You may have seen in recent news that Mark Zuckerberg has rebranded Facebook as Meta.
It’s not just a change of name; the company plans to invest at least $10 billion into Facebook Reality Labs, to incorporate augmented reality and virtual reality software and content into the platform, and build Facebook’s very own metaverse. Zuckerberg has also given insight into the upcoming metaverse during an hour-long keynote presentation. The use of the VR and AR hardware, made by Oculus, will allow users to enter a virtual world to play games like Grand Theft Auto, attend virtual parties, shop, and even attend work.
Users can enter the metaverse using their digital avatars, which can only be assumed that they’ll have their own virtual wardrobes. The concept of virtual fashion has been gaining a lot of attention in the last few years thanks to the rise of start-ups selling virtual clothing. Luxury fashion brands have also been embracing the technology by tapping into virtual models and partnering with video games to launch their own virtual collections, like Gucci x Roblox and Balenciaga x Fortnite.
What is to be expected of virtual fashion now?
Customisable 3D Avatars
As Meta positioning itself to be used daily and for multiple events and occasions, it will allow users to present themselves as 3D avatars, from photorealistic ones suitable for work meetings to cartoon ones for social and gaming activities. Zuckerberg explained that you will be able to make your avatar look exactly like yourself with makeup and tattoos as options too.
Virtual Clothing
If you play video games, you may be familiar with the concept of changing your outfit with ‘skins’. Zuckerberg showed how Meta users will be able to switch between outfits for their avatars so they can dress appropriately for the different apps and experiences within the virtual world.
Virtual Shopping
Meta will allow users to shop for official merchandise and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs are already being embraced by luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton who have launched an NFT collection. Gucci is currently in the process of developing its own, and in the future, these collection launches will take place on Meta.
Cross-platform Virtual Wardrobe
The biggest limitation of a virtual wardrobe is that it can only be worn through a single app or game. Fortnite players can’t show off their virtual Gucci bags they bought on Roblox and vice versa. Meta wants to change this but allows users to buy clothes for their avatars to be worn across the whole metaverse.
Collaborations with Big Brands
Meta has already mentioned a collaboration with Balenciaga being in the works; launching a collection for Meta’s own video game. Balenciaga has also collaborated with Fortnite to launch both physical and virtual merchandise. The fashion brand’s audience is already very tech-savvy and interested in the virtual universe. Meta has also hinted that the users will be able to walk through their Pinterest boards in the Metaverse.
These technological advancements are going to drastically shape and influence the fashion industry over the next few years, hopefully making fashion more accessible to people using the metaverse and digital platforms.
