The O.G. Apple Company Merch
Flashback to 1986: The Birth of The Apple Collection
Picture this: it’s 1986, long before the Apple Store and Apple Park was born. Shoulder pads are in, neon is everywhere, and Apple drops a bombshell on the corporate world with The Apple Collection. Yes, that’s right. Apple, the tech giant known for its sleek devices and premium services, ventured into the realm of fashion and accessories. The Apple Collection was a line of promotional products that included everything from t-shirts and caps to tote bags and even a surfboard. It was Apple’s way of not just thinking differently, but also dressing differently.
How Apple's Custom-Branded Swag Turned Heads and Raised Eyebrows
At first, it looks like an Acme De La Vie and Ralph Lauren partnership. The thin serif font, the eclectic visuals. The preppy looks. But the Apple Collection wasn’t just another line of corporate merch; it was a bold statement. At a time when company swag meant boring pens and dull notebooks, the company went all out for its brand-new Apple custom-branded swag.
They bagged partners like Tiffany, Lamy, and Braun. They infused their merch with the same innovative spirit that characterized their products. The result? Custom-branded swag that was not only eye-catching but also buzzworthy. People were wearing Apple merch to make a statement.
The Apple Shoes: Making Swag Hip Again
And that's not all. Let’s talk about those Apple shoes. Yes, Apple had shoes! These Apple sneakers were the epitome of '80s cool. They sported the classic rainbow Apple logo in some of the branded items, which turned out to be surprisingly stylish. Apple made swag hip before hip was even a thing. It became bigger than angling for elite clients for their tech products; The Apple Collection turned corporate merch into a must-have accessory, making techies everywhere eager to flaunt their Apple pride from head to toe. In 2023, a pair of these classic Apple sneakers sold to a collector for about $16,000.
Think Different: The Power of Branding
Branding Beyond Logos: What The Apple Collection Said About Apple
The Apple Collection was more than just merch—it was a reflection of Apple’s brand identity. Each item in the collection echoed Apple's commitment to innovation and quality. The iconic rainbow Apple logo emblazoned on a t-shirt or a tote bag was a visual testament to the brand's ethos. Sure, Apple was selling products. But it's more than that; they were selling a lifestyle, a way of thinking different. Now, even their app icons and tech accessories doesn't look as lively as the designs.
How Apple’s Swag Became a Stealthy Ambassador for the Brand
Furthermore, Apple’s swag wasn’t just for show. It became a silent ambassador for the brand; it was about embodying the brand’s values. The swag was a conversation starter, a badge of pride, and a way for people to connect with the brand on a deeper level. It turned their consumers into walking, talking brand ambassadors. Too bad they don't have it at The Apple Store any more.
Trendsetting and Trailblazing: The Apple Way
Apple has always been a trendsetter, and The Apple Collection was no exception. By redefining what company merch could be, Apple set a new standard for corporate branding. They showed that swag could be stylish, desirable, and a powerful branding tool. It wasn't supposed to grace the runways of Paris or Milan; it was about trailblazing a new path for company swag and setting the bar high for others to follow.
Swag That Speaks Volumes: Apple's Brand Beliefs
How The Apple Collection Came To Be
The inception of The Apple Collection traces back to when then-CEO Steve Jobs visited Sony's offices and observed employees donning SONY-branded apparel. Inspired, Jobs decided Apple needed its own branded gear and enlisted designer Issey Miyake to create some mockups. Although Jobs was ousted by the board before his project could take off, the Apple leadership saw potential in his idea and pursued it with gusto. Thus, The Apple Collection was born.
World Domination: The Message Behind Apple’s Merch
The Apple Collection wasn’t just about cool designs and trendy apparel. It was about making a statement about its big ambitions. It was beyond the usual merch like clothing and keychains. The Apple Collection even included a Honda scooter and a sailboat! Apple was signalling to the world that it wanted to take over the world. Sure, it was a little offbeat with its bold color scheme and wide-range of products. But if you think about it now, Apple's products and services now dominates the media, entertainment, technology, and even home electronics.
It also wanted the world to know about its commitment to quality. The catalog for the collection reiterated its partnership with brands known for their excellent, durable products. Belts by Patagonia and vests from The North Face also graced the pages of the catalog. It continues that commitment to this day, coming up with striking, sleek designs for it's products, from the first iMac, to the latest iPhone.
Bold Moves: Exploring The Brand Identity
Some balked at the pop of color. Others got confused by the dizzying array of products. Ultimately, it was a strong choice as Apple sought a new identity. At the time of the release, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak had already left the company. They were the key figures in shaping Apple's brand identity. With the two of them missing, we're pretty sure the execs was looking for a new way to portray the brand.
