ai‑FaMe Lab’s 2nd Impact Project with renowned art toy brand BADMEAW: Integrating digital fashion, character branding, and art toy culture at Thailand Toy Expo 2026

The ai-FaMe Lab celebrated a major milestone with the successful launch of its second Fashion Impact Project, developed in collaboration with the renowned Thai character IP brand, BADMEAW.

The project introduced a special edition of ai-FaMe Lab’s digital avatar, Nova, created through a collaboration between Thai illustrator Mueanfun Sapanake (Pink) and PolyU alumna Natalie Jim. Marking Nova’s evolution from an academic digital character into an internationally recognized collectible, the new design reimagines Nova in BADMEAW’s signature designer toy aesthetic. The character combines sporty street-style elements with playful charm, featuring braided twintails, bold blue bows, and her signature black cat-ear hat.

The collection debuted at Thailand Toy Expo 2026, one of the world’s leading events for designer toys, character goods, and creative culture, held from April 4–7 in Bangkok. The launch received an enthusiastic response from collectors, with all units selling out during the expo, followed by rapid sell-outs during subsequent online releases through Unbox Industries’ Store.

The successful debut of BADMEAW NOVA marked an important step in bringing ai-FaMe Lab’s digital fashion research into the global creative and collectible market, demonstrating the growing convergence of digital fashion, character IP, and phygital collectible culture.

🌱 About Nova

Nova was created in 2024 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Fashion and Textiles. Symbolizing new beginnings and bold innovation, she is an original digital avatar IP designed by PolyU alumna and former ai-FaMe Project Assistant, Natalie Jim. As the winning design, Nova marked the School’s first step into digital avatar innovation. She was later minted as an NFT on the ai FaMe OpenSea store and brought to life as a physical figure, presented to top graduates at the 2024 PolyU SFT Graduation Ceremony.

https://www.instagram.com/ai.fame.store/

🐾 About BADMEAW

Created by Thai illustrator Mueanfun Sapanake (also known as PINK) and produced by Unbox Industries, BADMEAW is a renowned designer toy character celebrated for its playful “spooky cute” aesthetic. Taking the form of a cat like figure often cloaked in a hooded cape, BADMEAW blends elements of magic and mischief into intricately crafted designs that captivate collectors worldwide. 

https://www.instagram.com/badmeaw_cat/

🤝 Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Mr. Joe Wong, Director of Trinity Chain Holding Limited, for supporting this cross industry collaboration. 💖