cdg x pokémon: a throwback to childhood nostalgia
introduction
when comme des garçons cdg first teased its pokémon collaboration in august 2022, it gave little away — a shared logo, a hashtag, no products in sight. fans were left speculating. but when the full capsule launched in september, the concept became clear: cdg reimagined pokémon through its signature monochrome lens, turning childhood nostalgia into minimalist streetwear.
the result was a 30-piece collection that placed pikachu front and center — stripped of color, embedded in black-and-white graphics, and introduced across apparel, accessories, and footwear. understated, collectible, and distinctly cdg.
the aesthetic: pokémon reimagined
the collaboration focused on simplicity. pikachu appeared in grayscale across coach jackets, t-shirts, and sweatshirts — often tucked beneath cdg logos or outlined in tonal screen prints. the iconic yellow was gone, replaced by minimal graphics and balance.
pokéball motifs also featured throughout: embroidered on varsity jackets, printed on bags, and subtly integrated into the accessory line. the collection avoided loud branding or gimmicks, instead using pokémon iconography as design texture rather than focal points.
the collection: 30 items in total
the full cdg x pokémon collection included over 30 pieces. in addition to classic streetwear staples like tees, hoodies, and jackets, the drop extended into full accessory and footwear ranges:
- coach jackets, bombers, and varsity jackets
- co-branded tees, shirts, and sweatshirts
- beanies, scarves, and bucket hats
- crossbody bags, backpacks, and tote bags
- chain necklaces with pokémon detailing
- cdg x pokémon vans old skool sneakers in black and white
the black-and-white vans became one of the standout items, contrasting with the otherwise dark palette. select designs were marked as isetan shinjuku exclusives, only available during the opening week.
release timeline and distribution
the collection launched in two phases:
- sept 14–20, 2022: exclusive japan-only drop at isetan shinjuku in tokyo
- sept 23, 2022: full release at 11:00 jst via cdg’s global online store and select flagship locations in japan
five pieces were sold only at isetan during the pop-up window, increasing their rarity. distribution included cdg’s flagship stores in gyre (omotesando), marunouchi, osaka, and fukuoka, as well as the official cdg e-shop. international buyers faced immediate resale markups due to the limited geographic availability.
a minimal take on mass appeal
cdg has a history of licensing familiar characters — from mickey mouse to star wars — but this pokémon capsule stood out for its balance between restraint and reach. while most collaborations with the franchise leaned into bright, nostalgic energy, cdg opted for control: quiet visuals, muted tones, and elevated forms.
the question wasn’t whether pokémon fans would show up — they did — but whether cdg could offer something new with such familiar symbols. by keeping things minimal, they may have done just that.
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