EPISODE 160 FEATURES MOIN ROBERTS-ISLAM
Have you bought digital garments for your avatar yet? Would you like to? You need to listen to this! Moin Roberts-Islam is the Technology Development Manager at the Fashion Innovation Agency, at the London College of Fashion, and he’s here to answer all our questions on how digital fashion works, why it’s exploding, what brands are doing, how gaming is involved, who is buying digital garments and why. Plus we discuss the metaverse and NFTs, and how all this relates to sustainability.
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FASHION INNOVATION AGENCY uses emerging technologies to disrupt existing practices in the fashion and retail industries.
They say: “Our remit is to demonstrate how these technologies can change the way that fashion brands and retailers make, show and sell their collections. With our extensive network within both fashion and technology, we are closing the gap between these industries and accelerating the pace of change. We create projects that continue to inspire and spark imagination by showing what is truly possible when two industries combined.” More here and here.
FORTNITE is, according to Digitaltrends.com, “the most popular [video] game in the world, with millions of rabid fans playing the game daily across various platforms.” The game is set on modern-day Earth, but most of humanity has disappeared. One of the game’s core mechanics is collecting materials to build protective fortifications. Why so popular? “It’s likely because the game is free.” Doesn’t stop you from spending money kitting out your character though… See here to read about Moncler’s 2021 collab. But the one that got the most attention was Balenciaga’s - the first-ever high-fashion Fortnite skins. Debuted in September 2021, you could also buy physical versions of the product in store.
The Shady Doggo Skin is a Rare Fortnite Outfit from the Balenciaga Fit set.
Say what? SKINS just means stuff that make your online persona / character look cool in the game. “Fortnite skins are essentially outfits for your character, it's a custom look for your player character. This sounds simple enough but things have gotten complicated over the years. It isn't just another set of clothes for your character to wear. The skins can make them into dramatically different shaped characters.” via Bestgamingsettings.com
Moin describes the METAVERSE as “a more immersive version of the internet, combining augmented reality, virtual reality and gaming” but the thing that sets it apart he says, is the integration of crypto-currencies, so the ability to transact in that space. Something to mention is that the Metaverse isn’t here. It’s not a fully-fledged thing” where all platforms work together - yet. And of course, everyone wants to own it.
STEVEN TAI is the designer Moin mentions working with on a groundbreaking digital show. “For his London Fashion Week AW18 presentation, Steven Tai teamed up with London College of Fashion, ILMxLAB and Innovation Agency (FIA) to launch an immersive, digital presentation like no other before. Guests at Steven Tai's AW18 presentation witnessed the global debut of LiveCGX, ILMxLAB'S performance-driven digital augmentation technology which not only digitally transformed the venue itself, but also pieces from the collection itself. Taking place at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, the presentation included a physical showcase of the AW18 collection on live models, who modeled alongside an augmented digital avatar which was generated in real-time using CGI.” Via Fashion United. Read the rest here.
Find LIVIA FIRTH’S INSTAGRAM POST here
Moin mentions Sikh workers being mistreated in Italy. “According to labour unions and community leaders, Italy’s largely hidden community of Sikh migrant workers – there are an estimated 10,000 officially employed on farms in Pontina alone – are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and intimidation in some of Italy’s biggest food-producing regions. Read the rest here.
NFT stands for Non-fungible token. Here’s an excellent explainer on The Verge.
SUPERGUCCI NFT partnership Gucci x Superplastic, via Hypbeast
BLOCK CHAIN is a digitally distributed, decentralised, public ledger that exists across a network. The goal of blockchain is to allow digital information to be recorded and distributed, but not edited - so it’s crucial to cryptocurrencies like BITCOIN. The second-most popular one is ETHERIUM. Here’s the skinny.
Check out THE FABRICANT here. Read the story of their £7800 digi dress here.
When will everyone have AUGMENTED REALITY GLASSES soon? Nah. Yeah! Probably.
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