If you collected Barbie dolls when you were younger, you’ll know the gratification of finding a unique one. This is especially true when you find ones that look like celebrities. (Beyoncé, Audrey Hepburn, and Jennifer Lopez have Barbies in case you didn’t know.) The frustrating part sometimes is actually finding them.
For up-and-coming designer Alvin Ocampo, he designs miniature dresses inspired mostly by local celebrities and designers. We first saw Alvin’s work when Mark Bumgarner shared his version of Lovi Poe’s black gown during Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho’s wedding.
He’s also recreated the gowns of Michael Cinco and Francis Libiran, who are both his inspiration in fashion designing. “I started designing and doing miniature doll dresses in 2011. I was 17 years old and and a simple Tourism Management student,” he tells Preen.ph. “I started sewing by hand, and now I have my sewing machine. But most of the dresses that I do [require] bead work, so I usually do it by hand.”
When asked how long it takes to make one dress, Alvin said it depends on the dresses’ design. “It took me two days to finish Lovi Poe’s black Mark Bumgarner gown. I also did Michael Cinco and Francis Libiran’s dresses, which took two to three months to finish.”
Right now, Alvin wants to surprise everyone on his next projects. But he hinted that he’ll recreate dresses from the upcoming Star Magic Ball 2017, so you better watch out for that. If you want to see his other works, we’ve rounded up our favorites below. (Note: Alvin takes doll fashion editorials seriously!)
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla
Both wearing white Michael Cinco ensembles, Alvin got all the details down to the last fold and bead.
Kim Chiu
Alvin immortalized Kim’s Best Actress win at the 28th PMPC Awards by recreating her pink gown. The doll even has her own award!
Anne Curtis
A striped mini dress with a ruffled skirt fit for an Anne Curtis doll.
Marian Rivera
Who could forget Marian’s beautiful Michael Cinco wedding gown? This doll has the same floral and crystal embellishments, plus the church backdrop.
Kisses Delavin
Alvin outdid himself when he recreated Kisses’ pink Francis Libiran gown. Just look at that ruffled train!
Emma Watson
This version of the iconic Beauty and the Beast gown has tulle layers and embellishments on the skirt. It twirls seamlessly too.
Pia Wurtzbach
These Miss Universe 2015 dolls could pass off as Pia’s official Barbie merch. What do you think?
Gabbi Garcia
Encantadia fans will surely love this ethereal Alena (played by Gabbi Garcia) doll. Complete with her intricate headpiece.
Jodi Sta. Maria
Last year’s Star Magic Ball saw an abundance of princess ball gowns. One of them was Jodi Sta. Maria, who wore a black Mark Bumgarner piece.
Heart Evangelista
Another Mark Bumgarner piece is Heart’s gold fish tail gown.
Art by Lara Intong
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WATCH: Michael Cinco on Why He Loves to Create Fairy-Tale Dresses
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