Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip5 stands out as one of this year’s most remarkable smartphones. As the latest addition to Samsung’s line of flip phones, it’s not just popular but also comes in various flavors. Offered in eight colors—cream, lavender, aqua green, graphite, and yellow, cobalt, green, and silver on Samsung’s website—it also boasts a few variations. The South Korean company surprised many in late October by introducing the Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro, a tribute version to the clamshell phone SGH-E700.
For this late November release, Samsung shifts from nostalgia to haute couture in dressing up the Z Flip5. The brand has just announced a collaboration with Maison Margiela, a French high fashion house. Maison Margiela had previously partnered with the market leader to launch the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Edition Margiela and returns to infuse its colors into the Galaxy Z Flip5.
This special edition is adorned at the back with a trompe-l’oeil illustration, highlighting the famous digits « 23 » with the number « 11 » encircled. The semi-transparent effect showcases a fashion brand’s jacket, accompanied by silver and metallic effects.
The foldable smartphone now more than ever becomes a fashion accessory. It comes with a leather case featuring hand-stitched and woven seams, portraying Maison Margiela’s Works-in-progress design. The second case opts for a paint splatter motif and a silver plate, both displaying the famous numbering of the Maison. Moreover, even the packaging distinguishes itself to « harmonize with Maison Margiela’s atelier. »
Maison Margiela’s aesthetic signature is strongly evident in this model, delighting Samsung. « Samsung and Maison Margiela have continued to surprise the industry by breaking conventions and standards and supporting those who seek individuality, » states Stephanie Choi, a Samsung Electronics executive. « This second collaboration between the two brands brings together fashion and technology, approaching a high-tech device in a similar way to crafting haute couture clothing. Through this collaboration, we want consumers to discover their own identity and express it limitlessly. »
Technically, the foldable smartphone isn’t different from a standard model. Thus, this Galaxy Z Flip5 dressed by Maison Margiela should be seen as a fusion of technology and haute couture. It’s a reminder that foldable smartphones strive increasingly to become fashion accessories. HONOR surprised with the V Purse, while Motorola conceived a smartphone transforming into a smartwatch.
Samsung doesn’t go that far, but its collaborations consistently bring the brand closer to the fashion world. In the past, the manufacturer stood out by partnering with Dr. Denims, Thom Brown, or Maison Kitsuné.
Price and Availability Samsung notes that the Galaxy Z Flip5 Maison Margiela will be available starting November 30 in select markets. At this point, the company hasn’t disclosed the list of countries or the price for this special edition.
It’s conceivable that France might unveil this new model. Last year, the Maison Margiela-designed Galaxy Z Flip4 was marketed in our regions. Initially sold at 1,899 euros, it’s now available at more affordable rates, such as through the operator Sosh (589 euros).
