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Interview: Bringing the Secretlab TITAN Evo Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® Edition to Life

By September 10, 2024 No Comments
INTERVIEW: BRINGING THE SECRETLAB TITAN EVO FAKER X VANDYTHEPINK® EDITION TO LIFE

In conversation with VANDYTHEPINK® and Faker. Discover the inspiration behind this exclusive masterpiece, crafted with the same pro-grade ergonomics that powered the Unkillable Demon King to a historic fourth world championship victory.

The greatest esports player of all time comes together with streetwear icon VANDYTHEPINK® to create a limited edition design of the Secretlab TITAN Evo — the same chair supporting Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and his T1 team since 2019. Having dressed names like Jay Park and NewJeans, VANDYTHEPINK®’s team-up with Faker combines high fashion with esports in Faker’s first-ever merchandise capsule, redefining mainstream streetwear for those looking to turn heads.

The only player to capture four League of Legends World Championship trophies, Faker has etched his name into the annals of esports history with a glittering career that few have come close to matching. The Secretlab TITAN Evo Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® Edition celebrates Faker’s decade-long career — and the 10 years since he stunned the world in his rookie debut and lifted the Summoner’s Cup for the first time in 2013.

Photo: Riot Games/Lol Esports 

Crafted for champions

The Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® Edition chair is a one-of-a-kind interpretation of the Secretlab chair that powered him to a record-breaking fourth world title in the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Specially selected for his capsule collection, the Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® Edition pays homage to his chair of choice from the training room to the world stage.

According to VANDYTHEPINK®, the inspiration behind collaborating with Faker to create the chair stemmed from their shared belief in the significance of chairs in both esports and design. “In esports, chairs are crucial for performance and self-expression, mirroring their importance in fashion and design. Chairs embody the history and cultures of their creators and users, offering insights into past values and environments. This collaboration with Faker allows us to blend the worlds of gaming and design, creating a chair that not only enhances performance but also reflects our tastes and cultures,” he said.

As a professional gamer, Faker relies on his equipment to perform at the highest level. “Secretlab chairs are more than just gaming gear — they are an essential part of my performance. The pro-grade ergonomic design ensures that I stay comfortable and supported, allowing me to focus on what really matters: winning,” he shared, when asked why he handpicked the Secretlab TITAN Evo for his first-ever capsule collection. 

The training regime for pro esports athletes is relentless. Tight schedules and repetitive motions — all while seated for over 16 hours a day — put a huge amount of stress on the body. Natural movement is key to relieving this, which is why the Secretlab TITAN Evo was designed to free you from the constraints of a typical chair.

Research-backed ergonomics

“I chose to collaborate with Secretlab because of their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of ergonomics reflects my own commitment to excellence. I’ve been using Secretlab chairs for close to half a decade, and it’s something that has always been there with me during the most pivotal moments of my career,” said Faker, who has trusted Secretlab to support him since 2019.

The proprietary pebble seat base, for instance, has gently sloping edges for ample space for posture changes, while still guiding you toward the middle for more even pressure distribution. An advanced 4-way L-ADAPT™ Lumbar Support System sports a Y-shaped lattice of living hinges that flexes to your back as you move, providing the right amount of support, regardless of your sitting position. 

Engineered from the ground up to keep the most demanding players focused when the stakes are the highest, the Secretlab TITAN Evo is made for the most grueling best-of-five matches on the biggest stages.

From vision to reality

Shedding light on the vision behind his design, VANDYTHEPINK® said the design process for the chair began with an exploration of Faker’s personality and tastes. “I wanted to create more than just a chair; I envisioned it as Faker’s throne, symbolizing his status as one of the greatest esports players of all time. I worked with Faker and his team to incorporate his preferences and feedback and infused them with my signature playful and approachable design aesthetic, ensuring that it not only met Faker’s standards but also reflected my own design ethos. I’m happy with the results!” he said.

The Virginia-based designer brings a high-fashion twist to our flagship ergonomic chair. Known for its signature burger and fast-food motifs, VANDYTHEPINK® adds a whimsical touch to the Secretlab TITAN Evo, upholstered in our plush Secretlab NEO™ Hybrid Leatherette.

“Both Faker and I agreed that it was crucial for the chair’s design to be approachable and fun. Esports can be incredibly intense and competitive, so we wanted the chair to offer a touch of whimsy and playfulness to balance that intensity,” explained VANDYTHEPINK®. “We wanted the chair to visually reflect the fun and vibrant energy of gaming culture, which is why we incorporated bold colors and playful accents into the design. Overall, our goal was to create a chair that not only met the functional needs of a professional esports player like Faker but also celebrated the joy and excitement of gaming.”

A true statement piece for legends

The brand’s iconic double flower eye is stitched on the seat back, while intricate embroidery patches featuring its logo and a stylized graphic of Faker adorn either side of the headrest, paying homage to both the streetwear maverick and esports legend. With green accent piping and flower eye motifs on the side wings, the chair is finished with Faker’s name in a bright rainbow gradient on its left shoulder.

“I wanted to share a piece of my journey and evolution as a player with my fans, by building upon a chair that not only feels like home but also empowers you to dominate online and offline. I’m thrilled to finally share it with the world. I hope fans will enjoy using the Secretlab TITAN Evo as much as I have,” said Faker.

Unveiled at ComplexCon Hong Kong

The Secretlab TITAN Evo Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® Edition made its debut at ComplexCon Hong Kong, the first international edition of the pop culture festival. Fans and event attendees had the incredible opportunity to experience our custom-designed chair firsthand at the special Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® pop-up PC cafe.

Now it’s your turn to rise up and forge your legend. The Secretlab TITAN Evo Faker x VANDYTHEPINK® Edition is available for purchase at the T1 HQ in South Korea, and exclusively online for US customers at shop-t1-na.gg. Learn more about Secretlab TITAN Evo here.