Spongebob Squarepants the New King of Crazy Bling?

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His face graces the front of expensive T-shirts, limited-edition sneakers, Louis Vuitton train cases and even Marc Jacob's right arm; there's no doubting that Spongebob Squarepants has enjoyed a meteoric rise from beloved cartoon character to something of a fashion deity.

Loved by big names like MJ and Pharrell, Spongebob is perhaps the male counterpart to the female favorite Hello Kitty. Over the past year, many small releases of luxe Spongebob merchandise have added to his couture clout, but last week's Russell Simmons jewelry collection launch blew all of that out of the water. The centerpiece, the $80,000 diamond pendant, isn't even up for sale; you have to bid against other Squarepants collectors for it in an auction (whose proceeds will then go to Simmons' Diamond Empowerment Fund).

We admit to being big fans of the Spongebob cartoon marathon on Saturdays, but have to draw a line at sporting ridiculously-priced, licensed goods; Patrick is funnier anyway.
· Spongebob Squarepants Brings on the Bling [StyleList]
· Pharrell Williams x A Bathing Ape Croc Spongebob Bapesta [Hypebeast]
· Launches & Releases [Racked]