‘Boundary-pushing’ virtual 3D on-screen runway show is new ‘fashion future’

A digital runway show was beamed onto giant screens in Manchester as a glimpse into the ‘fashion future’.

Digital collections were brought to life using cutting-edge software at the city’s New Century Hall, featuring photorealistic fashion designs worn by 3D avatars.

Manchester Met final-year students showcased their fully digital collections to a front-row panel of VIP industry judges who joined a packed audience for the spectacle celebrating the university’s 200-year anniversary.

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The virtual on-screen runway show took place alongside a physical runway of real-life models in the same hall. The event showcased the wealth of talent at Manchester Fashion Institute across all aspects of the fashion supply chain from concept and design through to buying, merchandising, marketing and communication.

From exploring gaming through digital designs to expressing high-class chic for the metaverse, the students’ influences and themes were encapsulated in dynamic digital form using the latest industry gold-standard fashion design software, CLO 3D.

Enabling the students to instantly create infinite variations of fashion designs without wasting resources, the zero-waste technology also allowed them to choose avatar models which visually represent body positivity and minoritized ethnic groups.

Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the largest fashion schools in the UK. Many of the students even showcased at the event were selected by Chanel to work at their Metier’s d Arts show which was held in the city’s Northern Quarter in December.

Anita Mitchell, Digital Strategic Lead at the Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “This digital runway show represents a paradigm shift in fashion education. Our vast experience in automation, robotisation and digitalisation have enabled us to position ourselves as leaders in digital fashion technologies, implementing cutting edge digital technologies across our courses.

“Switching to fully-digital designs has been a brave move for our students, but it’s one we believe will stand them in good stead as the industry moves to digital techniques to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage more sustainable, efficient and inclusive practises.”

Head of Manchester Fashion Institute Professor Liz Barnes said: “This event is a real highlight of the academic year and a joyful celebration of our amazing, talented students. It also offers the opportunity to reflect on the successes of the year, and share the outcomes with everyone who contributes – students, friends and family, tutors, technicians and our valued external partners.

“It is particularly special this year as we celebrate 200 years at the heart of Manchester’s creative and economic success.”

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