We are all into alternative investment opportunities besides the traditional savings account. Today I want to introduce you to a very interesting form of investment which is a little bit like investing in art but less expensive.
I want to talk to you about Designer Toys. For the record, i have some history back with that form of investment and found my way with this form of investment as it is as well nice to have some awesome pieces in your own home on display.
What are designer toys?
Designer toys are referred to in technical terms as art toys. They can also be consolidated under the concept of urban vinyl as its own art form. Urban vinyl generally consists of plastic figures that have been created by different artists, unlike proprietary artworks of other action figures or three-dimensional replicas of cartoon characters.
Designer toys combine elements from toys, comics, and sculptures into an art form that meets the modern Zeitgeist and reflects the current popular culture. The toys do not have to be made of plastic - a variety of other materials are used.
Origins of designer toys aka urban vinyl
Designer toys, also known as urban vinyl, is a relatively young art form with origins dating back to the 1990s. In the context of its history, we must mention the art series "The Gardener" by designer Michael Lau, which he exhibited in a Hong Kong gallery in the mid-90s. The comprehensive series of 101 figures was the start of further exhibitions and record covers. Over time, these sparked greater interest in designer toys within the art world as more and more people began to be interested in urban vinyl and its various forms of expression.
Typical features and characteristics
The common element in designer toys which really sets them apart from other genres is that they are often grossly exaggerated yet have a number of seemingly surreal details. Another typical feature of designer toys/urban vinyl is the fact that these art objects are often only produced in small series and therefore numbered and limited. Their production is often costly and requires quite a bit of skill. They can probably best be compared with an original art print, for which this is also applicable.
Let me know in the comments if you like to know more about that form of art.
