BE@RBRICK | Introducing the Rumors Special Model!

BE@RBRICK

Designed by Popular Character Artist Tarout

Rumors Special Model Now Available!

BE@RBRICK has produced numerous popular items, including collaborations with artists and commemorative models for corporations.
This time, Rumors, our sister site, has planned a special collaboration product. Two BE@RBRICKs, designed with the warm touch of character artist Tarout, have been born.

Photographs by MIKAMI MakotoText by SUGIURA Shu (OPENERS)

A Warm and Gentle Presence, Perfect for Christmas

The BE@RBRICKs for Rumors were designed by character artist Tarout, an artist currently experiencing a surge in popularity, known for his simple and pop character designs.

A Gentle Design Covered in Brushed Material

Character Artist Tarout

The BE@RBRICKs created by him are designed with their entire bodies covered in brown brushed material, much like bears. They come as a pair, a male and female, each with a facial expression drawn in his unique style.

"As the release is before Christmas, there was a request for something perfect as a gift, so I wanted to create a warm impression. I've always loved brushed textures since I was a child, and I'm glad I could finally incorporate that into my work."

For Tarout, who was originally an illustrator, three-dimensional works were not his primary focus. A major turning point that dramatically expanded his scope of work was his collaboration with the jewelry division of fashion brand Dior, which he undertook for a year starting in 2007.

"I had always wanted to do character design, but I wasn't getting much work in that area, so I was doing various design jobs. Then, Dior Fine Jewelry in Japan was looking for someone with web knowledge who could also do character design, and it seems I was chosen. I designed characters for a campaign that ran for a year. I also had the characters, which were originally flat illustrations, made into actual three-dimensional pieces, marking my first foray into 3D work."

The result was a charming ring holder that came with the purchase of a ring.

The character "Gourmette-chan" designed for Dior

In 2011, he collaborated with Paul Smith, creating three-dimensional works. He developed his unique characters based on rabbits, a motif that frequently appears in Paul Smith's designs. He also held a solo exhibition at the "Paul Smith Space" gallery adjacent to the Aoyama shop, exhibiting a character approximately 60cm tall, which greatly pleased Paul Smith himself.

For this BE@RBRICK, he also designed the packaging. It's a box made of warm-textured paper, with a forest drawn in white lines, a perfect home for the gentle BE@RBRICK couple created by Tarout.

Designed characters based on rabbits for Paul Smith

Also designed the BE@RBRICK packaging

This BE@RBRICK, suitable as a gift, has already become a topic of conversation since its release in early December. As quantities are limited, it's something you'll want to get your hands on before Christmas.