Apparently there was another color variation of the mug that appeared in my blog a few times already. Relief Australia Gold seems to be a Christmas version, judging by the gifts on the front of the mug. In this sense, it’s closer to the Relief Australia Green version rather than Relief Australia Black (regular) one. … Read more
Yet another very interesting and unique find from the private collection that is being offered for sale. It seems that You Are Here Katowice was originally planned for release much earlier than we previously believed. The prototype’s design is significantly different from the version that was ultimately approved in 2024. As you can see in the comparison photos below, the final mug features a more vibrant color palette, while the marching band’s hat from the prototype was replaced with the full marching band.… Read more
The Discovery Series Japan mug marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Starbucks collectables from this beautiful country. Let me remind you that the previous collection featured no fewer than five variations of the Japan mug: the regular edition along with special releases for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each showcasing seasonal artwork while keeping the same overall concept. It will be interesting to see whether Starbucks follows the same approach with the Discovery Series. Personally, I would love to see the beautiful sakura tree on the front of this mug transform throughout the seasons, changing from delicate pink blossoms in spring to lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn colors, and a snow-covered landscape in winter.… Read more
Some prototypes differ from the production version by a color, a missing detail, or a small design tweak. Others are far more intriguing because they represent a product that was never released at all.
This You Are Here Ornament Seoul falls into the second category.
If you’ve been following my recent posts, you already know that Starbucks never officially released a You Are Here mug or ornament for Seoul. Instead, South Korea received its own Korea Real City collection, making any Seoul item from the YAH series something that simply wasn’t supposed to exist.… Read more
The Starbucks Discovery Series Guadalajara pays tribute to the cultural capital of western Mexico. Founded in 1542, Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is widely regarded as the birthplace of several traditions that have become symbols of Mexican identity, including mariachi music and tequila. The city’s historic architecture, vibrant festivals, and celebrated cuisine have earned it a place among Mexico’s most fascinating destinations. The mug combines many of these defining elements into a colorful design.
– Jarabe Tapatío, better known as the Mexican Hat Dance, takes center stage on the left side of the mug.… Read more
The Starbucks Relief Boracay Sky Blue is a release from 2020 with a very unique color combination and a completely different set of landmarks and symbols when compared to the regular version.
Boracay, a small island in the Philippines’ Aklan province, has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated beach destinations since international tourists discovered its powdery white sand in the 1970s. The island’s crown jewel, White Beach, stretches two miles along the western coast with talcum-soft sand and turquoise waters that consistently rank among the world’s best beaches, while Puka Beach offers a quieter alternative on the northern tip known for its shell-strewn shores.… Read more
The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Memphis is a mini-mug for the city that was founded in 1819 along the Mississippi River bluffs. It quickly became a vital port city for the cotton trade and river commerce. The city’s strategic location made it a major transportation hub, connecting the Deep South to markets nationwide via steamboat and later railroad. Memphis endured devastating yellow fever epidemics in the 1870s that nearly destroyed the city, followed by rebuilding and growth into the 20th century.… Read more
The Starbucks Discovery Series Rio de Janeiro captures the energy, history, and unmistakable scenery of one of Brazil’s most famous cities. Founded in 1565 by the Portuguese, Rio de Janeiro served as the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries and remains one of the country’s cultural icons. From its world-famous beaches and colonial architecture to its vibrant festivals and tropical landscapes, Rio offers an experience unlike anywhere else. The mug brings together many of the landmarks and traditions that define the “Cidade Maravilhosa” — the Marvellous City.… Read more
When I first learned that a private collection containing several Starbucks prototype mugs was being offered for sale, I expected to find color variations or minor manufacturing differences. What I didn’t expect were design changes that reveal part of the creative process behind the final mug.
This Icon Jeddah prototype is one of those fascinating examples.
At first glance, it looks almost identical to the production mug. The city name, colors, and the historic Nasseef House featured on the front are all there.… Read more
I have been chasing this hard-to-find ornament for a while now. Fingers crossed it joins my collection soon.
The Discovery Series Ornament Yosemite brings together several of the park’s most recognizable natural attractions despite its compact size. While the full-sized mug has room for a broader collection of landmarks, the ornament focuses on Yosemite’s rugged wilderness, outdoor recreation, and native wildlife. It captures the spirit of one of America’s oldest and most beloved national parks.
– Yosemite Falls dominates the right side of the ornament.… Read more
