What does the future hold for Fashion Weeks in the digital age?

Two experts in virtual fashion discuss the impact that digital has on fashion, from buying to storytelling.

Will the future of fashion weeks be digital? Gala Marija Vrbanic and Danielle Loftus, founders of virtual label Tribute Brand and digital platform This Outfit Does Not Exist, seem to think so. During a talk at the latest Premiere Classe edition with LE BOOK, they discussed the many drivers of communication and influence that emerge in an increasingly digitalized landscape, sometimes overshadowing the clothes themselves. 

Buying 3.0

What is the impact on fashion weeks? “It is huge, because new platforms allow brands to directly speak to consumers, without any middleman” says Danielle Loftus. She mentions the numerous collaborations between brands and video game companies, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Roblox, or Fortnite and Balenciaga.


Why does it work? Because these partnerships give young audiences access to the universe of a luxury brand without having to pay the high price, through a similar mechanism as a makeup line or a branded coffee shop.

“Digital is also a way for brands to compete with fast fashion’s velocity. Live buying and See Now Buy Now may have ups and downs, but they still make fashion accessible before copy arrives.”

The 3.0 storytelling

In this context, immersive interactions may well replace the passive viewership of a show or presentation. At brands such as Anrealage or Coperni, clothes transform on the catwalk thanks to technological innovations that anchor the brand narrative into digital itself. From a simple medium, it becomes a language in its own right.


“The principle of Tribute Brand is to explore these new possibilities” says Gala Marija Vrbanic, an expert in the art of blurring the physical and virtual lines. She uses holograms or Fortnite characters to present her collections, and sells two versions of her garments: a traditional one made of textile, and a virtual form that will dress her clients, but only in photos.

The 3.0 social capital

“Why bother being physical if the whole point is to end on Insta?” says Danielle Loftus with a laugh. “Moreover, celebrities who are internet-native are coming to the fore as brands work to target young buyers.” Such as internet rappers Nettspend and Fake Mink, recently invited to walk the Gucci show.


This marks a major shift for the luxury sector, away from an exclusive approach to embrace a whole new audience. 


“Fashion weeks used to speak to buyers. Today, they speak to the masses.” And they become digital tools in their own right, used to build ever larger and more influential communities.

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