Blockbuster film merch floods Chinese streetwear
From cult favorites to movie merch, here are January's Chinese streetwear hits.
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Published January 14, 2025
Born from music, art, and sports subcultures, streetwear brands are naturally primed for collaboration with cultural leaders. This week’s roundup of top co-branded collections shows that China’s streetwear scene is no exception.
Starting off the year strong, affordable, nationally famous brand Chinism has joined forces with a leading movie franchise ahead of the release of its fourth film, Detective Chinatown 1900.
Also, Adidas Originals and Edison Chen are celebrating the Year of the Snake with a dedicated Clot capsule. Elsewhere, Jay Chou’s Phantaci reunites with Puma, building on their ongoing partnership, which started in 2016.
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Chinism x Tang Detective 1900 #
Details: Collection, January 6
Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #Chinism has 9.7 million reads, and #TangDetective1900 has 25.2 million.
Verdict:
- Leveraging the film’s Western setting and multicultural themes, this co-branded merchandise line pays homage to the Chinese franchise while appealing to fans of both cinema and streetwear.
- The collection combines pop and retro elements, blending nostalgic design with modern streetwear sensibilities. This approach not only enhances the visual texture of the collection but also aligns with China’s current love for vintage style fashion.
- From fan engagement to high craftsmanship, it’s an instant hit, thanks to the massive followings of both names and the mainstream attention they hold in the mainland.
Adidas Originals x Edison Chen #
Details: Clot Lunar New Year collection, January 10
Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #AdidasOriginalsbyEdisonChen has 1 million views.
Verdict:
- The Clot LNY Superstar collaboration showcases a seamless blend of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary fashion. The use of snake motifs, silk patterns, and coin decorations reflects the Lunar New Year theme while adding a modern twist with bold design elements, vibrant red and gold accents, and innovative details like serrated soles.
- By hosting a cultural experience event in Mexico City, the collaboration underscores the universal appeal of traditional festivities while emphasizing the integration of Chinese and Mexican cultures through art, history, and food.
- The campaign's focus on vitality, personality, and self-expression is further amplified by the exclusive New Year-themed accessories and interactive promotions like red envelopes and customized dice, creating an immersive consumer experience.
Puma x Phantaci #
Details: Streetwear capsule, January 18
Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #Phantaci has 1.4 million reads and #Puma has 320 million.
Verdict:
- Blending hip-hop music, basketball, and street culture, the collection draws on creative director Chou's personal passions. The “Hip-Hoop” theme integrates vibrant street style and sports vitality, infusing the collection with a unique cultural narrative that appeals to diverse audiences.
- Designs see elements like court-inspired iron net patterns, mesh T7 stripes, and co-branded logos. The use of premium materials such as black lychee leather and contrasting design elements in the footwear further emphasizes a balance of comfort and craftsmanship.
- By reinterpreting iconic styles like the T7 sports suit and classic GV Special shoes, the collaboration bridges Puma’s rich history with contemporary streetwear design while also connecting to the plethora of Chinese Puma fans.