About AFD Group
AFD group is a duet of internationally acknowledged fashion doll designers. Formed in 2011, it consists of Vasiliy Barbier and Sergey Amelkov.
Vasiliy Barbier was born in the enchanting city of Smolensk, Russia. From a young age, Vasiliy discovered his deep fascination with the world of fashion and pop culture, recognizing their ability to captivate and inspire. This passion ignited a creative spark within him, propelling him on a path towards artistic expression and design.
As a member of the AFD Group team, Vasiliy combines his passion for fashion and pop culture with his innate talent for design. Collaborating closely with his partner, he brings forth a harmonious blend of innovation, sophistication, and storytelling in each doll they create. From conceptualization to the final product, Vasiliy’s dedication to perfection is evident in every stitch, every detail, and every doll that bears the name “AFD Group”.
Prepare to be mesmerized as Vasiliy Barbier’s extraordinary vision and talent manifest in the enchanting dolls that grace the collections of AFD Group. Experience the seamless fusion of fashion, artistry, and pop culture, as he brings dreams to life, one impeccably designed doll at a time.
Sergey Amelkov, a talented artist, was born in the vibrant city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. From an early age, Sergey displayed a natural inclination and talent for the arts, sparking a lifelong passion for creativity and self-expression.
After completing his secondary education, Sergey pursued his artistic aspirations by enrolling in the prestigious Almaty Academy of Art, where he specialized in design.
During his time at the academy, Sergey honed his skills in various artistic mediums, exploring different techniques and styles while immersing himself in the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Kazakhstan.
While studying at the academy, Sergey’s passion for painting blossomed, and he began creating captivating works of art that reflected his unique perspective and artistic sensibilities. His innate ability to capture emotions, evoke depth, and convey intricate details through his brushstrokes made his paintings stand out.
Sergey’s artistic talents extended beyond the world of fashion dolls, as his captivating paintings garnered attention from galleries in Almaty. His ability to translate his artistic vision onto canvas allowed him to showcase his work to a wider audience, establishing him as a respected artist in the local art scene. As a member of the AFD Group designer duet, Sergey Amelkov brings his exceptional artistic skills to the realm of fashion doll design. His role as the painter of fashion doll faces is pivotal in creating dolls that possess a lifelike quality and radiate individuality. With meticulous precision and a keen eye for detail, Sergey breathes life into each doll he paints. From the subtle nuances of expression to the intricate shading and highlighting, he skillfully captures the unique characteristics and personalities of the dolls, ensuring that each one is a true work of art.
AFD Group has gained widespread recognition and acclaim for their exceptional talent in creating portrait dolls of iconic celebrities. Among them: Dalida, Raffaella Carra, Sara Montiel, Maria Callas, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Anna Wintour, Alla Pugacheva etc.
In 2015, AFD Group achieved international acclaim and recognition when they unveiled their groundbreaking creation, the first doll in a series dedicated to portraying the royal family of Spain—the magnificent Queen Letizia doll. This extraordinary doll marked a significant milestone for AFD Group, showcasing their impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Queen Letizia doll captured the elegance, grace, and regal demeanor of the real-life Queen Letizia of Spain, who is known for her impeccable sense of style and her role as a fashion icon. AFD Group painstakingly studied every aspect of Queen Letizia’s fashion choices, from her iconic dresses and accessories to her hairstyles and makeup, ensuring that the doll was an accurate and faithful representation of her esteemed royal highness.
AFD Group is buzzing with excitement and anticipation as they have a multitude of thrilling upcoming projects in the pipeline. Their dedicated team of fashion doll designers is hard at work, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation to bring you an array of captivating dolls that will ignite your imagination and elevate your collection.
Since 2011, AFD Group has been a leader in the milieu of fashion dolls specializing in exquisitely rendered likeness of the who’s who in celebrity land. Their OOAK characters are much sought after for the awe-inspiring precision of execution, bold vision, and ultra-realistic design. Produced by Vasily Barbier and Sergey Amelkov, AFD Group’s offerings have expanded to include red-carpet designs created with the same expert eye for detail, fit, and refinement.
AFD Group’s shop is a not-to-be-missed destination for all Barbie Fashion Model Collection and Integrity Toys connoisseurs who are seeking to build and enhance a collection with splendid gowns for their most pampered dolls.
Barbier explains that the process begins with the careful study of images of couture by the likes of Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior. He then focuses on designing and sewing a reimagined and refreshed creation. The current Secret Garden Collection of gowns feature luxuriant chiffon flowers inside the skirts, giving the impression of what Barbier calls an inverted bouquet, neatly gathered with a bow at the waist. For the Flora Collection, Barbier plays with the exterior placement of blooms on willowy textiles. All AFD Group’s creations pay special attention to how the dress sits on the doll, so each body sculpt (Silkstone, Poppy Parker, Fashion Royalty) has its own version of the dress.