## A Unique Collaboration Between GCDS and Polly Pocket
Italian fashion brand GCDS is embracing the growing trend of collectable toys with its latest partnership with Mattel’s beloved Polly Pocket. This collaboration aims to reinterpret the classic miniature toy line through a luxurious fashion lens, providing a fresh perspective on Polly Pocket’s legacy.
### Celebrating Imagination and Design
As part of Mattel Creations, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of popular culture and creativity, this collaboration introduces a new chapter in the Polly Pocket saga. It aims to merge imaginative storytelling with high-end design, drawing significant inspiration from the vibrant heart of Milan.
Giuliano Calza, the creative director at GCDS, has designed a curated capsule collection alongside a collectable compact that infuses the Polly Pocket world with modern Italian flair. This new take highlights the beauty and charm of Italian culture, with elements like Milanese street scenes and traditional gelato.
### A Personal Touch from Giuliano Calza
Giuliano Calza expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Redesigning Polly Pocket marks a personal milestone. Ever since I was a kid, those pastel cases symbolized beauty and creativity to me.” He elaborated on how Polly Pocket toys represented a larger fantasy world, capable of inspiring imagination and emotions.
Calza believes that the term “cute” transcends superficiality; it embodies a powerful and emotional expression within contemporary culture.
### Limited Release and Experiential Launch
The compact version of Milan is set to be launched in limited quantities on July 16, exclusively on gcds.com, followed by availability on Mattel Creations starting July 18. This collaboration will be celebrated with an immersive experience that captures Polly’s miniature universe, featuring interactive installations in Milan on July 16.
Visitors at the Giardino delle Arti pop-up will find the Polly Pocket x GCDS Compact available for purchase, along with merchandise from the capsule collection, and even taste a selection of Polly Pocket-themed food.
Calza hopes this launch resonates with both the GCDS community and Polly fans globally, reflecting the same emotional intensity that it holds for him. He emphasizes that when nostalgia blends with design, it transforms into pure desire.
### Previous Collaborations
This isn’t GCDS’s first venture with Polly Pocket. In 2018, they launched a collection during Milan’s spring/summer 2019 runway show. This partnership expanded with the introduction of a special edition Heart Bag during GCDS’s autumn/winter 2024 showcase. The bag emulates the iconic Polly Pocket compacts, complete with miniature figures inside.
Chris Down, chief design officer at Mattel, shared, “Polly Pocket has always inspired imagination through its tiny worlds. Collaborating with GCDS brings this wonder to life in a vibrant new way, where fashion, nostalgia, and creativity align. Giuliano’s approach reinvents an iconic brand into something fresh and expressive.”
### Final Thoughts
The GCDS and Polly Pocket collaboration represents a unique fusion of fashion and nostalgia. As fans gear up for the limited release, it begs the question: how do you feel about the blending of these two worlds? Join the conversation and let us know what you think!
