INSIDE POP MART’S SKULLPANDA VIP NIGHT: WHEN COLLECTIBLES GROW UP

editor RAZIEL MIGUEL MARTINEZ

Pop Mart hosted its first-ever Skullpanda pop-up on 34th Street last night, a one-night-only, invite-only event that redefined what a collectible experience can feel like.

all images courtesy of POP MART

When I walked in, the event space was dark. Deep red lighting, velvet drapes, and sharp lines created a cinematic mood. It was theatrical without feeling overdone. The storefront outside was clean and minimal, but inside felt like another world entirely. Everything was intentional, from the lighting to the layout.

The energy was calm but deliberate. Music drifted through the room, low and hypnotic, setting a rhythm without taking over. Every corner felt curated. The Skullpanda jewelry display looked more like a luxury showcase than a product presentation. Even the blind boxes were lined up like sculptures—matte, heavy, and beautifully packaged. Guests were greeted with Skullpanda “You Found Me” blind boxes as soon as they walked in. That gesture alone showed the brand’s new direction. It wasn’t about chasing hype. It was about creating moments.

The cocktails were just as thoughtful. The themed menu included:
Good ‘Old Fashioned’ Disguise — bourbon, banana essence, caramel, bitters
Love Skullpanda No. 9 — tequila, passion fruit, prosecco, raspberry
You Found Me! Spritz — prosecco, grape cordial, violet essence, tonic
The Lost & Found Spritz (N/A) — sparkling soda, grape cordial, violet essence, tonic

Each drink matched the mood—dark, sweet, and a little mysterious. The “Love Skullpanda No. 9” quickly became a crowd favourite. There were a few familiar faces, quiet cameos from celebrities and creatives who clearly understood the assignment. It wasn’t a crowd chasing content. It was a community watching a brand evolve in real time. For a company built on blind boxes and mass collectibles, this felt like Pop Mart’s coming-of-age moment. The brand leaned into fashion-level presentation with rich materials, curated lighting, and minimal visuals. It felt elevated, confident, and intentional.

I left with my blind box in one hand and the memory of a night that felt distinctly new for Pop Mart. They’re not just selling toys anymore. They’re building a luxury identity. And last night, they made it look effortless.