The Collectables: Bearbrick Toys

Nothing beats good 'ole fashioned fun - right? And as long as Japanese toymaker Bearbrick is supplying it, I'm down.
Like so down - I'm practically on the floor. Because these figurines basically are beyond cool and collector's items (what more could you possibly want?). The point is Bearbrick's toys are superbly curated and highly coveted by collectors around the world (I've been witness to many an eBay battle, just FYI). I mean, we've all seen how sick Pharrell's toy-packed Miami apartment is right? I know, it's beyond. And it gets better - Bearbrick transcends generations. Just ask Grace Coddington, who proudly displays her limited edition Karl Lagerfeld collaboration on her desk at Vogue. 

Here's the 411. The anthropomorphized bear is made from nine simple parts including a signature pot belly and swivel head - which have been known to double as iPhone speakers or atomizers. That's right dear reader - art meets function. Also Bearbrick's collaborations (which are always epic and extremely rare) include promotional pieces for Daft Punk, Commes des Garçons, Kill Bill and Vivienne Westwood. There's even a camouflage Bearbrick x A Bathing Ape toy that, needless to say, might very well be my favorite (gifts are always welcome). 

Happy toy hunting!

A selection of Bearbrick toys are available at Tokyo Toy in NYC, Double Punch in San Francisco & online at Bearbrick.

Play Time: Commes des Garçons x Converse

While news of a Commes des Garçons Play x Converse collaboration may be dated, isn't news still newsworthy if relevant?

For me nothing is more pertinent than easy day-in-day-out shoes. And while living in New York inherently means being on-the-go, these kicks, dear reader, are the ultimate go-to on-the-go shoes. I know you might really be feeling your Nike high-tops or current Lanvin suede sneakers, but recently I'm all about wearing my heart on my feet. Besides, these hearts have eyes (which means they're actually things) - how could I possibly resist?

Of course everyone did the regular Chucks thing throughout high school (I did the Miu Miu variation, they sadly died in grade twelve). But it was my St. Andrews landlord who really upped the ante wearing white converse paired with a classic steel Rolex (in a I'm-severely-aristocratic kind of way). Basically I dug it, and still do. 

So the point is; if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And if you really must do something, collaborate, and add some Japanese designer hearts. 

*Commes des Garçons Play x Converse are machine-washable (yay!) and available at Barneys. Click here  for details.