Deb Simpson of 

®

By Lisa A. Lawrence

 I originally contacted Deb Simpson for this article over a year ago.  I didn’t know who she was but I was impressed by her designs.  Not only does she specialize in ultra leather and ultra suede, her designs are very detailed, precisely cut and meticulously sewn.  Clearly, Deb has a lot of talent.

 Born in Virginia, Deb Simpson was brought up in an Air Force family, which included her parents and her sister Rebecca.  “As an Air Force dependant,” Deb recalls, “I was very fortunate to live in many different places and absorb different cultures.  

We spent four years stationed in Germany.  It wasn’t until I was twelve years old that I discovered my neighbor friend had never been outside of the County  and that the life-style my family lived was not the norm.  After my father retired in San Antonio Texas, I remained in Texas until my husband of three years, Mike, accepted a position in Arizona.”

Deb worked as a computer graphic artist for over 20 years, mostly in the fast paced world of newspaper advertising.  While she loved her career, she’s loving her new one even more!  “I must admit that I enjoy my current commute to work much better… My home studio is about 20 steps from my coffee maker.  The only rush hour traffic I run into is my cat begging for a wee bit of milk.”

Deb got her first two dolls as gifts in December 2000.  One was Ashton Drake’s Gene®; the other was Tonner’s Tyler Wentworth®.  Deb prefers Tyler because Tyler can wear the contemporary fashions that she enjoys creating.

A month later, Deb proved herself to be a lousy patient while bedridden with a very serious flu virus.  Although she was under doctor’s orders to get complete bed rest, Deb would get up and try to work.  She’d soon be back in bed feeling even worse. 

Her time in bed, however, led to a discovery.  As Deb put it, “I discovered that you need to be very quiet to hear God whisper to you.  He does indeed work in mysterious ways.”  When I read the next part of Deb’s interview answers, I Instant Messengered her immediately to tell her, “I’m not going to say that God inspired you to design French cut panties and demi-cup bra’s for Tyler.  I’m just NOT.”

What Deb was trying to say was that God inspired her to start designing doll clothes and sell them on the internet.   I’m pretty sure the bra’s and panties were Deb’s idea!  

Her husband, Mike, was skeptical but agreed to anything she could do while resting in bed so she could regain her health.  Actually, Mike, who is Deb’s biggest fan and supporter, later confessed that he thought her new doll clothes venture would be a money pit that would swallow up all his hard earned dollars.  Now, he’s the first one to brag about his wife’s accomplishments!

After starting out with her French lingerie, Deb offered blue jeans with working pockets and belt loops.  “At that time people on the doll boards were dreaming of doll boots.” Deb recalled, “I decided to try to fill that void in the market. 

That is when I became ‘Deb’s Boot-ique’.  

I decided to specialize in ultra suede and leather outfits under the ‘New Attitude’ fashion label. It was a bit hard for me to commit to this at the beginning as the fabric was so expensive. I bit the bullet when I found some leopard print ultra suede in Dallas, Texas for $110.00 a yard. (***gasp … gulp ***) I kept thinking that I must be bonkers. I told myself to just shut up, take another Prozac and I began offering a product that was not on the market at that time ...  ‘New Attitude’ Leather jacket outfits complete with high heel fashion boots.” 

I actually got to know Deb around March of 2003.  Sending out middle of the night emails, Deb and I discovered that we are both insomniacs!  We also both suffer from depression.  We began IM’ing every night, frequently staying up until 4 am.  

I mentioned to Deb that I was going to start a fashion doll magazine.  Deb instantly demanded that she get to be the Art Editor.  At that point, I didn’t even know about her 20 years of experience, but I agreed anyway.  She had been helping me build my website and I could see that her graphic abilities far exceeded mine. 

Within about three weeks of IM'ing, and with my husband gone on a lengthy trip to Thailand, I got lonely.  With my depression, I don’t have the energy to go out and socialize like others.  I also can’t really have company cuz how much fun is it to watch someone sit on the computer all day.  BUT, Deb was pretty much in the same circumstances as I was.  We decided that she would come visit me for a week.  

For us, it was perfect.  Anyone else would have thought we were nuts.  Basically, we sat around working on our computers, barely talking, just “being there” for each other.  We both totally understand that, before our first cup of coffee of the day, conversation is not only unnecessary, it’s completely unwanted!  Our big excursion out into Southern California’s myriad of tourist activities consisted of a trip to Joann’s Fabrics and Michael’s Crafts.  That’s it!  Oh, and my stupid cat completely ditched me and slept with Deb every night she was here.

We spent a lot of time that week brainstorming; me, building my website and designing my magazine and Deb re-doing her website and telling me HOW to fix the mistakes on my website layout.  I didn’t get to participate in the design of the High Maintenance Logo… she had it finished before I knew she was working on it.  I loved it – nothing to change!

Deb enjoys working closely with her clients and encourages them to participate in the creative process.  As she tells it, “I have developed all the necessary basic patterns so that mixing and matching can be done to create a unique outfit.  I have a large supply of ultra suede and leather fabric for my clients to choose from.  Basically, they pick out the pattern pieces (i.e.: jacket, skirt and boots) the fabric of their choice and together we create an outfit to their liking.  My Leather, Leopard & Lace outfit is very ‘play friendly’ with its mix and match possibilities.  My clients love it!"

Asked if she would like to have a large commercial type of doll clothes business, Deb states, “I’m going to be brutally honest. I don’t want to be ‘big’. I don’t think a business needs to be big in order to be considered successful. I consider myself small and successful. I truly enjoy the amount of business that I have. I am able to get to know my clients on a personal level. 

I have made the most wonderful friends during this adventure. I would not have that “perk” if I were a large multi-person business. Sharing my client’s joy and excitement is a very valued treasure in my life. I don’t see myself trading that aspect for the possibility of more money and a larger operation.”  Oh, so the fact that she’d actually have to get DRESSED if she had employees has nothing to do with it? Besides, Deb has already been approached to design outfits for a known doll company.

From HTML code to sewing, Deb is completely self-taught.  “I truly enjoy figuring things out. I do read directions even though I don’t always agree with them.” Deb states, “I used to get upset and frustrated at the so called “trial and error” stages of pattern drafting. I have developed a new philosophy and attitude … I don’t make mistakes …. I have learning experiences! This change of attitude has been very helpful. If you can’t change the circumstances, change how you think about the circumstances.” 

I used Deb’s new philosophy against her!  When we started hanging out together online, Deb was a nice person; almost sickeningly sweet.  Me, I’m mean!  I swear a lot. (Not really Mom – it just makes for a better story!)   Within 3-4 weeks, especially after her week spent with me, I had Deb swearing daily.  It was only to me and mostly online… but it was a start!  She couldn’t change her circumstances (my potty mouth) but she could change how she thinks about it (by joining me.)  Recently, Deb spent a week with a doll friend of hers in Seattle.  Her friend didn’t believe that Deb could actually swear now.  She made Deb give her examples.  My job is done!

Deb SAYS she follows her own personal taste when it comes to designing outfits for dolls. She loves tailored lines and well fitted fashions.  Yeah?  Then explain the leather hot pants and leather bras!

“I try to have a one week turn around time using the patterns that I have already drafted and tested.” Deb states, “I once drafted a coat pattern that had 22 pattern pieces … and the coat was not even lined!  I have since decided that my designs don’t have to be THAT detailed and have happily retired that particular pattern. All my suede and leather work is double top-stitched. Not only does this aid in the design’s look but it also helps to reduce the thickness of the seams. One of my pet peeves is the dreaded thick seams that interfere with the lines of the fashion.”

Deb’s inspiration comes largely from her childhood Christmas memories.  “My fondest, most memorable Christmas was when my mother made Barbie® outfits for my sister and I. We must have received 50 handmade outfits complete with accessories. 

I can very easily recreate the joy and excitement of that Christmas in my mind.  It is my hope to pass on these wonderful warm feelings to others by making my doll fashions.  I get such a kick out of sharing this type of joy with my clients.” 

Deb has also been inspired to create several Cher dolls wearing Deb’s interpretations of Bob Mackie’s® designs.  She loves recreating costumes; especially when she finds all the necessary parts in the correct scale.  Deb has another pet peeve; out of scale fabrics and accessories.

Deb has also designed a few basics for Ashton Drake’s Trent®, including a leather jacket, pants, blue jeans and a turtleneck sweater in which to hide Trent’s less-than-attractive neck!  Deb looks forward to designing for Robert Tonner’s Matt O’Neill®. 

“The best part of my job is brainstorming with my clients.” Deb states, “Designing an outfit that is exactly what they want. The least enjoyable aspect of this adventure is drafting patterns. I don’t want to make doll clothes. ... I want to make miniature replicas of human size clothing. 

It is a challenge to achieve accurate reproductions in a miniature 16” doll size. I may not exactly be thrilled at drafting patterns but I get so much satisfaction when everything comes together. I’ll look at a coat pattern and just smile inside knowing that I was able to do it. You never know if you can do something until you try.  Photography is also a challenge for me.  I thank God for digital cameras.”

“I once had a conversation with Robert Tonner about "creative control.” Deb recalls, “I found his input to be invaluable.  I feel very comfortable in doing exactly what I am doing. I don’t think I would like to ‘farm out’ any part of the process. 

