To celebrate Ken’s 60th anniversary, Berluti has teamed up with Mattel for a unique, cross-platform partnership.
Never far from Barbie’s side, Ken has been a fan favourite since his launch in 1961, daring ever since to make bold fashion choices, and always evolving with the times. Today, Berluti and Mattel are together reimagining a modern, diverse, stylish Ken for the 21st century through an unexpected collaboration.
The project includes three unique one of a kind Ken dolls, developed with Berluti’s Creative Director Kris Van Assche, dressed in Berluti x Brian Rochefort collection looks - a brown leather jacket worn with a short-sleeved printed silk shirt, elasticated trousers and braided calf leather Camden shoes, a Prince of Wales double breasted suit with a Ken & Berluti logo tee and Camden shoes, and a printed shirt combined with black trousers, a belt and braided calf leather Stellar sneakers -, as well as a miniature version of the Nino clutch and the Berluti beach buggy revealed in 2020, manufactured by Hot Wheels.
The dolls will be revealed on social media, making an appearance on Berluti’s Instagram account as well as performing a takeover of the @Barbiestyle account, with a storytelling content that will see them leaving Paris in the buggy and making their way to Los Angeles.
Two dedicated Berluti products have also been created for the occasion: a T-shirt displaying Berluti’s and Ken’s interlaced logos and a Nino clutch. One of the most iconic leather pieces of Berluti, it features the iconic Signature canvas - superimposed with Berluti’s logo - and Venezia leather details with a California Blue patina. Both pieces will be available both in Berluti stores in U.S, France, China and Japan, and worldwide e-shops from March 11th, 2021. In addition, the T-shirt will also be available on creations.mattel.com.
“During such a restrictive time, it felt joyful and liberating going into fantasy mode to create all these products and this storytelling. Ultimately, it all goes back to the idea of dreaming”, says Kris Van Assche. “Throughout Ken’s iconic history, cultural relevance and diversity have been core to his evolution. These themes perfectly align with Berluti’s fashion and values, so it made total sense to come together to celebrate Ken’s 60th anniversary”, adds Mattel Senior Director Product Design, Robert Best.
The Berluti x Ken partnership premieres on Ken’s official birthday on 11 March.
Berluti’s store windows in Los Angeles and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris will be especially dedicated to the collaboration.
The three Ken dolls will be digitally auctioned in May with proceeds supporting the children’s charity, Make-A-Wish®. Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world. Make-A-Wish has the unique ability to transform a child and their family’s lives during some of their most difficult trials – as a wish creates an opportunity for hope and the ability to experience life beyond illness.
About Berluti
Berluti was established in Paris in 1895 and has been built by four generations of shoemakers. In 2005 fine leather goods were introduced and, in 2011, a complete clothing collection. A unique bespoke service from head to toe is now available through Berluti’s workshops in rue Marbeuf and rue de Sèvres. Berluti now has over 60 stores worldwide.
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® 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 e-commerce 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.
About Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 500,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 40,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org, and for more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org.
Contacts
Berluti — Global press office contact: Julien Efaiki, [email protected]
Berluti — Local press office contact: to be completed by market
Mattel – EMEA press office contact: Amarilis Whitty [email protected]
Mattel – Local press office contact: to be completed by market
www.berluti.com — @BERLUTI — #BERLUTI