Fortnite teams up with Balenciaga
Epic Games is partnering with high-end fashion house Balenciaga to bring the first-ever high-fashion Fortnite skins into the game.
This tie-in will bring Balenciaga’s keen fashion sense to the classic Fortnite characters with the new Balenciaga Fit Set of outfits. These fresh looks will be available for four of Fortnite’s popular characters: Banshee, Knight, Ramirez, and of course, the lovable Doggo.
But the two companies aren’t just working on virtual clothes. They’re also partnering on an in-game Balenciaga-themed hub and a real-world clothing line that you’ll be able to buy.
This collaboration will debut a limited-run collab of real-life apparel, which will be available in select Balenciaga stores and online. Included in the line up will be hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and other designs inspired by the Fortnite locale Retail Row.
It’s the first time Fortnite has welcomed a high-fashion brand into its world but not the first time Balenciaga and Fortnite’s owner, Epic Games, have worked together. Afterworld, the video game designed to present Balenciaga’s fall 2021 collection, was made using Epic’s Unreal Engine. “From there, we have continued to be inspired by the creativity of Unreal and Fortnite communities,” said Demna Gvasalia, creative director, in a statement. “It made total sense to me that we collaborate further by creating these authentic Balenciaga looks for Fortnite and a new physical Fortnite clothing series for our stores.”
The Balenciaga and Fortnite world bleeds from virtual to physical. In the game, players can not only choose new Balenciaga outfits and accessories, but they can also enter a Balenciaga store and do a custom Balenciaga dance. Users who make a purchase and play in their new Balenciaga looks can also submit photos of their characters to be included on virtual billboards within the Fortnite town square.
