Samsung has launched a limited-edition Galaxy Z Flip 5. It's called the Galaxy Z Flip 5 Maison Margiela Edition, and it has been designed in partnership with Paris-based high-end fashion house Maison Margiela. It is the company's second collaboration with Samsung, with the first one being the Galaxy Z Flip 4 Maison Margiela Edition. The new phone was leaked a few weeks ago.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 Maison Margiela Edition has been launched in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea. It comes with 512GB of internal storage (free storage space varies). In Korea, it is priced at KRW 2,497,000 ($1,923) and is available through a lottery at Samsung.com. Those who wish to buy this limited-edition phone in South Korea can apply through Samsung's website from 9 AM to 5 PM on November 30, and the winners will be announced at 9 AM on December 1, 2023. The phone will be showcased in South Korea at Samsung Gangnam and Samsung Store Hongdae from November 23.
This limited-edition device is designed for those who seek freshness and unconventionally, according to Samsung. While Samsung has revolutionized foldable phones, Maison Margiela has consistently surprised the fashion industry with its deconstructive yet sophisticated design approach. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 Maison Margiela Edition comes in a huge box that resembles archival sample storage used in atelier stores to keep various fabric samples and threads.
The box is packed in a paper-based woven book cloth fabric. The phone displays Maison Margiela's iconic jacket on its semi-transparent back and comes bundled with two cases: a Flap Leather Case and a Flipsuit Case.
The Flap Leather Case showcases an atelier’s craftsmanship through its natural black leather, woven fabric design, and genuine fabric label. When the device is opened, it showcases a pocket pattern, and closing the device hides it. The Flipsuit Case comes with two NFC-based cards: one with a paint splatter design and the other with a silver plate. Both cards display Maison Margiela's iconic numbering design. Switching to any of these cards also switches the device's theme to that particular pattern.
The device also comes with a special theme and two wallpapers: Stitches and Trompe-L'oeil. The Stitches wallpaper displays handwoven stitches on the cover and inner screens, while the Trompe-L'oeil wallpaper displays a jacket's inner workings. The three-tiered packaging box also comes with a 25W charger and a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable. You can see the unboxing of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 Maison Margiela Edition in the video below.
Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing at Samsung MX, said, “Samsung and Maison Margiela have continued to surprise the industry by breaking conventions and norms, and support those who seek individuality. This second collaboration between the two brands brings together fashion and technology by approaching a high-tech device in a way similar to the construction of an haute couture garment. Through this collaboration, we want consumers to discover their own identity and express it without limitation.”
Additional images of this limited-edition smartphone's packaging, box, cases, and other accessories can be seen below. Samsung hasn't announced whether it plans to bring this device to other countries than the one announced today.