REPLACING MODELS?
Virtual “influencer” Miquela has gained 1.4 million Instagram followers since she was created in 2016. Pictures show her in everyday scenarios wearing designer labels and she promoted Prada clothes on the social media platform during February’s Milan Fashion Week.
“I think it’s good that things change once in a while,” said model Gisele Alicea during New York Fashion Week.
“But I don’t think they’re ever going to replace models. But then again, the world changes all the time. But I would wish that they would use real models, I don’t want to lose my job.”
Model Ashanti Hildreth said she did not feel threatened.
“Virtual reality is going to cost way more than using a real model ... you have to have to pay for someone to edit,” she said. “With real people, the clothes just look better.”
In London, model Aweng Choul said the use of digital models took “the humanity” away from modelling.
“Paying a digital model when you should be paying a real model takes away from reality and what human is,” she said.
Shudu, Zhi and Margot – who are black, Asian and white respectively – have also re-ignited a debate about diversity in the fashion world, which is frequently criticised for the lack of raciallydiverse models on the catwalks.
“Where we are at in society right now, I think we need to be uplifting real people and people who deserve the representation that modelling can provide,” model Hunter Schafer said.
Shudu creator Wilson said CGI could address the issue.
“I think it’s important to explore diversity across as many media as possible, and the (Balmain) campaign was the start of really embracing that,” he said.
This season, several designers have used a wider range of women for shows. Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie line show featured models of different sizes and races while Temperley had women of various ages.
“It’s cool and interesting, but we feel like ... it’s sort of a form of animation,” David Blond, creative director of The Blonds, said of CGI models. “I’m sure it can be amazing to utilise at some point but for now we prefer humans.” – Reuters