Wesley Anak Juntan, an Iban descendant from Sekuau, Sibu, Sarawak, has recreated singer Datuk Francissca Peter’s iconic appearance at Anugerah Juara Lagu in 1986 as a doll.
The singer appeared in a pastel purple modern kurung when performing her hit Sekadar Di Pinggiran at the first edition of the prestigious song competition.
"I’m a big fan of her, I grew up listening to her songs. For me, Francissca is the ‘Icon of Unity’, she represents all of us including the people in Sabah and Sarawak.
"It astounds me that she can sing Malay songs so beautifully despite not being Malay,” he said.
Using Mattel’s popular doll Barbie, the 35-year-old self-taught designer said it took him a month to make the bespoke doll.
"Making a customised doll usually only takes two to three days, but for this special project, it took me longer because I had to find a fabric with a pattern similar to the one Francissa wore. Fortunately, I was able to find a piece of hijab with a design that was almost the same,” he said.
To complete the look, Wesley said the doll was given a classic perm haircut, makeup, a miniature replica of an AJL trophy, a microphone, and accessories that matched Francissca's outfit on that memorable night.
Apart from Francissca, the youngest of the four siblings said he has also produced customised dolls of several other local artistes such as Dayang Nurfaizah, TV personality Daphne Iking and choreographer and classical ballet dancer Datuk Ramli Ibrahim.
A flight attendant by profession, Wesley found fame on social media in 2020 after creating Borneo-inspired dolls during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I’ve been a Barbie collector since I was a kid. I collect them because I enjoy dressing them up and sewing various outfits for them.
"I started making Borneo dolls as a hobby; I never expected it to have such a high demand from both domestic and foreign customers that I was able to generate a side income,” said Wesley who has produced more than 500 Borneo dolls to date.
However, the recipient of the Malaysia WICITRA Craft Award 2021, organised by Kraftangan Malaysia, admitted that time constraints mandated him to limit orders in order to maintain the quality and standard of the customised dolls he produced.
"It is not an easy job and requires precision. Therefore, for the time being, I’m only taking orders for Borneo dolls,” said Wesley, who plans to make customised dolls in the traditional attire of different states in the peninsula.
Wesley’s customised dolls are each sold for RM350 and above and can be purchased or ordered through his Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Meanwhile, Francissca, 62, who received the Francissca Peter customised Barbie doll from Wesley recently, described the gift as special and very meaningful.
"I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a gift as special as this one, so I’m very thankful to Wesley for it. I really appreciate it because this doll reminds me of all the good times I had in Juara Lagu (AJL) in 1986. It will always make me feel nostalgic,” she said. – Bernama
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
