Elden Ring: A Deep Dive into ARK’s Collaboration with FromSoftware
London and Tokyo-based luxury brand ARK has recently announced a collaboration with FromSoftware, the developers behind the highly anticipated action role-playing game, Elden Ring. The collaboration aims to celebrate the aesthetic decadence of the game, featuring elaborate metal armor, leather, and dyed fabric in its towering castles and stunning landscapes.
ARK’s debut collection, titled “The Lands Between,” showcases a range of well-shaped sweatshirts that pay tribute to the visually striking world of Elden Ring. While the video game merch market is often filled with gaudy designs, ARK’s sweatshirts offer a more sophisticated alternative.
Speaking about the collaboration, ARK’s creative director, Dimitri van Eetvelde, expressed their desire to cater not only to hardcore gaming fans but also to the mainstream audience. Eetvelde believes that ARK’s designs, such as the Elden Ring Jacket, have the potential to appeal to a wide range of people purely based on their visual appeal, regardless of their familiarity with the game.
The fusion of fashion and video games is not a new concept. In recent years, both industries have recognized the benefits of collaborating, resulting in successful partnerships like Burberry’s Minecraft collection and Diablo-inspired clothing showcased at Milan Fashion Week. These collaborations have expanded the concept of gaming-related clothing beyond the typical screenprints and plasticky jackets, offering more sophisticated and fashion-forward options.
With Elden Ring being one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, it seems only fitting that it would have its dedicated streetwear line. The collaboration between ARK and FromSoftware signifies the growing acceptance and integration of video games into mainstream fashion.
However, some critics argue that ARK’s collection falls short in capturing the essence of Elden Ring’s corrupted opulence. While the collection features nine pieces of clothing, mostly lounge and outerwear, it lacks the intricate design details that truly reflect the game’s aesthetic. The rust brown faux fur coat, for example, is lined with a Lands Between map print, evoking the game’s atmosphere but doesn’t fully convey its grandeur.
Additionally, the choice of materials raises concerns. With the fashion industry’s environmental impact in mind, the use of semi-synthetic fabric Cupro and non-sustainable cotton raises eyebrows. The collection’s tattered black cotton hoodie with “TARNISHED” emblazoned on it and the white cotton shirtdress with a Queen Marika statue print are questionable in terms of sustainability and design.
One standout piece from the collection is the Lands Between map polyamide bomber jacket, with its flattering cropped and boxy silhouette. Although this piece successfully incorporates the game’s theme, it still leaves fans hoping for more extensive and detailed designs.
Ultimately, ARK’s collaboration with FromSoftware signifies the growing intersection of gaming and fashion. While the collection may not fully capture the grandeur of Elden Ring, it represents a step forward in the evolution of video game merchandising. As the industry continues to explore the possibilities of game-themed fashion, fans can anticipate more unique and sophisticated collaborations in the future.