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Since the late 90s, Pokémon has found its way into many hearts all over the world. The beloved Japanese franchise continues to gain new fans every day while holding on to the die-hards. On top of that, Pokémon has already collaborated with the likes of many.
Following collaborations with Longchamp and streetwear favorites fragment design, Pokémon will now foray into the high fashion world with its upcoming collaboration with French luxury maison Balmain. The limited-edition Pokémon x Balmain Trainer Fashion Set will include jackets, crewnecks, T-shirts, pants, bags, and sneakers that will be available both physically and digitally. Featured front and center on all the items is the most famous of them all, Pikachu.
Along with the apparel and accessory items will be a special colorway of the B-Bold sneaker dressed in electric yellow and black to represent Pikachu, while the red and white midsole takes on the look of a Pokéball.
“Pokémon’s bright pop aesthetic and captivating creatures have always appealed to me,” says Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing. “Today, they make me think of an earlier, simpler time, when we all shared a rosy vision of all the positive changes that we were certain that digital innovations would make possible. And that’s a key reason why I’m so happy to partner with Pokémon on this collection — because, right now, we could all use a reminder of those past moments of hope and optimism.”
Balmain has also partnered up with tech firm SharpEnd to create 15 distinct NFC-enabled badges that will be offered at nine Balmain boutiques across the US, Europe, and Asia. For those who are able to get their hands on these badges will be granted access to digital content as well as a chance to win VIP tickets to the Balmain Festival at Paris Fashion Week.
A digital version of the Trainer Fashion Set is also available on Pokémon Unite, a free-to-play team battle game available on mobile and Nintendo Switch. Just log into the game for seven consecutive days in the month of September to unlock the set for free. The digital goods will also be available for in-game purchases.
The Pokémon x Balmain Trainer Fashion Set launches globally on Friday, September 2nd at Balmain boutiques in Paris, New York, Las Vegas, Shanghai, and Chengdu, as well as online at balmain.com. Check out the collection below.
For more drops, check out our Sneaker Release Dates Calendar.
