plastic artist from the south of SC transforms doll and reproduces classic bra

The iconic corset with conical-shaped bra, curled hair and black pants: this is how the Madonna doll made by the artist from Criciúma, in the south of Santa Catarina, Vanio Thomé, is dressed.

Vanio has been producing dolls since he entered college – Photo: Vanio Tomé/Reproduction/ND

To honor the singer’s visit to Brazil, the professional decided to transform a Barbie doll into a version of Madonna, using the same piece designed by French designer Jean Paul Gaultier for the “Blonde Ambition” tour in 1990.

As someone born in the 80s who grew up listening to Madonna, the artist decided to pay homage. “Who doesn’t like it, who doesn’t like it, right? It was another tribute to her career, to her coming to Brazil,” she explained.

According to Thomé, he usually makes dolls for artists he has an affinity with. “If I identify with it, if I like it, I’ll do it,” said the artist.

Check out the result of Madonna “Barbie version” – Photo: Vanio Tomé/Reproduction/ND

Among the celebrities who have already received their doll version are: Marília Mendonça, Beyoncé, Céline Dion and even the singer Marieme, who even received the gift. “She called me when she came to Brazil and I met her. We even exchanged messages,” she explained.

Transformation into Madonna

While some people think that to transform a doll you just need to change the clothes and change the hair, Vânio explains that production goes far beyond that and involves a detailed process.

“I take the raw doll, which had nothing to do with Madonna, and I transform it, from the hair, makeup, face shape and clothes, which have to be perfect, with an impeccable finish. I’m very much a perfectionist,” she explained.

See how the production of a doll works – Video: Vanio Tomé/Reproduction/ND

But his passion for art began when the designer was still in college and developed work producing clothing for toys. For him, creations are a way of immortalizing moments.

“A bride or a 15-year-old girl won’t keep her dresses, what she can have are memories in photos. My idea is in art, to produce a doll with makeup, hair, shoes and even nail color,” she explained.

Furthermore, the dolls are not exclusive to celebrities, professionals make them to order. “I receive a lot of orders, I do them all. People can be whatever doll they want, be it white, black, thin or fat, as there are no standards,” he concluded.