Designer Tastemaker Dolls and An Iris Apfel Giveaway!!!!

Boy!  I have a fun surprise for you today!  First let me introduce you to my new friends!  Meet Anna Wintour, Julia Childs, Karl Lagerfeld, Iris Apfel, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan

I found these dolls a few weeks back and have had so much fun with them.  They go with me to the studio, clients houses and have been out to lunch with friends.  Ok, I admit, I never really got tired of playing with dolls as a child.  I quit at age 12 when I felt shamed by friends.  That's the truth!  Anyway, I feel like I can have my fun, little designer sidekicks to hang that the studio.  It's all in fun, right?

So who is the genius behind the Tastemaker Dolls?

Loch Ness MPLS is the artwork of Brian Ness. He believes our belongings tell stories and wants to create objects that make our stories more interesting and happier. Influenced by children's book illustrations and the crafting skills he picked up from his grandmother, Brian wants to create livable, memorable and entertaining additions to people's homes. Brian lives in Minnesota with his husband, Jon and their two dogs, Neil and Stanley.

I caught up with Brian, and he agreed to a little Q and A!  Enjoy!

1) How long have you been doing dolls?

I have been creating plush characters since August of 2014. I started making my line of Legendary Tastemakers in February 2015.

2) What prompted you to start making the Tastemaker Dolls?

I have been interested in Tastemakers, influencers who shape our ideas of style and culture since my undergrad. I have also been interested in strong-willed individuals, and have drawn them over the years. As I created my business, I thought celebrity tastemakers would be a good addition. 

3) Have you ever thought about making wallpaper out of a mix of the doll designs?

I haven't thought about wallpaper, but this is a brilliant idea! I had considered gift wrap but I haven't pursued this idea yet.

4) Do make custom dolls- What is the process and how expensive is it?How long does it take to get a custom doll and is there a minimum of pieces you must order?

Custom orders are a possibility, for sure! The first doll would be $100 and any additional doll of the same design would be $25 each. No order minimum. The process would take 4-6 weeks. Photos would be required, and the illustration would be approved by the buyer before the fabric goes to print.

5) Do you sell prints?

I currently have 1 print of Iris Apfel for sale. It's currently an 8x10.

6) Has anyone famous bought their own doll?

No, however Jonathan Adler tweeted about his!

7) Which doll is the best seller?

Iris, followed by Little Edie

Brian was so kind to send me this cute Iris card.  I guess I qualify as "A Rare Bird" since I'm over 45 (wink) and still playing with dolls...

 Iris Apfel ornament now adorns my tree.  I don't' know a single soul who is in the fashion or design industry that doesn't idolize Iris.  She is simply amazing!

 Let's check out my friends one more time...

Iris insisted on helping me revamp my accessory collection.  Little secret...she threw out more than she kept and advised me to layer, layer, layer like a good little fashionista.

Karl and Choupette, his cat, decided he wanted to command the room so he took up a post on the mantle so he could critique each person's attire as they entered the room.

 Meanwhile, Anna was busy checking out the fashions.

Jonathan and Simon were thrilled to find a piece from Jonathan's collection in the dining room but reported Santa needed to bring me a few more pieces to round out my collection.

"Miss Julia" took a break from Holiday cooking to have a

 glass of wine with the nutcracker chef.  

How fun are these?  I know you want one now, don't you?  Which is your favorite?  Brian has several other famous dolls, pop over to his shop to see them all by clicking here. Or if you like the ones above, click on their name to go to their page.  Brian has agreed to a little surprise....

Guess What!!!!!!

We are giving away

 an Iris Apfel Doll!!

Yes, that's right!  You might win Iris for your very own!!!

All you have to do is give up your first born child...no really

Giveaway Rules for Entering The Iris Doll Giveaway!!!

 Follow Lisa Mende Design and Brian LochnessMPLS on instagram

 Leave a comment on my instagram post once it is up about the Iris Doll Giveaway, under the post, then tag three friends. 

  If you would like to order your own doll(s) click here or click on the individual doll names above.  

The Giveaway will run until this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015,

 until 5:00 you can enter to win Iris!!!!!

Stay Tuned because we have another Giveaway

 Scheduled for of a similar nature!!!!

Make sure to visit Brian's Etsy shop to see all his beautiful creations.  He has coasters, notecards, and all kinds of cool things!  Click here!

Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be a couple more

dolls coming my way!