Teaming up with Square Enix, fashion brand Louis Vuitton brings an iconic character from Final Fantasy into the spotlight with the brand’s newest line of products.
Claire Farron, who’s better known as Lightning from the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy, has been chosen as a high-fashion model to present Louis Vuitton’s next line, which is running under the title "Series 4." As part of the project, Lightning will be featured in magazine advertisements and promotional videos and will also be the representative of Louis Vuitton for social media postings.
Speaking on behalf of Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s collections, mentions in the announcement the significant presence the video game industry has as an aesthetic. "Lightning is the perfect avatar for a global, heroic woman," said Nicholas, "and for a world where social networks and communications are now seamlessly woven into our life. She is also the symbol of new pictorial processes. How can you create an image that goes beyond the classic principles of photography and design? Lightning heralds a new era of expression.”
Final Fantasy legend Tetsuya Nomura talked about the project and what it has done for the franchise as well:
"The stunning new look of Lightning including her poses and character in action was fully produced by Louis Vuitton. Additionally, thanks to the Visual Works team, they were able to produce brilliant work under a tight schedule. This collaboration is not just a promotion of a game, and it is a great honor that the character herself received an offer from a world famous brand. As a result of this collaboration, this has infused new breath into the character, Lightning.”
This collaboration is indeed a rare one, but the energy put into the project is both positive and progressive. Lightning hasn’t been in the spotlight since Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII launched Nov. 13, 2013, and with the help of Louis Vuitton, Claire Farron takes a different stage in 2015.