Michael Lau is the brainchild behind 'Gardener' and the crazysmiles crew. 'Gardener' began as the name of a comic strip in the hip Hong Kong mag, East Touch, but it grew into something much bigger.

The 'Gardener' (Maxx) was lonely, hence the birth of his posse - the 3-D figurines that make up crazysmiles. Maxx is the leader of his street punk gang. With tattoos, piercings, low slung stussy shorts, Adidas shell tops and a hip-hop glow; this dude is so dope it hurts.

But why are these boys so special? Well, not only only do they have miniature working skateboards (I want one!!!) and Bathing Ape duds (very cool), but they can claim a pretty penny too.

Lau knows a thing or two about how to keep something exclusive. Most of the crazysmiles figurines aren't even for sale, although insane offers have been made. The few that are for sale have a limited run - 500 to 1,000 - on each figurine. These gems normally have a sold sign around their necks before they even hit the streets.

Want an original Michael Lau? Maharishi are bringing Lau's first exhibition to London and have collaborated to produce a limited edition figure for the occasion. This and other selected pieces are available exclusively at their Covent Garden store.

'Michael Lau exhibition 3 gardener-crazysmiles', 11 Poland Street, W1
March 28 until April 26
Selection of European exclusive crazysmiles figures available at Maharishi London store, 19 Floral St, WC2, www.emaharishi.com, for £20-90

TR