At first glance, video games and fashion might not seem like they go together, but when you give it some more thought, they actually do. The way that a character is dressed will often be the main way that a player gets a better idea of who they are. And fashion is a huge part of gaming character design, with iconic looks letting them stand out in the game. Whether it’s a uniform, armor, or a simple fashion accessory, it has to look good for gamers to like it.
These days, most games have the option for players to change the clothing of their characters, giving them a chance to customize the character to their preferences. Over time, we have slowly seen fashion having a bigger impact on video games, with real-world designers having their looks featured in popular games.
Louis Vuitton and Final Fantasy 13
Lighting, the main character in this game, has been a model for Luis Vuitton. In 2015, there was a serious collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Square Enix for the Spring-Summer 2016 collection. Just as with the real-world models, Lighting features wearing pieces from the collection in the game, incorporated into the design by character designer Tetsuya Nomura.
Her Universe and Tomb Raider
The misconception that fantasy and sci-fi gaming franchises were only for guys is being cracked wide open, and over the past decade, female fans have been making their voices heard. Ashley Eckstein is one of them and with her fashion brand, Her Universe, she’s been making womenswear that’s very game-inspired. The Her Universe website offers a collection of activewear and jackets based on Rise of the Tomb Raider that are both fashionable and functional. Wear them for getting active or while relaxing at home playing your favorite video game or online gambling for real money.
Moschino and The SIMS 4
The SIMS franchise is a very popular game and it’s no stranger to the fashion industry. If you have played this game, you will know that one of the best things about it is the ability to customize your characters and set up every aspect of their life, including what they wear. The SIMS has collaborated with various different fashion brands including H&M and Diesel, and now Moschino for the SIMS 4, which features pieces from the Fall/Winter collection.
Hot Topic and Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed franchise tells two stories in one, with one story set in the past featuring Desmond Miles’ ancestors, and the other in the present, following Desmond. At the height of its popularity, Hot Topic released a collection inspired by the game with several different tops and jackets based on popular characters.
Prada and Final Fantasy 13-2
Lightning from Final Fantasy is back again as her Louis Vuitton collab wasn’t the first time she’s been a high fashion model. In 2012, Lightning and several other characters from the game were also models for Prada, featuring several pieces of clothing from the 2012 Spring/Summer collection worn by Lightning, Sazh, Hope, Noel, and Snow.
Have your fashion choices ever been inspired by video games?