Following the successful launch of Gardener 10th, we have decided to compile a complete look from the week. Not only a memorable week for Michael Lau, but also ourselves having seen our collaboration with the famed artist come to fruition. Amongst the festivities was a complete look at each of the 109 figures from the past 10 years as well as canvases that have played there role in the success of the Gardener. To add a host of popular names showed there face and supported the exhibition at De La Barracuda which was made possible by MINDstyle.

Buy the Michael Lau Gardener SLAMXHYPE figure HERE.

Gardener 10th | Recap is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Customer Appreciation Day Presented by De La Barracuda
Gardener 10th Exhibition & De La Barracuda release
(Michael Lau will be available to meet fans and sign autographs)
Wood grain edition exclusive to the Los Angeles exhibition

SLAMXHYPE – Miguel please tell us about De La Barracuda and what the concept is about?

MIGUEL – De La Barracuda is a lifestyle, clothing store, gallery, hair salon, and soon to be tattoo shop with a climbing wall, mini ramp, and great back yard for music and community events. After being on Melrose for 8 years, I think it can be called a main Los Angeles destination, that I happen to have the privilege to curate.

SLAMXHYPE – Please tell us about how you became involved with Michael Lau and how your relationship grew into creating a figure for Gardener 10th?

MIGUEL – We have had an incredible relationship with MINDstyle for many years and after talking with MD we decided that our store would be the best location for the show. Michael decided that he wanted to make a toy to connect with the LA lifestyle, and our toy is one of his representations of that.

Michael Lau Gardener DE LA BARRACUDA In-Store Exclusive Figure

SLAMXHYPE – Can you please tell us about your version of Gardener 10th figure how it represents De La Barracuda?

MIGUEL – Our Gardener 10th figure is a perfect representation of our brand. It’s head is our Quetzalcoatl logo, it is wearing our LA logo t-shirt, and has barracuda fin hands. This toy represents our mexican heritage, our love for LA, and our international relationships with brands such as Mindstyle and great artists like Michael Lau.

SLAMXHYPE – What does it mean to you to be the location and one of producers behind Michael Lau’s first exhibition on US soil, and one that is so significant?

MIGUEL – It is a great honor for us to be the location for Michael Lau’s first US show and 10 year anniversary. Personally, as a collector this is a dream come true. To have Michael’s personal collection in our gallery is bananas!

Michael Lau Gardener DE LA BARRACUDA Exhibition Exclusive Figure

SLAMXHYPE – What is your perception on the Vinyl toy scene in the States and what role the Gardener and Michael Lau has played in the last decade?

MIGUEL – I think that the Vinyl scene has changed a lot in the past few years, but I know that this is just the beginning of great things to happen. Michael Lau is definitely the pioneer on Vinyl collectables, and with these toys being introduced to the US it is going to start a whole new fire in the collectable world. I am very impressed by the new packaging and quality of toys today.

SLAMXHYPE – De La Barracuda now is a destination, a fast moving recognizable brand but what is next on your agenda?

MIGUEL – We are launching our De La Barracuda line next season and will be opening our distribution. We will continue our lifestyle events, art shows, and collaborations. We are planning an Asia tour, that will include pop up stores and limited edition merchandise, similar to the one that we had in Hong Kong last year. We want to share our Mexican punk rock heritage and LA lifestyle with others.

Gardener 10th | De La Barracuda Interview is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is an exclusive look at a friends and family model of the much talked about Nike SB Stefan Janoski which was created for the Michael Lau Gardener 10th. Following the same wood grain theme, this version has a more classic feel with the ‘grains’ really showing through. Here is a shot of the sneaker adorned by Michael Lau himself during the launch of the SLAMXHYPE figure.

Michael Lau Gardener 10th | Nike SB Stefan Janoski Friends and Family is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

SLAMXHYPE – The Hundreds is a clothing brand and a lifestyle that you guys promote, how do you feel about bringing a toy into equation especially one of such significance?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – Well, we’ve already introduced our fans to a toy.. That was last year, when we worked on a project with Medicom. But this time around, it’s special, because this is a Michael Lau figure. It’s not a toy. It’s a work of art.

SLAMXHYPE – You obviously know Michael and his work were you impressed by Michael’s interpretation of The Hundreds translated into a Gardner toy and at the same time being part of the Gardner 10th anniversary?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – It’s truly been an honor. We are all tremendous Michael Lau fans here. So just the fact that he was even interested in including us to commemorate his 10th anniversary, that pretty much is a benchmark in my career.

