Toying around with urban culture

TAKE a walk past The Cathay today, and it is impossible to miss the huge dog guarding the building's entrance. That is, the half-squatting bright red balloon dog casually relieving itself of a balloon poop (so is that where balloons come from?).

The permanent installation was made possible by local designer toy studio Mighty Jaxx, which worked with London-based artist Whatshisname to create the line of balloon dog toys that the Cathay sculpture is based on.

But Mighty Jaxx is more than just a toy maker. The company dabbles in all areas of urban culture - be it designer figurines, apparel, developing punk brands, or even creating its own unique licence.

Its founder, Jackson Aw, embodies the bold and deviant edge that the studio is celebrated for. Back in 2012, at the tender age of 22, Mr Aw used a S$20,000 loan to kick-start Mighty Jaxx with the sole purpose …