Balthier who? A character in the video game Final Fantasy XII, Balthier, the sky pirate plays the part of a debonair young man running away from his past but dons the most fashionable threads in Ivalice, the location where the video game takes place.

Why did I choose Balthier as the muse of the upcoming Menswear Spring 2009 season?

Quite frankly, because he could be as good as any; with the catwalk shows proposing clothes for the 20-something and 30-something generation about 90% of the time, and this is the same age group where the most ardent video gamers come from, why not get a fashion icon from the games?

So, why choose Balthier and why choose the video game?

First, the video game is the internet generation’s equivalent of the comic books in the 1950s. Comic book characters like Superman and Batman has inspired designer Thierry Mugler to the point that it has become a signature for his house.

Second, the latest fashion exhibit at the Met, featuring comic book heroes and heroines suggest that they have a big influence in fashion.

Third, the video game characters might still be ‘young’ compared to comic books, but their popularity is as viral as the digital age that gave birth to them. Case in point, checking into YouTube, Balthier seem to be a very popular character among both male and female gamers, and most of them think the same way I do, he is a fashionable guy!

I have never seen so many videos done about a supporting character like Balthier. That’s how popular he is.

And for those who has never met Balthier, I’ve included a video clip about him.

[NAPSTER]