History of Designer Toys潮玩簡史

Imagine walking into a gallery where instead of traditional paintings or sculptures， you are greeted by vibrant， whimsical， and intricately designed toys that blur the line between playthings and high art. This is the captivating world of designer toys.

想象一下，走進美術館，映入眼簾的不是傳統的畫作或雕塑，而是色彩鮮艷、充滿巧思、設計精細的玩具——這些玩具模糊了娛樂之物和高雅藝術之間的界限。這就是迷人有趣的潮玩世界。

Over the past few decades， designer toys—also known as artistic collectibles—have evolved from niche items to significant cultural artifacts， reflecting broader trends in art， design， and consumer culture. In this article， we will journey through the fascinating evolution of designer toys， exploring their origins， rise to prominence， current trends， and future directions. From early pioneers to modern innovators， we’ll delve into how these unique pieces have shaped and been shaped by the world around them.

過去幾十年，潮流玩具（亦稱藝術藏品）逐漸從小眾物件演變為重要的文化產品，反映了藝術、設計及消費文化更為廣泛的趨勢。本篇文章將追尋潮流玩具精彩的演變之旅，探索潮玩的起源、興起、當前趨勢和未來走向。從早期開拓者到現代創新者，我們將探究這些獨特的作品如何影響周圍世界，又怎樣受周圍世界所影響。

The origins of designer toys

潮玩的起源

Designer toys， also known as art toys， first emerged in the late 1990s， drawing inspiration from urban street culture， comic books， and graffiti art. Artists like Michael Lau1 and Eric So2 from Hong Kong pioneered this movement， creating limited-edition figures that combined elements of traditional toy design with contemporary art.

潮流玩具，也稱藝術玩具，于1990年代末面世，靈感來自城市街頭文化、漫畫及涂鴉藝術。該領域的先驅是中國香港的藝術家劉建文和蘇勛，他們創作限量版人偶，將傳統玩具設計元素與當代藝術相結合。

One of the earliest and most iconic examples is Lau’s Gardener3 series， which featured figures with exaggerated proportions and distinct urban fashion styles. These toys were more than just playthings; they were artistic expressions that challenged conventional notions of what toys could be.

劉建文的“花園人”系列是最早也最具標志性的潮玩之一，該系列人偶以夸張的比例和鮮明的都市時尚風格為特色。這些玩具不僅僅是娛樂之物，它們是挑戰傳統玩具設計觀念的藝術表達。

The cultural impact of these early designer toys was profound. They quickly gained a following among collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciated the unique blend of creativity and craftsmanship. This new form of art provided a fresh way for artists to express their ideas and connect with audiences.

這些早期潮玩所帶來的文化影響是深遠的。它們迅速吸引了一眾收藏家和藝術愛好者，這些追隨者贊賞這類兼具創意與工藝的獨特玩具。這種新的藝術形式為藝術家提供了一條全新的路徑表達想法、貼近受眾。

The golden age of designer toys

潮玩的黃金時代

The early 2000s marked the golden age of designer toys. During this period， the market for these unique collectibles expanded rapidly， driven by increasing interest from both artists and consumers.

21世紀初是潮玩的黃金時代。在此期間，藝術家和消費者的興趣日漸高漲，促使這種獨特收藏品的市場急速擴張。

Major players like Kidrobot4， founded by Paul Budnitz， emerged as leading brands in the designer toy scene5. Kidrobot’s collaborations with artists such as Frank Kozik and Tara McPherson brought designer toys into the mainstream， making them accessible to a wider audience.

保羅·巴德尼茨創立的“凱羅伯大頭機器人”等重要品牌脫穎而出，成為潮玩領域的領軍品牌。該品牌與弗蘭克·科齊克和塔拉·麥克弗森等藝術家合作，將潮玩帶入主流，推向更廣泛的受眾。

Iconic toys from this era， like the Dunny and Munny figures， became symbols of the designer toy movement. These customizable vinyl figures allowed artists to create unique designs， further blurring the line between toys and art. The popularity of these toys was bolstered by the rise of toy conventions and gallery shows dedicated to showcasing designer toys， creating a vibrant community of enthusiasts and collectors.

