Inside the Epic Designer Toy Collection

From humble beginnings to curating one of the most impressive designer toy collections, Ilya Popov's journey as a collector showcases the evolution of art toy collecting in the digital age.

The Journey of a Designer Toy Collector

What started as a casual interest in vinyl figures quickly evolved into a passion that would shape Ilya's future. "I remember my first designer toy purchase — it was a turning point that opened my eyes to this incredible art form," recalls Ilya. His designer toy collection grew from a few carefully selected pieces to an impressive array of limited-edition releases and custom creations, making him a renowned figure in the collector community.

Inspiration and Favorite Artists in the Designer Toy Community

Convention halls and art galleries have played a crucial role in shaping Ilya's collection aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Doktor A's steampunk masterpieces, Touma's distinctive Japanese style, and Hariken's innovative designs, he has developed a keen eye for unique pieces that push creative boundaries in the designer toy space.

Highlights from the Collection

Among the standout pieces in Ilya's collector vault is a rare hand-painted Doktor A creation, featuring intricate brass-colored detailing and mechanical elements. Another gem includes a limited-edition collaboration piece between Touma and Hariken, representing a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western designer toy aesthetics.

From Collector to Creator: The Birth of ChikoRoko

The transition from collector to creator came naturally as Ilya's understanding of the designer toy industry trends deepened. The ChikoRoko brand emerged as a revolutionary concept, pioneering the integration of digital twins with physical collectibles.

"We're not just creating toys; we're building a new ecosystem where physical and digital collections coexist," explains Ilya. The journey from digital-first designer toys to tangible collectibles has been methodical, with each physical release carefully crafted to match its digital twin's detail and character.

Advice for Aspiring Collectors

For those entering the world of designer toys, Ilya emphasizes the importance of research and passion: "Don't just follow trends—collect what speaks to you. Understanding the history and artists behind each piece makes the experience more meaningful."

At the intersection of traditional collecting and digital innovation, Ilya continues to shape the future of designer toy collecting. Through the R.Toys platform and ChikoRoko brand, his vision for the designer toy community extends far beyond personal collection into creating new possibilities for collectors worldwide.