Anrealage - BE@RBRICK
Since its creation in 2003, Kunihiko Morinaga’s label Anrealage has radically transformed perception in fashion. As one of the rising stars of the Japanese fashion scene, this innovative Tokyo label has a unique, tech-savvy, and futuristic take on clothing. Anrealage's claim to fame is the company's internationally recognized, critically acclaimed photochromic textiles. It comes as no surprise that they teamed up with the equally iconic BE@BRICK for a futuristic figure collaboration. The "BE@RBRICK Anrealage 1000%" figure is the perfect blend of these two innovative brands.
Anrealage x BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
Anrealage and Medicom Toy have collaborated on two main projects. The first figure in the collaboration launched in May 2018.
Collaboration Planning and Launch History
The first figure in the Anrealage and BE@RBRICK collaboration came out in all three sizes in May 2018. The figure’s unique transparent body featured an acrylic resin flower design with the Anrealage logo on its chest. An alternate design using a red transparent body came out in April the next year. Also in 2019, the partnership expanded to include Ballon, a fragrance company. The "ANREALAGE BE@RBRICK Aroma Ornament No.26Z" and "ANREALAGE BE@RBRICK Aroma Ornament No.26A" figures each included a sample scent matching the design.
BE@RBRICK Anrealage 1000%
This figure from Medicom Toy perfectly showcases Anrealage and its philosophy as a label. The design highlights Anrealage's core belief in transformation. A key feature is the figure's transparent body. On a bright white backdrop, the figure's base color takes on a pale pink hue. A floral acrylic resin print sits on top. The flowers feature Anrealage’s signature color range, pastel yellows, orange, and pinks, with accents of blue and purple. However, the base color changes depending on the figure's surroundings or placement. With new angles, light filters through the acrylic resin differently creating a new appearance. This effect mimics the way Anrealage's photochromic textiles interact with light.
The 1000% size measures 27.6" and is the largest BE@RBRICK available from Anrealage. However, the smaller sizes are also available as a set and come in the usual 100% and 400% BE@RBRICK format.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Anrealage 1000%
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Specifications: Painted & articulated figure
- Height (Approx.): 700 mm | 27.6"
Anrealage Background
Anrealage is a Tokyo-based contemporary fashion brand. It is internationally recognized for its futuristic approach and development of new clothing technology with nods to traditional styles. The brand is most well-known for its Paris women's collections, introducing photochromatic color adapting textiles.
Anrealage Background: History
Fashion designer and Anrealage founder Kunihiko Morinaga was born in Tokyo in 1980. He started Anrealage in 2003 after graduating from both Waseda University and the Vantan Design Institute. In 2005, Morinaga's label won the coveted New York Design Vision Award for the Avant-Garde at Gen Art. Morinaga then won the coveted Award for Best New Designer at the 29th Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix in 2011. In 2014, Anrealage debuted at Paris Fashion Week with its 2015 Spring and Summer collection. Morinaga returned to Tokyo to open retail locations for the brand. The first store, ANREALAGE AOYAMA, opened in 2016 followed by the brand's flagship store the next year.
The brand name “ANREALAGE,” as stated by Morinaga, comes from a combination of "a real," "unreal," and "age." The components stand for "everyday, unusual, and era" respectively.
Anrealage Background: Reception
Critics and fans have praised Anrealage since the brand's debut for its provocative approach in form-making and innovative design. The brand follows a narrative in line with Japanese culture. It involves respecting and cultivating traditions while having one eye looking toward the future. Anrealage's use and development of new technologies earned the brand international acclaim in just a few years. Today, the label has become as much art as it is fashion, with exhibitions in Paris, Los Angeles, and São Paulo.
Other Notable Anrealage Collaborations
Anrealage has collaborated with other brands and businesses across numerous industries. Collaborators range from niche brands, like Japanese fragrance company Ballon, to high-profile international labels. In 2020, Anrealage partnered with Los Angeles-based OUTDOOR PRODUCTS creating patchwork bags and backpacks. The same year, Morinaga famously worked with Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi. The collaboration combined Fendi's Fall/Winter designs with Morinaga's photochromic textiles.
Related figures
The same design is also available as "BE@RBRICK Anrealage 100% & 400%" and there are plenty of other fashion brands as well as artist collaborations within the Medicom Toy BE@RBRICK series. Fans of Anrealage will especially like the "BE@RBRICK Jackson Pollock Studio (Splash) 100％ & 400％ Set" based on Jackson Pollock’s signature drip and splatter technique.