K-pop sensations Blackpink team up with devoted fans and Complex NY for the inaugural collaboration of a K-pop themed retail establishment, called 'In Your Area.'
South Korean K-Pop group BLACKPINK has been making waves in the music industry since their debut in 2016, and their latest ventures have taken them into the realm of sports and fashion. The group has collaborated with major sports teams and brands such as Fanatics, Complex, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), creating merchandise collections that showcase a unique blend of music, fashion, sports, and global cultural influence.
Their collaboration with Fanatics and Complex resulted in a sportswear-infused capsule collection featuring NBA and MLB jerseys, hoodies, tees, and hats. Design elements from renowned teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, New York Knicks, and New York Mets were incorporated into the collection. The apparel combines BLACKPINK’s signature aesthetics with classic sports styles, making the pieces versatile streetwear that fans can wear beyond concerts.
This collection celebrates key cities and their sports cultures, connecting BLACKPINK’s global fanbase with hometown pride through a stylish, functional fusion of music and sports culture. The collaboration with PSG, a premier football club, produced a limited-edition collection featuring co-branded t-shirts and hoodies in the group’s signature pink and black. This partnership highlights BLACKPINK’s bold energy alongside PSG's international prestige, marking a cultural and brand partnership that honours their global tour and fan reach in Europe.
These merchandise collections go beyond typical band merch by integrating sport heritage, local team identities, and BLACKPINK’s global iconography, producing apparel that stands at the intersection of music, fashion, and sport culture. This approach boasts cultural significance and utility, allowing fans to feel part of a worldwide fusion of communities linked through both sports and music.
The Fanatics and Complex Pop-up in New York, named 'BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA' League Collection, took place from July 25 to July 27 at 620 Broadway. The pop-up aimed to bring fans closer to the artists and communities they love, according to Reya Benitez, Head of Music Partnerships. The pop-up featured exclusive merchandise, including Mitchell & Ness jerseys, hoodies, tees, and hats, and was a tribute to BLACKPINK’s return, as a portion of their concerts took place at sports venues.
Fans such as Alexe Alvarado, 32, traveled from Austin, Texas, to see BLACKPINK perform at Citi Field and stopped by the Fanatics and Complex NY pop-up to showcase her support. A fan, Gabi Tran, expressed excitement about the collaboration between BLACKPINK and the Knicks, considering it a dive into American culture. Alvarado finds BLACKPINK inspirational and considers them cool, just really cool girls.
BLACKPINK returned to New York City for their Deadline World Tour on July 26 and July 27 at Citi Field. The group's comeback was celebrated with this sports-themed pop-up. They were the first female K-Pop group to top Billboard 200 with their album "Born Pink" and the first to headline and perform at Coachella. The merchandise showcased design elements related to the DEADLINE tour stops and the cities' hometown teams.
These collaborations have solidified BLACKPINK's position as a global cultural phenomenon, blending their unique style with the iconic sports franchises they partner with, reflecting both local pride and global appeal.
- BLACKPINK's collaboration with the New York Knicks, as part of their sportswear-infused capsule collection, showcases the group's foray into American culture, underlining their influence in the realm of fashion-and-beauty and entertainment.
- The limited-edition collection with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) not only reflects BLACKPINK's bold energy but also signifies a fusion of music and entertainment with the prestigious world of fashion and sports, demonstrating their global cultural influence.
