Hailing from a background where he was interacting with living, breathing customers, he has an undeniable ability to make his doll “clients” look alive and exquisite. He said, “My sewing atelier focused on formal wear, which gave me direct experience with fashion for real people. Lat­er, I founded my own men’s beachwear brand, which further expand­ed my experience in the fashion market. Working with real bodies, clients who wear and move in the clothes, has taught me how to be practically and purposefully a perfectionist, always striving to combine beauty and functionality. With my beachwear business, I also learned to be more objective and to better understand what the public wants. All of this carries over into my work with dolls, where I try to main­tain a balance between creative expression and meaningful connection with those who consume what I create.”

A true doll aficionado, Antonio Realli is well aware of what dolls he likes to collect and which ones com­plement his carefully curated and constructed outfits. He has a discerning eye for which doll line is best suit­ed to his ensembles and said, “My creations fit dolls from several brands. The list is long, but my favor­ites include Ficondoll, Fashion Royalty, Kingdom Doll, Tonner Doll, and Barbie. In fact, I enjoy creating for all of them. I often receive special requests for dolls I don’t have in my collection, and whenever possible, I do my best to fulfill them. Within my limits, I try to embrace as many models and brands as I can because I believe fashion can adapt to different proportions, styles, and aesthetics. This flexibility allows me to engage with a very diverse collector base, which is something I deeply value.”

The collectors who flock to purchase his couture lines are drawn to his innovative versa­tility and his empathetic nature. It is a potent combo. “I believe what attracts collectors to my work is the combination of per­sonal identity and attentive listen­ing,” Antonio Realli said. “I create pieces that I would personally love to see on my dolls, pouring into them my eye, my taste, and my style. At the same time, I’m always open to dialogue with those who fol­low my work. Many ideas come from conversations with collectors and close friends whose requests and suggestions often get adapted and included in new collections. This constant exchange makes the process more alive, authentic, and connected to those who truly love this universe.”

The male dolls are especially reflective of his innate apprecia­tion of casual comfort and relaxed, modern styling — but even his most sporty clothing creations have a spark of uniqueness and individuality: “I’ve always worked as an entrepreneur and have stayed connected to the world of art, which has given me the free­dom to be myself and dress in ways that make me feel good. This autonomy has always guided my choices in life and in design. I think it brings a natural realism to the pieces. Streetwear and urban fashion are part of my visual and personal repertoire, so it’s only natural they show up in my collections.”

That same undeniable sense of realism is on full display in Antonio Realli’s clothing for female dolls. His outfits epitomize a woman’s life — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. His ensembles offer the perfect option for every activity and lifestyle, from the boardroom to the ballroom, and everywhere in between! “That’s exactly how I see my creations. I think of the pieces as extensions of a full lifestyle, imagining what I would like to see dolls wear­ing at different moments of the day, whether it’s for work, a glamorous event, or a festive night out. The collections are born from that idea, with looks that accompany the routine, desires, and personality of each character I create. I like to think there’s a concept for every style and every moment.”

Antonio Realli Couture

antoniorealli.com
dollsaleroom.com