_edited.jpg){kind=logo}
So, if you don’t know me, I’m a fucking nerd. I started playing video games when I was seven and have been playing consistently ever since. When I was at the ripe age of thirteen, my friend showed me to this absolutely atrocious game called League of Legends. Naturally, I got addicted and have been playing ever since. I still play in college but it’s mostly to stay connected with my friends back home. The tale of Riot Games, the developers of League, is the Cinderella story of the gaming industry. They started in a meek little basement, but now they head the most popular game in the world. If you’d like to learn more about the origins of the game company they released a great documentary down below.
A few years ago Riot Games was purchased by the multinational conglomerate holding company known as Tencent. After Tencent purchased League of Legends, they began focusing more on the Asian demographic. Beginning in the early 2010s, Riot began giving Chinese players exclusive rewards and perks, that never fully made their way to European and North American servers.
In the world of fashion, Louis Vuitton is one of the most recognizable and iconic. Chinese socialites often adorn themselves in the famous monogram, so it’s not a farfetched idea to think that one of China’s most beloved games and brands would come together one day. Finally, our dreams came true when the collaboration was announced. Three months ago fans were introduced to the League of Legends Worlds Championship Cup, delivered in a gargantuan Louis Vuitton trunk. Soon after Riot released an in-game skin for their character Qiyana, featuring head to toe in Louis Vuitton. Aside from in-game cosmetic items, Louis Vuitton also released a line of clothing “directly inspired” by League of Legends.
The whole collection is dog shit. Someone with Photoshop and Google could have designed the capsule. This collab is more than likely a cash grab. It was created so that all the rich Chinese bois can sport their favorite brand and let all the biddies know they’re hard stuck diamond IV. A majority of pieces from collection sport an updated monogram that includes navy, white, grey, gold, and black streaks. The pattern is nothing special and I don’t see how the collection connects to League of Legends at all. It’s uninspired. Louis apathetically put this new monogram design on familiar silhouettes, creating nothing noteworthy.
It was designed by Louis Vuitton’s current creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, the hack that designed for Balenciaga before Denma took over (but that’s a story for another day). If you’re familiar with his work that should be all I have to say, but if not, just know that he can’t design anything noteworthy. The only piece I found redeeming was the women’s leather biker jacket (located down below), but you could honestly find a jacket like that anywhere (I’ll keep my one thousand dollars thank you very much).
As a fan of both League and Louis, I’m honestly so disappointed with this collaboration. They could’ve done so much more, like recreate clothing from the character models, because some of these boys in the game are dripping. Instead, all we got was an uninspired LV collection that doesn’t even seem like a real collaboration. I’d honestly rather buy a graphic tee or hoodie from Riot’s online League of Legends store for $50 over the $670 I’d have to drop to get an ugly ass Louis Vuitton piece. If I catch any of y’all wearing this collection, I’m asking for your League name and blocking you instantly.
However, this collaboration could be a stepping stone into a long and prosperous relationship between gaming and fashion. Lots of professional streamers and players love to show off their drip and fits and I believe there is even a full walk-in closet sponsored by StockX in the 100 Thieves’ (international esports team) house. I’m hopeful that in the future we could get some sick drip inspired by some of our favorite titles and that collaborations like there are just the growing pains for the future.
Comments