SLAMXHYPE – Michael’s interpretation of The Hundreds logo is unique, how significant is this for you?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – Very. Our mascot logo is Adam Bomb. When I first drew him, I never visualized him having a human body, so whenever we’ve included him in graphic applications, he’s always just been this floating disembodied sphere. But when Lau offered his interpretation, with his trademark poor-postured caveman silhouette, I was impressed. And I liked it. I don’t think you will ever see Adam Bomb with a body again, but Lau gets a definite pass.

SLAMXHYPE – How did you get involved with the Gardner 10th project?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – Mindstyle, the toy manufacturers, approached us.. Letting us know that Michael Lau wanted to work with us in that it was his first time exhibiting in Los Angeles, and he wanted to work with a brand that captured the essence of the city. I guess he asked us for us by name, and just that he is familiar with our work, again..it’s an honor.

SLAMXHYPE – What is your perception on the vinyl toy scene in the States and what role the Gardener has played in the last decade?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – I just wrote an extensive blog about that on our site actually! But the vinyl toy scene in the States hasn’t ever really interested me. So I lost touch with it over the years. My fascination with vinyl toy culture came by way of Medicom, Michael Lau, and Eric So, but it seems there’s a disconnect with those pioneers in the current figure craze. To me, Gardener and the like are the true progenitors of this movement, and the authentic foundation for vinyl toy culture.

SLAMXHYPE – What direction will we see The Hundreds go to after this project?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – We’re just staying focused, chugging along. Working on more projects with interesting peers and creative minds. As always, it’s been about people, not product. Building relationships!

SLAMXHYPE – Any last thoughts on the Gardener 10th?

BOBBY HUNDREDS – We just want to thank MD, Mindstyle, Miguel at De La Barracuda, and of course, Michael Lau for including us in such an important occasion.

Gardener 10th | The Hundreds Interview is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

It goes without saying that we’ve been very busy for the past few months with a very dear project for us; Introducing the Michael Lau x SLAMXHYPE exclusive collaboration figure to celebrate Michael Lau’s Gardener 10th anniversary craze that has taken over Los Angeles. Available in an extra desirable all black colorway that is Michael Lau’s take on ‘Gardener meets SLAMXHYPE’. We are truly humbled and thrilled to be a part of something of this magnitude.

The toy is limited edition of only 100 pieces and portrays our SLAMXHYPE identity mixed in with Michael’s creative vision along with some special culturally relevant references for you. The festivities and toy release will take place on September 30th at 6 p.m. at the transformed De La Barracuda store.

September 30th will be the very first day Michael Lau’s G10 Exhibition at DLB becomes open to public so don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see Michael Lau’s Gardener 10th exhibition in person and of course get a rare chance to purchase Michael Lau x SLAMXHYPE Gardener 10th all black colored toy! (At DLB ONLY) For those of you who are far away and not in Los Angeles area we will be offering a very small number of our toy online via SLAMXHYPE webstore as early as Wednesday, September 30th.

Once again please come join us in this special event , celebrate it with rivers of booze and excellent soundtrack provided by none other than Sean Reveron (Rockers NYC, God’s Prey) and take part in our fussball competition against some of the most notable cultural savants, artists and musicians. See below some unseen images of the Michael Lau figure including an ASIAN EXCLUSIVE, releasing later in the year below.

Michael Lau Gardener SLAMXHYPE Online Exclusive Figure; available on the night of the launch at De La Barracuda and HERE. (Limited 100 pieces)

Michael Lau Gardener SLAMXHYPE Exhibition Exclusive Figure; in his signature wood grain. (Limited 100 pieces)

Michael Lau Gardener SLAMXHYPE Asian Exclusive Figure. (Limited 50 pieces)

For more information about the event, toy release and more visit our Gardener 10th webpage.

Gardener 10th | SLAMXHYPE Exclusive Preview is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

September 30th will be the very first  Michael Lau’s Gardener 10th Exhibition day open to public so don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see Michael Lau’s Gardener 10th exhibition in person and of course get a rare chance to purchase Michael Lau x SlamXHype Gardener 10th all black color toy. For those of you who are far away and not in Los Angeles area we will be offering a very small number of our toy online via Slam x Hype webstore as early as Wednesday, September 30th.

Once again please come join us in this special event , celebrate it with rivers of booze and excellent soundtrack provided by none other than Shawn Reveron (Rockers NYC, God’s Prey) and take part in our foosball competition against some of the most notable cultural savants, artists and musicians.

For more information about the event, toy release and more visit our Gardener 10th webpage: http://slamxhype.com/category/gardener-10th/

MINDstyle presents Gardener 10th by Michael Lau

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Presented by Slamxhype

G10th Exhibition & Art Toy Release
6 pm -10 pm

De La Barracuda
7769 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles, California
90046 USA Telephone: (323) 852-7179

Michael Lau x SlamXhype Gardener 10th Exclusive 9/30/09 Release and Exhibition day is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 (BY INVITATION ONLY)
Presented by MINDstyle + crazysmiles
Gardener 10th Exhibition & MINDstyle LA Fat release
Wood grain edition exclusive to the Los Angeles exhibition

SLAMXHYPE – For those who don’t know can you please tell us a bit about MINDstyle?

MINDstyle – MINDstyle is about collectors first, focused on combining creativity and hard work to unleash innovative quality products. Our focus is to deliver unique and original projects. We’re now based in south China. Asia was part of MINDstyle’s expansion plans and more so, the timing seemed was right allowing us to develop the emerging markets. Asia is not the future, as it’s fast becoming the pulse.

SLAMXHYPE – Please tell us about how you became involved with Michael Lau and how your relationship grew into working together for Gardener 10th project?

MINDstyle – Our creative director at the time and I were crazy Michael Lau collectors in the US and asked one of our factory partners in China to arrange a meeting. One thing led to another, and not being based in Asia at the time, a partner and I met with Michael in Hong Kong to see how we could move things forward. That was well over two years ago, lots of meetings, numerous phone calls, countless emails, wonderful meals and several product collaborations… Gardener Tenth by Michal Lau is now a reality!

SLAMXHYPE – This is by far one of the most important events in recent memory in the “Vinyl toy world”, how did you get De La Barracuda to be involved and why?

MINDstyle – Michael Lau definitely has his place in the whole movement as one of the original pioneers. Miguel is our MINDstyle LIFEstyle partner and oversees our apparel collaborations. De La Barracuda was a natural choice because of the lifestyle of the whole De La Barracuda space on Melrose. The patio area allowed for the setup of a ramp and the entire shop will transform into a creative space for the exhibition. There is such a great energy in the area with so many of the lifestyle brands.

SLAMXHYPE – Can you please tell us about your version of Gardener 10th figure?

MINDstyle – NY Fat has always been a big fan favorite. For his first visit to the United States, we were talking over lunch one day on what would be something special for collectors and fans… Michael decided a LA Fat figure would be perfect for Los Angeles since both New York and Los Angeles have great graffiti writers and lifestyles.

SLAMXHYPE – What is your perception on the Vinyl toy scene in the States and what role the Gardener and Michael Lau has played in the last decade?

MINDstyle – The scene is always evolving. As one of the original vinyl pioneers, there are many collectors today who may not even be familiar with Michael and his body pf work. Gardeners is important because of the story and being finding a loyal audience for a decade. That’s a long time… it shows Michael’s creative vision from ten years ago has connected with a fan base.

SLAMXHYPE – MINDstyle is known as a premier manufacturer and producer of vinyl toys for companies like Disney and Paramount Pictures, as well as a group of artist such as Ron English and Buff Monster. In our opinion Michael Lau and his brand crazysmiles is a completely different part of the spectrum how do you treat that relationship and it’s market?

MINDstyle – It’s really one of the same in that the same basic principles apply in business. Our vision is focused on building and working with brands. Each repsective artists and the various properties have an audience of their own. It’s all about the passion! The idea is to simply do our best in producing limited edition collectible figures and presenting our lifestyle that connects with the fans and collectors. It’s more so all about the artists and their vision.

SLAMXHYPE – Where to from here for MINDstyle and Michael Lau… maybe Gardner 11th?

MINDstyle – Today, Michael and crazysmiles are friends first, and more importantly, family. Where we go… the future is so exciting as we each are working separate projects yet find opportnities that bring us together because it naturally makes good business sense.

SLAMXHYPE – Any last thoughts about Michael Lau?

MINDstyle – For me, Michael is truly creative visionary. He has a clear sense of art and business, and works hard to remain at the forefront. In the course of working together, we’ve become friends and have built a relationship that is in an amazing creative space. In closing, a very special thanks to Michael and Florance taking the time to make Gardener Tenth possible for fans who have waited a long time! And a special thanks to all of the collaborators and partners who supported to the exhibition from the start.

Gardener 10th | MINDstyle Interview is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

SLAMXHYPE – What was the initial idea and concept for the Gardener? what does it mean for you?

MICHAEL LAU – Gardener was born in a comic series I developed for a local magazine named East Touch in 1998. the inspiration behind gardener came from the friends around me and the booming street culture then, including elements of music, fashion, x-game and so forth. gardener was made into 3D action figures in 1999 when i had the first gardener exhibition at the Hong Kong art centre.

The Gardener was a turning point to me in terms of my career , it also guided my future creative direction because i used to paint but didn’t get me very far, the gardener created a new platform for me to express my creativity In this 3D medium which was new to me and to the world then.

SLAMXHYPE – How do you feel the Gardener has evolved from its inception? How has it effected the world around you?

MICHAEL LAU – When I looked back at the development of the gardener, it felt like a long time to me. however, every time when i looked at the actual gardener figure, it was still able to bring a new perspective to me. i felt gardener already became a part of me and had grown with me over the past 10 years.

On how the gardener effected the world around me, actually I never really thought about it or realized it until people kept telling me that the gardener had in fact inspired on the whole development of the vinyl designer toy scene. then I figured maybe the Gardener did inspire the world on using an action figure as a creative platform, and that felt nice.

SLAMXHYPE – The Gardener has had a huge impact on the vinyl toy community for a decade. How do you plan to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Gardener?

MICHAEL LAU – Pop a champagne and keep working…

Actually i am really glad to be able to bring the Gardener to the united states finally for its 10th anniversary. as the whole street culture inspiration of the gardener was in fact heavily stemmed from the US, it was interesting that they can finally travelled to US to meet the citizens there.

Michael Lau Gardener 10th VIP Exclusive

SLAMXHYPE – The US is new territory for you to showcase your work. What are the motivations to work there?

MICHAEL LAU – Same as the birth of the gardener, it all happened in a coincidence. i met the organizer of the show this time, MINDstyle, a few years back and they were a group of passionate folks who are really into my work and thus suggested we work together to bring the gardener over to US for its 10th anniversary. I thought it was a great idea because I had always wanted to show the gardener to the folks In US, I almost felt this is needed to complete the gardener journey since they had already travelled to different cities in Asia, Europe but had never set foot in North America.

Gardener 107 + 107.5

SLAMXHYPE – How has your way of sourcing inspiration changed since the first piece to now? What is the process for creating new characters?

MICHAEL LAU – At the very beginning, most of my creative inspirations were coming from the friends around me and like i said, the booming street culture then.

Gradually, my source of inspiration became broader, it could be something happening in the world (eg. the ‘no war’ character created in 2003) or sports, such as the ‘Michael football cup 2004′ or from the contemporary fashion scene, like the collaboration with Terry Richardson for Diesel in 2007.

Gardener 108

SLAMXHYPE – What are some of the collaborations over the last 10 years that stand out?

MICHAEL LAU – ‘The total 90 blackball exhibition’, ‘Mr. Shoe’ and ‘2006 Gardener meets Nike’ work with Nike and the different collaboration with Maharishi and the one with Terry Richardson for Diesel.

All these partners were very flexible in allowing me to exercise my creative muscle and the folks there were fun to work with.

Gardener 109

SLAMXHYPE – How did this effect you choosing partners for the “Gardener 10th Anniversary”?

MICHAEL LAU – Freedom, trust and friendship

Michael Lau Gardener SLAMXHYPE Exclusive

SLAMXHYPE – Talking about the SLAMXHYPE collaboration, can you tell us a bit about how you implemented the design for this specific piece.

MICHAEL LAU – I can only tell people that the few collaborations I did for the Gardener 10th exhibition this time were all developed under a same creative approach.

Michael Lau Gardener SLAMXHYPE Exhibition Wood Exclusive

SLAMXHYPE – What do you see in the future for Michael Lau and “Gardener”?

MICHAEL LAU – I hope to bring the gardener to some new places that they have not been to before, like the Middle East, Berlin and Amsterdam for example.

For me personally, Crazysmiles will soon launch a sub-brand where my wife, Florance, will be managing and that will bring totally different range of products that are targeting the young and trendy female consumers, which will be totally different to what are being offered by Crazysmiles now.

