The world of Pixi

The idea of "Pixi: a passion for miniature magic"
The "Pixi" journey began with more than just modest ambitions: founders Alexis Poliakoff and Philippe-Antoine Guénard combined their love for childhood nostalgia with their artistic expertise, creating unique pieces infused with magic and charm. Alexis Poliakoff originally imagined naming the company "Roger-Roger," inspired by an imaginary dog symbolizing the spirit and energy of his creations. Although this name wasn't ultimately chosen, this dream dog remains embedded in Pixi’s identity alongside toy soldiers and a playful cube, reflecting both childhood innocence and imaginative creativity.

Each Pixi figurine emerges from a meticulous process blending artistic precision and creative imagination. Comic book heroes come alive through metal, capturing the essence of each character with remarkable fidelity. But Pixi doesn’t limit itself to iconic comic figures; the company also celebrates everyday heroes—such as the baker, grocer, or bookseller—injecting poetry into ordinary life scenes.

Pixi’s world reflects the rich diversity of popular culture and folklore. Every figurine, carefully designed and hand-painted, is a celebration of French art and craftsmanship. Collectors and art lovers find beloved characters as well as scenes capturing the essence of various eras and styles. Moreover, Pixi has evolved with time, embracing new themes and contemporary trends while remaining faithful to its traditional roots. Thus, the brand has set high standards in collectible figurines, becoming a symbol of quality and authenticity.

Pixi creations go beyond being mere collectible objects; they become genuine carriers of emotions and stories. Each meticulously crafted figurine is a concentration of memories and stories, evoking deep and varied emotions among collectors and admirers. They form a tangible link between past and present, connecting generations over time. They recall adults' childhood memories while captivating younger enthusiasts, creating a diverse and passionate community.

Pixi’s success is rooted in its ability to establish a unique relationship with its collectors. Beyond merely selling figurines, the brand invites each person into a world where every piece tells a story, resonating with personal experiences and dreams. This constant dialogue between Pixi and its admirers enhances a rich and immersive experience.

Pixi is much more than a manufacturer of figurines. It creates universes, bridging reality and imagination, where art meets memory and creativity. Pixi figurines invite exploration into comforting, familiar worlds and inspire new creative horizons. Each piece is a treasure of art and history, a small fragment of magic that touches the hearts and minds of those who cherish them.

Philippe-Antoine Guénard, passionate curator of treasures
Philippe-Antoine Guénard grew up between two worlds: the intellectual charm of Paris’s Left Bank, home of his mother Marie-Hélène and her husband Alexis Poliakoff, and the traditional elegance of the Right Bank at his grandparents' home, Pierre and Marie-Josephe Guénard. This dual life provided him with a unique worldview, blending classic bourgeois values with an openness toward art. Thursday afternoons and occasional weekends spent on Rue de Seine offered him immersive experiences in a thriving artistic environment. Philippe-Antoine saw this coexistence of worlds as essential to his upbringing: "The counters of the Louvre were a door between two worlds," he liked to say.

The family's Left Bank apartment, with walls adorned with exceptional paintings and period furniture, resembled a cabinet of curiosities. During animated dinners, the young Philippe-Antoine absorbed scholarly conversations among artists, collectors, and museum curators, fueling his interest in collecting art and historical objects.

At age fifteen, Philippe-Antoine began his first collection: vintage Épinal prints, treasures discovered in a Parisian antique bookstore. He resold some finds to booksellers along Quai Saint-Michel to finance his growing passion for prints, notably those by sculptor Auguste Rodin. Over time, his collection expanded to include increasingly rare pieces: antique watches, refined silverware, and papier-mâché boxes crafted using the Rokiskino school technique.

Among his most cherished discoveries is a card found at the bottom of a box, where a Russian princess expressed—in French—her gratitude to an unknown admirer. This simple piece of paper, loaded with history and emotion, captures the essence of Philippe-Antoine's approach: seeking objects with a soul, each with a story to tell.

Alexis Poliakoff and the enchanted world of miniatures
Born to a Russian father and an Irish mother, Alexis Poliakoff embodied the fusion of two rich cultures, predestining him for an extraordinary journey. Curious and imaginative, he hid literary treasures under his bed in an old suitcase: Treasure Island, epic tales of Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull’s camp, and the thrilling adventures of Tintin. In a family where simplicity and creativity outweighed manufactured toys, Alexis ingeniously crafted his own. He inherited this skill mainly from his father, Serge Poliakoff, a renowned painter whose artistic passion deeply influenced him.

Pixi's early years
Pixi’s adventure began modestly in 1983, inspired by traditional lead soldier dimensions (5-6 cm), creating a nostalgic journey to the Belle Époque. Philippe-Antoine Guénard passionately promoted these creations at various toy and gift fairs, establishing Pixi as a pioneer in artistic figurines. Marie-Hélène, armed with a fine brush, gave color and soul to countless figurines, including the famous "red balloon."

Commitment to artisanal roots
Despite Pixi’s success, its figurines remain faithful to artisanal roots. Each carefully painted piece is presented in refined red boxes reminiscent of traditional lead soldiers, merging past charm with contemporary appeal.

The success of Pixi
Pixi’s success stems from the founders' talent, creativity, and deep understanding of collectors’ passions. The company not only crafts figurines but creates stories, memories, and dreams, celebrating art, history, and human emotions in every miniature treasure.