這一時代的標志性玩具，如“達尼”和“蒙尼”公仔，成為潮玩運動的象征。這些可定制的乙烯基玩偶讓藝術家得以創作設計獨特的作品，進一步模糊了玩具和藝術之間的邊界。隨著展示潮玩的玩具展會和藝術展覽興起，這些玩具變得更加流行，催生了一個充滿生機的愛好者和收藏者圈子。

The market growth was significant， with designer toys becoming sought-after items for both their aesthetic value and potential as investment pieces. Collectors eagerly anticipated new releases， and limited-edition runs6 often sold out quickly， adding to the allure and exclusivity of these toys.

市場增長顯著，人們爭相購入潮玩，因為它們既具有審美價值，又可能成為投資產品。收藏者迫切期待新產品發布，而限量版常常很快售罄，使得這些玩具更具吸引力和稀缺性。

The modern era of designer toys

當今時代的潮玩

The advent of technology has significantly influenced the design and production of modern designer toys. Advances in 3D printing and digital sculpting tools have enabled artists to push the boundaries7 of creativity， resulting in more intricate and innovative designs.

新技術的出現大大影響了當今潮玩的設計和生產。3D打印技術與數字雕刻工具的進步，使藝術家得以突破創造力的極限，打造出設計更加復雜新穎的作品。

Designer toys have also become a global phenomenon， with artists from around the world contributing to the scene. From Japan’s vinyl kaiju figures to the quirky and colorful creations of American and European artists， the diversity of styles and influences in the designer toy world is vast and exciting.

此外，潮玩已然風靡全球，世界各地的藝術家都為之貢獻力量。無論是日本的乙烯基怪獸模型，還是歐美藝術家那些奇特多彩的作品，潮玩世界中的多樣風格與多面影響廣泛而令人興奮。

Social media and online platforms have played a crucial role in promoting and selling designer toys. Platforms like Instagram and Etsy8 allow artists to reach a global audience， showcase their work， and directly interact with fans and collectors. This digital presence has democratized the market， making it easier for emerging artists to gain recognition and build a following.

社交媒體和線上平臺在推廣和銷售潮玩方面發揮了關鍵作用。像照片墻和創意市集這樣的平臺可以讓藝術家連通全球受眾，展示自己的作品，跟粉絲和收藏者直接交流。這種數字化買賣方式使得市場大眾化，讓新銳藝術家更容易獲得認可及建立自己的粉絲群體。

Collaborations have also become a hallmark of the modern designer toy scene. Notable collaborations between toy artists and mainstream brands or other artists have led to unique and highly coveted pieces. These partnerships bring together different creative worlds， resulting in toys that are both artistically significant and commercially successful.

聯名也是當今潮玩圈的一大特征。潮玩創作者和主流品牌或其他藝術家重磅聯名，打造出獨具特色、備受追捧的作品。此類合作將不同的創作領域匯集到一起，讓潮玩作品兼具藝術價值和商業成功。

The future of designer toys

潮玩的未來

As we look to the future， several trends and innovations are poised to9 shape the evolution of designer toys. Sustainability is becoming an important consideration， with artists and manufacturers exploring eco-friendly materials and production methods to reduce their environmental impact.

放眼未來，多種趨勢和革新勢必塑造潮流玩具的發展之路。可持續性逐漸成為一個需要考慮的重要因素，藝術家和生產商都在探求生態友好型材料及生產方式，旨在減少對環境的影響。

Innovation in materials and design techniques will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of designer toys. Artists are experimenting with new materials， such as biodegradable plastics and recycled components， to create toys that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

生產材料和設計技術方面的創新將會讓潮玩世界的潛力不斷取得突破。藝術家正在測試諸如可生物降解的塑料和回收再生成分等新材料，以打造既美觀又環保的潮玩。

The future of designer toys also includes the potential for greater customization and personalization. Advances in technology may allow collectors to participate in the design process， creating bespoke pieces that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.

