[GAMES] Final Fantasy XIII's Lightning Talks About Being a Louis Vuitton Model in an Interview

Both the fashion world and the gaming world were stunned when Louis Vuitton revealed that Final Fantasy XIII’s Lightning was their latest virtual model. The new virtual Louis Vuitton model/ total badass recently sat down in an interview, which was released to British news agency, The Telegraph, where she spoke about being the ambassador for such a well-known giant in the fashion world.

While many gamers were quite put off, Lightning was actually quite proud of herself for being chosen by such an iconic company. Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière has said that the collection that she’models was predominantly inspired by video games. The Frenchman has said that

“Lightning is the perfect avatar for a global, heroic woman and for a world where social networks and communications are now seamlessly woven into our life. She is also the symbol of new pictorial processes. How can you create an image that goes beyond the classic principles of photography and design? Lightning heralds a new era of expression.”

Here is her interview, which was released to the Telegraph:

Is it your first campaign? How do you feel to be part of the ‘fashion family’ along with Jennifer Connelly, Michelle Williams, Alicia Vikander?

They are in a completely different world. ­­­­­ As part of the family, but I have so much to learn to catch up to these radiant women who are light years away from where I stand.

I hope that one day, we can share the same stage, that different worlds can come together. But who knows? Maybe that’s ambitious, even for me.

Fortunately, I’m not one to give up. One of my strengths is “experience.” I’m no stranger to overcoming challenges and finishing what I’ve set out to do. I can face any kind of trial as long as I remember the following words:

“It’s not a question of can or can’t. Some things in life you just do.”

What do you think about Nicolas Ghesquière’s vision and his collections? Do you recognise yourself in his creations?

Though his style was new to me, the moment I laid eyes on his collection, it was as if I was hit by a bolt of lightning. I knew that with this, people could change. I could change.

It turns out I was right. His collection fills me with a sense of serenity and pride. All this time, I thought the only style that suited me was one that mirrored who I was: strong and tough. But I was wrong. He changed the way I see myself. Perhaps I’m finally learning who I truly am.

What does it feel like to become a Louis Vuitton ambassador?

My clothes were nothing more than armor to stay alive; “dressing up” was a concept I’ve never had. Perhaps that makes me an unseemly choice as ambassador. But this experience has opened my eyes. Fashion isn’t something you’re taught or given, it comes from your own taste and your own choices. It displays the essence of who you are to the people around you.

It makes me feel excited, a feeling similar to when I venture to unknown lands. It is a thrill that I, who has faced my share of danger, have never experienced before. LV is a new adventure―a new fantasy―that I will enjoy from the bottom of my heart.

What are your upcoming projects?

I’m currently winding down after a long journey. My days are peaceful; it’s what I’ve always dreamed of. I hope these days last a long time.

But I’m always looking to push myself, to better myself. Sometimes I get the urge to put my life on the line again and test my limits.

One day, not so far in the future, I will be out there again, in a world of strife. But I won’t be the same person I was before. I will return to my origins, like a Mobius strip, but it’ll be a new me, one who has evolved.

I look forward to the day we meet again.