For some time now, rumors have been circulating on social networks about the birth of a collaboration between the French glassware company Baccarat and the Pokémon franchise. This unique collaboration is sure to excite Pokémon lovers and, above all, amateur collectors. Used to Pokémon plush toys, cards, mini figurines and clothing, the arrival of a new collector’s item is nothing short of extraordinary, especially as the manufacturer is none other than a luxury brand. Let’s discover the details of this Baccarat x Pokémon collaboration.
Two worlds light-years apart
To understand the reasons for this collaboration and what’s at stake, it’s best to get to know both franchises.
Baccarat, the savoir-faire of French glassmaking
Baccarat is a French company that makes crystal objects. She specializes in the luxury market. It is defined by some as the icon of French glassmaking expertise. All the products manufactured by the brand are aimed at an elite clientele of influential individuals and collectors. It offers various collections of glass cutlery and games made by some of Europe’s greatest artists.
Pokémon, the video game franchise
Pokémon is a franchise created in 1996 by Satoshi Tajiri. At first, the company focused solely on launching video games for Nintendo. It was subsequently used to create an animated series, over a dozen films, a manga, and a series of derivative products such as clothing, plush toys and trading cards. These are so popular that over 24 billion of them are in circulation worldwide. They have even become auction darlings, such as the one organized by Vermot & Associés in Paris. The success of this franchise is such that it has become the most profitable license in the world.
Baccarat X Pokémon: why such a collaboration?
The opening up of Japan and the export of a portion of their cultural heritage around the world have led to the proliferation of Otaku culture, particularly within European society. For the record, an Otaku is a person who idolizes contemporary Japanese culture. Her hobbies include reading manga, playing video games such as Otomes Games, and in some cases collecting merchandise derived from their favorite anime. Pokémon is no exception. The franchise also has a strong fan base both in Japan and abroad.
Pokémon: the world’s most popular video game
Pokémon quickly became an international phenomenon, for two reasons. The first is the introduction of this brand to the international entertainment market. In fact, the game is sold almost everywhere in the world, and the cartoon has been translated into several languages, including English, French and Arabic. The second reason is the interest shown in the franchise by certain Youtubers. Many of them have posted videos of themselves playing Pokémon or unboxing Pokémon card packs. Youtubeur DavidLafragePokémon claims to have spent around 100,000 euros on the project.
Baccarat X Pokémon: the first collaboration of its kind?
It’s worth noting that while this is a groundbreaking collaboration, it’s not the first of its kind in the world. In fact, the Pokémon brand has worked with other companies to create various derivative products.
These collaborations include one with Japanese company U-Treasure Japan pendentif, which has launched a series of Pokémon necklaces, and one with Ingrem, another Japanese company, which has in turn launched a series of iPhone covers featuring images inspired by the video game.
It has to be said that through these collaborations, the franchise offers its fans the chance to integrate their passion into various aspects of their everyday lives. It’s also an effective way of strengthening fans’ sense of belonging. Be able to show their preference through everyday objects.
The Baccarat x Pokémon adventure
This is not Baccarat’s first venture into the world of collectibles. The brand has already worked with Medicom Toy to create its Bearbrick series of crystal figurines. The French glass brand has also collaborated with the One Piece franchise to create a range of glass inspired by the manga characters. This latest collaboration marks the beginning of Otaku culture’s intrusion into the world of luxury and refinement.
The brand has been able to adapt to its customers’ new taste for Japanese culture, offering them the chance to live their passion to the full. After such a step, the brand is preparing to embark on an even more exciting new adventure. His collaboration with the Pokémon franchise marks his entry into the world of video games.
The collaboration of the century?
Pokémon fans can’t wait to discover what this collaboration has to offer. On social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, members of the Pokémon community are in a frenzy. Everyone tries to speculate on the nature of the final product.
All speculation is based on the brand’s past experience, notably with One Piece. Some speculate that Baccarat will offer a set of glasses engraved with motifs reminiscent of Pokémon or crystal figurines.
The launch of the Pokémon collection at Baccarat on November 8 put an end to all this speculation. Pokémon fans have finally discovered what this collaboration has in store for them.
Baccarat x Pokémon collection finally unveiled
On November 8, 2021, the big announcement was made. The French crystal brand announces its collaboration with Nintendo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon. The unveiled collection is made up of 3 exclusive crystal pieces: :
The last word
The Baccarat x Pokémon collaboration caused quite a stir on the web and introduced the French brand to a very wide audience. We hope that the Pokémon community and collectors will be satisfied with the collection launched by Baccarat, and that the brand will launch new and exciting collaborations.
