing: I want a fer. XD

 

I am from back in the dark ages, of this particular forum. I was a long time lurker, even before becoming a member. I never wanted, nor owned a DollHeart Fer, but I recall how popular it was back then. Even CP Delf El wore them, if my memory doesn't fail me.

I was never into popular things, and I never purchased BJD clothes. I only own one single large female of this kind. So, I was never interested in the dress, but it did get all over the place. Even when you didn't actively search for it. Which wasn't a bad thing, but I never did search for doll clothes, so maybe I lucked out. Lol! I do own a few pairs of old DH shoes, so I did see the Fer far more than I cared for.

I don't believe there are that many ancient DoA users, that are still active but it's fun going down memory lane, when very "old" ones reappear! Not age wise, just long time members (imancientinagetooso...). (;

 

I wasn't actively collecting back then (too young, too poor) but I do remember the fers! There were so many all over everywhere there were pics of bjds - I remember them mostly being pastel blue or pink so it's funny to find out you were the culprit for those thanks for sharing this fun fact!

 

I got 20 years last year on DoA, and it's always nice to reminisce about trends in the doll hobby.

I personally didn't own a Fer, but I recall the absolute hype and excitement about those. Dollheart was so different back then (but also, Pasu Lau is no longer part of the company). I entered a contest where they made outfits that were voted on, and I actually won lol. Got my outfit made, which I still have. I still remember all the different outfits and the variety in designs!

 

I still have a Fer It's the light pink one. I don't have any of my girls wear it except for special occasions or when a large coat is needed since it's kind of A LOT. What a fun memory! Crazy how long it's been since those days when it seemed like everyone had a Fer.

 

I felt exactly the same about it, got so sick of people throwing the term around and making it sound like there was something wrong with you if you didn’t have one. There was a lot of snobbery about or at least that’s how it felt.

Now though I think I’d actually like a few mainly for the coat and preferably long dress ones as the shorter dress isn’t my personal taste. Maybe it’s time for a resurgence.

 

I did and still do like the design of the long skirted Fer. I'm lucky that I was able to snag one for my SDs, and one for my minis:


(The bustle effect isn't from the petticoat, but a saddle doll stand holding her up.)

 

I must admit I always wanted one too but always missed out when they were in stock before my hiatus! I still find them to be especially lovely. While they're not even produced anymore it's sad to find out that most of the sites that sold them and other dolly items are no longer a thing anymore. That dress really was THE outfit at the time.

 

I would love one for my mega man, how glorious that would be

 

I got into BJDs relatively recently, and a friend of mine who was into BJDs back in the early days was telling me about their Dollheart Fer and how they were so exclusive and difficult to acquire.

And as someone who came in late, I've been curious about the appeal. Fers don't seem to totally fit any particular fashion, and while of course taste is subjective, I've always wondered why they have such broad appeal. I feel a little out of the loop, like someone coming in to a party late and missing the context of a big event. So I'd really love to hear people's thoughts on what makes the outfit so beloved by them!

 

Can we collectively petition Dollheart? Hahaha!

 

I would for sure sign up in a heartbeat to try to get a fer or three. I have a trio of volks sisters I would love to put in the dresses.

 

Good times... Luckily I seem to have remained blissfully unaware of any snobbery going on back then. Stuff like this was and is just so unnecessary.

I got the SD size black Fer right when it was released, because it was so perfect for a char I had just inresinated at exactly that time. Later I also got the SD homme Fer for a lovely boy who was too thicc in the waist for the female version anyway I still like those outfits, although no one's currently wearing them.

And I'm all for a Fer ver 2025! I'd be all over that. (But who could do that, without Pasu Lau in the game?)

Horrible old photo, I know, from June 2007 when I had only been in the hobby for 3 years, but anyway, here goes...


link

This is from an old photo gallery post of mine

 

Dollheart Fer is so nostalgic!
A classic that I never managed to grab back in the day but sure enjoyed seeing on everyone's dolls.
Would love to see it make a return

 

@JL_Anderson thanks for the memories I’d only been in the hobby a couple years when ‘The Fer’ came out- it personified what was unique about Bjd to me! And yes, those buttons- I don’t think I ever did them ALL up lol



Pretty sure mine was ‘Dusty Rose’. I wish I still had it

 

Well, I can add what I liked about the Fer aesthetic - it was that there were so many different structures and textures, not just ruffles! also different kinds of fabric and decorations all combined in one outfit and all of one intense color, and all of these elements reflected the light differently. That made it visually soo interesting to me.
It only worked so effectively because it was all unicolored, and for me white and black made the purest effect, but every color brought something new to the look.
And also, the clever combination of historical/ ancient and very modern elements in how the clothes were cut made a perfect balance. Heh, I guess, I still love them...

 

Thank you guys for sharing your thoughts! I now feel as though photos don't do the outfit justice... I would have never known how intricate it looks in person with the tiny buttons and layers of different materials. It sounds quite cool! I'll have to ask my friend to bring theirs out next time we see each other in person.

 

Is that an Elfdoll K?

 

I would also agree that is an Elfdoll K, might even be the Special K version, which was the 1st release, a LE and came only in tanned. Might be just regular K, but that jawline is definitely unmistakably Elfdoll K. (:

 

I've been in the hobby officially since 2008 (but looking long before that) and I remember the fers being SO popular, it was crazy! I never owned one because I really only cared about MSD boys at the time, and just could not understand all the hype at all. Like yeah, it's pretty! But the dress looked pretty easy to make to me, and I couldn't fathom why people were spending so much money on it?? Welll.....nearly 20 years later, I get it. I haven't seen one in person, but looking at pics and reading descriptions, it sounds the fabric quality was very good, and that there were a lot of details I didn't notice back then, including the jacket! And at the time, I only had handmade clothing for my dolls, and I've since owned several things from Dollheart...it's a very big difference in quality. It's a very pretty set for sure. Probably not something any of my dolls would wear, but I would like to see one in person just so I can fully appreciate it for what it really is!