MOOD

We’ve always been inspired by graffiti culture, but Twisted Innocence really brings it to the next level – the toy world. Even if toys aren’t your thing, read on because graffiti artists are iconic and people want to own a piece of art. And if they can’t own it, they’ll get it somehow, like fans of the artist Basquiat literally tore down pieces of a graffitied wall. Keith Haring is the first graffiti artist that took on the challenge of making street art iconic and salable. The best example of course is Kid Robot. But let’s not forget about the twisted creatures this trend conjures. Mori Chack from Osaka created Gloomy Bear, a boy and his bear that beats him up while he imagines great big bear hugs. Inside-out teddy bears are another good example of making fun of the cutsey J-pop culture cultivated by the likes of Hello Kitty. Teddy Scares is a line of stuffed animals targeted towards the alternative tween kid. Their stuffed animals are “morgue minis” and come with a profile and info on how your Teddy Scare died. Parasite Pals (also sighted in the Clinical lifestyle trend) is a toy line of stuffed animals that look like cartoon characters, albeit by the names of Head Lice, Tapeworm and Eyelash Mite. This type of product opens up the novelty gift arena. Saour Kids is another product line for the Kid Robot collectors crowd, which highlights artists that do perverted art and publishes a magazine. Publishers have jumped on this cult following and popularized books such as “Latex for Fun” and “I am Plastic” that act as encyclopedias of characters and latex toys.

FASHION

The tee shirt crossover is so obvious in this case that Kid Robot and Tokidoki have teamed together to produce tees. Graphic skulls and crossbones now may appear cute-like but it’s really about core gone cute meaning razorblades, hearts, bears, and guns put together in the same piece. In fashion photography, David LaChapelle is all about twisting perception. He was the first to photograph the Olsen twins when they turned 18 and did so in a rather unexpected manner. LaChapelle’s muse is Amanda LePore, the world’s most famous transsexual that is a model and face for clothing line Heatherette. Jeremy Scott had the Care Bears license and pulled it together with girly looks – a prime example is a Care Bear with scars as an intarsia sweater. Sao Paulo designers like Calavera have another viewpoint of colliding worlds – theirs is that of Jpop meets hip-hop. Look forward to more unexpected combinations moving forward!