Virtual Influencer

Miquela Sousa, Instagram model, singer, social rights activist, is social media’s latest “it” girl. She is often seen sporting the latest fashion products from all the trending brands, from Chanel clothing to Kylie Cosmetic Lip Kits.

At first glance, she seems like any other blogger, visiting all of L.A.’s hot spots and responding to her followers, referred to as “Miquelites.” However, unlike other bloggers, Sousa is virtual. She is computer generated to resemble a 19-year-old Brazilian- Spanish girl. While her creator’s identity remains anonymous, one thing is clear: virtual influencers are going to change how the world of fashion operates.

Bloggers are currently a huge driving force in the beauty and fashion market. Their style influences trends and determines which brands are in fashion. At the moment, designers are already utilizing bloggers to promote their label.

Now, with the rise of virtual influencers, companies have access to a new platform that they can use to promote their products. Dior has its eyes set on using virtual reality to change the way fashion shows function.

The company experimented with virtual reality headsets, which allowed customers to view the fashion shows from different angles. It even gave fashion enthusiasts the opportunity to see how the set looked from backstage, without even leaving their seats.

Virtual technology is a way to transport consumers into a different environment and interact with their favorite companies in a way that they have never been able to before.  While we’re not sure how far virtual reality will go in reshaping the fashion industry, we do know that it offers a new way to captivate the audience.