There's something magical about carrying a piece of joy with you wherever you go. What started as vinyl figures on desks has evolved into something far more intimate—collectible characters you can now wear close to your heart. This is the story of how POP MART transformed the designer toy industry and why wearing your favorite character might be the ultimate form of self-expression.

The Rise of POP MART: Redefining Collectible Culture

Founded in 2010, POP MART started as a simple retail concept in Beijing, but it quickly became a global phenomenon that changed how we think about collectibles. The company's genius lay not just in creating adorable figures, but in understanding a fundamental truth: people don't just want to own things—they want to connect with characters that reflect their emotions, personalities, and inner worlds.

The blind box model—where collectors purchase sealed boxes without knowing which character variant they'll receive—added an element of surprise and excitement that turned casual buyers into devoted collectors. But it was the emotional connection to these characters that truly drove the phenomenon. Each figure told a story, expressed a mood, or captured a feeling that resonated with fans worldwide.

When Designer Toys Went Global: Meet the Icons

In recent years, POP MART's designer toy characters have exploded onto the global stage, transcending cultural boundaries and capturing hearts from Tokyo to New York, from Seoul to London. These aren't just toys—they're cultural icons that have spawned dedicated communities, inspired fashion trends, and even influenced contemporary art.

Hirono Jewelry, with her gentle expression and soft pastel aesthetic, embodies a quiet melancholy that speaks to anyone who's ever felt a little lost or dreamy. Her wistful gaze and delicate features have made her a favorite among collectors who appreciate subtle emotional depth in their collectibles.

Crybaby Jewelry,   takes a different approach, wearing emotions openly with tearful eyes that somehow manage to be both heartbreaking and endearing. This character has become a symbol of vulnerability and authenticity in a world that often demands we hide our feelings.

SKULLPANDA brings an edgier aesthetic to the lineup, blending cute and dark in a way that appeals to those who find beauty in the unconventional. The juxtaposition of innocent panda features with skull imagery creates a character that's both playful and profound.

And then there's LABUBU, the mischievous elf-like creature with distinctive teeth and an impish charm that's taken the collectible world by storm. LABUBU's quirky appearance and playful personality have made it one of POP MART's most recognizable and beloved characters globally.

From Shelf to Self: The Birth of POPOP Jewelry

As the cultural significance of these characters grew, POP MART recognized an evolution in how fans wanted to engage with their beloved IPs. In 2024, the company launched POPOP, a jewelry brand that represents a fundamental shift in the designer toy industry—from objects you display to pieces you wear.

For those who connect with raw emotion, Crybaby jewelry pieces transform vulnerability into something beautiful. The Crybaby necklace turns those iconic tears into tiny, precious details, while the matching bracelet lets you wear your heart on your sleeve—or rather, on your wrist—quite literally.

LABUBU fans haven't been left behind either. The character's playful spirit translates surprisingly well into jewelry form, with necklaces and bracelets that capture that mischievous charm in miniature. Whether you choose the pendant or the bracelet, you're carrying a little piece of LABUBU's cheeky personality wherever you go.

Each piece in the POPOP collection is crafted with attention to detail that honors the original character designs while creating something genuinely wearable. These aren't costume jewelry or novelty items—they're thoughtfully designed accessories that happen to carry deep emotional meaning for those who wear them.

Why Wearable Matters: The Psychology of Portable Joy

The creation of POPOP represents more than just a business expansion—it reflects a deeper understanding of how young people relate to collectible culture today. The journey from desktop decoration to wearable accessory tells a story about cultural acceptance and personal expression.

Designer toys started as display items, vinyl figures that lived on shelves and desks. They were conversation starters, mood indicators, tiny sculptures that added personality to your space. Then came plush versions that you could hang from bags or carry around, making the characters more portable and huggable. Now, with jewelry, these characters have reached their most intimate form yet—accessories you wear on your body, integrated into your daily style.

The exposure factor matters too. A necklace gets seen by dozens or even hundreds of people in a day. It's a conversation starter, a subtle signal to others who recognize the character, a way of finding your tribe in unexpected places. In an increasingly digital world, these physical markers of shared interests create opportunities for real-world connection.

Where to Find Your POPOP Piece: Shopping with ri-son

If you're ready to transform your love for Hirono, Crybaby, LABUBU, or other beloved characters into wearable form, you might be wondering where to find authentic POPOP jewelry, especially if you're shopping from outside of China.

That's where ri-son comes in. This carefully curated shopping platform specializes in bringing authentic POP MART products, including the POPOP jewelry line, to collectors worldwide. What sets ri-son apart is their commitment to authenticity and quality throughout the entire shopping experience.

The ri-son team doesn't work with third-party sellers or questionable supply chains. Instead, their buyers personally source products directly from official POPOP stores, ensuring that every piece you receive is genuine. They understand that when you're buying jewelry that represents a character you love, authenticity isn't just about quality—it's about preserving the emotional connection that makes these pieces special.

Wearing Your Story

The evolution from POP MART's vinyl figures to POPOP's jewelry represents more than a product expansion—it's a recognition that these characters have become part of how we tell our stories. Whether you're drawn to Hirono's dreamy gentleness, Crybaby's vulnerable honesty, LABUBU's playful mischief, or any of the other beloved characters, wearing them means carrying a piece of that feeling with you.