Virtual Bridal Fashion | Is the Future Digital?

Contributor: Adrianne Harris

When the Coronavirus pandemic took the world by storm, countries all over the world had to go into lockdown. For most of the world’s population, this meant the loss of work, poverty, being stranded away from loved ones, and many other awful things. While this was a huge setback for several industries, we somehow found a silver lining by making everything virtual.

Let’s talk about how augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence can benefit the fashion industry. Let’s define the differences between AR, VR, and AI, followed by how they can help the fashion industry grow.

Terms that you need to know?

AR or Augmented Reality refers to the addition of digital features to a live experience being recorded by a camera smartphone. Augmented Reality adds digital elements to a pre-recorded experience. Think of it as an instagram or snapchat filter or even Pokemon Go.

VR or Virtual Reality, takes place with the help of a device that shuts out the material world. This means that while wearing the device around your eyes, you will have a virtual experience that still feels physical. For example, dating. With the right VR device, you can virtually go on a date with someone and decide to meet them later if you like them.

AI or Artificial Intelligence, refers to a machine that has been programmed to act a certain way. Most of the time, the point behind AI is to create a machine that can mirror human behavior. Furthermore, AI learns through its interactions with people over time so it can produce better results.

What’s the difference between the three?

● Augmented Reality adds digital elements to a pre-recorded experience, whereas Virtual Reality sends you to a completely different place virtually. This means that you could be sitting on your couch while playing a VR game with the help of a device called a VR headset.

When you play the game, you will feel like you are actually there. You would have a real experience, but virtually. A recent example of this in the fashion industry is Balenciaga’s virtual reality show, which was presented with the help of a VR headset.

● Now, AI is very different from AR and VR. As I said, AI is a machine that acts on the basis of an algorithm instead of creating a virtual experience. In the fashion industry, AI can be used to create models programmed to walk or act in a certain manner.

It’s just like a fashion show, but instead of real-life fashion models, there would be just the appearance of a programmed model. Think of mannequins. Now imagine that the mannequins could move because they are integrated with a program that makes them mirror human actions.

If you can remember the episode of Doctor Who where the mannequins made of plastic came to life, you already understand what I’m talking about.

What's Ahead?

Fashion isn’t going anywhere, and neither are virtual elements that make it better. Using technology to enhance user experience has been a very old general rule of thumb, but now it’s becoming essential. AR, VR, and AI can save the fashion industry from going down because of the risks of physically being around people at the moment.