REVIEW: Sticky Monster Lab × Blitzway & Coartism's "Playboy Collector's Edition Art Toy!"

The iconic bunny logo of Playboy, as well as their coveted Playmate position, are celebrated in a series of vinyl sculptures designed by luminaries from the art toy world, such as the previously announced pictured piece envisioned by South Korean multi-disciplinary studio Sticky Monster Lab (SML) and expertly executed by Blitzway × Coartism. While those familiar with Sticky Monster Lab's work might considered their whimsical style counterintuitive to Playboy's aesthetic, the artist collective feel that Playboy is "building new cultural area, under the code of 'sexuality.'" And, according to a Sticky Monster Lab member, that sexuality could be "harmonized with our design identity."
"From our previous works, you can find sexual expressions metaphorically," says SML, who viewed this collaboration as "a good chance to deliver [a] direct expression of the [sexual] theme." Packaged in a breathtakingly big box, this 7-inch tall and 6.7-inch wide sculpture has been cast in a semi-soft vinyl that glistens with a pearlescent sheen and is a true celebration in style of Playboy's direction. Reminiscent of classic European art toy creations, like those from the minds of James Jarvis or Pete Fowler, this designs features flowing lines and a curvaceous profile, maintaining a cartoonish cuteness that is accentuated by smart decisions, such as transforming her breasts into a pair of cuddly bunnies.
Attired in a baseball cap and striped knee-high socks, this design is "inspired by [a] '70s & '80s retro sporty look, [a] basic theme underlying throughout [the] whole SML contents and figures." And while SML "name some products in [a] simple way," expecting the viewer to place further thought into the meaning behind the piece due to it, this work of art has been issued untitled. When pressed on what this piece would be titled, SML jokingly admits that "we are bad at naming, actually," before sincerely adding that — "following our style — it can be The Girl 01??"
To commemorate this memorable release, SML issued a free downloadable wallpaper (pictured below on the far right), which "was a draft of the design and we loved it," though "it could not be chosen due to license regulation." The wallpaper can be downloaded from HERE, while the art toy itself is available to order now from a variety of places, including Coartism's online shop.