The Institute of Digital Fashion Is Bringing Leather To The Metaverse
The platform is releasing a digital wearable based on a design by the winner of the 2022 Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition.
The platform is releasing a digital wearable based on a design by the winner of the 2022 Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition.
One of the most exciting aspects of digital fashion is the use of materials like lava and cement that would otherwise be impractical (and impossible) IRL. Still, you can’t go wrong with tried and true materials like leather. That’s what the Institute of Digital Fashion had in mind when teaming up with the winner of the 2022 Real Leather. Stay Different Student Design Competition on an exclusive digital wearable.
Fashion design graduate of Shankar College of Design, Engineering and Art, Gal Benjamin won this year’s competition with a pair of intricate leather trousers from his graduate collection dubbed ‘Alexithymia’. The annual competition began as a way to showcase the durability and sustainability of leather, asking students from around the globe to create innovative garments, footwear and accessories.
‘The collection encapsulates authentic masculine design that challenges toxic masculinity and traditional tailoring norms as they perpetuate images of and ideals for men that are not congruent with reality in an ever-changing, globalised world’, Benjamin tells us of his award-winning design. ‘My hope is that the AR filter encourages consumers of digital fashion to explore and celebrate their own unique and authentic identities.’
As a leader in digital fashion, IoDF has worked with brands like Alexander McQueen and Gucci. Still, at the core of its mission is to democratise Web3 spaces and push innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. ‘We wanted to champion Gal’s vision and interpretation of fashion, aligning with values that look beyond our industry.’ Explains IoDF co-founder Cattytay. ‘At IoDF, we delivered an AR experience that would allow Gal and the wider global audience to reimagine a space where design possibilities are endless, democratic and celebrated.’ IoDF worked with Benjamin to render the craftsmanship of his design with an AR filter that would be accessible to anyone around the world.
The digital design is now available via Snapchat filters.