未來潮玩還將在定制化與個性化方面深入發展。技術的進步會讓收藏者有機會參與設計過程，創作出反映他們個人品味和喜好的定制作品。

Why bring designer toys into your space？

為什么要把潮玩帶入生活？

Designer toys are not just for collectors; they can brighten and enhance any space， whether at home or in the workplace. Here are some compelling reasons to consider adding designer toys to your environment：

潮流玩具并非獨屬于收藏愛好者。居家環境也好，工作場所也好，潮玩可以為各處增光添彩。考慮下在身邊添置些潮玩吧，以下是一些無法抗拒的理由：

· Unique Artistic Expression： Designer toys are pieces of art that bring creativity and personality to any room.

· 獨特的藝術表達：潮玩作為藝術作品，無論擺放在哪里都可彰顯創意和個性。

· Conversation Starters： These toys often have interesting stories behind them， making them great conversation pieces.

· 聊天的話題來源：潮玩背后通常都有有趣的故事，所以是理想的話題。

· Aesthetically Pleasing： With their vibrant colors and intricate designs， designer toys can enhance the visual appeal of your space.

· 賞心悅目：潮玩色彩鮮亮、設計精巧，可以增強周圍空間的視覺吸引力。

· Support for Artists： Purchasing designer toys supports artists and their craft， allowing them to continue creating unique works of art.

· 支持藝術：購買潮玩是對藝術家及其技藝的支持，讓他們得以繼續創作出獨特的藝術作品。

· Inspiration： Having artistic toys in your space can inspire creativity and bring a sense of playfulness to your environment.

· 提供靈感：用潮玩裝點空間，可以激發創造力，也為生活環境帶來一絲趣味。

· Collectible Value： Designer toys can be valuable collectibles， with limited editions often appreciating10 in value over time.

· 收藏價值：潮玩可能是很有價值的收藏品，限量版往往會隨時間推移而升值。

· Cultural Connection： These toys often reflect cultural trends and influences， connecting you to a broader artistic and cultural movement.

· 文化聯通：這些玩具通常可反映文化趨向和影響，讓人見識更廣闊的藝術文化風潮。

The evolution of designer toys from niche collectibles to cultural artifacts is a testament to the creativity and innovation of artists around the world. These unique pieces of art have not only enriched the lives of collectors but also brought joy and inspiration to those who encounter them.

潮玩從小眾收藏品到文化工藝品的演變，證明了全世界藝術家的創造力和創新力。這些設計獨特的藝術作品不僅豐富了收藏者的生活，也為偶然進入潮玩領域的人帶來樂趣和靈感。

Whether you are an art enthusiast， a collector， or someone looking to add a touch of whimsy to your home or workplace， designer toys offer something truly special. They represent the intersection of art and play， providing a unique way to engage with contemporary culture.

無論是愛好藝術還是愛好收藏，抑或是想給家里或工位增添一些奇妙色彩，你都能從潮玩中獲得非常特別的體驗。它們是藝術和娛樂的交匯，為人們提供了一種理解當代文化的獨特方式。

So why not explore the world of designer toys and discover the perfect piece to brighten your space？ Support the artists behind these creations， and become part of a community that celebrates creativity， individuality， and the joy of collecting.

那么，為何不去探索潮玩世界，找到可以點亮你生活的那件作品呢？支持那些作品背后的藝術家，加入推崇創造力、個性化及收集樂趣的潮玩圈。

（譯者為“《英語世界》杯”翻譯大賽獲獎者）

1知名藝術家及設計師，被稱為“潮玩教父”。" 2國內潮流圈著名全能設計師。" 3劉建文根據自己的原創漫畫角色設計的公仔系列。

4凱羅伯大頭機器人，美國藝術設計品牌，主營限量版藝術玩具、潮流服飾等。" 5 scene圈子。" 6 run（產品的）額定產量。

7 push the boundaries挑戰極限，突破界限。" 8網絡商店平臺，以手工藝成品買賣為主要特色。

9 be poised to do sth準備好做某事。

10 appreciate升值。