KAWS x Sesame Street Vinyl Figures

KAWS and AllRightsReserved reimagine Sesame Street in a premium vinyl art collection, linked to exclusive Hong Kong’s Water Parade at Victoria Harbour

If you thought Sesame Street was just for kids, think again. World-famous artist Brian Donnelly whom you might know him as KAWS, has teamed up once more with Hong Kong’s creative powerhouse AllRightsReserved to give Big Bird, Elmo, Bert, Ernie, and Oscar the Grouch a makeover.

And we’re not talking about a costume change. These cheerful childhood icons have been reimagined through a lens that’s artistic, emotional, and let’s be honest... a little bit grown-up in the way it makes you reflect on your own past.

KAWS x Sesame Street Vinyl Figures

This isn’t just another nostalgic merch drop. It’s art, with layers of meaning, sharp craftsmanship, and one particularly intriguing tie-in event.

A Collaboration That’s More Than Just Toys

If you follow designer toys or limited-edition art pieces, KAWS probably needs no introduction. His unmistakable “X-eyes” motif is a recurring symbol... playful yet oddly poignant.

This latest project continues the thread from his 2018 Sesame Street collection, which sold out almost instantly and left collectors buzzing. Back then it was a fun collision of pop culture and contemporary design. This time, there’s more of a reflective edge:

• Childhood innocence meets adult contemplation
• Bright colours meet subdued emotion
• Playfulness meets subtle melancholy

The Artistic Transformation of Familiar Faces

We all know them. We’ve grown up with them. But here’s how KAWS changes the tone:

1. Elmo

Cheery as ever, but there’s a weight in his gaze you can’t ignore.

2. Big Bird

Tall, confident, but strangely serene.

3. Bert & Ernie

The comedic duo now caught in frozen moments that feel quieter, almost thoughtful.

4. Oscar the Grouch

Still green and gritty but carrying a sense of vulnerability underneath the scowl.

Where Sesame Street once taught the ABCs of kindness, these figures seem to say:

“The world is complex, and growing up means carrying your memories differently.”

Water Parade 2025: The Big Bird Exclusive

This release lines up perfectly with AllRightsReserved’s Water Parade at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, running October 25th to November 1st.

Now this is no ordinary art event. Imagine giant inflatable sculptures bobbing along the harbour, created by internationally celebrated IPs and artists. Expect:  

• Doraemon
• McDonald’s Grimace
• KAWS x Sesame Street

...and more jaw-dropping creations.  

For KAWS fans, there’s one key detail you need to know:

• The Big Bird vinyl figure is exclusive to Water Parade ticket holders.
• Pre-orders can only be placed on-site at the event.
• Alternatively, Big Bird will be available online only in a duo set with Elmo.

This exclusivity means Big Bird will likely become the holy grail piece of this drop. Rare, tied to a special event, and symbolically one of Sesame Street’s most iconic characters... it’s a collector’s dream.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AllRightsReserved (@arr.allrightsreserved)

Craftsmanship That Collectors Value

Each figure is produced with obsessive attention to detail:

• Material: Premium vinyl which is smooth, sturdy, and weighty in-hand.
• Colour fidelity: Directly inspired by the TV originals but with KAWS’s subtle artistic twist.
• Poses: Drawn from KAWS’s larger installations, echoing themes of friendship, nostalgia, and quiet moments.

If the premium price tags make you pause, consider the broader market: these aren’t just toys. In fact, they’re limited-edition art pieces sitting comfortably alongside collectible sculpture work.

Pricing Guide

Here’s the full breakdown for collectors:

• Full set (5 figures): US$10,190 HKD (£1,000)
• Bert, Ernie, Oscar trio: US$5,335 HKD (£525)
• Elmo + Big Bird duo: US$4,855 HKD (£485)
• Bert & Ernie pair: US$2,980 HKD (£300)
• Elmo or Oscar (individual): US$2,355 HKD (£245)

Pre-Order Timeline

Global pre-orders go live 16th October on the DDT Store. But remember:

• Big Bird is an event-exclusive unless purchased online with Elmo.
• Water Parade ticket holders will have first dibs on solo Big Bird orders at Victoria Harbour.

Past KAWS releases have sold out within hours. Translation? Don’t procrastinate.

Why This Release Is Resonating

Part of the magic here is in the emotional collision KAWS creates. The figures look familiar enough to trigger warm childhood memories... but the recontextualisation brings new feelings to the surface.

The once-playful X-eyes have evolved from cheeky defacement to a kind of signature on life’s inevitable changes. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s nostalgia examined, nostalgia that asks you to think about the gap between who you were then and who you are now.

Final Thoughts

Whether you call them luxury toys, collectible sculptures, or pop culture icons, these pieces are more than simple decoration. They’re a conversation... about growth, memory, and the way art can reshape something you’ve known your whole life.

If you’re local to Hong Kong, the combination of Water Parade’s spectacle and Big Bird exclusivity makes this year special. If you’re not, online pre-orders will be your lifeline... but move fast.

Will you try for Big Bird at the exclusive event, or grab the Elmo duo online? Share your collector strategies in the comments and tag your fellow art lovers.