Pastel tones, chromatic materials, puffers and otherworldly scenes stole the limelight at Digital Fashion Week New York (DFWNY), which took place from 7-11 September 2022. Once again, various digital fashion talent showcased their latest creations. And I was blown away.
The diversity in stories, the digital technique displayed within each garment and the versatility of skillsets coming together in the form of music and environmental production were mesmerising.
There was the main showroom which housed a virtual exhibition, much like the DFWNY at the beginning of the year. But, this time, it felt more curated and less like a convention centre.
There were booths focused on metaverse experiences such as full-body scanning to create a personalised avatar of yourself, plus virtual shopping experiences presented by Lode and Emperia VR.
I made my way to the cinema hall, grabbed some popcorn and a slushie, and got ready to enjoy the digital fashion show.
The link took me to YouTube where I watched the full compilation of digital designs chosen to feature this fashion week.
It was incredibly difficult to select the digital garments I felt had that extra bit of finesse since all of the collections featured were breathtaking. And the shots I captured of each design do not do the collections justice. However, I hope this selection offers you a taste of the magic that is continuously manifesting, flourishing and dominating the digital fashion space.
A dark but riveting theme is at the core of this collection. I love the luminous turquoise detail underneath the shoe’s heel, on the pentagram earrings and reflected in some of the material on the bodice and plastic-draped train. Voluptuous, seductive and hauntingly beautiful.
Anubis (the God of Death), Cleopatra (Queen of Egypt) and Osiris (God of the Deceased) tower over a rendition of Egypt in the metaverse. Each figure is draped in glistening gold, royal textures and rich patterns, making this collection that much more god-like.
Traversing the desert and made from water, this virtual model adorns a dress which reminds me of layered petals from a wild desert flower. The garment’s flow, varying hemline and shimmery tones of blue, purple and pink evoke a sense of calm in the virtual heat.
Wearing pastel turquoise and pinky hues, bold figures dance in the clouds and soar in the sky. Puffy pants and jacket coupled with a sleek, silky cloth facemask is a gentle nod to Jack Horn’s skill with textures and patternmaking.
Reds, pinks and white drapes are all contained in a bubble dress. The perfect form is like a glossy bulb but, instead of a filament, the tones and textures remind me of blood-stained cloths. Appreciated the grunge, grime and dark surroundings which added to the feeling of underlying urban tension.
This baby blue garment releases a soothing sense of calm. The floating pastel purple crown with flowing ribbons gives the look that extra bit of movement and fluidity. The high hemline in the front and the lengthy finish at the back are subtle indications of coy temptation.
The standout piece for me from this collection was the Queen of Energy garment. The electrifying pulses run rampant along the dress’ centre and seep down the oversized cuffs. The transition in tones, from black to blues to purples, offers a level of depth to the overall look that complements the monochrome stripes on the headpiece and sleeves.
This particular look reminds me of an NFL Football getup but has been tweaked to hug the female form more elegantly. The shiny pastel purple and pink highlight the detailed craftsmanship of the shoulder brace and stitching on the pants. The geometric criss-cross along the torso acts as a neat bridge connecting the top and bottom of the garment.
The glowing spirals on the headpiece juxtaposed against the black and white chequered pattern immediately caught my attention. The vertical stripes that dominate the top half of the garment extend to guide the eye down the sides of the dress to once again fan out at the hem. Modern and plain stunning.
This ready-to-wear trench coat is a prime example of digital tailoring at its finest. Looking at the blocks of patterns, natural hues and crisp collar alone is a clear indicator of talented artistry.
Down to the depths of the ocean, sea goddesses roamed in elegant gowns, flowing drapery and dynamic bustiers. The collection’s colour palette mirrors aquatic tones and is brought to life by the graceful movement of each garment. The shell and coral headpieces are an incredible addition of accessories.
Inspired by Clo B’s hometown Almaty, this awe-inspiring collection is a breath of fresh air. The avatar’s movements through the virtual landscape coupled with the gorgeous garments which reflect each environment she inhabits create a sense of oneness with the natural world. From the sunkissed wheat fields all the way through to the still waters, each dress absorbs new life from Mother Earth’s vast surroundings.