The Magic Behind ONCH’s Pokémon Collaboration

From classic video games to the iconic cartoon series, Pokémon is one of the most successful and best-performing anime series there has been. A cult classic that brings many people a feeling of nostalgia, designer ONCH (previously known as Onch Movement) tapped into these euphoric emotions in his sophomore collaboration with Pokémon.

ONCH is a Los Angeles-based artist and designer, who first appeared on Season 1 of the MTV reality show Paris Hilton’s My New BFF, has worked with brands like Hasbro, Sanrio, and many more. However, his newest collaboration with Pokémon has a special place in ONCH’s heart where he has designed an official Pokémon and ONCH Gold Pikachu chunky chain necklace that features an 18K gold plated smiling Pikachu as an exclusive collectible necklace that is limited to 300 pieces only.

For over 18 years, Designer ONCH has been creating wearable art pieces with celebrity clients like Kate Moss, Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, Jojo Siwa, and many more. However, this recent collaboration was special to ONCH’s heart where he got to express his love for Pokémon. ONCH says: “I consider all my collections to be special in different ways. Each one represents a piece of me, my journey and my evolution as a jewelry designer and an artist.”

“I discovered Pokémon in the late 90s when the animated TV series was first aired. As an animal lover I instantly fell in love with all the unique Pokémon. I remember wishing it was real life and wanted my very own Pikachu.”

Designer ONCH decided to team up with Pokémon fans, Garrett Clayton, known for his lead role in the 2013 Disney Channel Movie ‘Teen Beach Movies’ as well as the upcoming Paramount+ reboot of ‘The Fairly OddParents,’ along with Zack Lugo, content creator with over 11 million followers across social media, for this feature on Contrast Magazine.

During the cover shoot, legendary Sarah Natochenny, voice of Ash Ketchum on Pokémon the Series, made a special appearance to show support for this collaboration. Without a doubt, Pokémon has impacted the lives of many since 1995 and continues to do so to this day. With over 898 Pokémon, ONCH explains how easily it is for anyone to relate to at least one Pokémon or Pokémon trainer.

This magical collaboration between Pokémon and ONCH will be available on Pokémon Day, February 27, 2022 at www.onch.us. This exclusive collectible necklace will be limited to only 300 pieces at $350 and each will include a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. You can also tune into their live shopping experience on NTWRK at 4pm PST to shop/watch the iconic drop.

Read the full interview with the designer ONCH below.

What inspired your new collaboration with Pokémon? I have been a Pokémon fan for as long as I can remember and of course, I love all Pokémon. That said, Pikachu does hold an extra special place in my heart so for this collaboration I was inspired to unite my love for Pikachu with my passion for chunky gold jewelry.

What was your creative process designing this new Pokémon necklace? For this capsule collection, I actually rewatched a bunch of Pokémon animation and researched accessory trends that are classics. For me, it is important to design a piece that is not only of amazing quality but also timeless and never goes out of style.

You’ve designed wearable art for 18 years, what is it about this collection that makes it so special? I consider all my collections to be special in different ways. Each one represents a piece of me, my journey and my evolution as a jewelry designer and an artist.

I think what makes this collection even more special at this time is the nostalgia that it represents. Being a lifelong Pokémon fan, I remember the many hours spent on the floor in front of the TV watching Pokémon animation with my little brother. For so many others as well during this pandemic, it has been over 2 years since I last saw my family.

In designing this capsule collection, it’s like I’ve come full circle. I got to relive my childhood memories by rewatching Pokémon animation and I also got to design a very special piece for myself and all the grown-up Pokémon fans to enjoy.

Tell me about the time you first discovered your love for Pokémon. I discovered Pokémon in the late 90s when the animated TV series was first aired. As an animal lover I instantly fell in love with all the unique Pokémon. I remember wishing it was real life and wanted my very own Pikachu.

What is it about Pokémon that you think attracts people from all walks of life? Personally, I think everyone can relate to at least one Pokémon or Pokémon Trainer. I also love the shared goal of all Pokémon Trainers, no matter their background, all strive to be the very best.

If you could be a Pokémon, which one would you be and why? To be honest it will be impossible to just pick one. I would say my top 4 are: Pikachu, Ditto, Togepi and Mew. Each of them represents a little part of me (or how I see myself at least). Pikachu is loyal and resilient, Ditto can change and adapt its form like a chameleon, Togepi is a magical fairy and Mew has psychic powers.