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The kingdom’s favourite designer toy figure is confessing his love today, as his better half makes her first public appearance.
Bahraini toymaker Abdulla BinHindi is set to unveil Safiya, the love of Hamoor, his popular collectible toy first launched in 2020.
“Safiya came into being from the heart of our culture as most of my work does, a perfect harmony to Hamoor’s symphony,” the 29-year-old Toyio founder told GulfWeekly.
“Their meeting is a celebration of shared stories and cultural whispers that we hear of and see growing up in Bahrain.
“It’s as if they’ve always been a part of the same narrative, now vividly coming to life.”
Inspired by the rabbitfish known colloquially as Safi, Safiya is Abdulla’s first female original character.
Her attire is steeped in Bahraini and Arab tradition with a contemporary feeling, just like her beau Hamoor, who is based on the hamour fish as well as the local slang for ‘big shot’.
“Designing Safiya required a delicate balance – infusing her with a modern spirit while honouring the timeless strength of Khaleeji women,” Abdulla added.
“Her attire is steeped in tradition with a contemporary feel, and her warm, inviting gaze is a window to a soul filled with stories.”
In development for about two years, Toyio will be releasing a limited edition batch of about 100 to 200 collectible figures of Safiya, with pre-orders opening today in celebration of the couple’s timeless love.
The latest addition to the Toyio family, which includes the popular Karak Monster and the Tasty Terrors, Safiya is a ‘beacon of grace and cultural resonance’, according to Abdulla.
“Crafting Safiya involves the same meticulous attention to detail that Toyio is celebrated for,” he added.
“However, we’ve introduced new material techniques to give her an even better finish and feeling that complements her strong character.
“Each batch of toys like Safiya takes several weeks to perfect from start to finish.”
While the initial batch of Safiya will feature her in a classic black abaya, with hand-painted details in orange and green, Abdulla noted that the team would be open to exploring customisation options in the future.
“Regarding the personal touches in Safiya’s creation, Toyio has always been a canvas for life’s rich tapestry,” he added.
“With each year, my experiences naturally seep into the clay and paint of our creations.
“Safiya, in many ways, encapsulates the growth, learning, and love that each year brings.”
The doll is priced at approximately the same price point as Hamoor, and the Toyio team is contemplating a ‘couple’ package, with both the designer dolls, as a ‘celebration of their unity.’
“As for what’s next, well, let’s just say the Toyio family is always growing, perhaps the pitter-patter of little feet isn’t too far off in the future,” he added mysteriously, alluding to Hamoor and Safiya possibly welcoming some offspring into their growing family.
“But for now, we’re savouring the joy of welcoming Safiya!”
For more details, follow @gotoyio and @abdulla.binhindi on Instagram.
