Ronan Leungs Leggie Bird Takes Flight at Hypeflea with Two Metal-Clad Exclusives
Hong Kong artist Ronan Leung has a thing for birds with legs. Not the feathered, flighty kind—were talking about his signature Leggie Bird, a character that has quietly become a fixture in the designer toy scene. This May, Leung is teaming up with Hypebeast for a double drop thats part vintage car worship, part streetwear statement, and entirely covered in chrome.
If youve followed Leungs work, you know he doesnt do anything halfway. His previous Leggie Bird releases, including the well-received Toy People version, built a reputation for blending retro cool with a distinctly Hong Kong sensibility. Now, two new editions are set to debut at Hypeflea in Guangzhou, and theyre bringing some serious metal shine.
The W123 Connection
The first of the pair, Leggie Bird 04 “MB - W123,” is a love letter to a very specific machine: Leungs own vintage Mercedes-Benz W123. This isnt a loose interpretation. The figures dark green outfit mirrors the cars stable body paint, while the interior leather tones inform the characters overall palette. Even the tires and bumper bars get their due, translated into sculpted detail.
But the real head-turner is the electroplated material used for Leggie Birds head and hands. That shimmering metallic luster is a direct nod to the W123s chrome wheel covers and body trim. The result is a figure that feels less like a toy and more like a miniature monument to automotive nostalgia. Its the kind of piece that makes you want to put it on a shelf with a tiny spotlight.
Hype Bird Goes Preppy, Then Goes Metal
The second release, Leggie Bird 05 “Hype Bird,” flips the script. Instead of dark green, the character wears a deep, mysterious black—a timeless backdrop that lets the details pop. And pop they do: vibrant pink “HYPE BIRD” patterns, a preppy pink shirt and tie, and an exquisite heart-shaped “bird” arm patch on the sleeve. Its a visual collision of 90s vintage collegiate style and modern street culture, and somehow it works.
Like its counterpart, Hype Bird features electroplated head and hands. The contrast between the understated black body and the gleaming metal creates an avant-garde, almost futuristic heavy metal vibe. If the W123 edition is a tribute to the past, Hype Bird is a signal of where things are going.
The Drop Details
Both figures are exclusive to Hypeflea by Hypebeast, which runs from May 1 to May 5, 2026, at Chongkou Warehouse, Julongwan Taikoo Li, in Guangzhous Liwan District. Sales are on-site only, first-come, first-served, while supplies last. And yes, theres a limit of one per person—so no buying up the stock to flip on the secondary market.
Pricing is set at RMB 1,000 for the W123 edition and RMB 980 for Hype Bird. For a pair of electroplated, limited-edition art figures with this level of detail, thats a reasonable ask. Just dont expect them to sit around for long.
Why It Matters
Designer toys have always been about more than just play. Theyre small-scale sculptures, cultural signifiers, and sometimes, deeply personal projects. Leungs Leggie Bird works on all three levels. The W123 edition is clearly a passion project—a way to immortalize a car he loves in vinyl form. The Hype Bird edition is a collaboration that speaks to Hypebeasts audience without pandering to it.
And the electroplating? Thats the kind of finish that separates a good figure from a great one. It catches light, it demands attention, and it gives the pieces a weight that plastic alone cant match. Whether youre a longtime collector or just dipping a toe into the sofubi world, these are worth a look.
If youre in Guangzhou during the first week of May, you know where to be. If not, well, you might want to start planning a trip. The Leggie Bird doesnt wait around, and neither should you.
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Mike Brown
Mike Brown – One of those authors who helps readers not get lost in today's news flow. He dives into political affairs as well as world events, social trends, and everyday stories that matter to everyone. The main focus of his work is fact-checking, clear language, and the ability to lay out the key points so that the reader gets a comprehensive and reliable picture of the topic in just a few minutes.
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