Digital Avatars & Campaigns: Made in Europe

The biggest virtual influencer Lil’ Miquela is leading the way, with millions following her on Instagram. Shudu was on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. Zoe was just the first virtual model at Berlin Fashion Week. Ella is currently in Buffalo’s first diversity campaign. Increasingly, you read “digital models are taking over the runway.” We now meet the man who does VR campaigns and shows. Virtual reality, fashion brands, Instagram, we look forward to hearing his answers!

In conversation: Stephan M. Czaja, founder CXMXO and CM Models.

FIV: How did it come about that you now work with virtual models?

Honestly, we have always been nerds when it comes to marketing, media and of course technical trends. Today, more and more people are talking about AI (artificial intelligence), so what could be more natural than bringing people to life artificially, as digital avatars?

The core team for the development of the technologies started work two years ago. In America, of course, you get a lot of money quickly for such projects, which is why the colleagues from Los Angeles were also faster. Last year, in the summer, we held initial talks with customers, and this year the time had finally come. The first virtual fashion show with digital avatars!

Advantages? Risk minimization, less travel and post-processing

Our goal has always been to find a complement to models who may not be available at the time.

But the technology also has the advantage that 20,000 air miles are not required for every production. Customers do not have to resort to completely virtual avatars, we can also digitize models, so that the flight is saved and a collaboration can still arise.

Customers also have the extremely great advantage that productions can be edited afterwards. After photo shoots, everything is usually finished and no more changes are possible. Here, the light, the location or the clothing can be changed at any time.

A mix of future technology and benefits for customers. We believe the fashion world will accept it! After all, the word fashion stands for trend and novelty.

Diversity Campaign: Buffalo London with Ella Stoller

Virtual hologram: Kim Kardashian’s father

The technology behind it is really extremely exciting! Maybe you’ve heard about Kim Kardashian’s birthday party? One of her gifts was her father, as a virtual hologram. Here we are again at the word fashion, trends and trendsetters, like Kim Kardashian. New technologies take time, need first movers but will establish themselves.

Those who have been there from the beginning will have the best stories to tell!

Experience with virtual models / campaigns

FIV: What experience with virtual models has your agency gained so far? What are the latest projects?

I think the most interesting and recent experience we’re having here with digital avatars is that we’re significantly more involved in the creative process. It starts with the storyboards and goes further and further into possibilities, so that we can even influence gravity.

Creativity has no limits anymore + Brand Avatars

In short, there are no longer any limits to creativity. Really none! Completely independent of location, time and many other factors. This enables a completely new way of thinking, which is not limited by travel plans, schedules or other cost factors.

The first job for MarcCain was already particularly exciting. A digital fashion show at the Berlin Fashion Week. Besides our Zoe, we created our own digital avatar and three other virtual people. In the fashion movie you see 8 real and 4 virtual models. So our worlds are merging more and more, the real and the digital.

Tip. Our article on the show: Future fashion show? VR fashion show in Berlin.

Video: Fashion Movie @ Berlin Fashion Week

The MarcCain fashion show:

What’s next? The near future

FIV: Following up again, can you also tell us something about new projects?

Our projects are usually all done under secrecy, so I can’t say anything about new advertising campaigns from clients! But what is important to me is the storytelling around Zoe. So also the question, how can we make her even more “alive”?

What I can tell you already is that one of the next projects will be the first publication in a fashion magazine. For this magazine shoot we are currently setting up the team. Classically with photographer, make-up artist, stylist and of course our development team.

Lil’ Miquela, Shudu: USA vs Europe

FIV: So far, the most famous virtual models / influencers come from the States. How do you see the current hype in Germany?

You’re talking about Brud from Los Angeles. He was the very first to really revolutionize the market just before us. His project Lil’ Miquela was the very first and really blew up the imaginable. I don’t know exactly what specific brands he worked with, but I think half the high fashion industry was already involved.

Germany and Europe are not exactly known for innovations, start-ups or the like. It’s the same with our virtual avatar. It took us eight months alone to get the first project up and running. Of course, everyone has reservations, but do you need that?

Start Ups and Ideas in Los Angeles

As a company in Los Angeles, you don’t have these problems, because new ideas are born here and are very welcome. Just think of social networks, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. All of this comes from California. In Germany, everything takes longer, so it also means a lot more investment for us. Nevertheless, we are proud to be the first next to Brut and therefore also the very first in Europe.

And if for the goals this year do not reach, we just move to LA!

Real models vs virtual models

FIV: Do fashion labels prefer to work with virtual models or with ‘real’ models? What are your experiences?

Currently, I don’t think any label prefers to work with virtual models. The technologies are only just being developed, but they are improving all the time. Coverage of the topic has only been around for a little over a year. So the topic is so new, we still need a little time!

Technology: Digital fashion / models for online shops

FIV: What are the advantages of working with virtual models?

You have to see the benefits first, of course. And that’s why the first movers that are out there now are so important. They show the other brands that the investment is worth it. Here’s a small example: a large part of fashion customers have online stores. Accordingly, with each new collection, new season, new photos are needed. The garments have a very long way to go before they finally reach the stores, usually shipped for weeks and then arriving at some point in the central warehouse. Now the pictures have to be taken, at the same time the distribution to the individual stores takes place. A lot of effort, in that everything has to fit.

