It's been another weird week in retail. Ralph Lauren resurfaced Rachel Green's stylish looks, Balenciaga brought new life to its mannequins and McDonald's cashed in on the streetwear trend.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
Could we be any more excited for this collection
It's been 25 years since we welcomed Ross, Rachel, Monica and the rest of the Central Perk bunch into our homes. And in celebration of "Friends" being a quarter of a century old, people are cashing in on the opportunity to lure consumers (and their wallets) through good old nostalgia.
Just this month, Warner Brothers opened a pop-up inspired by the show that will run through Oct. 6. It features everything from Rachel and Monica's iconic purple door the orange couch from Central Perk.
Retailers have also jumped on the "Friends" bandwagon. Ikea earlier this year ran advertisements that were inspired by the TV show's set, and Pottery Barn released a Friends-inspired collection complete with the infamous Apothecary Table (just don't tell Phoebe).
Ralph Lauren "Friends" Collection from Industry Dive on Vimeo.
And in a move that pays homage to the stylish Rachel Green, Ralph Lauren this week announced a special wear-to-work collection inspired by the girl who went from a waitress in a coffee shop to an executive at that very brand by the end of the series. The collection includes pieces like turtleneck sweaters, mini and midi skirts, and leather pants (though we think that last one may have been inspired by Ross Geller).
RALPH LAUREN IS COMING OUT WITH A FRIENDS COLLECTION SOMEONE HELP ME BREATHE
— ???????????????????????????? (@quitunext) September 18, 2019
To coincide with the special collection, the company announced a pop-up inspired by the show will be in select Bloomingdale's — another place Rachel worked in the series.
Seriously though, could we be any more excited about the opportunity to score Rachel's looks?
Ralph Lauren x friends collection ❤️???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/JquXDuzRFs
— Kheira???? (@kheiranicole1) September 18, 2019
Balenciaga gets (eerily) real
Balenciaga has never been known for doing what's expected. The designer made Crocs fashionable, sold a keychain for $250 and used Lisa Frank as inspiration for some of its accessories.
However, the fashion house's mannequins at its Madison Avenue flagship store may have taken the absurdity up a notch. The mannequins look eerily human-like, and absolutely nobody is here for it.
Balenciaga are Taking their Mannequins to a different Level!???? pic.twitter.com/V2zSO03iCS
— Outlander (@StreetFashion01) September 18, 2019
The Balenciaga wax mannequins are tooo trippy ????
— H Boogie wit da Hoodie (@haileyjones_) September 14, 2019
The mannequins at the new Balenciaga on Madison ???????? pic.twitter.com/q7x0WNQmNu
— ✨ your favorites favorite. (@Rezon_DaDawn) September 18, 2019
Just when we thought Dior's robotic woman statue in Washington, D.C.'s CityCenter was the creepiest fashion installation this year, Balenciaga had to one-up it. Though, mannequins appear to be particularly hot right now. (As in, one of the most interesting things about Rue21's new store concept is that they are introducing mannequins. This is innovation, people.)
With Halloween just around the corner, Balenciaga's mannequins could not have made their debut at a better time.
McDonald's fast food turns fast fashion
To promote its McDelivery Night In event, McDonald's introduced a new line of apparel and accessories inspired by everyone's fast-food favorites.
Want hashbrown slippers? McDonald's has got you covered, along with branded playing cards, T-shirts, a "Melty cheese oversized sweatshirt" and much more.
![](https://www.retaildive.com/user_media/diveimage/McDelivery-Slippers-FlatLay-FS-v5_0.jpg)
While the chain restaurant designed this collection for customers to lounge around in while staying in, we bet this would resonate well among the streetwear community. We're predicting a McDonald's x Supreme collection in the future.
![](https://www.retaildive.com/user_media/diveimage/Photo_1_Playing_Cards_0391_v2-McDeliveryBag-UberLogo.jpg)
Fans had the opportunity to receive one of these limited edition items by ordering through the Uber Eats app on Thursday evening.
Kanye reimagines Crocs
Late last week, Kanye West blessed the world with yet another Yeezy drop. This time, the world was not prepared.
YEEZY FOAM RUNNER
— YEEZY MAFIA (@theyeezymafia) September 12, 2019
LANDING IN 2020 pic.twitter.com/tiG9UQrUbw
People were quick to compare the "Yeezy Foam Runners" to another famous (infamous?) shoe — Crocs. And while people mocked Kanye's latest drop, he may have had the right idea. Crocs are having a big moment right now, with celebrities like Post Malone and Ariana Grande jumping on board and touting the porous kicks. The shoes have inspired other products, as well, such as handbags.
There's been no word yet whether the rapper-designer will drop a line of Jibbitz-inspired embellishments for the shoes (imagine Kimoji Jibbitz!!), but we sure hope he does.