Tattoo

Bandai is a renowned Japanese toy and entertainment company, widely recognized for its contributions to the art toy and collectible figure industries. Founded in 1950, Bandai is one of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, and it has created some of the most iconic toys and franchises, including Gundam, Power Rangers, and Digimon. While Bandai is best known for its mass-market toys and figures, the company also plays a significant role in the designer toy and art toy market through its premium figure lines and collaborations with famous artists. Bandai’s focus on high-quality craftsmanship, intricate designs, and attention to detail has made it a key player in the collectible figure market. 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.