Pokémon is more than just a beloved game and cartoon franchise, it’s a part of fashion. From his collaborations with thisisneverthat and COMME des GARÇONS to Billionaire Boys Club and of course Hypebeast, Pokémon has established itself as a multi-faceted entity that spans lifestyle, culture and trends. Now, she enters the world of high fashion, welcoming a collaboration with Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain.
Called the Pokémon x Balmain Trainer Fashion Set, the collaborative capsule is not only based on the fashion house’s energetic allure and bold aesthetic, but also to be a creation for the community that Pokémon speaks to. “Pokémon’s bright pop aesthetic and charming creatures have always appealed to me,” says Rousteing. He adds, “Today, they make me think of an earlier, simpler time, when we all shared a rosy vision of all the positive changes we were sure digital innovations would make possible. And that’s a big reason why I’m so happy to partner with Pokémon on this collection — because, now, we can all use a reminder of those past moments of hope and optimism.”
Both share a passion for imagination and community – Balmain has its legendary and ever-growing “Army”, while Pokémon Trainers are found all over the world. The capsule brings these spirits together, working the iconography of the franchise into Balmain signature clothing, accessories and footwear for the perfect marriage of joy and creativity.
The ‘Labyrinth’ motif inspired by Balmain’s archival labyrinth frequents much of the collection, appearing across sweaters, t-shirts and other tee variants with shades of yellow derived from the world of Pokemon. Likewise, Pikachu can be found throughout the collection, while video game motifs like the geometric Labyrinth logo harken back to the franchise’s 90s roots with consoles like the Gameboy Color.
Elsewhere, flared trousers bring high-end Balmain styling, but hits of yellow – spicy as flame – refer to exclusivity. Similarly, the bags are embellished with bolts on their leather straps and additional lightning-like clasps, as a play on Pikachu’s tail, while a pair of Balmain B-Bold sneakers also get the full collaborative treatment.
The Pokémon x Balmain Trainer Set also welcomes a partnership with SharpEnd. Starting September 5, 15 NFC-enabled badges will be available in selected Balmain stores, enabling customers to access a unique dual partnership experience featuring the chance to win VIP tickets to the upcoming Balmain Festival during Paris Fashion Week and instant access to Filloi Balmain Fashion Pokemon UNITE.
Those who play Pokemon UNITE can also unlock the co-op for free by logging into the game (for seven consecutive days) between 7am UTC on September 2nd and midnight on September 30th. Speaking further about this and the collaboration, Rousteing said: “After we all fired him Pokemon UNITE app, well, I think every member of my team got a little addicted to that game. I guess this isn’t a huge surprise, as we all fondly remember the original games from way back when. Playing the game at the same time we were designing the special Balmain-Pokémon badges and jackets that Pokemon UNITE Trainers can unlock more fun – and I’m looking forward to having more game time once the madness of Paris Fashion Week is over.”
For the real-life collection, stay tuned to Balmain’s website and boutiques for a September 2nd drop. More information can be found at Pokemon UNITE page.
In other news, Hypebeast has pitted Martine Rose, Telfar Clemens and Grace Wales Bonner head-to-head in the battle for Louis Vuitton.
