ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected

I wonder how many hits the string “Tarina Tarantino” is generating today after she got a push from being a judge on last night’s episode of America’s Next Top Model? Kidrobot’s Paul Budnitz announced the collaboration yesterday, but lets face it, a nod from Tyra Banks and crew is basically a career-maker. I mean, look at the job trajectory of Adrianne Curry. Or don’t. Regardless, when Cycle 11′s Sheena posed with a Tarina Tarantino handbag between her legs, it raised eyebrows (and possibly other body parts).

In any event, Kidrobot is continuing a trend of high-end collabs (following the Schifter + Partners bags) with some new jewelry. One of Frank Kozik’s Smorkin’ Labbits on a beaded ring is sold blind-boxed for $63. A blinging gold PEECOL pendant will set you back $315. On the higher end, there’s a limited edition 42″ couture necklace of hand knotted glass pearls and lucite beads on a satin ribbon, with a 4″ tall MUNNY pendant wearing its own Tarina Tarantino necklace for $975. Finally, for an affordable exclusive, there’s this limited edition lucite chain toggle necklace featuring a puff heart with a design created by artist Frank Kozik especially for Tarina Tarantino. One side depicts an angry “Smorkin’” or “Mustache” heart, the other side reads “I Love Smorkin’” or “I Love a Mustache.” For more information, browse the Tarina Tarantino website.