Pop Mart: The Global Phenomenon Blending Art, Culture, and Collectible Toys
The latest phenomenon that has swept consumers off their feet is Pop Mart. Originating from China, this toy manufacturing company stands out against the usual toys we all grew up playing and loving. That's because Pop Mart toys aren't just toys to be played with, but they blend art, commerce, and culture together in one toy.
If you're not entirely familiar with what Pop Mart is, that's okay. Essentially, Pop Mart toys have been helmed to be designer toys with the company specializing in blind boxes. The allure of these blind boxes are that you're not entirely one-hundred percent certain of the kind of toy you're going to get, but there are hints of themes. The blind boxes are regarded to be a favorite because of this appeal, and since their introduction to consumers, many purchase these blind boxes to acquire the figurines as collectable items.
The Allure of Collecting Designer Toys
The allure behind these blind boxes and also the entire idea of Pop Mart is also to do with the brand's collaborations with various famous artists. Some people view Pop Mart toys to be extra special and items they want to collect as art pieces because of this reason. Of the many collaborations, here are some notable ones:
1.Labubu by Kasing Lung:
This is by far the most hyped collaboration for Pop Mart as each piece has been uniquely designed by Kasing Lung. These Pop Mart toys stand out because they resemble quirky monsters, all blending art and imagination together. You'll also find that while the Labubu toys have quirky monster-like appearances to them, they also take inspiration from mythical elements while adding a modern twist to it. They're also extremely vibrant, so if you love decorating your room with whimsical items, this is the perfect item for you.
2.Pucky by Pucky
For fairytale lovers, the Pucky by Pucky line is the perfect edition to your collection as these toys take inspiration from fairytale and also dreams that young children often have. You'll see that these toys feature whimsical designs, like ones you'd often come across in storybooks about fairytales. For example, you'll find fairy looking toys along with mermaid ones in this line, making these toys perfect for children but not to play with as again, the Pop Mart toys are more symbols of art rather than actual items to play with.
3. Dimoo World
Aside from having the Pucky by Pucky line that takes inspirations from fairytales, Pop Mart also has the Dimoo World collection which is basically a way for item holders to be able to take a trip into a storybook. The designs on each of these toys are not too complex, but they do evoke feelings of nostalgia, just like how a storybook is capable of doing. You'll also definitely feel the nostalgia with these toys as their facial features are quite innocent looking, a symbol of those youthful days of the past. Some Dimoo Pop Mart toys are ocean themed, meaning you'll find them dressed as all sorts of ocean creatures, transporting you into the storybook world of being under the sea.
4.Molly by Kelly Wong
This collaboration with renowned artist Kelly Wong features the titular character Molly in various avatars. You'll find that these Pop Mart toys come dressed as an astronaut, painter, pilot and more, resembling real-world professions. This line might appeal to a wider consumer group, especially those who want a toy that is a reminder of their past profession or what they hope to become one day.
5.Disney
If you're a Disney enthusiast, you'll be happy to learn that Pop Mart had also partnered with Disney so you'll find all of your beloved characters as quirky yet cute looking toys. Some favorites are the Star Wars toys or even the classic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more. These Pop Mart works of art are not only adorable, but if you get them with the plastic box, you'll have a Disney item in your house that looks different to the usual kinds of Disney memorabilia and items people get from Disney theme parks and stores.
Aside from having remarkable collections and collaborations such as the Labubu line, the entire Pop Mart concept is loved globally, with the reach extending to influencers and celebrities. Some celebrities like Jackson Wang and Fan Bingbing have been spotted in the past with their Pop Mart toys. These celebrities are an indicator of the brand's ability to cement itself as being more than just a toy. It's also these kinds of celebrity endorsements that have played a crucial role in boosting the brand's popularity, especially the Labubu line, making it loved in many countries around Asia. It is also growing beyond Asia now.
Conclusion
Since its loved across Asia now, this has also aided to the company's success where the toys are now showcased in global toy fairs. Did you know there's an official Pop Mart store here in Bangkok at Mega Bangna? So instead of browsing catalogs of the toys online, why not head down to the store and see these toys that are a remarkable culmination of art and innovation.
So even if you aren't a fan of toys in general, I'm sure you'll come to eventually love the Pop Mart toys. At first glance, when you look at the Labubu toys, you might find their overall look to be weird, and that's the intent of the toys. The look will grow on you, as they've grown on me. Eventually, you'll be thankful that you've purchased a toy that has really become a global phenomenon with the Labubu line especially being seen in advertisements, videos, as mascots and more.
Aside from that, owning any Pop Mart toy means that you are owning a piece of modern art because if you see the Dimoo line for example, these whimsical looking dolls definitely aren't for playing but they'd make the perfect display item on your mantle, especially if your house has a bit of a cottage-core aesthetic to it.
