League of Legends (LoL) and Louis Vuitton (LV) are two names that no one ever thought would come together. After all, video games and luxury fashion aren’t two things that most enthusiasts from the respective fields talk about in the same breath.
To be clear, LoL is the popular PC game, with an estimated 115 million unique players worldwide. LV is of course the French luxury fashion house whose products rank high on the covet list of many. And on 23 September 2019, the two powerhouses sent out shock waves then LoL developer Riot Games and Louis Vuitton announced a partnership.
A new frontier
The collaboration is the first of its kind connecting high fashion to the gaming universe. It will see the famed fashion house design League-themed items for both the virtual and real worlds. The first item announced in the pioneering collaboration is a case for the Summoners’ Cup, the trophy given out each year to the team that wins the League of Legends World Championship.
According to Riot Games, it “will feature both traditional Louis Vuitton savoir-faire, along with cutting-edge, high-tech elements inspired by the League of Legends universe.”
a foreshadowing
But perhaps this collaboration was something people should have seen coming. After all, LV had dipped its toes into the gaming industry three years ago. It invoked Lightning, a character from Final Fantasy XIII (and its subsequent sequels) to appear in its advertising campaign for 2016’s SERIES 4 collection. The virtual heroine not only modelled for LV’s campaign, but headlined it as well, surprising fans of both franchises everywhere.
for the gamers
This week, Riot Games showcased a preview of Louis Vuitton’s first skin for League. Designed for the in-game champion Qiyana, it is named True Damage Qiyana Prestige Edition and sees the character’s weapon decked out in the distinct LV pattern. This is the first of two announced for the collaboration. The prestige skin champion set for Senna will be released soon. Both skins are designed by Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of women’s collections, Nicolas Ghesquière.
For those who don’t play LOL, the “skin” is an in-game exclusive item that can be purchased by players using the 2019 Worlds Pass for 1650 Riot Points, the game’s exclusive currency. Aside from the pass (which costs about $15), players also need tokens, which are earned via gameplay.
for the fashionistas
The skins are the first of more offerings by Louis Vuitton and Riot Games. A clothing drop inspired by champions Senna and Qiyana will come next. Gamers and fashionistas who are hoping to get their hands on the merchandise can expect to splash some cash as the drops are expected to be similarly priced as other creations by Louis Vuitton. If you’re a fan of Louis Vuitton and League of Legends, you’ll do well to start saving up now.