it all started when…

In 2015, when I was looking for specific Bratz products I recalled from my childhood yet could not find any trace of online. I was specifically looking for a Bratz cosmetics line released in 2003 called Lookin’ Bratz. I eventually managed to find pictures of the long-expired cosmetics made of petroleum jelly and chunky glitter, as well as pictures of various pieces of Bratz merchandise I had never seen before. It was at this point that I was inspired to create a Bratz database that went past indexing the dolls and their variants, as many fansites have before.

Beginning my deep-dive research into the Bratz brand and pulling from my own knowledge as a Bratz fan since 2006, my initial goal was to create a database called The Bratz Collector before the idea flourished into a full-fledged Bratz tribute website titled Lookin’ Bratz both as an homage to its namesake and the idea of the website being about Lookin’ for Bratz information.

The mission of the Lookin’ Bratz website is to act as a resource that includes all types of Bratz products, such as dolls, apparel, appliances, collectibles, cosmetics, decor, food items, games, media, party supplies, sports equipment, school supplies, and whatever else in-between. Additionally, the website hosts information about the history of Bratz brand, including pages for characters, media, and fun stuff.

By late 2016, I created an Instagram account under the username @LookinBratz to post fun Bratz artwork, pictures, and scans I had collected over the years to slowly build anticipation for the website. By May 2018, I officially announced LookinBratz.com, which I had then referred to as “the ultimate Bratz fansite.” The website was officially launched on May 4, 2020 after five years of perfecting the site’s content.

The Bratz brand’s comeback in mid-2020 brought the Lookin’ Bratz website a lot of traction, further establishing itself as a trusted resource for fans and collectors around the world. After the initial launch, I would slowly begin creating more Bratz-focused content for social media to promote the site while working on additional projects to expand the site—such as adding to pre-exisiting features in the Database and Stilesville Central sections, working with several artists to re-envision the look and feel, and launching new features, like the Guides, to further enhance the Bratz fan experience.

As for my own Bratz story, I had casual encounters with the brand through its movies and my aunt’s doll collection. My aunt bought herself a First Edition Yasmin in 2001 because she enjoyed the doll’s 70s-inspired style. My love for Bratz brewed in Fall 2006 when I moved to a new school and would play dolls with the girls in my after-school program. This experience led me to discover the official Bratz and MGA Entertainment websites—both of which inspired the Lookin’ Bratz website. I was gifted my first Bratz dolls, a Wild Wild West Kiana from my aunt and a Babyz Forever Diamondz Cloe from my mother, for Christmas in 2006, which kickstarted my collection.

The pages on the classic Bratz and MGA Entertainment websites featured product pages, games, videos, downloadable wallpapers, and was overall an interactive experience. Back then, I would dream of creating my own Bratz website and keep notebooks with my own layout designs. I created a few Bratz-themed fansites during my youth prior to creating Lookin’ Bratz, including a Bratz 10th Anniversary Countdown website in 2010 and a Bratzillaz Database site in 2012.

Creating Lookin’ Bratz has been a dream because it combines my love of Bratz and harkens back to a fun era of pop culture, while also providing a reliable resource for Bratz fans.

Hi, my name is Dom and I created LookinBratz.com! In addition to my work on this resource, I create Bratz and doll-focused social media content under the @LookinBratz moniker. Want to learn more about me and my work as a dollfluencer? Check out my Portfolio!