Sour Doll, a.k.a. Hayley, is a goth chic fashion designer from New Zealand who has a darkly romantic style. Her pieces combine upcycling with what the #aesthetics crowd would call coquette meets kawaii. Sort of like 'haunted doll but in the club', if you will.
Hayley and I share some interests, including Bleeding Edge Goths dolls from the 2000s and Gloomy Bear plushies. I can often tell, at a glance, when our tastes will align perfectly. For example, I am 100 per cent certain that the Anna Sui x Sanrio pieces coming to Taiwan exclusively will be as desirable to her as they are to me.
I've ordered pieces from her: corporate goth pinstripe pants, silk ruffle shorts and a revamped death metal tee out of her brother's closet. Everything is as comfortable as pyjamas.
Sour Doll a.k.a. Hayley. Photo: supplied
Sour Doll is the 12th in my series of creatives to take five questions.
When my creative process is stuck, I reach for... my sketch book, music and my collection of Begoths dolls. I love to draw them and come up with different outfits for them. Sometimes it's easier to design a look for a character who already exists. I also love exercising; running clears my brain.
The weirdest thing about being a creative human is... how differently I view the world compared to non creatives. I can find inspiration everywhere and I always want to make or paint something.
The most unusual object in my house is... a huge collection of Hello Kitty soft toys, spooky goth dolls, H.R Giger posters, rosary beads from Germany and oyster shells that I've collected from my favourite beach.
I celebrate my achievements by... making myself a new dress and celebrating with friends and family by going to a nice restaurant.
Something in the world that already exists that I wish I had created is... John Galliano's spring 2004 collection. I want the entire collection in my closet.
Sour Doll takes commissions via Instagram direct message at @sour_doll_nz and is also stocked at Bizarre Bazaar.