We're guessing that they wanted to broaden the appeal of the brand to beyond the tech consumers then. They wanted to reach out to new customers, at a time where tech consumers only made up of the elite few in global markets. In some sense, it helped people imagine what the company could be. All they needed was a clear and focused brand message, a clearer target audience, and a more selective, thoughtful approach to curating the lifestyle items.
The Collector's Dream: The Legacy of The Apple Collection
From Nostalgia to Nifty: Why The Apple Collection Still Matters
Whether or not their staff wanted all the swag as Apple employee merch is another story. But, decades later, The Apple Collection remains a collector’s dream. The nostalgia associated with these vintage items is undeniable. They serve as a reminder of Apple’s journey and evolution. For collectors, they are pieces of tech history, representing a time when Apple was defining its identity.
Hunting for Treasures: The Hunt for Rare Apple Swag
Today, finding items from The Apple Collection is like searching for hidden treasures. After all, only so much of it was produced because of its popularity (or lack thereof). Collectors scour the internet, auctions, and vintage stores in hopes of snagging a rare piece of Apple history. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding a rare item makes these pieces highly coveted. They are not just collectibles; they are artifacts that tell the story of Apple’s innovative spirit.
The Nike Collab: Bringing The Apple Collection into the 21st Century
But, just imagine if The Apple Collection had a modern twist. Enter the Nike collaboration. The partnership between Apple and Nike has not only revolutionised the fitness industry but also set a new standard for company swag items. From custom-branded Apple merch to exclusive co-branded products, this collaboration exemplifies how two powerhouse brands can merge their strengths for mutual benefit. Whether it's the seamless integration of technology in their products or the stylish recreations of the current Apple employee swag, the synergy between Apple and Nike continues to inspire innovation and elevate user experiences. Let's dive into the details of this iconic partnership and explore how it's reshaping the world of fitness and tech.
The Dynamic Duo of Apple and Nike
The collaboration between Apple and Nike has been a win-win for both companies. Apple taps into Nike's expansive athletic audience, solidifying its presence in the fitness wearable market. Meanwhile, Nike leverages Apple's cutting-edge technology to elevate their fitness products and apps, creating a synergy that enhances the offerings of both brands. And not just that, the partnership touches on creativity too. Most recently, the two companies revealed an exclusive Air Max that was, in part, created using Apple products.
Apple Custom-Branded Swag: Seamless Product Integration
A cornerstone of the Apple and Nike partnership is the seamless integration between their products. This began with the Nike+iPod in 2006, which allowed runners to track their workouts using their iPod Nano. Today, Nike apps sync effortlessly with Apple Watches, providing guided workouts and comprehensive fitness tracking. This integration exemplifies how Apple custom-branded swag and technology can enhance user experiences.
Co-Branded Products for Fitness Enthusiasts
The Apple Watch Nike+ edition is a perfect example of the collaboration's success in creating co-branded products. Combining the innovative features of the Apple Watch with exclusive Nike watch bands and pre-loaded Nike Run Club apps, these products showcase the synergy between the two brands. This co-branding not only appeals to fitness enthusiasts but also strengthens the brand loyalty of both Apple and Nike fans.
Elevate Your Swag Game with Boxaroo
Channeling Apple's Spirit: Crafting Custom-Branded Swag for Your Team
At Boxaroo, we understand the power of swag done right. Inspired by Apple’s innovative approach, we help you craft custom-branded merch that embodies your brand’s spirit. Whether it’s for onboarding new employees or celebrating a company milestone, our swag solutions are designed to make an impact.
Tech Chic: Embracing the Apple Aesthetic in Your Company Merch
Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? Embrace the Apple aesthetic with sleek, stylish, and high-quality merch that your team will love. From minimalist designs to bold statements, Boxaroo ensures your swag is not just another freebie but a piece of brand identity that your employees and clients will proudly wear.
From Mac to Merch: How Boxaroo Can Help You Create Swag That Wows
Boxaroo takes a page from Apple’s playbook to create merch that wows. Our holistic approach covers everything from design to distribution, ensuring your swag is top-notch and globally accessible. Just like Apple, we believe in creating items that are more than just merch—they are experiences that leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, The Apple Collection revolutionised the way we think about company swag. It was bold, innovative, and ahead of its time. Today, brands continue to draw inspiration from Apple’s approach, striving to create merch and corporate gifts that are stylish, meaningful, and a true reflection of their brand. With Boxaroo, you can elevate your swag game, channeling the spirit of Apple to create custom-branded merch that wows and inspires.
