Digital Fashion Week plays a crucial role in the fashion industry, revolutionizing traditional fashion weeks and expanding the industry’s reach and impact. This year's virtual runway in New York featured armor excellence, volume galore, and imaginative patterns, amongst other notable trends. This first-of-its-kind fashion in gaming report is a valuable resource for trend analysis and insights into digital fashion initiatives and fashion in gaming ventures. Â
A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR:Â
With rumors of a medieval revival on our style-savvy horizon, it’s no surprise to see today's digital designers taking notes from the past. We saw motifs of knight armor across the digital runway in NYC, adding a layer of fantasy to your virtual wardrobes. Evoking Sir Lancelot's or Galahad's imagery, this savior trend is a sophisticated yet battle-ready aesthetic. Metallic textures decked out this year’s avatars, with chainmail, silver and gold accents taking center stage. But it’s not just about mimicking the historical attire; this trend is about a fascinating transformation, turning it into something stylish and unique, perfect for looks that emphasize combat and heroism.
Key Elements:Â Metallic finishes, chainmail accessories, gold and silver accents.
Recommended Games:Â Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle, Dark Souls, and Hollow Knight.
BEYOND REALITY: SCI-FI
Digital fashion wouldn’t be where it is without acknowledging the overwhelming influence of science fiction. The genre is no longer confined to the dystopian landscapes of H.G. Wells—it’s finding its way into sleek, futuristic tailoring. Suits with imaginative cutouts, techy detailing, and structured lines are turning the classic office staple into something straight out of Cyberpunk 2077. These digital suiting trends infuse sharp traditional menswear with the avant-garde touch of a futuristic universe, creating polished looks that wouldn’t be out of place in a virtual Metropolis.
Key Elements:Â Structured tailoring, imaginative cutouts, charcoal and metallic hues.
Recommended Games:Â Cyberpunk 2077, Remember Me, Nier: Automata.
BIG, LOUD & PROUD:Â
This season’s runway highlights embraced larger-than-life silhouettes, where volume is celebrated, not restrained. Think giant gravity-defying skirts, pillowy leg pieces, and exaggerated, bold shapes that draw the eye. The virtual realm is a playground of potential for experimental silhouettes, allowing designers to indulge their imaginative impulses without the constraints of real-world materiality or practicality. This trend offers the perfect blend of imagination and style, proving that fashion can indeed be a form of expression in the online world.
Key Elements:Â Bright colors, exaggerated shapes, creative texture combinations.
Recommended Games:Â Princess Peach: Showtime!, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Slime Rancher.
EXPLORING THE UNCONVENTIONAL:Â
When working in virtuality, imagination has no limits. This is evident in the growing trend of using unconventional materials and textures, from glowing seams to floating objects. Digital fashion pushes the boundaries of what clothing can be, and the video game world reflects that. This freedom allows creators to experiment with patterns, fabrics, and materials that wouldn't work in real life. The resulting garments are highly artistic, with intricate patterns, dynamic shapes, and details that wouldn't be achievable in the real world.
Key Elements:Â Whimsical patterns, glowing seams, floating pieces, ethereal textures.
Recommended Games:Â Splatoon, Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, BAKERU.
MILITARY INVADES FASHION:
It wouldn’t be fashion week without a military-inspired look. In real life, militia-inspired fashions are typically decked out in cargo pants and muddy greens, but in the digital world, a more futuristic take is preferred. Combat-ready looks that are as stylish as they are fantastical take classic military elements like utilitarian pockets, earth tones, and combat gear, and elevate them to a high-tech level with sleek, modern cuts and inspired protective gear. This ready-for-combat style strikes a perfect balance between the future and the present, making it a go-to aesthetic for those designing in the gaming landscape.
Key Elements:Â Dynamic seaming, utilitarian elements, earth tones, combat-ready designs.
Recommended Games:Â Splatoon 3, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Ghostrunner.
The worlds of fashion and gaming are increasingly intertwined, creating exciting new opportunities for fashion and character designers to innovate and collaborate. This collaboration pushes the boundaries of what gaming can offer for the future of fashion. Whether you're designing avatars, creating in-game assets, or seeking inspiration for your next project, our trend reports provide a glimpse into the upcoming trends in the world of gaming. Below, you'll find our downloadable Trend Report.
Do you have suggestions for more games? What would you like us to cover? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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