One lucky fan has seen her dress design for a Sylvanian character brought to life as a real miniature outfit by brand owner Epoch making toys.

Isabelle, aged 12, was one of 1,700 children who entered a nationwide competition to Design a Dress for Stella Chocolate – the main character and fashion designer in the new Sylvanian Families Town.

Epoch ran the competition over three months from February to April around the Town’s retail launch, with fans and members of the public creating their designs during Fan Club, roadshow and in-store events.

Isabelle’s winning design comprised a burgundy velvet dress with gold trim, lace detailing and black feather headdress. Epoch had the design made up into an exact replica and fitted to a Stella character, which was then presented to Isabelle in a keepsake display case, along with £500 of new Town products.

Isabelle commented: “I was reading the summer edition of the fan club magazine and saw the winning Design a Dress entry. I was super excited when I realised it was mine, especially as it was the first competition I’ve ever won! I’ve been a fan of Sylvanian Families since I was three and I was overjoyed when my Stella Chocolate arrived wearing my dress. I will treasure it forever”.

Yuki Otsuka, marketing manager at Epoch making toys commented: “We were amazed by the standard of entries to the competition. The whole team were particularly impressed with Isabelle’s design, and thought that this dress would definitely be something that the character Stella would wear, either whilst shopping at the Grand Department Store or when meeting her friends at the Delicious Restaurant.”