Mad Hatter

MindStyle is a renowned art toy producer and design company known for producing high-quality designer toys and limited edition collectibles. Founded in 2004, MindStyle has become a key player in the designer toy and art toy scene, collaborating with a wide range of artists, illustrators, and designers to create unique, collectible vinyl figures and toys. The company has a strong reputation for its innovative designs and its ability to work with both established and emerging talent in the art toy community. Disney, as a creator of art toys, has played a significant role in merging mainstream pop culture with the designer toy world. While traditionally known for mass-market merchandise, Disney has also ventured into the art toy and collectible vinyl scene, often collaborating with artists and brands to produce limited-edition figures that appeal to both collectors and fans of designer toys. Vinylmation (2008 - 2020) – One of Disney’s most notable art toy lines, featuring blank Mickey Mouse-shaped figures customized with different themes, characters, and designs. Many were designed by Disney artists, while some featured collaborations with external artists. Disney has worked with Medicom Toy on high-end BE@RBRICK and VCD (Vinyl Collectible Dolls) figures, often reimagining classic characters like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in unique art styles. More recently, Disney has partnered with Pop Mart, a leader in designer blind box figures, to create stylized collectibles inspired by its iconic characters. While Disney primarily operates in the mainstream collectibles space, its influence on the art toy scene has helped bring designer toys to a wider audience, bridging the gap between mass production and artistic expression. Michael Lau is a Hong Kong-based artist, designer, and toy pioneer widely regarded as the “godfather of designer toys.” He is best known for his Gardener series, a groundbreaking collection of urban vinyl figures that fused street culture, skateboarding, and hip-hop aesthetics with collectible toy design. Lau started his career as an illustrator and painter before transitioning into 3D art in the late 1990s. His Gardener series, first introduced in 1999, featured stylized characters inspired by street fashion and graffiti, influencing an entire generation of toy designers. His work often includes exaggerated proportions, articulated joints, and a rough, hand-sculpted aesthetic that gives his figures a raw, DIY feel. Beyond toys, Lau has expanded into fine art, fashion, and collaborations with major brands like Nike, Puma, and Medicom Toy. His ability to merge art, pop culture, and commercial design has solidified his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the designer toy movement.