A Conversation With... Michael Lau

Credited as the godfather of urban vinyl toys, Hong Kong artist Michael Lau has made a name for himself on the global art scene as a pioneer of new-age luxury collectables.

World-renowned for his collectable designer toy figures and freehand-style illustrations, Lau has enjoyed stratospheric crossover success in recent years, tapped by some of the biggest names in fashion and streetwear - including Carhartt WIP and Ports 1961 - to explore his iconic style in a wearable context.

A true visionary, Lau's work has garnered a substantial international following and is coveted across the globe. We sat down to talk to Michael about his life's work, his inspiration, and to get the insider intel on his new 'Sample Suede' collaboration with PUMA.

END.: Tell us a bit about your background and the mediums you like to work in as an artist?

Michael Lau: I started off as a painter and then moved into creating figurines. I still paint across a variety of different mediums at large and small scale, but my primary method now is working with vinyl sculpture.

END.: You’re highly regarded as the pioneer of the entire Urban Vinyl style, how would you describe Urban Vinyl and how did the artistic practice come about?

Michael Lau: Although painting was my first method of creating art when I was a teenager, working with vinyl has always been a hobby of mine. I started to realise that I wasn’t going to be fulfilled by others’ work because I had so many visions of my own. I wanted to use vinyl as a way to tell stories and create characters that belonged to me. After I started creating these characters, I sent them off to exhibitions and shows. That’s how I’ve become known by vinyl toy collectors and have built a really loyal fan base.

END.: What makes something a collectable? 

Michael Lau: I think the most important thing is that first, it needs to be outstanding. I tend to look at all of my designs as collectables rather than something every day or throwaway. Creativity and having new ideas is essential for an artist. I’m always driven to push my work as far as I can, and I think that’s what makes them collectable even though they’re new products.

END.: What is it about your work that you think gives it such global appeal?

Michael Lau: I think it’s just that these products are unique. I’m probably the first in the world to have been creating these toys as serious pieces of art and there is a global audience for new forms of expression.

END.: Your work has been credited as highly influential within skateboarding and hip-hop subcultures, tell us a bit about your research process when working on a new project and how you find influence and inspiration?

Michael Lau: Skateboarding and hip-hop are the cultures I grew up on, they’re ingrained in my DNA. My major source of inspiration is just my everyday life. Sometimes inspiration doesn’t come, and I just have to wait and let the time pass. Ideas will always come at the right time, you can’t rush them.

END.: You’ve already collaborated with some impressive names in the fashion industry including Carhartt WIP, and Ports 1961, what do you look for in a partnership when it comes to collaborations?

Michael Lau: I really look for the opportunity to work on classic items with brands that will give me the room I need to create. PUMA is a brand I haven’t worked with before, but working on the Suede was perfect for me because it gives me the chance to work on such a classic PUMA canvas and put my spin on it.

END.: Tell us about your vision for the 'Sample Suede' project with PUMA?

Michael Lau: I wanted to celebrate the length of the Suede legacy. I used 7 grey tones to create a sense of vintage and nostalgia in reference to the silhouette’s 50-year anniversary. The prototype or 'sample' element is a concept that I love to work with. I like the one-of-a-kind feeling it creates keeping all of the panels’ edges raw and keeping the finished product feels slightly unfinished. It makes it special and makes a nod to the research and development process that goes on behind the scenes when creating sneaker product.

END.: What’s next for Michael Lau?

Michael Lau: I’m already looking forward to another project with PUMA. I’d love to work with them to celebrate 60 years of Suede, but I hope we don’t need to wait that long!