Japanese design studio Nendo isn’t the most obvious collaborator that comes to mind to design a homewares collection for the ever-popular Pokémon property. Associated with minimalist and monochromatic modernity, the creative team helmed by Oki Sato typically explores design solutions residing in the reductive; definitely distant from the polychromatic imaginary realm first released in 1996 in Japan for the Game Boy before going onto explode into a global phenomena.
Recognizing there now exists an entire first generation of Pokémon fans who at least numerically identify as adults, The Pokémon Company connected with Nendo to develop the Pokémon Mosaic collection. The 75-piece collection comprised of cushions, wall clocks, bags, glasses, and plates all embellished with playfully modern geometric abstractions derived from the Pokémon series allows the Pokémon fan an avenue to furnish the home without conspicuously revealing their “collect them all” passions.
To gaming outsiders, the collection looks similar to modern giftwares one might spot at the MoMA gift shop or at the likes of Poketo. But keen eyed gamers will easily identify characters like Snorlax and Pikachu hidden out in the open within each mosaic-styled design.
“The Pokémon Company, was designed as daily household items for grownups…the first generation of Pokemon fans have now reached adulthood but remain fans at heart.”
While the Pokémon Mosaic may seem like a surprise pairing, one should remember you cannot spell “Nintendo” without the letters of N-E-N-D-O.
The Pokémon Mosaic will become available starting September 1st, with previews of the entire collection available at nendo.jp.
