Is it a toy, or is it art? Boasting boundary-breaking collabs with artists, designers and musicians, Medicom’s Bearbrick is in a class of its own. Since its debut in 2001, Bearbrick (or Be@rbrick), an iconic teddy bear-shaped figurine, has evolved from kitsch to highly acclaimed contemporary fashion statement, earning its place as one of the most coveted collectibles around the world, and for good reason: partnerships with creators like KAWS, BAPE and even Karl Lagerfeld have produced some of the most sought-after—and most valuable—toys of all time. The highly limited, the figurine has a thriving cult following that includes Pharrell Williams, Ben Baller and Steve Aoki.
We can thank Medicom’s founder, Tatsuhiko Akashi, for the Bearbrick’s existence. Founded in 1996, Medicom burst onto the collectible scene with the Kubrick, a LEGO-like figurine with savvy pop-cultural tie-ins. Thanks to the Kubrick’s success, Akashi was tapped to create a handout gift for the 2001 World Character Convention in Tokyo, celebrating the 100th birthday of the iconic teddy bear. But the commission posed a logistical challenge for the then-fledgling company, with hundreds more orders than it could rapidly produce from scratch. Luckily, Akashi’s ingenuity carried the day. He cleverly modified Medicom’s flagship toy, replacing the Kubrick’s humanoid head with that of a bear—and the BE@RBRICK was born.
While the original Bearbrick stood 70 mm high, today Bearbrick sizes range from 35 mm (50%) to a whopping 700 mm (1000%). Collecting an entire series is a feat in itself: released only twice a year in limited runs, Bearbricks are sold in randomly distributed “blind boxes,” making the rarest models incredibly hard to come by. The resale market is the surest bet for completionists and hardcore collectors, and resale values for the most coveted toys have risen accordingly.
BEARBRICK WORLD TOUR THAILAND
King Power Mahanakhon will host the Be@rbrick World Wide Tour 3 from Oct 5-Nov 5, featuring the cult collectables at one of Bangkok’s most famous addresses.
The event will showcase Bearbrick designs by top world creators who have used the bears as a canvas, also featuring the oversized 1000% Bearbrick scaled bears. At the exhibition, each visionary designer will infuse their creativity and craftsmanship into the collection.
With over 100 collaborators—including names like A Bathing Ape, Comme des Garcons, Highsnobiety, and Jackson Pollock Studio—an additional five Thai artists and companies will make an appearance.
“BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3” is an event to exhibit BE@RBRICKs designed by world top creators with creative ideas using 1000% BE@RBRICK (height about 70cm) as a canvas.
The “BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3 in Bangkok” gathers together an impressive lineup of innovative international design talent. Each designer brings their distinctive perspective and artistic flair to the iconic BE@RBRICK, resulting in a diverse collection that beautifully celebrates the universal language of creativity.
The “BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3 in Bangkok” brings together a truly international more than 100 collaborators – including names like A Bathing Ape, Comme des Garcons, Highsnobiety, and Jackson Pollock Studio—an additional five Thai artists and companies will make an appearance.; Art Works Worldwide Co., Ltd, Boy Pakorn Chatborirak, Greenie & Elfie, King Power Mahanakhon and Vanus Couture.
Attendees can expect to be completely immersed in a totally awe-inspiring environment where each BE@RBRICK figure tells a story of imagination and craftsmanship. Therefore, whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of design and pop culture, the “BE@RBRICK WORLD WIDE TOUR 3 in Bangkok” promises a memorable experience for everyone.
Moreover, the event will offer attendees the opportunity to own a piece of this creative journey. Event commemorative BE@RBRICK figure will be available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a tangible memory from the experience available at the POP-Up shop from 10.00 – 20.00 hrs.
The ticket starts at THB500. For more information, call +66 2 677 8721 or visit the www.kingpowermahanakhon.co.th.
