A visually amazing virtual runway & catwalk model avatars

The Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp commissioned Random Studio, a Dutch experience design studio, to think about how to translate this year’s graduation show into a digital environment. To accommodate and suitably showcase the diverse – and often last minute – range of works created by their large group of students. How to bring the energy and experience of a physical runway to a screen/device?

The studio felt it was essential that the physical element of a fashion show remained at the heart of this digital architecture. They deconstructed the workings and logistics of a traditional fashion show, envisaging how they could make this happen in a virtual space, in front of a global audience.

By using traditional fashion show camera-angles, the visitor is invited to view and experience an innovative, visually stunning and exciting digital event.

Like a real-life model, the student’s work shimmies down the runway. The virtual runway is located in a geometric space, which continuously changes to represent each collection on show. Also, each master student was given the opportunity to create their own personalised environment. Their own stage to introduce themselves to the fashion industry.

The platform showcases the striking creations of all 140 first, second and third year Bachelor students, and nine Master's students. The show was broadcast live on the platform, and can now still be watched on the website.