Collecting Sex Dolls: the Growing Community of Enthusiasts
Posted on August 29 2023
Watching the sex doll industry evolve has been a fascinating, remarkable journey. Barely a decade ago, owning a sex doll would have been considered highly unconventional, if not outright taboo. Skip back two or three decades, and owning a sex doll would have been mildly scandalous, even. The vast majority of people who owned sex dolls would do so in secret, rarely admitting to owning one.
These days, it is perfectly normal. There are still a few stereotypes attached to sex doll ownership, but for the most part, owning one is no less ‘odd’ than keeping a vibrator in the bedside drawer.
It has finally become quite normal - and rightly so.
Rise of The Sex Doll
You can see evidence of this everywhere. Two years ago, the industry was worth the best part of $400 million, which in itself is quite a staggering number. By the end of this year (2023), sales are expected to close at a gigantic $500 million. That’s a lot of sex dolls.
But there has been a huge tone shift with regard to owning these beautiful dolls, and now, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. No longer are they considered a ‘dirty secret,’ as people are increasingly beginning to talk about their sex dolls in a far more casual manner.
Again, there are obvious signs of this tone shift. Sex dolls are now far more widely available (no longer must you venture to a back-street alley to purchase a doll), with public exhibitions springing up each year and a range of online communities where thousands of people discuss sex doll ownership.
They even made a hit TV show about sex doll companionship, while there is also an emerging trend of sex doll influencers on mainstream social media channels.
Growing Phenomenon
But there is another side to sex doll ownership that demonstrates further decreased stigma: the collectible sex doll community. Devotees are actually collecting desirable sex dolls these days, and not, as you might suspect, for their primary intimate function. Sex dolls are being collected for their artistry, craftsmanship, and the individual character each doll represents.
And when you think about it, why wouldn't there be a growing community of enthusiasts? Just as many people collect vintage toys, stamps, or porcelain dolls, sex doll enthusiasts treasure the unique designs, beautifully crafted intricate details, and even the stories behind each creation.
As a result, there is even a growing community of sex doll collectors who proudly boast specific types of collections by known artists. It would have been unthinkable not very long ago, but thankfully, times are changing, and so are general perceptions: especially in the media.
The Media - Boosting the Rise of Sex Doll Enthusiasts
In recent years, both online and traditional print media has noticeably increased their coverage of the sex doll industry, dedicating more airtime and print space to the topic - mostly in a positive light.
More than any other aspect, the focus seems to relate to the striking realism that today's sex dolls bring, especially those intended for close companionship.
Articles are being published about how lifelike sex dolls are, and morning TV shows have been discussing aspects of the growing sex doll industry. With AI integration becoming more advanced, the line between animate and inanimate is increasingly blurred, which has led to further media discourse - again, largely of the positive kind.
In turn, this wider exposure is helping to fuel the expanding community of sex doll enthusiasts and collectors.
The Craftsmanship Behind Collectible Sex Dolls
Sex dolls have improved vastly, in comparison to the almost comical ‘blow up’ inflatable dolls of old, and so the focus these days is more on the incredible lifelike qualities of sex dolls.
However, the world of collectors has other interests in mind, with their attention shifted towards specific artists. Talented sculptors and creators are now stepping into the industry, crafting high-end figures that bear the mark of intricate, detailed, incredibly lifelike craftsmanship.
It's All In The Detail
The life-like feel of the skin and the minute detailing of the eyes (among other features) have been brought to life through cutting-edge silicone or TPE materials, which have ensured their potential longevity.
This is a definite draw for the collector, as dolls can now be kept for far longer: several decades, potentially, assuming due care and attention.
However, the appeal isn't solely in the craftsmanship but also in the exclusivity. Limited edition designs, which are created at the hands of specific artists, and also special releases, often command a premium in secondary markets.
For these collectors, the pursuit isn’t just about acquiring a doll but rather owning a work of art that just so happens to be shaped as one, as it could increase in value over time.
Community Spirit
While the sex doll sector may be making headlines for its growth, a tighter-knit parallel community is thriving, with exclusive conventions and trade shows tailored for more discerning collectors.
At these quite selective, highly niche events, attendees not only show off their treasured acquisitions to other enthusiasts but also exchange insights and, in some instances, swap or sell their dolls.
But these conventions aren't just about showcasing. They ensure that attendees are engrossed in the very heart of doll artistry. And make no mistake about it, in many cases, sex dolls have become a genuine art form, with certain designers and craftspeople developing worldwide reputations for their skills.
With workshops dedicated to doll care, areas for personalization, and the unique chance to rub shoulders with these well-known sculptors in the sex doll sector, conventions offer a unique insight into a world that brings craftsmanship and passion together: both of which are reasons that encourage collection.
Challenges Faced by Collectors
But sex doll enthusiasts and collectors aren't without their minor obstacles. One of the most obvious issues relates to storage.
The right environment is imperative to preserving the doll's innate attributes, and while the primary market (where these dolls first make their debut) is blossoming, the secondary area of collecting is still in its infancy. In other words, questions surrounding a doll's origin, its worth, and its legitimacy remain unresolved.
Drawing the line between dolls crafted for intimate reasons and those sculpted for collection has become important. The latter category frequently boasts authentication certificates, artist autographs, and other distinguishing features, underlining their esteemed status in the world of collecting sex dolls.
The Future of the Collectible Sex Doll Market
Given the recent rise in demand coupled with a growing societal acceptance, it seems destined that collecting sex dolls will one day join the ranks of other, more established collectible markets, such as vintage trinkets or classic vehicles.
That may seem too far-reaching, depending on when you are reading this blog post, and the notion of sex doll collecting becoming as mainstream as vintage trinkets probably seems quite ambitious to some of you.
But it almost certainly will happen at some point. As technological advancements continue and sex dolls become created with heightened features, AI capacities, and a broader palette for personalization, they are almost certain to become completely mainstream at some point in the future.
As a result, so will the area of sex doll collecting.
Bottom Line
The sex doll enthusiasts community is a welcome sign of our improving societal norms and appreciation for artistry and craftsmanship. Gone are the days when owning a sex doll was viewed with skepticism.
Today, sex dolls represent a celebration of human ingenuity, technological advancements, and, in many cases, a genuine form of art. The reasons for this growing appeal are as varied as the actual people who collect them.
Interested in becoming a part of this expanding community? Whether you're a seasoned sex doll enthusiast or recently curious, our wide selection at Silicon Wives comes with a stunning range of beautifully crafted dolls.
But our collection isn't just about dolls—it's about embracing a growing community - one beautifully crafted figure at a time!
