EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Off-White™ today announced a dynamic, unprecedented partnership to create a legendary capsule collection of four original Monster High dolls adorned in Off-White™ runway ensembles. In this unique collaboration, Off-White™’s fearless disruption of fashion norms converges with Monster High brand’s celebration of individuality and the acceptance of differences. Together, the brands challenge conventions, fostering a shared spirit of non-conformity, that invites consumers to boldly express themselves and embrace their distinct identities.
“The genesis of this collaboration was a meeting in late 2020, where the fusion of Virgil Abloh’s creative vision and Monster High’s distinctive character sparked a groundbreaking partnership,” said Kim Culmone, Senior Vice President and Head of Doll Design, Mattel. “The Off-White™ c/o Monster High collaboration signifies the celebration of creativity, non-conformity and the boundless possibilities that arise when fashion, art, and toy culture converge.”
Virgil Abloh’s deep connection to this collaboration was evident, as it was one of the last projects he actively pursued, underscoring its special significance. Abloh’s inspiration originated from his long-standing desire to explore the world of toys, driven by his close relationship with his children. Despite his prolific career in collaborations, his projects with Mattel marked his first foray into toys, highlighting his innovative spirit. Abloh was intrigued by the unique appeal of Monster High, characterized by its fresh take on street-inspired style and strong embrace of individuality.
Abloh aimed to reimagine Off-White™'s iconic looks with the unique Monster High design language, adding creative depth to the partnership. These four original Monster High dolls, adorned in Off-White™ runway ensembles, serve as a living testament to the brand’s identity and its unique spin on “Monsterfication.” The limited-edition Off-White™ c/o Monster High collaboration includes four dolls with their own unique personalities and a musical punk twist: Electra Melody™, Harmonie Ghoul™, Raven Rhapsody™ and Symphanee Midnight™.
- Electra Melody: Electra Melody, a sea monster who makes a splash at any monster bash, unveils a true fashion spectacle. She embodies Off-White™'s Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear show with meticulous detail. Electra dons the iconic “DRESS” dress, mismatched gloves, and striking Off-White™-inspired clear-wrapped heels. As a testament to Off-White™'s attention to accessories, Electra boasts doll-sized versions of Off-White sunglasses and the coveted Burrow 22 shoulder bag. Her extravagant orange and black mohawk provides a daring glimpse into her wile and alternative persona.
- Harmonie Ghoul: Harmonie Ghoul, a franken-monster straight from the lab with disco grooves and killer moves, exudes style with a look drawn from Off-White™'s Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear collection. She makes a bold statement in a tiered checkered dress and red knee-high boots, one bearing the label “NOT FOR WALKING” and the other “NOT FOR DANCING.” Her ensemble is accentuated by doll-sized versions of Off-White™ earrings and Off-White™'s Burrow 20 chain-link shoulder bag, featuring a custom Monster High Skullette keychain – an embodiment of fashionable rebellion.
- Raven Rhapsody: Raven Rhapsody, a gargoyle, dark and endless as the night sky, embodies the entire ensemble from Off-White™'s Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear collection, merging sporty and elevated aesthetics. Her striking wings and horn hat create a captivating scene. Completing her look are iconic Off-White™ accessories, including a black belt bag and neon pink logo earrings, showcasing the perfect blend of style and edge.
- Symphanee Midnight: Symphanee Midnight, a specter spirit who disappears and reappears ready to take the dance floor. She captivates in Off-White™'s Fall 2020 Ready-to-Wear masterpiece - a black outfit that seamlessly blends high fashion with sportswear. Her monster ballgown exudes bridal-wear-inspired elegance, featuring striking ruffles that contrast with the windbreaker. Adorned with chain-link jewelry and effortlessly carrying her Off-White Jitney 1.4 bag, Symphanee embodies the perfect fusion of style and utility.
The thoughtful attention to detail and design did not stop at the dolls, with packaging explicitly designed with collectors top of mind. In a genuine collaborative effort between Off-White™, Mattel Creations, and the Monster High design teams, the final design offers a lid easily removed for collectors to handle the doll and reinsert her back inside with packaging remaining intact. Special care was taken to fine-tune the lettering on the packaging to create an elevated look and feel. The beautiful package detailing continues with the accessories, as each doll comes with a mini, toyetic take on an Off-White™ bag, which sports a Monster High Skullector charm.
This collaboration builds on Mattel Creations’ inaugural partnership with Virgil Abloh, Masters of the Universe c/o Virgil Abloh™ “TOY.” The “TOY” figures featured monochromatic hues and text-based intervention that recontextualized the figures to invite fans to look at these iconic toys in a new light.
Monster High and Mattel Creations both have a history of championing couture-inspired toys with visionary designs. Mattel Creations is more than a marketplace; it’s a platform for bespoke collectibles created for and by creators, collaborators, and innovators who share a love and nostalgia for the brands in Mattel’s portfolio. It’s a place where toys and art fuse - where everyone can relive their obsession with a story, character, or brand they love. Combined with the ethos of Monster High, a brand that stands as a symbol of acceptance, encouraging everyone to celebrate individuality, Mattel Creations is a natural fit to house the iconic Off-White™ c/o Monster High collection.
The four ghouls will be first introduced to shop in-store from Off-White™ flagship locations in Miami, New York City, Las Vegas, Paris and Milan dropping on October 11th. Electra Melody will be available on MattelCreations.com, Mattel’s direct-to-consumer site where toys and art intersect, and Off-White.com beginning October 13th at 6PM ET.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.
About Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™
Established in 2013, Off-White™ is defining the grey area between black and white as a color. Under the brand name, seasonal men’s and women’s clothing collections, objects, furniture, and publications are articulating a current cultural vision. Collections are embedded in a recurrent backstory, with an emphasis on creating garments that have an identity by design. With a design studio based in Milan, Italy, the label harnesses the country’s history and craftsmanship, yet offers a global perspective on design and trends. With a clear vision of splicing the reality of how clothes are worn with the artistic expression of high-fashion, creative director and designer Virgil Abloh explored concepts in the realm of youth culture in the contemporary context.
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