Why Be@rbrick became a symbol of collecting

At first glance, Be@rbrick is just a plastic bear. But this figure has become one of the icons of modern collecting, bringing together art, fashion and pop culture. Its story explains how a minimalist silhouette turned into a coveted object for collectors worldwide and one of streetwear fans’ favorite investments.

Born in 2001

Be@rbrick was created by the Japanese company Medicom Toy in 2001. The design was deliberately made simple and recognizable: the unchanging bear silhouette with a rounded head became the perfect “canvas” for endless variations. The figure consists of several movable parts and is released in a strict system of proportions. This versatility of form laid the foundation for the future phenomenon.

The magic of collaborations

Be@rbrick’s strength lies in its partnerships. Over more than two decades, the figures have been released with a wide range of names:

• Artists — from pop-art classics to contemporary street artists;
• Fashion brands — from streetwear labels to luxury houses;
• Musicians and bands with their own themed series;
• Film studios and franchises — heroes of movies and comics.

Each collaboration turned a simple silhouette into a unique art object, and limited runs made it a hunt for collectors.

The size system

Be@rbrick is released in different scales, and this gradation has created a whole culture around sizes:

• 100% — about 7 cm, the base format, often sold in blind boxes;
• 400% — about 28 cm, the most popular collector size;
• 1000% — about 70 cm, a giant centerpiece;
• 100% + 400% set — a common format for double releases.

Small figures are often sold in blind boxes, which adds excitement, while large formats become the centerpieces of collections and interiors.

Art that is accessible to collect

Be@rbrick brought collectible art closer to people. Instead of unattainable canvases, enthusiasts got a physical object with a recognizable design and artistic value at a relatively affordable starting price. This democratized collecting and brought in a new generation, for whom the figure became a first step into the world of art objects.

Investment and cultural value

Rare Be@rbrick series rise significantly in price over time, and some limited releases become true rarities hunted at auctions. But the main value is cultural: the figure has become a symbol of the intersection of streetwear, design and contemporary art. Owning one means being part of this aesthetic, which is why Be@rbrick often stand next to sneakers in enthusiasts’ collections.

Series and release formats

Besides collaborations, Medicom Toy regularly releases base series, which have also become part of collecting culture:

• Series — numbered base releases with different finishes, often in blind boxes;
• Chase figures — rare “secret” variants within series, the most hunted of all;
• Flocky and Horror — special themed lines with unusual textures;
• Collaborative releases — the most valuable category, tied to a specific partner.

This variety lets everyone find their own entry level — from affordable base figures to rare investment pieces.

How to start collecting

Beginners should start with a 100% or 400% figure from a favorite artist or brand, going by their own taste rather than potential value alone. Keep the original packaging — for collectible value, the condition of the box matters just as much as the figure itself.

Be@rbrick as part of your interior

Beyond pure collectible value, Be@rbrick has long been a noticeable element of interior design. The large 400% and 1000% formats have become self-sufficient art objects, placed in living rooms, studios and showrooms. They pair well with minimalist interiors, adding a bright accent, and at the same time signal the owner’s connection to streetwear culture and contemporary art. This duality — a collectible and a piece of decor — is what makes the figure so versatile.

What to look for when buying

Because Be@rbrick has become so desirable, a market for fakes has formed around it. To avoid mistakes, check a few key points:

• Print and paint quality — an original has crisp lines with no blurring;
• Original packaging with the correct Medicom Toy logos;
• A match between series and number and the stated release;
• The seller’s reputation — for rare pieces, this is the deciding factor.

Buying from verified sources with a guarantee of authenticity is the key condition if you see a figure as an investment rather than just décor.

Start your collection

Be@rbrick is the perfect entry into the world of collecting and a bright accent for any interior. Browse the available figures and collectibles in our catalog, as well as related releases in the sneakerssection. Looking for a specific series? Get in touch via contacts.