DIGITAL FASHION: WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FUTURE
May 15 2023 – Delikate Rayne
When it comes to the future, the fashion industry is choosing to transition from textiles to pixels as a sustainable solution to the negative impact it's historically caused over the years. With its contribution to climate change and the rise of the Coronavirus, the industry is forced to find new methods to prevent further damages. With the pressures to be sustainable, the numbers of presences and lives shared online continue to rise giving digital clothing the opportunity for expansion, but what exactly is digital fashion?
Digital fashion can best be described as a virtual representation of clothing. The concept of buying digital clothing for virtual realities is not entirely new; the gaming industry has been doing it for years. The only difference now is that consumers will not be spending the money on virtual content like different styles and "skins" for their gaming characters but for their own digital presence, whatever that may be.
With these new creative possibilities comes a row of benefits for both the designers and consumers. Here are a few we thought we should mention.
Digital fashion can best be described as a virtual representation of clothing. The concept of buying digital clothing for virtual realities is not entirely new; the gaming industry has been doing it for years. The only difference now is that consumers will not be spending the money on virtual content like different styles and "skins" for their gaming characters but for their own digital presence, whatever that may be.
With these new creative possibilities comes a row of benefits for both the designers and consumers. Here are a few we thought we should mention.
NO LIMITATIONS FOR DESIGNING
Many designers are favoring the idea of creating new designs without having to worry about a budget. This new concept gives designers the wiggle room to create beyond what has been seen as well as a new way to work. Instead of the traditional designing process of creating patterns, sewing, and putting together a whole look, designers have the opportunity to use digital sculptures as their new focal points.
A ZERO-WASTE CONCEPT
As time progress, more and more consumers are buying more and using less. As fast fashion takes a downfall, digital fashion is a zero-waste alternative as it leaves no physical waste behind when discarded. Consumers now, who choose to invest in digital brands, don't have to deal with the side effects of buying a lot of clothing, such as wardrobe clutter. Consumers have the ability to rapidly create digital closets for their ever-changing wardrobes, which they can discard without affecting the environment.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONSUMERS AND DESIGNERS
Designers now have the opportunity to build closer relationships with their consumers. Designers will have the ability to gain data-based insights into trends and consumer behavior. This is said to help them better predict the next big trend and increase the amount of merchandise they sell at full price.
While the idea of digital clothing is a game-changer for the industry, there are certain outcomes and possibilities to consider. Many still wonder if consumers are ready to go digital in the first place. Although majority have an online presence, some may not have an interest in trading in their physical wardrobes for virtual closets. Digital fashion is also not debunking the need to consume more as you are encouraged to buy more for your social profiles to only wear the items once before permanently putting them away. As far as we know, there are many layers to shopping digital. However, whether or not you're on board with the concept, we can all agree that the industry is long-over-due for a change.
Source: BCG, Elle, Albawaba & Forbes
Photos via POPSUGAR by Nikita Charuza & Huffpost by Jamie Feldman