Fashion Returns:
Final Fantasy
By Michael T. Brewer
Fashion design has always been apart of the Final Fantasy brand. These characters have
seemingly balanced fantasy costumes and avant-garde couture unlike any other video
franchise. Recently, Final Fantasy has been in the spotlight especially for its involvement
with the fashion industry. Let’s take a closer look at how fashion has become more involved
in the franchise.
Final Fantasy XIII
In 2012, Arena Homme+ April issue showcased a very incredible editorial of Final Fantasy
13 characters modeling Prada’s Spring 2012 Mens Collection. What may seem like an
unlikely pairing on the surface actually created something rather believable. “The FINAL
FANTASY series is known for its creativity and innovation; so working with Prada, a
renowned fashion house with such beautiful clothing, was a very exciting opportunity. The
images we have been able to create together are vibrant and unique,” said Yoshinori Kitase,
producer of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 in a press release regarding the issue.
“Our Spring issue focuses on a world of direction and escapism, and having a visually
stunning videogame franchise such as FINAL FANTASY work alongside us and a leading
fashion brand like Prada to create something so unique is incredible,” said Max Pearmain,
Editor of Arena Homme+. “I’ve always been interested by the power of videogames and
their place in society, and the amount of work that’s gone into this project blows my mind.
We’re incredibly pleased with the result.”
Japanese video game development and publishing company SquareEnix is set for 2014
to release the next installment in the commercially and critically polarizing Final Fantasy
XIII trilogy. This last chapter puts Lightning as the main character tasked with a mere
thirteen days to save the world from destruction. With the world’s impending doom
looming over her, Lightning has found new powers to aid her in her quest. This system is
called Schemata which gives her access to different garments that each has its own distinct
abilities and powers. Lightning can change her Schema during the battle. This system was
first implemented in the 2004 spin-off Final Fantasy X-2 known as Dresspheres.
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