Drag culture is going mainstream bigger than ever before. Popular children’s teddy bear store Build-A-Bear Workshop has unveiled the latest addition to its collectibles — a RuPaul-inspired drag queen teddy bear.
The collaboration is significant as it brings together two beloved brands that have a strong following, representing the growing acceptance and representation of drag culture in the media and society. The company shared the exciting announcement last week and unveiled the adorable stuffed animal, which is a true reflection of RuPaul’s iconic style, with a glittery gold jumpsuit, high heels, and a signature blonde wig.
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According to the Build-A-Bear website, the teddy bear costs $64 with the gold heels and $56 without them. Clearly ecstatic by the reveal, RuPaul took to his Instagram last week, saying how proud she was to be honored by the American retailer whose target audience is children aged between the ages of 5 and 12. Fans and customers alike have been sharing their thoughts about the Rupaul collaboration, with many praising the attention to detail in the bear’s design.
Others have commented on the significance of the collaboration, stating that it represents a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity in the toy industry. “I feel like a proud parent!” RuPaul said in a video posted to her social media page last week, “Build-A-Bear! Rawr!”
It should be noted that the RuPaul teddy was launched through Build-A-Bear’s sub-brand, The Bear Cave, which offers products specifically intended for people over the age of 18, having previously teamed up with TV shows such as “The Office” and “Ted Lasso” and Marvel’s blockbuster hit “Black Panther.” Swipe left to see how social media is reacting to the RuPaul teddy bear being sold by Build-A-Bear.
What’s more, in addition to the Rupaul Build-A-Bear collaboration, Build-A-Bear Workshop has also partnered with other drag queens to create special edition bears. For example, the company collaborated with Trixie Mattel to create a limited edition bear that was sold exclusively at DragCon in 2019. The bear was designed to look like Trixie Mattel, with a pink and yellow outfit and a blonde wig. These collaborations have been well-received by fans of both Build-A-Bear Workshop and the drag queens.
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The impact of RuPaul and drag culture on the toy industry cannot be understated. The Rupaul Build-A-Bear collaboration is just one example of how drag culture is becoming more mainstream and accepted. It represents a shift in the toy industry towards inclusivity and diversity, as more companies are beginning to embrace different cultures and identities. The popularity of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has also inspired a new generation of drag queens, who are using their platform to promote acceptance and diversity.
It will be interesting to see what other collaborations Build-A-Bear Workshop has in store for the future, as they continue to embrace different cultures and identities.
Have you purchased the Rupaul Build-A-Bear teddy bear? Share your thoughts and reviews in the comments below.