New Fashion Trend: Using Love Dolls as Models
If you remove the sexual qualities of sex dolls, you could say that they are simply imitations of human beings— sort of like a statue or a sculpture, except that they actually look like humans.
There is an ongoing trend on social media right now, where sex dolls are becoming influencers. Their almost perfect human-like appearance has made most of their followers believe that they are actual people. Through artistic photography and video editing, this illusion was achieved. The fashion industry noticed that and decided that they should use love dolls as models too.
Fashion Industry During The Pandemic
The covid-19 pandemic has put the world at a halt. In its first few days or months, the pandemic stopped most businesses completely. The recovery started only when the companies switched to work-from-home setups. Then total lockdowns were lifted, and they were allowed more space to work with. Even though there are still strict restrictions, industries appreciate more freedom for their operations.
However, industries that rely on in-person activities, particularly fashion and photography, are still struggling.
Social distancing protocols make photoshoots and fashion shows challenging to execute. Not many people can be in the same room, and neither can they be too close to each other. With that, models have to do their own hair and make-up. They also dress by themselves. That was different from before when they have assistance to fix crooked neckties or adjust or adjust how the gowns fit to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. An artist may be present, but they guide the models remotely. That was already hard on set, but even harder when the model is stuck in their homes.
Albeit those difficulties, good photos can still be produced with the help of modern technologies. Though, it takes a lot of time. These struggles can be removed by using sex dolls as models.
Love Dolls as Models
Sex dolls have come a long way since they are first introduced to the world. The first sex dolls were used by sailors during the era of exploration. These prototypes – “dames de voyage,” as French calls them – are made of fabric attached to bamboo poles and wear a dress to resemble a woman. Years after that, inflatable sex dolls were invented. Despite looking a little comedic, the image of a woman is more pronounced. Then, as development and progress have been made, synthetics that could pass as humans, appearance-wise at least, are made available in the market.
That said, it is not surprising why they could be used as a replacement to living, breathing models. One can argue that it is even easier to work with them than actual humans, especially during the pandemic.
The make-up artists can apply cosmetics to the love doll’s face without risking the spread of the covid-19 virus. Photographers will also have an easier time with them. They can adjust the poses and the angles of the shots themselves with no restrictions. Moreover, photoshoots can have multiple sex dolls together in one frame. That cannot be done with real models. The way they work around that is by taking separate photos of each model then gluing them together through photo editing software. Sex doll models relieve them of this hassle.
This newfound way of using love dolls can be detrimental to shaping the future of the fashion industry.
Statistics of Sex Dolls
Sex Doll Genie, a US and European sex doll manufacturing firms, presents data that shows sex dolls are increasing in popularity since the pandemic began. In between February and March last year, Sex Doll Genie reported an order increase of 51.6 percent from single men. Meanwhile, there was an increase of 15.8% from single women. This was expected by the industry since people cannot mingle, and sexual activities, especially one-night stands, are highly discouraged. Sex toys and sex dolls provide them a way to achieve sexual gratification.
However, the surprising thing is the increase of a whopping 400% in the sales for asexualized models since March last year. These are the ones that are used in fashion and photography.
How Important Does It Mean to the Sex Doll Industry
A global pandemic, of all things, made people more accepting of the sex doll industry. Now, instead of seeing them simply as lust objects, they are viewed as sexual health products. Furthermore, with them being used in sectors not related to sex, they are treated more than that.
The sex doll industry considers this development victories, and they are celebrating it. According to Janet Stevenson, who founded Sex Doll Genie along with her husband, people finally see the essence of sex dolls. She said that despite the name, sex dolls’ real purpose is to provide a human presence.
The global health crisis has given enough pieces of evidence to prove this point. The sudden increase in sales says that people want to feel companionship during this time of isolation. Sex dolls are used to remove the intimidating feeling of solitude. In this case, they are used for more than sexual satisfaction. They are also used for emotional, mental, and social support when those kinds of comfort from other people are inaccessible. In short, they erase the feeling of loneliness.
“It’s very interesting for us to see sex dolls going back to their origins and becoming increasingly separated from sex itself,” said Sex doll Genie Co-Founder Amit Stevenson. “Being used more to create a social presence and for companionship, just as they were used in the sixteenth century by Spanish and French sailors during long, isolating voyages.”
Moving Forward
Sex Dolls penetrating other industries, sex-related or not, is a massive boost to the industry. The dolls being used as influencers and fashion models will act as catalysts to open up new opportunities for love doll-making firms. To them, that is a big win.
Champions and advocates of sexual health are also pleased with these developments. They believe this is a step to achieving a sex-positive society.