| I know I can never have children for one simple reason: I would have to share my toys. As an only child I had free rein on the plight of several stuffed animals and countless figurines. Concerned family members waited for the toy phase to subside into more adult pursuits. It appears they are still waiting.
My current favourite online toy emporium is sweatyfrog.com. Based out of New York, Sweatyfrog Innovative Toy Concepts & Design "specialize in bringing not only Asian style toy concepts, but also emerging American talent and ideas." With a wide range of products offered, from plush to mechanical, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.
In addition to carrying popular brands like UglyDolls and Gloomy bears, you’ll find a few rare gems like Serena Kuhl’s handmade fun-fur psychedelic plushies, known as Pocti. The Mononofu series of weaponry is a must-have for miniature collectors, with its tiny samurai swords complete with sheaths and stands. Artists and design lovers will appreciate the print matter available with Übersee (an ad-free periodical with some of the best cutting-edge design from architecture to photography), Yoshitomo Nara catalogues and Junko Mizuno books – all reasonably priced.
Sweatyfrog is also committed to new toy development. With a helpful FAQ section focused on the process of getting your toy out of the planning stages and into production, you’ll get a realistic view of what it takes to bring your idea to life.
Now if I could just find a reproduction of The Matrix cast realized as sock monkeys, I’d be set. |
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