The work of Sean Brown really inspires us. We find it incredibly captivating and fresh. Whether its working on his personal photography or creating a new campaign for the Art of Reuse, his ability to capture stolen moments, create different design and re-envision existing pieces is a true talent. The P L A S T I C M A N project is no exception. In the final installation of three, Brown was able to take something as simple as vintage 50s and 60s Mattel Ken clothes and put them together in a fashion forward way that relates to current menswear trends. He was also able to highlight a craftsmanship that is certainly over looked. In his words, “it’s hard not to want what Ken’s wearing.” We couldn’t agree more.

Aimee Legault: How did the series come about?
Sean Brown: It was 2009 when we did the first series. Idea came to me while making hot chocolate. So we headed straight to Ebay to see if we could track down some doll clothes. We didn’t want them to look like doll clothes though, we wanted the stuff we would wear but would still trip the viewer out. We ended up winning a bunch, and just experimented.

AL: What was your inspiration?
SB: I’d have to say Toy Story… and Marc Jacobs.

AL: Where did you find the vintage Barbie clothes? I can only imagine how much there is out there, base on my large collection as a child, but did you find it challenging to find the pieces you wanted to execute each look?
SB: The first batch was from Ebay, the second I mixed new Barbie accessories from Sears and cut some some fabric to make Ken a scarf. The most recent  camo stuff I found while thrift shopping out in Kitchener. It was a mixed lot of over 30 pieces. And the crazy part is, I left another bag there thinking I had enough.

AL: Did you have to re-work each piece to ensure it had the aesthetic you wanted?
SB: Everything is as I found it. Rugged, worn in and fitted perfectly. My only challenge was finding the right dolls and my hand positioning when holding Ken in front of the camera. Those were the keys to making him look life like. I think between the second and third instalment is where I found how to really create the illusion of Ken being an actual personality. I’ve seen when Barbie is done with set design, props etc..my approach was from a more minimalist standpoint. For the doll collector and fashion lover.

Photography Sid Singh / Styling & Direction Sean Brown / Editorial Assistant Sarah Vee