Walking into “Poupées en tissu” is like stepping into a little girl’s dream world.

Hand-made cloth dolls line every wall – in a beautiful array of colors and fabrics which is inside a coffee shop named “Princess and the pea.”

 “Dolls evolved from cloth to wax, to porcelain and finally plastic — but I love cloth dolls best,” said Duong Huong Giang, “Not only are they adorable; they’re durable. Little girls can take them anywhere and keep them for a lifetime.”

A 26-year-old fashion editor at Her World magazine – opened her modest shop, last July, in a cul-de-sac in District 1.

She says she prefers to use cloth like lace, cotton, burlap and flax since the materials are safe, natural and resilient — fit for even the most adventurous little girl.

Giang says that doll play helps a child socialize at the earliest age. A little girl’s tendencies at play may represent the woman she’ll become when she grows up.

The “little ballet” or “petite brides” are among her best-sellers. Each doll is handmade and can only be ordered in limited quantity.

Giang said that it takes her around a week to finish a doll, but it can take longer based on a customers’ special requests — like specific cloth patterns, outfits and other decorative pieces.

In addition to dolls, poupées en tissu sells products like cards, art journals, jewelry, handmade pillows and fabric flowers. Prices range from VND300,000 to VND500,000.

Giang said she’s looking to open another shop which will focus solely on dolls and art books. She’s since moved most of her inventory out of the coffee shop (there is still a small display of dolls) but she plans to open a new store, soon.

POUPÉES EN TISSU

Address: 63/18 Pasteur Street, District 1, HCMC
Phone: 090 770 3159; 091 900 2028
Website: www.facebook.com/poupees.en.tissu
Open hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily