Hysteric Glamour: "THE ROCKING MACHINE"

The HYSTERIC GLAMOUR x MEDICOM TOY Connection
A "Sleazy Black Bean" is Born!?

Both HYSTERIC GLAMOUR and MEDICOM TOY have made names for themselves as darlings of their respective industries.
This time, we introduce a collaborative product from these two companies.

Photo by Jamandfix

A collaboration has been realized between HYSTERIC GLAMOUR and MEDICOM TOY, a toy brand known for its work with various artists.

The previously released "THE ROCKING MACHINE" prop replica by MEDICOM TOY, which gained attention when the protagonist used it as a weapon in "that movie," was white. This special version, however, features a "black" color specification added by Nobuhiko Kitamura, the designer of HYSTERIC GLAMOUR.

The polished FRP body gleams with an unusual black luster, exuding an overwhelming presence. While it requires a certain adventurous spirit, it's an impeccable piece as a room object.
As this is a special version, quantities are limited...

We asked Mr. Kitamura for his comments on this black version of "THE ROCKING MACHINE."

After "White," "Black" Was the Natural Next Step (Laughs)

—When did your encounter with MEDICOM TOY first happen?

KitamuraIt was mostly through artists. MEDICOM TOY collaborates with many international artists, right? I think it happened through one of those artists. I believe it was around the time of the "BE@RBRICK World Wide Tour."

—How did this collaboration come about?

KitamuraI first saw the white standard version at Junjo's (Jun Takahashi / UNDERCOVER designer) office or somewhere, and thought, "Ah, that's like the one from Clockwork Orange." There was also a statue of Christ in Alex's room. I learned that MEDICOM TOY made it... so I immediately called them and said, "I want one too," which is how it started.

The HYSTERIC GLAMOUR x MEDICOM TOY ConnectionA "Sleazy Black Bean" is Born!?

—What was the reason for choosing black?

KitamuraAfter "white," "black" was the natural choice (laughs). Actually, I'd like chrome too. We're even talking about making a chrome sample.

—What are your impressions now that it's finished?

KitamuraHmm, it turned out stronger than the "white" version. It's quite sleazy.

—(Laughs) The black luster evokes many different meanings.

KitamuraIt's like a black bean, isn't it? Looks delicious.

—Do you have it displayed in your home?

KitamuraI have both the "white" and "black" versions displayed. I'd love to have a "chrome" one to go with them.

—It was surprising to learn that this is your first official collaboration with MEDICOM TOY?

KitamuraThat's right. For the next collection, MEDICOM is collaborating with Andy Warhol for the second anniversary of "OriginalFake," which they do with KAWS. I'm also involved in that.
Speaking of which, MEDICOM's office is quite close to my home.

—It's interesting that even though you're neighbors, the connection came through international artists.

KitamuraI tend to approach things from the outside in (laughs).

Price | ¥126,000

Nobuhiko Kitamura
Designer, HYSTERIC GLAMOUR

Born in Tokyo. After graduating from Mode Gakuen in 1984, he joined Ozone Community Co., Ltd. and launched the fashion brand "HYSTERIC GLAMOUR." He expresses icons from subcultures such as rock, art, comics, and pornography from the late 1960s to the early 1980s in clothing, arranged in an epochal and nostalgic manner. Since then, aiming to fuse fashion and art, he currently produces six fashion labels and photobooks.

He is currently serializing "~Amazing Tales of RAT HOLE~" in this magazine, introducing events at the gallery he operates.