Image via Complex Original
Gears of Wardrobe: When Clothing Companies License Video Games
After the release of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker earlier this week, we immediately began waiting for Uniqlo's newest line of MGS t-shirts to drop. We can't even front, we need to see Rawse rocking one of those BIG BOSS joints. Uniqlo's teamed up with Konami before, but it's also not the first time a real company (i.e., not Threadless) has linked with a video game company to churn out some officially licensed gaming gear. It hasn't all been peaches and cream, either. Take a look back with us, won't you?
Eckō Unlimited x Halo
Complex Says: We here at Complex did not design these shirts. However, the big homie Marc Eckō did. So even though the Internets didn't exactly love them, we're not gonna turn our backs on our benefactor like that. No, we'll just say this: Those are T-shirts. They have short sleeves and neckholes and images on them that are taken from the Halo universe. They contain cotton. *Looking uncomfortably at our shoes*
Porter x Space Invaders Luggage
Complex Says: Yoshida Kaban's Porter line is hotness in our world, so props to Taito for recognizing game. Or, rather, props to Porter for recognizing game, and props to Taito for recognizing...bags!
UT x Pac-Man
Complex Says: This Uniqlo x Namco/Bandai x 6 Artists from Japan collab was all put together for Pac-Man's big 3-0. What better way to celebrate three decades of gobbling balls—sorry, "pellets"—then immortalizing the little homie through fashion? Oh, you're right: re-making the game. That would be better.
Pro Keds Arcade Collection
Complex Says: While Pro-Keds aren't really the hot shit, despite the Dame Dash co-sign, you have to give a respectable head nod to anyone who took it to the streets like this. Ambition is key: Asteroids, Super Mario, Pac-Man, and Ms. Pac-Man are some of the biggest fish in the sea. Sure, you may be ridiculed for stuntin' your game affiliations on your feet, but c'mon, fam, they're Pro-Keds—what'd you expect, to break necks with
Uniqlo x Galaga, Parappa, and More
Complex Says: Companies only seem to go after the hugely iconic games, blockbusters, or old-school bangers. Galaga, as a classic vertical shooter, qualifies—but it's the Parappa the Rapper shirt that we really love. Underrated games FTW! Dear Uniqlo: make some Crash Bandicoot shirts and we'll love you forever.
New Era x Pac-Man Fitteds
Complex Says: If you don't own a fitted, you're failing (unless you've got a funny-shaped head and look awkward wearing one). So what's better than a new New Era with Pac-Man (or Space Invaders) on it? Just make sure they know you're a fan of the game...and not of swallowing.
King of Games x Nintendo
Complex Says: King of Games is an amazing brand, running the Nintendo design market thanks to an exclusive license. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone that can make nerdy subject look fly—and we say that as people who have rocked a Kid Icarus shirt without being snickered at.
Uniqlo Pokemon Tees
Complex Says: No matter what age you are or how cool you THINK you are, rocking one of these is a win. First off, it's Uniqlo, so hypebeasts can't hate. Secondly, Pokemon is one of the greatest games of all time. Win x Win= Win. Now leave us alone, we're off to run in grassy areas.
Brass Monki's Custom Dunks/AF1s
Complex Says: So here's the deal: homie takes Dunks and Uptowns and customizes them per request for fans. He designs them and sells them, which we suspect might not be totally legal. Sure, they're not official Nintendo x Nike kicks, but you were getting made fun of for wanting Princess Peach Dunks anyway. Like your sister wears size 10 1/2s.