I truly enjoy every aspect of my work; even pattern drafting because I know that ultimately, the entire design will be all my own work. But, I wouldn’t mind if someone would sew on the snaps and hooks. With that in mind, I keep telling my husband that men who sew are sexy! I guess I need acting lessons.  He doesn’t quite believe me." 

In describing her creative process, Deb muses, “I mostly just stare into space or at a blank wall figuring out the logistics of a project. That is something that  I learned from my cat! (Funny, while I visited her, the blank space looked an awful lot like the Sci Fi Channel!) I sketch different aspects of clothing, usually on handy post-it-notes for future reference. I have a folder where I keep all my fashion ideas. I refer to that folder when the "drafting pattern mood" strikes me. I will scan my final draft of a pattern into my computer and make it look neat by using the Paint Shop Pro® program.  When I receive an order, I simply print out the pattern pieces of each clothing article needed.”

“I order my ultra suede and leather online. I look for animal print and silks in local fabric shops. I don’t go on shopping adventures other than a place called SAS Fabric. That place is … well … I could be accurate and call it a nightmare of a place to find things!  But, I’ll just politely refer to it as an adventure. This is the only place where I can get studs in the proper scale.  Sometimes a leather outfit just screams for studs.”  

Deb claims she doesn’t do any type of magazine advertising.  Hmmmm.  Why bother when you insinuate yourself onto a magazine’s staff and end up with a cover story!  

Deb is now starting to branch out from her signature leather/ultra-suede designs.  She has added Cissy®, CED® and Tiny Kitty® to her lineup.  She’s also embarking on a whole new venture in the type of clothes she designs.  While she’ll continue with her leathers, her new stuff is a complete departure for her.  What’s her new stuff?  Can’t tell… that will be debuted in an upcoming issue of High Maintenance!  Which really means, Deb didn’t get it done in time for this article and conned me into doing a follow up article!  I agreed only because I’m thrilled to see her branching out and think another article is warranted.  Assuming of course, that her creations are wonderful!  But, having spent a week with her at her home this last July, I’ve seen her at work.  Picky, meticulous, perfect.  Drove me nuts!  

As to my week with her…. that’s a whole article in itself.  Let’s just say I quickly realized if I wanted to eat, I was on my own.  Her husband was THRILLED to get home cooked meals for a week.  Their kitchen is largely unused. 

Because High Maintenance is a free magazine, there is no money for salaries.  So, I rotate who gets to be boss for the week!  What this really means is, when it’s Deb’s week, she bugs me constantly to do 30 things at once.  I ignore her. 

When it’s my week to be boss, I ignore her.  When it’s Maggie’s (copy editor) week to be boss, we don’t tell her until her week is up!  We’re both afraid of being under Maggie’s control.  She still gets her “boss week;” she just never knows about it! 

While I’ve been writing this article, Deb has consistently bugged me for a sneak peek.  I don’t give sneak peeks on my writing.  She asked, “What are you writing?”  I replied, “The truth!”  She answered, “Well, at least my mother still loves me!”  Actually Deb’s mother made a comment to Deb recently that really blew Deb away.  “She said that I had succeeded at everything I have attempted.” Deb recalls, “Little does my  mother realize that it's her parenting skills that made me brave enough to try new things.”  Hmmm.  I thought it was because I stuck my foot up her… well, never mind!

In conclusion, I must share some of Deb’s actual words, which are very true to her character. “The individuals in the doll world are a very special mix of people. We come together on various doll boards and really get to know one another. We support one another, pray for one another and laugh with one another. Those are the people who have enriched my life and I am very grateful to be included into the community. I don’t think my clients will ever truly understand how much they have enriched my life. I am so blessed with the people that have come into my life through the doll world. They are truly amazing. They opened their lives and hearts to me. I laugh and cry with them and they truly make me feel special and a part of their lives. There is no way that I can think to thank them …. Wish I could hug each and every one of them in person.”  

Whatever!

E-mail: debytexas2@yahoo.com

website: http://www.debsboot-ique.netfirms.com/

View Deb's e-Bay auctions: Click here

A few clarifying points from Deb Simpson.

First of all, I must object to the statement that my kitchen is relatively unused. In reality, my favorite appliance, my coffee maker, is frequently used.

Lisa did not receive any special treatment when she stayed with me in July. She should have had an indication of what to expect when I told her that she was welcome to my "Bed and Get Your Own Damn Breakfast". My husband, Mike, was very appreciative of Lisa's visit. The last time he received home cooking was when my parents visited. You see Lisa, I DO treat you like family.