Gardener 10th | Michael Lau Interview is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is the figure that completes the previews for the Gardener 10th installation that will launch at De La Barracuda tomorrow. Gardener 109 is entitled ‘Hope” and provides the diversity of Michael Lau’s work before this hugely anticipated exhibition. Following the launch of the MINDstyle LA Fat figure on Tuesday, the SLAMXHYPE figure will be available at its own soccer inspired launch on Wednesday.

Michael Lau Gardener 109 is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Another part of the Gardener puzzle from Michael Lau that will release at the Gardener 10th exhibition is edition 108. Seeking inspiration from famed photographer Terry Richardson with a  naked version and facial features quite exagerated this is a great piece of work. Last week we saw 107 and 107.5, inspired by Nike SB so this is another fitting piece given Michael Lau’s first showcase in the States.

Thanks to MINDstyle for the info.

Michael Lau Gardener 108 is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

These creations by Michael Lau are the latest in the legacy of the Gardener with 107 and 107.5. Inspired by Nike SB, who is featured in the celebrtaions of Gardener 10th, the silver body and blonde hair make for an interesting finish.

Thanks to MINDstyle for the info.

Michael Lau Gardener 107 + 107.5 is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Only days away until the launch of the Michael Lau Gardener 10th at De La Barracuda and here is a look at what lengths the retailer has gone to make some noise. Covering the entire outside wall of the store in Los Angeles features some of Michael Lau’s art work which will definitely attract some attention.

Also don’t forget that our Slamxhype x Michael Lau Gardener 1oth limited edition of 100 pcs vinyl figure will be available via Slamxhype webstore and instore at De La Barracuda on September 30th!

Gardener 10th at De La Barracuda is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is the latest collaboration item by Michael Lau for Gardener Tenth. The exclusive set includes an all black version of his Submilgaytona watch and his new character, M.L.M.D.

But that’s not all, with the purchase of the M.L.M.D. (Sample) & Submilgaytona set, fans and collectors will receive a NFS ultra limited purple and gold inspired “champions” LA Fat figure in celebration of Michael Lau’s 10th anniversary, definitely making this one of Michael Lau’s rarest collectibles.

Each set is hand numbered and signed by Michael Lau and limited to only 109 pieces worldwide, in celebration of his 109 Gardeners.

Gardener Tenth M.L.M.D. (Sample) & Submilgaytona set. Actually different parts of the M.L.M.D. figure are inspired by different parts of the watch:
- left and right eyes = the “12″ and “1″ hour graphic on the dial
- nose = the second arm
- mouth = the different hour graphic on the dial
- left arm = the hour arm
- right arm = the minute arm
- left and right feet are different as the top and bottom band
- right shoe is from the “4″ hour graphic on the dial
- the head and figure = Michael Lau
- the crown = MINDstyle
- the cross pattern on the body and color version = De La Barracuda
- the whole inspiration of the M.L.M.D. watch set is from sampling, mix-matching different iconic designs.

The M.L.M.D.“Submilgaytona”watch and (N.F.S) LA Fat figure will be available at De La Barracuda with limited sets being released each day of the exhibition. Each watch is numbered and signed. The box set and rare LA Fat figure will be priced at USD $495.00.

Also don’t forget that our Slamxhype x Michael Lau Gardener 1oth limited edition of 100 pcs vinyl figure will be available via Slamxhype webstore and instore at De La Barracuda on September 30th!

Michael Lau x MINDstyle x De La Barracuda M.L.M.D Watch Set is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

Here is a hugely honorable moment for myself and everyone involved at SLAMXHYPE with our involvement with the Gardener 10th project taking a another step. In addition to the highly anticipated woodgrain exclusive exhibition figures, we will have our exclusive (BLACK) limited edition figure available on Wednesday night only and online, here.

Michael Lau Gardener 10th SLAMXHYPE Exclusive is a post from: SLAMXHYPE

With only a week to go until the launch of Gardener 10th at De La Barracuda in Los Angeles, here is a look at one of Michael Lau’s other talents. In addition to the figures that Michael Lau has created, which includes a collaboration with SLAMXHYPE there will also be a selection of paintings on showcase on the walls of De La Barracuda which include some of Lau’s earlier works.

Gardener 10th Paintings By Michael Lau is a post from: SLAMXHYPE