Bearbrick has become an iconic symbol in both the fashion and art worlds. Bearbricks is the figure of simplicity and the aesthetic of modern art and luxury fashion. Since its release two decades ago, this unique toy has become one of the most coveted collectibles since its release two decades ago.
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Follow the Playlist on SpotifyTop fashion houses and designers have embraced Bearbrick to showcase their latest creations. The average price for a Bearbrick can moderately range from $200 to $20,000, depending on the rarity of the item. The most expensive Bearbrick was sold for $230,000. American musician Joe Hahn called Bearbrick an “adult collectible toy.”
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Bearbrick History
Bearbrick (BE@RBRICK) is a collectible designer toy brand by Japanese company MediCom Toy Incorporated. The name is inspired by MediCom’s Kubrick design. Kubrick figures are also created by MediCom Toy Incorporated. It’s a collectible block-style toy resembling simplified human forms like Playmobil or Lego figures.
The figure is a simplified, cartoon-like bear with a pot belly. It features nine parts: head, torso, hips, arms, hands, and legs. These parts allow for eight points of articulation: swivel head, waist, wrists, ball joint arms, and legs.
The first Bearbrick figure was released on May 27, 2001, as a free gift at the World Character Convention 12 in Tokyo. Since then, Bearbricks have been produced in various sizes and materials, including wood, felt, and glow-in-the-dark plastic.
Many contemporary artists and designers have created Bearbrick figures, including H. R. Giger, Pushead, Stash, Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood, and Ivana Helsinki. Due to their limited production and high-profile collaborations, Bearbricks are considered designer toys.
Exclusive Bearbricks are often produced for special events, such as Kill Bill promotions and collaborations with brands like Casio, Nike, and PANGAIA.
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Bearbrick’s Sizing and Releases
All Bearbrick releases are classified into “Series” and “Types.” Bearbrick first dubbed the 100%, and then 50%, 200%, 400%, and 1000%.
50% – 35 mm: This size is normally released in the form of keychains.
70% – 50 mm: This size is popular as lucky charms or customizable tags.
100% – 70 mm: The most classic and common Bearbrick format.
200% – 145 mm: The new format, released exclusively in the “Chogokin” Series.
400% – 280 mm: The second most common format.
1000% – 700 mm: The largest Bearbrick size, typically reserved for collectible statue pieces.
Bearbrick Series is released either in the summer or winter each year. All the collections come in distinctive types:
Basic: There are nine bear figures that spell“BE@RBRICK.”
Artist: A figure collaborated with an artist.
Secret: A rare figure and unrevealed designs may also include collaborations.
Jellybean: A figure made of translucent plastic and solid-coloured.
Pattern: A figure indicates a pattern.
Flag: A figure represents a nation’s flag.
Horror: A figure created from a character in the horror genre.
SF (Science Fiction): A figure inspired by a science fiction theme, usually a movie.
Cute: A figure of a cute object/ creature.
Animal: A figure of an animal.
Hero: A figure includes superheroes from DC Comics.
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The Evolution of the Bearbrick from a Designated Toy to a Streetwear Icon
In the mid-2000s, Ben Baller became a prominent Bearbrick collector. He usually bought Bearbricks in Mobius, a gallery and streetwear store in Los Angeles. His obsession began with a Kaws 1000% Bearbrick in 2002, and he expanded his collection to include many rare editions, displaying them in a dedicated area. Yang built a tremendous collection and sold a portion of it at an auction in 2012 for around $100,000.
Bearbricks have become a symbol of high fashion and streetwear due to their symbolism They serve as a blank canvas for creativity. Initially just a toy, they evolved into a prestigious collectible, even collaborating with high-fashion brands and influential artists. The Bearbrick’s success is partly due to its simplicity and the way it embraces various artistic and brand collaborations, creating uniqueness in each item and continuously appealing to new collectors.
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