Can SYKY Magazine Prove Digital Fashion Is The Future?

When SYKY launched in 2023, founder Alice Delahunt sought to reshape the fashion industry with a digital-first approach. Now the go-to destination for buying, selling, and showcasing digital fashion, SYKY continues to turn heads as we enter the new year with the launch of SYKY Editorial. The platform's first digital editorial project, artistic director Nicola Formichetti, the creative visionary behind Mugler and Diesel, is at the helm of the magazine with the goal of proving that digital fashion isn’t just a passing trend—it’s the future.

Designed to merge digital, physical, and augmented fashion, the short-form magazine puts cutting-edge creativity in the spotlight. Each issue promises to feature next-gen artists who are redefining luxury, with stories told through a lens that’s as innovative as the work it showcases. The inaugural issue highlights work from multidisciplinary artist Yasmin Gross. Known for her AI-driven designs inspired by nature and the human form, Gross reimagines award-winning designer Kate Barton’s signature metallic textures and water motifs in two stunning digital covers. The result? A seamless blend of digital storytelling and physical design that feels both futuristic and timeless.

Adding to the excitement, SYKY’s debut issue won’t just be read—it’ll be collected. Each cover, including future editions, will be available exclusively on SYKY.com for a limited time, positioning digital fashion as more than just a medium. It’s art. It’s storytelling. And, most importantly, it’s redefining what luxury means in the digital age. We caught up with Formichetti to discuss his goals and inspirations for SYKY Magazine.

Joshua Graham: Your career has spanned work with iconic brands and publications—how did those experiences shape your vision for SYKY Magazine?

Nicola Formichetti: ‘My experiences at global brands have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of creative expression and the importance of pushing boundaries. These experiences have ranged from experimenting with 3D printing technology to create sculptural garments at Mugler to working with Anrealage on SYKY's Apple Vision Pro app, which dives into the storytelling and process behind his digitally enhanced pieces. Each experience, in its own way, encouraged me to think outside the box and explore new avenues for innovation, blending my understanding of traditional fashion with a forward-thinking approach central to our vision for SYKY Magazine.’

JG: Critics of digital art often regard it as not being as emotional as physical art. How do you ensure digital narratives resonate emotionally?

NF: ‘I believe that the most compelling work emerges from a dialogue between these two worlds – the tactile and the intangible, the physical and the virtual. Digital fashion and art are a powerful complement to traditional craftsmanship. Digital fashion offers new avenues for creativity and expression, allowing designers to experiment with materials, textures, and forms that may not be possible in the physical world. It can also enhance traditional narratives by providing immersive, meaningful, and personal experiences that allow consumers and viewers to interact with designer creations in new and exciting ways.’

JG: What was the creative process like when curating the inaugural issue, and what drew you to Yasmin Gross’s AI-driven designs?

NF: ‘For our cover, I was looking for an emerging talent who possesses a unique vision, a willingness to push boundaries, who is not afraid to experiment, and embraces new technologies. In that spirit, Yasmin Gross was the perfect fit. Her work is incredible; it resonated with me because it embodies the spirit of innovation and experimentation that SYKY Magazine champions. To arrive at the final look, we explored the possibilities of AI, discussed the key elements of Kate Barton’s aesthetic, and encouraged Yasmin to push the boundaries of her own artistic vision.’

JG: For designers and creators new to digital fashion, what steps would yo recommend for entering this space?

NF: ‘Embrace the challenge, embrace the unknown, and let your creativity flourish. Make lots of mistakes – that’s the best way to learn and grow. This is such an exciting time to be a part of the fashion industry, and the possibilities for digital innovation are truly limitless. Don’t be scared to experiment, collaborate with your peers, share ideas, and learn from each other.’

Discover SYKY Magazine Issue 01 here.