As you may have noticed, we have started a bunch of features here at GEN, and the newest feature is Culture Club Tuesdays! Every Tuesday, I’ll highlight a little bit of geek culture - toys, fashion, movies, etc.

The very first Culture Club Tuesday will spotlight the undeniably cute phenomenon - Tokidoki. Tokidoki, which is Japanese means “sometimes”, was created by Italian graphic designer, Simone Legno, fueled by his love of Japanese culture.

Simone was approached by a cosmetic company called Hard Candy in 2003 to move from Rome to Los Angeles to take his art to the next level. Tokidoki is most known as being emblazoned on a special line of women’s handbags for LeSportsac. It now covers all sorts of different products - from clothing for men and women to snowboarding equipment.

While a bit on the pricey side (bags vary from about $50 to as high as about $200+), it’s hard to resist the cute chibified characters in silly, gitchy themes and the attractive girly art. The bag line was popular with all sorts of buyers - old and young alike. Each bag came equipped with a “Qee” - a Lego-like character on a keychain which has become a collectable.

I am sad to say that personally, I only own a zip hoodie and t-shirt, but here are several more items worth saving for!

Tokidoki for LeSportsac handbags and wallets

Jewelry

Tokidoki for Smashbox Cosmetics

Skateboard decks

Men’s and women’s fashions

Belt buckles, including Tokidoki’s signature heart and crossbones

Collectable vinyl toys

San Diego Comi-con booth

Can’t get enough Tokidoki? Check out the official Tokidoki website. Also, keep an eye out for Tokidoki’s new collaborations later this year with Onitsuka Tiger and Sanrio’s Hello Kitty!