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Virtual Fashion: 5 CGI Models To Look Out For

by Pakhi Rajesh Kumar Dixit

In 2020 and 2021 (so far), fashion reached its peak with the virtual reality (VR) intersection. Although VR and artificial intelligence (AI) had been in experimentation for a while now, the closure of big fashion houses due to COVID saw a dramatic change in their branding and marketing strategies.

Brands were no more only catering to the few elite but were now more directed towards millennials and of course the ‘Gen Z’ – they being the future of consumer’s face. To be more visually appealing and attention-catching, a lot of fashion houses such as Burberry and Gucci incorporated various interactive elements in their apps to introduce a systemic behavior change among potential customers whilst keeping the future in mind.

Burberry introduced an all-virtual clothing experience where customers were aided by a computer-generated image (CGI) shopping assistant. They were allowed to change the lighting of their virtual trial rooms as well as the soundtrack. With every trial session, customers then stacked virtual currency which, when enough, could lead them to even try on a free Burberry trench coat and share it on their socials and Gucci allowed its customers to design their own shows virtually.

Similarly, Anifa Mvuemba, the founder of fashion label Hanifa, for her first runway show at the New York Fashion Week last year, put up a 3D show with garments hugging invisible models against a black backdrop. In 2018, Balmain used 3 CGI models for its pre-fall collection, named the ‘Balmain Army’. More and more designers and talent agencies are now signing CGI influencers, and we could expect to see them on many more runways in the future.

But for now, here are 5 CGI models you got to keep an eye for:

Noonoouri

Noonoouri, an international digital model was created by Munich-based designer Joerg Zuber. He along with his creative agency, Opium Effect, brought Noon to the market in 2017 all by themselves when Zuber could not bring even a single investor to trust his vision of the virtual fashion world. Since then, Noor has worked with high-profile brands such as Versace, KKW Beauty, Marc Jacobs, Dior, and is friends with supermodel Naomi Campbell. She is also the first virtual avatar to take admission into Istituto Marangoni – the prestigious Italian fashion school. She is a supporter of a vegan lifestyle, doesn’t champion clothes with fur, and is an advocate for sustainable fashion. She is 378k followers strong on Instagram and you can follow her @noonoouri

Shudu

Shudu is considered the world’s first digital supermodel, created by London-based fashion photographer Cameron-James Wilson. Her appearance draws inspiration from the “Princess of South Africa” Barbie doll. She came into the spotlight after her collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. Since then, she has worked with the likes of Balmain and has walked the red carpet at BAFTA Awards. Wilson has recently launched his agency called The Diigitals representing various other established as well as upcoming CGI models and influencers. Shudu is 218k followers strong on Instagram and you can follow her @shudu.gram

Lil Miquela

Lil Miquela or Miquela Sousa is a 19-year-old Brazilian American computer-generated model, artist, and influencer, created by an L.A.-based start-up, Brud. So far one of the most influential CGI influencers, she has worked with brands such as Calvin Klein and Barney’s. She wears clothes from high-end brands such as Supreme and Chanel. She is friends with many influential artists, musicians, and fellow influencers – both virtual and humans, and she loves to hang out in New York City’s restaurants. She currently resides in Los Angeles. When photographed, one can see her shadow behind and she often complains of allergies in her tweets. Being a social justice warrior, her fans call themselves ‘Miquelites’. Standing at 3M followers on Instagram and a bio which says, “19-year-old Robot living in LA”, you can follow her @lilmiquela

Aliza Rex

Aliza Rex was created by Neon Productions which is founded by Ken Lande. She is the first virtual model to identify as an alien. She has superpowers such as telepathy and shapeshifting which she occasionally does with her best friend Binxie (another CGI influencer). She is known for her neon light-based modeling aesthetic and love for long hair. She has been a private personality in the past but since 2019 has officially come out as an alien. Her most notable work is with Basic Magazine for their ‘A NEW ERTH’ editorial. She resides in Los Angeles. With 20.8k followers on Instagram and her bio reading ‘Digital Terrestrial’, you can follow her @alizarexx

Imma

Imma is a computer-generated fashion model hailing from Japan. Created by a CG company called Modeling Café Inc, she packs in both Japanese and South Korean skin and aesthetics – giving her almost glasslike skin. It is very hard to detect if she is just a CGI model or a real person as her overall look is absolutely human-like. She dons pink hair and is proud of her Japanese heritage and culture. She has already been on the cover page of CG World Magazine. One can spot pictures of her strolling on Tokyo streets and shopping for clothes. She never attends fashion shows and loves to keep it casual; as virtually – human it could be! With 349k followers on Instagram, you can follow her @imma.gram

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