GCDS X Bratz: The Most Y2K Collaboration of the Year
GCDS opens a new pop-up store in Milan and launches the GCDS X Bratz collaboration. Pop aesthetics, fun details, and all-over fuchsia are guaranteed
Arguably some of the most iconic figures of the 2000s, the Bratz recently returned to the spotlight. Before the Kardashians, these four provocative-looking dolls dictated fashion through their love of exaggerated make-up (such as big lips and cat eyes), and playful, Y2K style. Now, 20 years later, the Italian brand GCDS, under the creative direction of Giuliano Calza, is re-re-envisioning these iconic figures. Just in time for the holidays, the GCDS x Bratz collaboration captures the interests of Gen Z and fashion addicts alike.
This collaboration focuses on two of the four dolls, Yasmin and Sasha, who Calza chose as protagonists. Calza explained his artistic reasoning behind this decision: "Why this choice? Yasmin is the one that most physically resembles the Italian physiognomy, while Sacha is simply the coolest of the group and the one who, in terms of fashion, always has dared more." The creative director furthermore described the impact of Bratz dolls on his own life, "I grew up looking for something that represented my identity, diversity, culture. When the Bratz arrived that defied beauty standards by including a wide range of different faces and characteristics, everything changed."
It appears to Calza that Bratz dolls revolutionized the worlds of beauty, fashion, and toys. Calza detailed the dolls' impact on his childhood as, "Growing up, I often felt scared of who I really was. I had to learn through experience. What made me feel not up to par in certain situations, now makes me feel strong and this is the message I want to pass on to the next generation. Focus on your path, you do you. These dolls were rejected and criticized, yet nothing could scratch their sassiness, they still remember the outsiders who changed the world."
What are the Yasmin and Sasha of 2021 like? The former wears an all-over Bratz print minidress, pony-print clogs, and fun accessories. Meanwhile, Sasha sports a confident look featuring a faux fur coat with accompanying GCDS logo layered over a crystal embellished dress. This doll pairs her outfit with two fun accessories, a golden heart-shaped bag and white GCDS Establish boots—Calza's favorite piece—from the brand's most recent Fall/Winter collection.
GCDS X Bratz is a colorful colloboration that best reflects the heritage and tradition of both worlds. The colloboration features two Bratz Collector dolls along with a unisex ready-to-wear collection of limited edition clothing and accessories. Every piece is made in Italy with emphasis placed on affordability of this capsule collection. "Our intent was to create something accessible and at the same time super fashionable," Calza said. "It was not easy, it took longer of a full year of work, but the final result exceeded our expectations."
The GCDS team's final result materialized in the capsule collection and a new pop-up store in Milan, Italy. Inaugurated at via Sant'Andrea 16, the shop features pop aesthetics, fuchsia colorways, and functional yet playful elements. For example, the store houses two life-size Bratz statues adorned in GCDS (created by the artist Colin Christian) and vending machines where visitors can purchase GCDS X Bratz garments and other exclusive merchandise from the capsule collection. Y2K Bratz nostalgia is emphasized throughout the store's design. One of the walls is lined from floor to ceiling with the dolls in their original packaging and two Bratz printed rugs in shades of pink welcome the public. Luminous panels adorn the shop with an illustrated product list so visitors can browse with ease.
From GCDS personalized Moon Boots to exclusive gift boxes, the offerings are designed to satisfy the most diverse personalities, because in the end GCDS's goal is one: to celebrate the beauty of uniqueness. .