FASHINNOVATION x BIGTHINX Virtual Runway Show
Source: Fashinnovation
Fashinnovation closed the first day of its 2nd Worldwide Talks with a reality-defying 3D fashion show. In collaboration with fashion-tech company Bigthinx, virtual models wearing virtual clothes walked down a virtual runway. This fashion spectacle perfectly aligned with Fashinnovation’s technology- and sustainability-driven discussions and made sense given that these panels were required to be held virtually. The show took place on World Environment Day, so the low environmental impact of the show and its oceanic graphics were a unique aesthetic compared to a typical fashion runway.
Bigthinx uses “artificial intelligence and computer vision for virtual people, digital clothing, immersive fashion shows and transformational virtual shopping experiences.” Prior to the show, Fashinnovation’s Co-Founders Jordana and Marcelo Guimarães spoke with Bixthinx Co-Founder Shivang Desai. Extracting information from 2D images and turning them into 3D is the basis of Bigthinx technology, according to Desai. By utilizing body scans and facial recognition, Bigthinx creates 3D lifelike avatars. Model measurements, visuals, and inspiration for this runway were thanks to HOP Models & Talent Agency.
Desai said the biggest challenge in collaborating and creating a virtual fashion show is the learning curve. Since typical in-person fashion shows often provoke last minute edits for garments, styling, and set design, Desai said communicating the need for a strict schedule with participating designers was crucial. This helped gain sufficient time to digitize the clothing and “choreograph” the show.
During the succinct yet elaborate show, ten avatars graced the runway. Brands offering their designs included SAUIPE Swimwear, Artist Jason Naylor/Jason Naylor Studio, NIKI by Niki Srinivasa, Olistic The Label, DiFiore New York, AWAYTOMARS, Satya Beachwear, SHOHEI, Jennifer Ritz, and Helen Couture. Walking in harmony with the song “Floating Away” by Brazilian-American singer Alexia Bomtempo, the virtual models and set design too merged to create an ethereal and elegant production.
This runway was a glimpse into the future of the fashion industry. Both due to technological advances and a lingering global pandemic, virtual events, especially including runway shows during Fashion Month may be “the new normal.” Desai himself said he forecasts virtual shows popularly becoming complementary elements to live in-person runways.
Watch the FASHINNOVATION x BIGTHINX Show here: