LONDON — With a dash of drama and sprinkle of the supernatural, Harris Reed has brewed up a bewitching gender-fluid Monster High doll, which will be released on Friday.
“My biggest dream as a designer and as a queer activist is about inspiring the next generation, so I think the fact that kids can see a doll and find a bit of hope and curiosity is so amazing,” said the British American designer.
Reed said the doll was around two years in the making.
Courtesy of Mattel
The doll, which is called the Witch Weaver, wears flared bell-bottoms, a gossamer harlequin blouse, gold waistcoat and crystal headpiece — taking inspiration from Reed’s signature design codes, personal style and even Lady Gaga.
“I remember saving up money to buy the Lady Gaga [Monster High Zomby doll],” Reed explained. “I was obsessed with how she gave everyone what we all wanted, which was not just a doll of her. We wanted a character. We wanted someone with magical power.”
In that spirit, the doll is a sorcerer with the power to weave spells, which is what Reed says he aims to do in fashion.
The Witch Weaver doll’s full outfit.
Courtesy of Mattel
“I love crystals. I’m all about manifestation. I’m all about using fashion to transform the way that you look and make people question your gender, your intentions and who you are. So I loved the idea of creating a witch,” he said.
After settling on the doll’s supernatural abilities, Reed said he delved into his archives to design its outfit, referencing editorial outfits he made for Harry Styles and Troye Sivan.
The doll’s crystalline headpiece took inspiration from spiderwebs.
Courtesy of Mattel
While Reed is known for his starry clientele, dressing everyone from Jenna Ortega to Demi Moore, the designer teased that the best may be yet to come for him and his brand.
“I can’t say too much, but people that I’ve always dreamed of working with have come to the surface, so, in the next couple months, I’m hoping to show the Harris Reed brand in new heights,” he said.
