The global video game industry is worth about $350 billion in annual revenue. The luxury goods market collects about the same amount each year. Believe it or not, these two opposites have powered up together many times in the past. Here are some of the biggest gaming-luxury collaborations in this week’s Five For Friday.
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#5: Balenciaga x PlayStation
PlayStation is synonymous with video games, ever since the first console launched back in the mid-1990s. It’s become such a big part of overall culture that the company partnered with Nike a number of times for highly-coveted sneakers. But PlayStation’s collaboration with Balenciaga in 2020 took things to another level, or at least another price point.
While the T-shirts and hoodies look pretty basic, they still fetched $675 and $875, respectively. When the brands released the collab, it was tough to procure a console, and the clothes cost more than one anyway. Balenciaga continued its effort to cater to gamers with the fall 2021 fashion show. Around the same time, they also took their items into the virtual world with Fortnite Skins.
#4: Gucci x 100 Thieves
100 Thieves is a gaming lifestyle brand with esports teams and a content creation house. The crew includes big names in gaming like Nadeshot, Valkyrae and CouRageJD.
In the summer of 2021, 100 Thieves collaborated with Gucci for a branded version of the fashion house’s Off the Grid backpack. They basically made it red and threw the organization’s logo on it. The exclusive collection of just 200 packs brought in $2,500 each. That’s pretty pricey for how affordable a backpack is these days.
#3: Louis Vuitton x League of Legends
League of Legends is consistently one of the most played video games at any given time. In 2019, Louis Vuitton collaborated with the multiplayer online battle arena game to create 40 fashion pieces, most of which cost more than $1,000 each.
The most expensive item was a $5,600 leather biker jacket. Outfitting yourself in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton x League of Legends gear can cost more than $10,000. For those who thought the prices were too steep, Louis Vuitton also made a character skin that cost around $10 in game currency.
#2: TAG Heuer x Mario
When you think of speed and video games, your mind probably goes right to Sonic the Hedgehog. But when Mario gets behind the wheel of his kart, he’s also a force. Luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer was savvy to this and partnered with the world-famous plumber for two models of Formula 1 Mario Kart watches.
The two models had very different prices, one sold for $4,300 while a more luxurious model went for $25,000. They sold out right away, so clearly there was a demand for high-priced Mario-themed watches.
#1: Tiffany & Co. x Pokémon
Pokémon is one of the hottest IPs around. The mobile game phenomenon PokémonGo even had people trespassing trying to catch ’em all. Pokémon has had a ton of collaborations over the years, the latest of which with Tiffany & Co., which went on sale Nov. 29.
The iconic jeweler enlisted artist Daniel Arsham to design the pieces using the iconography from his Pokémon art exhibit, A Ripple in Time. The collection features Pikachu-centric jewelry.
The most expensive piece will run you $29,000. The Poké Ball in Tiffany Blue is enough to pique any Pokémon fan’s interest, especially when you consider the huge amount spent on rare cards in recent years.
Simone Del Rosario:
The worldwide gaming market is worth about $350 billion. Luxury goods bring in the same. Believe it or not, this odd couple teams up time and time again. Here are some of the biggest gaming-luxury collabs in this week’s Five For Friday.
PlayStation’s paired with Nike in the past, but their work with Balenciaga in 2020 is on another level. Yeah, the shirts and hoodies look kinda basic, but they still fetched $675 and $875 respectively. Consoles were hard to get at the time and these threads cost more than one anyway. Balenciaga kept leaning in, the entire Fall 21 fashion show had a video game motif. They also took items into the virtual world with Fortnite skins.
100 Thieves is a gaming lifestyle brand with Esports teams and a content creation house. The crew includes big gaming names like Nadeshot, Valkyrae and CouRage. In the summer of 2021 they partnered with Gucci for their own branded version of the fashion house’s Off the Grid Backpack. Basically made it red and threw a 100 Thieves logo on it. But the exclusive collection of 200 packs brought in $2500 bucks each. Pretty pricey when you can snag a JanSport for $70. OK Boomer.
In 2019 Louis Vuitton launched a collab with one of the most popular games on the planet, League of Legends. The collection had 40 pieces, most north of a grand, and the most expensive was this $5,600 leather jacket. Outfitting yourself in head to toe Louis V League gear in real life could cost more than $10 grand. For the basement dweller types who haven’t hit luxury rich, a character skin costs 10 bucks in game currency.
When you think speed and video games… you probably think of Sonic the Hedgehog. But don’t count out Mario when he’s behind the wheel of his Kart. Luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer was savvy to this. They partnered with the world famous plumber for 2 models of Formula 1 Mario Kart watches. The “affordable” option went for 43 hundred while the more luxurious model ran you $25 grand. They sold out right away, so the demand’s there.
Pokémon is one of the hottest IPs around. Remember when PokémonGO had folks trespassing trying to catch em all? I do. Pokémon has had a ton of collabs, the latest with Tiffany & Co, which went on sale November 29th. They enlisted Daniel Arsham to design the jewelry using the iconography from his Pokémon art exhibition, A Ripple in Time. The collection features Pikachu-centric jewelry, the most expensive of which goes for $29K. Not to mention the Pokeball in Tiffany blue is absolutely stunning.
YouTuber Logan Paul once bought a Pikachu Illustrator card for more than $5 Milly. Can my husband get anything for this binder of Pokemon cards? No? {dumps binder in trash. effect shows poof of smoke and fire} I better get outta here. That’s Five for Friday. I’m Simone Del Rosario. It’s Just Business.
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