How Gucci ended up in Pokémon GO : NPR

new pokemon scarlet When violet It may have bugs and frustrating gameplay, but at least it has some hip outfits.

And like many other titles in the Pokemon Games Hall of Fame, their wardrobes are unique, sportswear you can’t even wear. Pokémon GO.

By the way, that game we all still play shows the many ways Pokémon embraced the fashion industry. It oozes with all the charm and swag. Baggy jeans, oversized jackets and hoodies, and dazzling graphic tees.

The impact Pokémon has had on streetwear culture and the way that culture returns the favor has fostered a very cool space. I wish I could wear everything a trainer wears.

Catch Pokemon and do it in style

Cosmetic items in the Pokémon game have undergone a transformation since they were first introduced to players. pokemon x When world in 2013.

In much the same way, The Pokémon Company itself has expanded its reach into the world of fashion over the past decade. Numerous collaborations featuring Pikachu, Charizard, and even Gengar have popped up, adorned with the suit jackets you still need in your closet.

There are also in-game events — in 2021, Pokémon GO ran campaigns with The North Face and Gucci, and the collection was an instant hit.

My trainers quickly wore bucket hats, embellished backpacks, and classic tees.

Pokemon streetwear makes playing games enviable. Costumes that are actually prohibitively expensive may be available for your avatar. Earlier this year, pokemon unite has teamed up with French luxury fashion brand Balmain to bring the coolest jackets to the digital space.

Instead of spending $1,200 on a denim jacket from Balmain’s Pokemon collection, I was able to sign in. pokemon unite Free all week, unlock jackets in-game, and look great in the virtual world as well.

Luxury clothes for your true wardrobe

Influenced by the original ’90s anime series, it has evolved over the years, leading to an influx of Pokémon clothing from Walmart and Target Isle to websites like Uniqlo, Hot Topic, and Levi’s. .

Clothing once reserved for expositions and conventions has been pushed out of the subculture corner with classy dresses and overalls featuring various evolutions of Bulbasaur and Eevee.

In 2018, renowned Japanese streetwear designer Hiroshi Fujiwara teamed up with The Pokemon Company for the ongoing Thunderbolt Project, a collection of clothing and merchandise inspired by the legendary brand. Most of the items from the collaboration are still popular today, with some of his t-shirts being resold for as high as his $400. The limited-edition Nintendo Switch that was released in collaboration has also gone up in price.

Fans are also participating. His GrimeCraft artist and designer worked with friends on a 2019 project to create a variety of Pokémon-inspired streetwear. Pokémon GOused the game’s AR features to take pictures of them standing next to each character. The result is a culturally rich A combination of two worlds that have a lot in common.

2022 fashion highs and lows

The game continues to showcase outfits you can easily see in today’s photo shoot. pokemon sword When shield When was released in 2019, players were overwhelmed by the sheer amount of customization options available. Ripped jeans, striped sweatshirts, loose his tops, knitted tees, studded pants, plaid slacks and more, new ways to express yourself through in-game fashion have emerged.

2022 Pokemon Legends: Arceus Also featured are clothing items inspired by old and new regions of the Pokémon world. The game even had a small decoration set where you could take a picture of your trainer with the various pocket monsters in your party.

The impact of Pokemon fashion in virtual and physical space highlights the impact digital media has on our culture. Simple Pikachu shirts, mostly worn by teenagers, were replaced with denim girlfriend jackets featured on the Levi’s website and high-fashion outfits seen on the runways.

Unfortunately, the latest title in the Pokémon franchise has taken things backwards. Unlike their predecessors, pokemon scarlet When violet Do not offer customization options for player outfits other than hats, glasses, and a few other accessories.

Your character is forever stuck in the season version of the academy uniform associated with your game. Additionally, rather than being grouped together in his one storefront, the clothing items are split across separate stores across Pardea, making for a frustrating experience.

but, scarlet When violet Including fashion department, other games and still popular Pokémon GO —Give you free reins.

And if you’re not satisfied with the stylish in-game Pokémon trainers, The Pokémon Company also offers plenty of high fashion for your real-world wardrobe, as long as you have a Pokedor.

Jamal Michel is a freelance writer focused on video game culture, entertainment, and the stories in between.he is currently a member of life kit When It’s Been A Minute team.