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HOW ANIMAL CROSSING HAS TAKEN THE PLACE OF THE CATWALK
Isolation, loungewear, anxiety; these are just a few words one would associate with the current coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. However, the latest craze ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’, which can be played on the Nintendo Switch, is the polar opposite. The game involves transforming a deserted island into a paradise and is designed to be soothing, unlike a lot of other virtual social formIsolation, loungewear, anxiety; these are just a few words one would associate with the current coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. However, the latest craze ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’, which can be played on the Nintendo Switch, is the polar opposite. The game involves transforming a deserted island into a paradise and is designed to be soothing, unlike a lot of other virtual social forms.
What’s become increasingly apparent about the game is the fashion. People have started recreating their favourite designer looks and Instagram pages dedicated to the virtual clothing worn within the game have started gaining traction. One of these growing Instagram accounts is, Dover Street Market inspired, @NOOKSTREETMARKET with 32k followers where they recreate looks by the likes of Thom Browne, Mugler and Gucci, and provide their followers the codes to put their avatars in these clothes (free of charge). Another account, @ANIMALCROSSINGFASHIONARCHIVE, has gone as far to collaborate with big name brands like Valentino, who they released a whopping 20-piece custom collection with, and Marc Jacobs who released 6 pieces straight from the catwalk. It seems designers are taking advantage of this new way to share their designs during a time when IRL fashion shows and shooting campaigns is practically impossible. Designer Sandy Liang upped the ante by creating a virtual pop-up store that saw people waiting two hours to even gain access to the shop, with only six people allowed in at one time.
It’s becoming evident that people are using the fashion on Animal Crossing as not just a fantasy, but as a way to present themselves to others. The game allows 8 friends to meet up at once, and since you can’t show off clothes to your friends in real life, why not flex your fresh garms virtually? The simplicity and fun of Animal Crossing fashion is the perfect thing to take your mind off everything and just enjoy.
BY PHOEBE COTTERELL