BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In a thrilling collision of fashion and childhood fantasy, Guadalajara-based fashion label Liberal Youth Ministry (LYM) has teamed up with Pokémon to unveil a daring, nostalgia-fueled capsule collection. Dropping on May 30, 2025, this explosive collaboration reimagines the spirit of youth through a vibrant series of retro sportswear pieces adorned with some of the most iconic creatures from the Pokémon universe. Designed for dreamers and disruptors alike, the collection captures the energetic intersection of 1990s anime magic and LYM’s signature punk-tinged aesthetic.
At the heart of the collection are bold retro jerseys and oversized hoodies, meticulously crafted with deconstructed graphics, checkered patterns, and psychedelic gradients. These elements aren’t just stylistic flourishes, they represent LYM’s long-standing dedication to emotional storytelling through color and form. Each piece is a canvas where Pokémon’s visual legacy is transformed into wearable art. Jerseys burst with riotous hues, while hoodies and male skirts push fashion boundaries with spirited iconography. The result is a capsule that both honors Pokémon’s global cultural imprint and asserts LYM’s status as a boundary-pushing force in contemporary streetwear.
What truly sets this collection apart is its curated roster of legendary Pokémon, each selected for their symbolic resonance. From the elemental Gen 1 bird trio–Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres–to the fierce Gen 2 legendary dogs Entei, Suicune, and Raikou, the pieces pulse with mythic energy. The collection also highlights the Gen 3 Weather Trio–Kyogre, Groudon, and the serpentine Rayquaza–as well as the Gen 4 Creation Trio; Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. These Pokémon don’t just decorate the garments; they embody power, evolution, and cosmic lore, infusing the clothes with layers of storytelling. Fan-favorite Charizard, though not technically a legendary Pokémon, also takes center stage in several pieces, chosen for its emblematic appeal and fiery spirit.
Liberal Youth Ministry, founded in 2016 by Antonio Zaragoza, has long been celebrated for blending Latinx cultural identity with punk subcultures, 1980s aesthetics, and soccer-inspired silhouettes. The brand’s rebellious DNA finds a fitting muse in the Pokémon franchise–a cultural juggernaut that has inspired generations to explore identity, adventure, and connection. With this collaboration, LYM channels the wide-eyed wonder of childhood into a forward-thinking wardrobe built for Gen Z and millennials alike. The pieces aren’t just clothes; they’re time capsules stitched with memory, freedom, and fantasy.
The collection officially launched on May 30 and is available exclusively through select global outlets. Fashion aficionados can find the drop at Dover Street Market in Paris, LYM’s flagship studio in Guadalajara, and online via liberalyouthministry.shop. The brand has confirmed that the release supports both national and international shipping, making it accessible to a global audience eager to get their hands on these collectible, wearable artworks.
With this capsule, Liberal Youth Ministry has once again demonstrated its ability to turn pop culture nostalgia into high-concept fashion. By remixing Pokémon’s legendary figures with its unmistakable visual language, LYM has not only created one of the most talked-about collaborations of 2025 but also delivered a love letter to dreamers, rebels, and kids-at-heart everywhere.
