Pop Mart: ‘We are Not a Toy Company’

Pop Mart is set to bring its unique art-centric collectibles to Manila with the launch of its first-ever pop-up store in the Philippines. Located at Level 2, North Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia , the store will be opened only for registered collectors and fans from November 2 to November 6, 2024. 

To manage the demand and ensure every collector has a chance to get their hands on a piece, Pop Mart PH has established a few guidelines for this exclusive event: only pre-registered customers will be allowed access, and each will have a 20-minute shopping window. Furthermore, to ensure broader access, each customer will be limited to purchasing a single Labubu figure, one of Pop Mart's most iconic merchandise characters.

On Thursday (October 31), Pop Mart launched its first of what is reportedly many pop-up stores in the country. More than just a company that makes toys, Pop Mart Pop Business Director Jeremy Lee says it’s an innovator that sits at the intersection of art, culture, and entertainment. Lee was in town to formally open the store, together with celebrity and Pop Mart fan Marian Rivera-Dantes. 

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Founded in 2010 in Beijing, Pop Mart quickly distinguished itself by curating and creating collectible art pieces that resonate with a wide audience—from dedicated collectors to casual fans of designer toys. Instead of being labeled a traditional toy company, Pop Mart has always preferred the term “pop culture art,” aiming to celebrate a rich culture of storytelling and design that appeals to the artistic sensibilities of both children and adults. 

A brief history of Pop Mart: The rise of art collectibles

Since its inception in 2010, Pop Mart has had a vision to make art more accessible and to bring joy through collectible art. Starting out as a small retail store in Beijing, the company initially sold various lifestyle products before a decisive pivot towards designer toys and art collectibles in 2015. The introduction of Pop Mart's now-iconic mystery boxes transformed the shopping experience into an adventure, with customers opening each box to reveal unique, artist-designed figures.

One of Pop Mart’s biggest breakthroughs came in the form of collaborations with talented artists, resulting in the creation of several iconic characters that have become household names in the world of collectible art:

“Labubu” by Kasing Lung

The artist who created the now-famous furry monster with the large grin and serrated teeth is a Pop Mart collector favorite. Labubu and its other companions are now collectively known as The Monsters.  Demand for any Labubu-themed merchandise and its bag charms are so popular nowadays you can see people hang them along their prized designer handbags. Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong native who moved to the Netherlands and became fascinated with Nordic folklore and perhaps became the inspiration for Labubu and its Monster pals. 

“Molly” by Kenny Wong

Molly, the wide-eyed girl often seen in various whimsical outfits, is perhaps one of Pop Mart's most recognized character. She was created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong in 2006. Originally inspired by Wong's fascination with creating unique, quirky characters, Molly reflects a childlike curiosity that has endeared her to fans worldwide. Kenny Wong has a background in graphic design and toy design, and his creation of Molly helped him rise to international fame as a designer in the art toy community. 

“Hirono” by Lang

Lang is a versatile Chinese artist who works across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, toys, and animation. Through his character Hirono, Lang captures life’s subtle shifts—its highs and lows—and aims to freeze fleeting emotions that reveal our true nature, from love and joy to sadness and fear. He also created Yuki, another beloved character in the Pop Mart family, expanding his exploration of human experience in imaginative, relatable forms. 

“Dimoo” by Ayan Deng

Ayan Deng’s artistry is also behind Dimoo, a character with an innocent, dream-like expression who has captivated fans with his soft, pastel appearance and starry-eyed innocence. Dimoo embodies themes of childhood wonder, imagination, and nostalgia, often featured in designs that reflect different dreamscapes and magical places. Deng’s creative background in fantasy art shines through with Dimoo, making him another celebrated addition to Pop Mart’s world of characters. Deng is a young Chinese illustrator and toy designer that represents the new generation of pop artists in China.

“Pucky” by Pucky

Pucky is the namesake character of the artist also named Pucky, who combines her skills in illustration and sculpting to create magical, fairy-tale-inspired worlds. Pucky is often depicted as a whimsical creature or magical beings, with a design style that exudes fantasy and charm. Pucky’s collection includes fairies, mermaids, and other enchanting creatures, and her signature soft color palette and dreamy aesthetic have contributed to her widespread appeal.

“Skullpanda” by Skullpanda

In 2014, Chinese artist Skullpanda founded the art studio "BEIZHAI," and at the end of 2018, she began to create her own series called "Skullpanda" and established the art toy studio "Lazynorth." Her works are filled with her own recognizable personal charisma. She is an illustrator and designer whose work explores themes of identity, rebellion, and vulnerability. Skullpanda, her enigmatic creation, embodies a fusion of punk aesthetics and a melancholic, reflective spirit, often represented as a figure with a skeletal panda face and a youthful, yet edgy demeanor. Her design reflects her interest in subcultures and self-expression, often shown in bold, dark clothing with expressive eyes that hint at a deeper, introspective story. 

Not a toy store

Pop Mart doesn’t consider itself “toy store” in the traditional sense; rather, it’s a hub for those who appreciate the artistry behind every collectible. The company has transformed what might have been simple toys into expressions of culture and creative storytelling. It has deep connections with artists and the high level of craftsmanship in each figure earned Pop Mart a loyal fan base, propelling it onto the global stage.

As Pop Mart continues to expand its global footprint, the brand's arrival in the Philippines marks an exciting milestone. Fans of designer toys, art enthusiasts, and collectors alike can look forward to a pop-up experience that encapsulates the company’s dedication to creativity and community.

For fans of Pop Mart in the Philippines, the pop-up store at SM Mall of Asia is just the beginning. When asked if Pop Mart will soon collaborate with Filipino artists, Lee said, “I get that question a lot, my short answer is, at some point in time, yes. My long answer is, but it will take time. These things take time to look out for potential artists and study the local art scene.”