Fabricating the Fabulous: Virtual Influencers and Fashion

Reality is so last season. The future of fashion lies in the metaverse, where virtual supermodels reign supreme. These influencers are re-shaping industry standards faster than any human influencer could dream. Age, race, body type? These virtual vixens render such concepts obsolete with their inclusive digital embodiment of beauty. In this issue, we go behind the faces to reveal how these virtual models are dismantling fashion norms. Let's begin.

“We’re going to see an explosion of virtual influencers around the world. This is something which is expanding globally, thanks to the rise of Web3 and digital identities.” says Timothée Semelin 孙天睦 , founder of WEBTROIS, Asia Web3 .

Imma 

Created by Tokyo-based CG company ModelingCafe, Imma was designed to be a "virtual influencer" focusing on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Imma has collaborated with brands like adidas , The North Face , and has also featured in a Balmain campaign alongside real-life models. In Coach 's  recent 'Find Your Courage' campaign, Imma stars alongside celebrities like Lil Nas X, Camila Mendes and others.

Shudu

Hailing from South Africa, Shudu is the world's first digital supermodel and a virtual fashion icon. Created by Cameron James, founder of The Diigitals Agency in England, Shudu has collaborated with prestigious brands like Balmain , KARL LAGERFELD , and Paco Rabanne and shoots in exquisite, otherworldly locations. BMW Group partnered with Shudu for their Freude Forever magazine, where XR Couture helped digitally clothe Shudu in some of our designs. 

Lil Miquela 

Miquela Sousa, also known as Lil Miquela, is a 19-year-old virtual influencer and global pop star from Los Angeles recognized as one of TIME Magazine's '25 Most Influential People on the Internet.' Miquela has made waves in the music industry, topping Spotify charts with indie-pop hits and collaborating with renowned artists. She's also a fashion icon, gracing red carpets and modeling for brands like Prada Group , CHANEL , Calvin Klein , PACSUN and more. 

Noonoouri

Noonoouri is a 18-year-old digital influencer and virtual pop-star who boasts over 400,000 Instagram followers. She resides in Paris, France, and exclusively showcases digital fashion against a Virtual Backdrop depicting Hong Kong. She has worked with BALENCIAGA , Valentino , Christian Dior Couture and even has signed a recording contract with Warner Music Group .

Zlu

Zlu, the Alien Supermodel, became a sensation in the world of fashion and beyond. With a unique blend of futuristic style and gaming culture, Zlu has captured the attention of major fashion brands, leading to collaborations with KARL LAGERFELD , CHIMI , CITADIUM , SWAROVSKI and PULL&BEAR , among others. The brainchild of creator Ilian Gazut , Zlu is a computer-generated hologram living a glamorous life in Paris and becoming a sought-after influencer.

Virtually Iconic: Fashion's Meta Age

"Relying on AI-generated personalities can be a low-risk, high-engagement strategy", by Serim Hwang, Shunyuan Zhang, Xiao Liu , Kannan Srinivasan, Harvard Business Review .

The virtual is the new reality in fashion. Digital supermodels and influencers are dismantling norms around beauty, identity and self-expression. Their rise signals an pivotal shift as the industry pivots to the metaverse. In this brave new world, the laws of physics need not apply - identities can be endlessly reshaped, idealized depictions become attainable. For brands, it's an unprecedented opportunity to remake their image in pixels and code. One thing is certain - The future belongs to those who embrace the digital frontier.

Join us as we venture into uncharted territories where style meets technology, forging a path into the fashionable unknown. The past was extraordinary, the present groundbreaking, and the future promises nothing short of spectacular. The future isn't just about what we wear; it's about immersive experiences that redefine our style choices! Onward we go!

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