Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom
balenciaga-sony-playstaton-5-collab (7)
Balenciaga
1 / 6

Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2021 debuted via a video game-inspired presentation that was nearly as exciting as the avant apparel itself. There's a lot to unpack in terms of how it represents the future of fashion weeks, if not the industry as a whole, but one tangible takeaway from Balenciaga's latest was a surprise Sony partnership made clear by the recurring PlayStation 5 logo. That collaboration is dropping now, oddly enough, several months after the PS5 dropped in November, but a couple months before FW21 usually rolls out.

The Balenciaga gear comprises three shapes, boxy T-shirts and a hoodie printed with the face buttons of the console's controller , co-branding, and "NOV 2020" text. Unsurprisingly, they're far more expensive than Travis Scott's take on Sony's new flagship console — the $675 tees and $875 hoodie are even more expensive than the PS5 itself, which retails for $499 at most — but the items are also interesting micro case studies of the contemporary Balenciaga purview.

Having already dropped quirky collectibles with the likes of Hello Kitty and Crocs, Balenciaga is well versed in the art of the unexpected. Indeed, the PlayStation items are indicative of how the fashion house represents the bleeding edge of anything-goes luxury.

Just compare the PS5 items to Balenciaga's own leather maxi coats, graphic T-shirts, or Gamer Jeans. All are equally steeped in the realm of reclaimed '00s fashion, and they exist as part of creative director Demna Gvasalia's push to normalize post-irony within luxury. Collaborations like this epitomize Balenciaga's worldliness, one foot in the streetwear space and another in the lofty realm of capital-F Fashion.

Care to join the experience? Balenciaga's website and select stores currently stock the brand's PlayStation collection.

We Recommend
  • With a New Wildly Rugged Sneaker, Balenciaga Stomps Into the Great Outdoors
    • Sneakers
  • In F1's Race for Eyeballs, a $70k Balenciaga Shark Sculpture Takes Pole Position
    • Style
  • Demna’s "Leaked" Camera Roll Reveals Balenciaga x Lamborghini (EXCLUSIVE)
    • Style
  • PlayStation’s Streetwear Collections Aren’t Playing Around
    • Style
  • What Does the Balenciaga "UGG" Say About the World's Most Basic Boot?
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • Now in Leather, PUMA’s Luxe Mostro Sneaker Is a Rebel With Claws
    • Sneakers
  • The Next Great Aimé Leon Dore New Balance Is a Wild, Wet Wonder
    • Sneakers
  • Hairy Suede & GORE-TEX: A Simple Recipe For Brilliant Timbs
    • Footwear
  • The Ultimate Denim Tears Sweatsuit Is $3,000 Crystal-Studded Cashmere
    • Style
  • Surprise! Riccardo Tisci's Abrupt Nike Reunion Is All Luxury
    • Style
  • adidas' Slick Suede Sneaker Is a Samba if It Were Smokin'
    • Sneakers