Graphic design, pop culture, and a collector’s spirit come together in the world of Art Toys. These figures may look like toys, but they are in fact artistic objects—pieces that speak to generations, style, and cultural icons.
Art Toys (or designer toys) are collectible figures created by artists, graphic designers, or illustrators, blending contemporary art, pop culture, and design. While they may resemble toys, they’re not made for play—they’re meant to be collected, displayed, and appreciated as works of art.
They’re typically produced in limited editions, which gives them an exclusive appeal. Some are made from vinyl, others from resin, wood, or even metal. They can be original creations or reinterpretations of familiar characters through an artistic lens. Sometimes, they’re even more than they appear—some double as speakers, lamps, or functional sculptures.
The Art Toy movement originated in Asia in the late ’90s with brands like Medicom Toy and artists like Michael Lau and KAWS. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, building a bridge between streetwear, art galleries, and dedicated collectors.
Their strong connection to sneaker culture makes these vinyl figures a natural match for FOOTDISTRICT. Here are three key brands to know:
Artoyz
Artoyz began as a project between four friends passionate about vinyl collectibles who wanted to bring their favorite pieces back to their native France. They started as collectors, became importers, and eventually transitioned into designers and producers of their own toys.
Founded in Paris in 2003, Artoyz emerged as a pioneering platform to promote the growing designer toy movement in Europe. What began as an online shop quickly evolved into an international reference point for toy art.
Today, Artoyz operates as a store, gallery, and publisher, creating original series in collaboration with artists around the world. From vinyl figures to resin sculptures, their catalog blends influences from comics, graffiti, manga, and graphic design. Alongside key brands like Medicom Toy, Kidrobot, and Superplastic, Artoyz champions both emerging and established artists—building a bridge between contemporary art and urban culture.
More than just objects, each Artoyz figure is a work of cultural collection, with its own identity and story. Their flagship store in central Paris has become a must-visit destination for artists, designers, and collectors from around the world.
Medicom Toy
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Medicom Toy is one of the most influential names in the world of Art Toys. The brand blends Japanese precision, graphic design, and pop culture to create collectible figures that are true pieces of art. Medicom is especially known for its BE@RBRICK and Kubrick lines—stylized takes on the bear and human form that have been endlessly reinterpreted through collaborations.
Medicom has teamed up with some of the most iconic names in contemporary art and fashion, from KAWS, Hajime Sorayama, and Yoshitomo Nara, to brands like Nike, Chanel, Comme des Garçons, and Star Wars. Every release is limited edition, adding both symbolic and commercial value to each piece.
Medicom Toy has elevated the collectible figure to the level of gallery-worthy art. Their designs combine formal simplicity with visual richness, becoming instantly recognizable icons both inside and outside of the art world.
Super7
Super7 is a collectible toy brand founded in San Francisco in 2001, known for transforming nostalgia into design with a bold and creative twist. The brand was launched by Brian Flynn, an illustrator and creative with a background in sportswear. Super7 started as a fanzine dedicated to vintage Japanese toys, eventually growing into a full-fledged label that reinterprets pop culture icons with a fresh perspective.
Flynn previously worked full-time as a designer at Nike, where he left his mark on global projects, including collaborations with the MLS and LeBron James. Today, he continues to work with the brand occasionally while leading Super7 as a lab of visual culture, collecting, and design.
Super7 is best known for its ReAction Figures, which revive classic characters in a 3.75-inch retro format, and Ultimates!, a line of premium, highly detailed figures. Their catalog ranges from He-Man, Transformers, and The Simpsons, to music collaborations with Misfits, Iron Maiden, and beyond.
Each Super7 piece blends nostalgia, design, and attitude. These aren’t just toys—they’re cultural capsules connecting generations through style, irony, and respect for the original.
Toys that evolve from graphic design and showcase an impressive ability to anticipate future trends, often collaborating with artists and brands. A curated selection of collectibles you can find in our section at FOOTDISTRICT.