Thom Browne: Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 sets are inspired by the Olympic Games

When the early-generation Galaxy Z Flip was released in 2020, the Thom Browne collaboration suit, which appeared under the name of one last thing, was really eye-catching. After that, each of Samsung’s folding screen mobile phones will have an additional TB version. These products are often “sold out within a few minutes” because they are limited to 3,500 sets each time. At the recent Unpacked event, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 were unveiled together, and two new TB suits containing Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Watch 4 and other accessories also appeared as scheduled. My colleagues at the main station recently got the opportunity to play with the new machine. At the same time, I was fortunate enough to interview Thom Browne and talk about his views on design and cooperation with Samsung.

The new TB version is very particular about the packaging. Each device included has its own label box, and they are neatly placed in the grooves in the big box. Accessories such as watch straps, earphones, protective cases, wireless chargers, etc., are all hidden in the lower drawer of the box. It is worth mentioning that Samsung has also prepared a matching S Pen Pro stylus for Z Fold 3 users, which naturally also has Thom Browne’s iconic stripes and red, white, and blue color elements.

Speaking of these colors, Browne told us that he deliberately chose red, white, and blue to pay tribute to the US team’s sportswear. Considering that it is the Olympic year, this should also be regarded as a selling point. “The three colors of red, white, and blue, especially the red line on the white background, are very reminiscent of the Olympics of the past and the old-style Olympic costumes.” Browne said, “I like sports and appreciate athletes. A lot of inspiration.” (He was actually a swimmer himself)

Of course, such lines and color matching have always been part of Samsung’s folding machine package. In Browne’s words, this is something that makes him feel “very distinctive”. Browne will ensure that the highly recognizable elements that represent his brand are retained in the suit, because he believes that “if it is handled in a different way, people will be disappointed.” Not surprisingly, in addition to the hardware design, various traces of joint names can also be seen in the software of the TB version of the device.

In addition to mobile phones, the relatively more decorative TB versions of Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds 2 are much more outstanding in appearance than the regular version. Although the designer’s space on the headset is limited, the small red, white, and blue stripes still make the device a little more interesting (although it looks a bit like the French flag in reverse). After jointly launching three generations of products, Browne and Samsung have become very familiar with each other. Each special edition basically takes almost a year to build. In Browne’s view, “the most important part of cooperation is to take the best of both parties.”

From Browne’s point of view, the cooperation with Samsung reflects the “good, mutually supportive, and respectful relationship” between the two parties for more than 15 years. Although the co-branded mobile phone has only been around for two years, Samsung has actually exhibited Browne’s work in its own store a long time ago. The beginning of the cooperation between the two parties, the Galaxy Z Flip, is also of special significance to Browne, because the first mobile phone he owned was based on this type. “The idea of ​​reinterpreting a representative mobile phone design with today’s technology is very attractive to me,” Browne said.

According to Browne, Samsung has never imposed any restrictions on it during the design process. But what he really wanted to make was a pure gold mobile phone. “This is the challenge I want to give Samsung.” Browne said. It is worth mentioning that in view of the harmonious relationship between the two parties, Browne stated that he currently has no plans to cooperate with other technology companies. For other types of Samsung’s products, he also expressed his willingness to try. In any case, the popularity of the Thom Browne brand has increased a lot through mass consumer products such as Galaxy mobile phones. “I hope that many new friends can enter the world of Thom Browne through mobile phones.”