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.
