Fashion has always been a part of human existence, and history has shown that fashion has always been an ever-changing industry, with new trends and styles emerging every season. However, with the rise of online shopping and virtual runway shows, the future of fashion is set to be even more transformative. In this blog post, we will discuss how online shopping and virtual runway shows are changing the fashion industry and what we can expect in the years to come.
Fashion In The Digital Age
When we are talking about fashion in the digital age, we are referring to the technological impact and transformation that has taken place over the past two decades in the fashion world. Historically, the industry has always been known for its constant evolution and innovation, and the latest trend that's taking the world by storm.
With the rise of 3D printing and virtual try-on technology, it is now possible to create and sell digital fashion products that do not physically exist. This presents a new opportunity for fashion brands to experiment with new designs and create sustainable fashion products that do not contribute to the waste generated by traditional fashion production methods.
And this rise of digital fashion is reshaping the Nigerian industry, with online shopping platforms such as jumia, konga, jiji etc, and virtual runway shows at the forefront of this transformation. In Nigeria, this digital transformation has been gradual until the pandemic.
Online Shopping: The New Normal
Image Source; Google
Online shopping has been growing in popularity for several years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its adoption. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, consumers turned to online shopping as a safer and more convenient alternative to in-store shopping. As a result, online fashion sales have skyrocketed in recent years, with many retailers reporting record sales figures.
Virtual Digital Show; The Nigerian Involvement
According to Top Africa News, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Alexander Erinle, a Nigerian, couldn’t help thinking about how the
fashion world had ground to a halt because of self-isolation and social distancing. This led to the creation of Thrill Digital, a Nigerian tech start-up that seeks to revolutionize fashion in the digital world and with it, an entire metaverse.
More people in the fashion world want to get involved and follow the trends of the time, and Nigeria is not left out of this great opportunity.
The first step has been taken, the young Nigerian fashion enthusiast must be updated and follow the trends in the industry for a fully digital fashion runway adoption.
Stakeholders in this industry must sensitize and understand that this is the future and that digital has come to stay.
Additionally, public and private investors are welcome into the fold for the good and economic well-being of Nigerians.
What is a Virtual Fashion Show?
A virtual fashion show is a web-based event where fashion designers present their collections through online media like social media, websites, or mobile apps. These shows can be recorded or broadcast live, and they frequently have interactive elements that let viewers interact with the apparel and accessories on exhibit.
The first Metaverse fashion week was held in Decentraland, a 3D world browser base platform on March 23-27, 2022. According to a report by the University of Fashion, over 60 luxury brands participated and presented.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Fashion Shows
The impact of AI in virtual fashion shows can be seen in several areas. One of the most significant is the use of AI-powered models that can be created and animated entirely by computer algorithms. These models can be customized to fit a designer's vision and can be used to display clothing items in a variety of styles and settings, without the need for human models.
AI can also be used to generate clothing designs based on a set of parameters provided by the designer, such as style, color, and fabric. This technology can help fashion designers create unique and innovative clothing designs more quickly and efficiently than traditional design methods.
Finally, AI can be used to analyze fashion trends and consumer preferences, helping designers to create collections that are more likely to resonate with their target audience. This technology can also be used to optimize supply chains and reduce waste by predicting demand and optimizing production schedules.
Virtual Runway, The Future of Fashion Shows
Image source: Google
Fashion shows have traditionally been exclusive events, reserved for industry insiders and celebrities. However, virtual runway shows have opened up the world of fashion to a wider audience. With the rise of virtual reality technology, designers can now create immersive runway experiences that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Virtual runway shows provide many benefits for designers and consumers alike. Firstly, they allow designers to showcase their collections to a wider audience, without the need for physical events. This reduces costs and allows designers to focus on creating high-quality, visually stunning shows. Secondly, virtual runway shows are more sustainable than traditional runway shows, which often involve large amounts of travel and waste. Finally, virtual runway shows provide a more inclusive experience, with accessible seating and captioning for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping and Virtual Runway Shows
The fashion industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of online shopping and virtual runway shows revolutionizing the way consumers shop for and experience fashion. While there are clear benefits to these digital innovations, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Pros
One of the main advantages of online shopping is its convenience. Consumers can browse and purchase fashion items from anywhere in the world, at any time of day. This has opened up the fashion industry to a much wider audience, including those who may not have access to physical stores.
Additionally, online shopping allows for easier price comparisons, potentially leading to better deals for consumers.
Cons
Low Production Quality:
Online shopping has led to concerns around sustainability and ethical production, as fast fashion brands continue to churn out low-quality items at a rapid pace.
Lack of authenticity:
Over the years, virtual runway shows have also faced criticism for their lack of authenticity and the loss of the traditional fashion show experience. Without the ability to physically interact with the clothing and see it up close, some argue that the true essence of fashion is lost in the digital format.
What’s Next for Fashion?
The future of fashion is set to be even more transformative, with online shopping and virtual runway shows leading the way. Here are some trends to look out for in the years to come:
Increased Personalization
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more personalized shopping experiences, with recommendations based on individual preferences and behavior, as the fashion industry is adjusting the online shopping experience to fit their user's experience and interests.
Sustainable Fashion
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, and sustainable fashion is set to become a major trend in the coming years.
Virtual Fittings
The reality is that with the rise of augmented reality technology, virtual fittings are set to become the norm. Consumers will be able to try on clothes virtually, without the need for physical fittings.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has been growing in popularity in recent years as we have seen in Nigeria recently, and this trend is set to continue. Brands will increasingly partner with influencers to promote their products and reach new audiences.
Social Commerce
Social media platforms are becoming increasingly important for e-commerce, with features such as Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace making it easier for consumers to buy products directly from social media.
Conclusion
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation in the years to come, with digital fashion leading the way.
Are you a fashion entrepreneur or enthusiast? Now is your chance to get involved with the digital fashion industry, you know what they say; You snooze, you loose.
Want to get started? We’ve got you, stay tuned as we bring your more updates on this topic.
Written by Emmanuel Francis
Beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you, we are glad you enjoyed the read
DeleteTechnology is taking over every sector and the fashion industry is not left out.
ReplyDeleteYou know it
DeleteThe trend goes on and on... Have to keep up.
ReplyDelete