Queering technology’: Meta’s Mixed Reality drag show blends VR, Design, and Fashion

In Metaverse, fashion designers can use augmented reality to create their own virtual 3D models of clothes that can be viewed on smartphones and tablets.

The first-ever mixed reality drag fashion show, Queens of the Metaverse, hosted by Meta offers a glimpse into how the LGBTQ+ creative community is using its technologies to inspire a new wave of creativity in drag fashion. At the immersive runway show in London, three metaverse-inspired drag looks designed using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies were revealed by Blu Hydrangea, the winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race: the UK vs. The World," Tia Kofi, a pop music artist and star of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 2, and Adam All, a world-renowned drag king.

The three drag acts teamed up with three aspiring designers from the LGBTQ+ community on a first-of-its-kind design process. Digital fashion designers Nwora Emenike, Sal Mohammed, and Christie Lau used virtual design technology, digital avatars, and Horizon Workrooms to design three outfits that were then designed as physical garments.

The garments were presented on the VR runway to an audience of fan-favorite British drag queens, LGBTQ+ creatives, and digital creators, including the new cast of "Ru Paul's Drag Race," showcasing the power of collaboration in the metaverse.

Digital fashion has gone from an emerging to a niche industry. As technology and knowledge improve, so does the data-backed understanding of what people want to buy and wear virtually. Social media platforms like Facebook, and Instagram have introduced us to the metaverse. Metaverse style is taking shape. As the fashion industry becomes more rooted in the metaverse, and younger generations spend more time shopping, socializing, and playing in Metaverse, retail and fashion brands must understand how to tap into the opportunities in front of them. Around 8% fashion industry already uses the metaverse making up the US $3.736 Billion annual revenue in 2021.

In Metaverse, fashion designers can use augmented reality to create their own virtual 3D models of clothes that can be viewed on smartphones and tablets. Metaverse will allow people to try clothes virtually before they buy them. So, designers and brands must understand how to reach their customer base while mastering digital tools. It's not a limited shopping experience like an online store. It is possible to virtually see, touch, and experience products as if you're really there. This will allow customers to see how the clothes will look in real life and gives them a chance to try on different outfits by just using the camera on their device.

The metaverse is a decentralized platform of virtual reality that redefines how we use technology, integrating both digital and physical worlds. As fashion immerses itself in the metaverse, it can be separated into two forms: the combination of physical and digital aspects, which is digital fashion that a person can wear by making use of augmented or virtual reality, and fully digital, which is digital fashion that is sold directly to an avatar. And now, video games are where most of these customers are. Collaboration with the gaming industry is essential to fashion houses as it is a huge economic opportunity.

The metaverse will also make it easier for smaller designers to break into the market. Digital clothing is thus making the fashion industry more accessible for sellers and buyers while tackling the urgent need for sustainability. As the metaverse approaches, and the lines between reality and virtual continue to blur, fashion eyes a bright digital future.

Top 3 fashion brands working on Metaverse:

Ralph Lauren: It is participating in the metaverse platform Zepeto and gaming site Roblox, where shoppers can dress their avatars in Ralph Lauren clothing.

Burberry: It is venturing into the metaverse, intending to give its customers a pleasurable experience that nears that of the real world.

Balenciaga: It's launching a new business dedicated entirely to the development of products, projects, and experiences designed for the metaverse.