summary
- Bethesda Softworks partnered with fashion outlet ELLE to showcase two unique outfits inspired by Redfall and Starfield
- Design students Ingrid Norberg and Linn Hermander created the design and it was exhibited at the 2023 ELLE Gala in Sweden.
- Interview with both designers about their thoughts on design and fashion in games
Gaming styles have been around for decades – from Master Chief’s signature Mark IV helmet to Sea of Thieves’ swashbuckle style. Over time, a more modern, free-form aesthetic has been incorporated into the game through custom his character his creator and collectible skins. What you wear on your virtual body has become as important, if not more so, than what you cover yourself with.
Games can also inspire real-world outfits, which was expertly showcased at this year’s ELLE Gala in Stockholm. As part of the show in collaboration with Bethesda, Red showed off his carpet in two unique outfits inspired by the upcoming title. Both costumes were created especially for this event and have unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
Designers Ingrid Norberg and Linn Hermander took the opportunity to create looks inspired by Redfall and Starfield respectively. Norberg wrote edgy, sophisticated costumes inspired by the apocalyptic world of Redfall, and Helmander wrote a stylish, retro-space aesthetic similar to the interstellar atmosphere shown in Starfield. I chose
We were lucky enough to show the original concept sketches of two designs and ask the designers what they liked most about their inspiration, work process, and the incredible collaboration between ELLE and Xbox.
Lady in Red (Autumn)
For the Redfall design, designer Ingrid Norberg took a less traditional approach, opting for a more grungy style while maintaining the classic red carpet GALA look.
“I was obsessed with a bit of hip-hop street style when the apocalypse struck,” says Norberg. “The colors are clear yet dirty shades, creating a lovely sense of constant twilight.”
As shown, the outfit consists of a dark purple slouch hoodie with a military-style belt crossed over it. The ensemble is completed with a khaki skirt that features a removable trail with an eye-catching zipper.
Norberg seeks to convey the setting of Redfall through design, described as worn by women of modern, functional and contemporary backgrounds, plunged into a world where survival is the most important thing.
“I think the look evolved as clothes were broken down, redesigned, and given new features,” Norberg explains. , a crossover between military and streetwear.”
“But in the end, I couldn’t forget that I was doing something that worked at the gala. Long, draped side skirts came on the scene. That was my little gala nod.” .”
Using new fabrics was the most time-efficient way to create the costume, and Norberg says time was critical on this project. didn’t create the recycled apocalyptic vibe it was looking for. So they had to get creative.
“For environmental reasons, we prefer to use recycled materials wherever possible,” they add. “The only reasonable thing to do was sit in front of a good movie and cut out the old cargo pants and jeans from second hand.”
Norberg hopes video game fashion will grow into a special creative medium for designers.
“Fashion can be fun, and it can give us more ways to connect with games and different worlds that offer fantastic escapism,” they say. “The fact that Xbox and Bethesda will be represented in these appearances at the ELLE Gala in connection with their release feels like a smart and fun move. We hope to see more done in the future!”
devil wearing NASA
Designer Lynn Helmander describes the Starfield gown as being immediately inspired by space fashion trends that combined elements of retro and futurism that flourished in the 1960s. Starfield’s design has been described as “NASA punk,” mixing classic space looks with choppy swashbuckling vibes.
“It was important to make sure the look didn’t feel like a costume,” Helmander explains. “Cosplay is very cool, but I wanted to emphasize that fashion and games can be combined. The two can easily be completely different worlds, but one doesn’t have to exclude the other.
“We wanted to create something that felt cool and fashionable while still being clearly related to Starfield.”
The costume consists of two parts. The dress features a sleeveless top half with a high neckline, with her two asymmetrical cutouts on the left side. The front of the dress is knee-length like a miniskirt, and the back and sides are long. The color palette is a mix of rich blues and grays inspired by “the cosmic view from the window of a beloved spaceship”.
It’s paired with a matching coat inspired by the space suits worn by members of the Constellation at Starfield.
“The jacket is padded and very large because we wanted to create something that felt protective,” says Helmander. “It should envelop the wearer in the same way that a spacesuit protects an astronaut.”
According to Helmander, the design process was not without its challenges.Starfield is a new universe inspired by many sources
“Achieving your vision is always a challenge,” Helmander tells us. “Starfield is a whole new world and a lot of inspiration. When you do something like this, you really want it to be right. From the choice of materials to the fit to the accessories.” , everything has been thought through many times, but thanks to everyone involved, this collaboration has gone very smoothly!”
Helmander said the interaction between the gaming industry and the fashion industry on this project is very impressive, and the opportunity to work with such a large company early in their career is a dream come true for many. I am adding.
“We have seen how valuable cross-industry collaboration can be,” they say. “There are so many ways to express creativity, but it’s only natural that we should get our heads together.”
Redfall releases on Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 2nd. Starfield will release exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 6th. Play both games from day one with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
