2001 by Medicom Toy
Tokyo, Japan
Tatsuhiko Akashi
Tatsuhiko Akashi
BE@RBRICKs are collectible figures comprised of nine parts — a head, torso, hips, arms, hands, and legs with joints that can move, which come in a range of materials, although most frequently plastic.
The adorable figurine has become an icon in both fashion and art. Since it has stepped onto the scene in 2001, the Japanese-produced and designed toy has been a fervently desired collectible — consistently on the top of collectors’ wishlist. Why? BE@RBRICK has attracted a wide array of collaborators, including Hiroshi Fujiwara, FDMTL, BAPE, Chanel, Disney, Daniel Arsham, Sean Wotherspoon, READYMADE, and Evisu — just to name a few.
The most expensive BE@RBRICK is the ‘Qiu Tu’ 1000% Bearbrick (2008), a one-off design created by Chinese contemporary artist Yue Minjun, which sold for a staggering $157,000 at auction.
Now, when you are on the hunt for your next MediCom collectible, you should be aware that BE@RBRICK toys come in various heights, which are listed from 100% to 1000%. 100% is the smallest, coming in at 2-inches (5cm), while the biggest size, the 1000%, is as tall as 27-inches (70cm). In general, the most popular sizes tend to be 100%, 200%, and 400%. Keep that in mind as you shop for your BE@RBRICK.
You can cop your own BE@RBRICK at the Highsnobiety Shop.
The first BE@RBRICK is released as a gift to visitors of the World Character Convention 12 in Tokyo.
Acclaimed graphic artist Brian Donnely, AKA KAWS, is behind the KAWS “Chompers” 1000% BE@RBRICK , complete with the “X”-ed out eyes, in conjunction with the Japanese music festival a-nation. It is the first of many collabs to come.
MediCom teams up with Comme des Garçons and Dover Street Market for the Comme des Garçons “Happy Ribbon” 1000% BE@RBRICK .
The Coco Chanel 1000% BE@RBRICK is released. It is designed by Karl Lagerfeld and dressed in Chanel’s signature tweed suit and pearls. Only around 1,000 pieces are made.
The one of a kind Yue Minjun ‘Qiu Tu’ 1000% BE@RBRICK sees the light of day, the most expensive Bearbrick to date. This year CLOT and Levi’s teams up with Medicom on two BE@RBRICKs – one strawberry and one watermelon.
As a part of colette’s ‘White Crystal Christmas’ the Swarovski x colette BE@RBRICK is a fact, and the bear is covered in Swarovski drip.
Having collaborated with Stussy on several occasions throughout the years, they join forces again to mark Stussy’s 35th anniversary.
Billionaire Boys Club, KITH and Dickies collaborations appear, but the most notable one is perhaps the collab in memory of late Jean-Michel Basquiat reproducing his artwork.
MediCom Toy, and guitar manufacturing company Dyna Musical Instruments, have created a fully functional electric guitar made in the shape of the iconic BE@RBRICK.
Daniel Arsham blesses us with a super hyped $1,000 BE@RBRICK.
Drake’s OVO creates its own series of new BE@RBRICKs.
BAPE & MediCom debut the 1st Camo Shark & Baby Milo collaboration.
BE@RBRICK links up with GEO for a limited edition drop.
BAPE & READYMADE debut a new BE@RBRICK.
The Evisu x BE@RBRICK collaboration drops, along with an honorary Muhammed Ali BE@RBRICK.
MediCom Toy Drops New Andy Warhol “Flowers” BE@RBRICKs.
Amid the hype around the Breaking Bad Movie, El Camino, MediCom drops a new BE@RBRICK.
fragment design collabs on the first-ever BE@RBRICK in Baccarat Crystal.
Saturday’s NYC celebrates its 10th Anniversary with its own BE@RBRICK.
MediCom Toy Drops a “Brave Blossoms” BE@RBRICK for the Rugby World Cup.
In hommage of the late great Basquiat, MediCom releases a new BE@RBRICK.
Anti Social Social Club releases an updated collaboration with BE@RBRICKs, coming in both 400% and 1,000% sizes.
BE@RBRICK drops its highly anticipated Nike Dunk Low.
The biggest Medicom Drop at Highsnobiety makes its way to the Highsnobiety Shop, featuring BE@RBRICK’s such as Tom & Jerry, Peanuts, Minions, Banksy, Shaun the Sheep, Andy Warhol, Pink Panther, Tweety, Joe Cool, Space Shuttle, Pac-Man, and Basquiat
CASTify adds BE@RBRICK’s to its roster of collaborators.
BE@RBRICK drops a collaboration with the Korean artist Grafflex.