Impact of Digital Fashion Shows on the Global Industry
Digital fashion shows were literally born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, today, they’re ruling the world and giving fashion designers across the world a chance to leave their footprint on the global fashion industry. Creativity no longer knows no bounds, and there is a paradigm shift in the way collections are presented, consumed and monetised. You can be watching a fashion show happening in Milan from your fashion designing college in Bangalore. That’s the power of digitisation and technology.
Through this blog, we aim at delving deep on the impact digital fashion shows are having on the global industry.
A New Era in Fashion
In our previous blog, we already spoke about virtual runways and how they’re pushing boundaries. For those unaware, digital fashion is a rapidly evolving concept that merges fashion and technology. It surely opens up new avenues for designers, brands and consumers. Virtual garments and accessories can be showcased virtually on social media platforms.
Though digital fashion and virtual runways are on the rise, traditional real-world presentations still exist. The aim is not to replace fashion shows but to exist alongside it. It has only opened up new possibilities and given designers the chance to do the unfathomable. Let’s look at the positive impact of digital fashion shows:
Sustainability
It’s a well-known fact that physical fashion shows require a large number of resources such as sets, large-scale venues and transportation. Virtual fashion shows reduce the need for physical production. This has a sustainable impact on the planet as the waste generated is less and so is the carbon footprint. For a few years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable practices in fashion. By designers and brands switching to virtual runways, they can significantly contribute towards lowering the environmental impact of physical fashion shows.
Immersive Online Fashion Shows
A major advantage virtual fashion shows have over real-world ones is the ability to use cutting-edge technology. Designers can collaborate with technology experts to create immersive experiences that go beyond traditional runways. 3D modelling, AR and VR can be used to create an immersive experience for the viewers. Based on the aesthetic of the collection, designers can opt for a dynamic presentation. With limitless experimentation, designers can push the boundaries of fashion. They can even use lighting to their advantage to make their collection look a particular way. A few fashion houses that are leveraging augmented reality, artificial intelligence and virtual reality to their advantage are Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga.
Reach & Inclusivity
One of the biggest impacts digital fashion shows are having on the global industry is increased accessibility and inclusivity. Anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can watch a fashion show. This however removes the exclusivity of fashion events. Regardless of one’s geographic location, collections can be viewed in real-time and be displayed to a global audience. Fashion students, bloggers and fans can enjoy a fashion show from the comfort of their home. This new-found accessibility also promotes a sense of inclusivity and belonging. People from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate their unified love for fashion.
Better Audience Engagement
Virtual runways promote better audience engagement. A few add-ons that can be plugged into digital fashion shows are polls, live chats and social media integrations. This not just allows the viewer to participate in the event but also makes their feedback more valued. Revenue generation is another benefit of digital fashion shows. If a viewer likes any item/product on a runway, they can purchase it with a simple click. This considerably enhances sales.
New Opportunities for Emerging Designers
There are no two thoughts about the fact that digital fashion shows have opened up a sea of opportunities for new and emerging designers. They are the ones who usually have limited resources and access to prestigious runways. With fashion presentation being democratized, new and upcoming fashion brands can showcase their work on a global stage. This is not just an accessible but also a cost-effective way for designers to present their collections. Also, with the global reach of digital platforms, customers, buyers and media from across the world can connect and support each other.
Conclusion
As far as the global fashion industry is concerned, digital fashion shows and virtual runways have been a gamechanger. The possibilities are endless and the future is exciting. It shows the resilience and the adaptability of the fashion world. When you pursue a fashion and apparel design course from Vogue Institute of Art & Design, you get to have a fashion show on your collection in the final semester. This allows you to showcase your creativity and innovation to the faculty and industry professionals.