Only 3 photos for digital fashion

With our technology, all it takes is three photos of the garment and we can attach it absolutely authentically and realistically to a moving body of a virtual model. With wind, gravity and everything that goes with it. The big advantage is that the photos can theoretically already be completed in production. So while the garments are still being packaged, the photos for e-commerce are already ready.

That means in principle there are two big advantages. One is for relatively standardized mass production and the other is the PR effect, because our lives are becoming more and more digital.

Storytelling, jobs and social media future?

Today, the first generation has grown up knowing only a life with iPhone and Co. Storytelling has always worked. Legends and stories, later written, then books, later Hollywood and in the future maybe digital people. Lil’ Miquela shows how successful this can be with meanwhile 3 million followers on Instagram.

Another advantage, especially for productions, marketing agencies and advertising agencies is that there is no risk of failure. Anyone who organizes large productions, for example for commercials, knows that sometimes up to 50 people can be on set, plus 20 booked cars and maybe even a helicopter. Suddenly the model doesn’t show up. Of course, the same goes for any other person relevant to the shoot. Is the stylist is not there for the clothes, makeup artist, photographer…. So shoots have much less risk from outside influencing factors.

Cooperation and effect of virtual avatars

FIV: What does a collaboration with a virtual model look like? So, how can you imagine that?

Very briefly described, you actually have no limits in creativity. You can do a photo shoot on the moon, create your own digital avatars and all that exclusively for your brand. Clothes, accessories, etc. are all interchangeable. Accordingly, you’re no longer just working on time, but really on creativity. This is super interesting especially for campaigns and advertising agencies. In addition, different images can be transported very well, e.g. innovations, future-oriented thinking and digital solutions.

Otherwise it’s the typical game in marketing or the advertising agency. Many ideas are available, but many have to be discarded because they are too expensive or too complex.

How much does a campaign cost?

FIV: Can you also tell us something about the prices? How much does the collaboration cost if you want to book virtual models or such a production?

Exact prices of course always differ depending on the effort, quantity, preliminary work, but also the media use afterwards. Roughly speaking: The production does not pay off with one part, but who has to produce 20 or more parts, can possibly already think about the cooperation when we talk about e-commerce.

It always pays off for campaigns. Just from the aspect that further media can be created from the already existing production in no time. Details can be changed. In addition, there is of course no risk of failure, as mentioned before.

Hype for digital avatars: Lil’ Miquela & Co.

FIV: Where does the big fascination around virtual influencers, like Lil’ Miquela & Co, come from?

The fantasy is just simple, yet I like them. Everyone knows Superman or Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. Of course, none of the characters are real, but still you are interested in each new story the people behind it.

Series and actors are like avatars: We want more stories

Everyone outside the US knows Hollywood only from movies, TV and series. Who knows if Brad Pitt really exists? You know what I mean! The world is already a bit digital today and it’s getting more and more so! This aspect also plays a role when people think about avatars.

You just mentioned it yourself, how the Lil’ Miquela phenomenon has taken off. On Instagram you see private moments from her life, she produces new photo campaigns, even music videos.

Now if you remember the story from the beginning, i.e. the hologram of Kim Kardashian’s father, you’re already seeing the next leap in technology here too. Bringing digital avatars into the real world.

We will definitely not get bored!

FIV: Will VR people replace real models & influencers one day?

No, absolutely not. Virtual people, or avatars and models or even influencers will always be only a meaningful addition to the real existing. However, they can experience different stories, precisely because of the complete freedom in creativity. Ultimately like a Netflix series, only packaged differently.

Thanks for the answers!

In conversation: Stephan M. Czaja, founder CXMXO Group and CM Models.

Ella & Zoe: Digital Avatars of CM Models

Reading Tip: Digital Avatars

Read even more about digital avatars here including a list, with all the virtual influencers!

Lil’ Miquela: The LA Phenomenon

Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Hailey Bieber outdated? Virtual influencers like Lil Miquela or Bermuda are conquering Instagram and the model business. The fact that they already have significantly more followers on social media than other influencers proves the success of this forward-thinking invention. However, anyone who thought that these virtual influencers were boring and without character was sorely mistaken. In addition to an individual personality, the models have their own lives in which they report on their leisure activities with the help of story telling. However, the trend of these virtual stars has not only been on Instagram for a long time, a music career has also been predicted for them. Within four years, virtual influencer Miquela Sousa has built a remarkable career.

• Lil’ Miquela

Virtual Influencers: List

You know the models of the 90s like Naomi Campbell or Claudia Schiffer. We dive into the world of digital models, influencers and Instagram stars. Virtual influencers are conquering the market and are no longer hype. It’s all about fashion and what buzz these virtual personalities are creating in the fashion world. Who are they? Who created them? Are they replacing the supermodels of millennials? Are Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid simply being replaced? What role do you play in today’s fashion and social media world. We introduce you to models including Lil Miquela and Shudu Gram, the two first virtually created models and what exactly makes each of you so special. And how they managed to get on the magazine covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

• Virtual Influencers

Marc Cain: Fashion Show “How Wonderful”

The Fashion Show Berlin – high fashion, haute couture and lots of familiar faces, that’s how you imagine the fashion show in Berlin! But this year something completely new will be presented, something that has never been seen before! A meeting between two worlds. Fiction and reality. At Marc Cain’s Fashion Show 2021, this year there will be no real models as we know them, but virtual models. How should one imagine such a thing? You can see all this live on 19 January. At 18:00 you can watch the fashion show live on YouTube, mbfw.berlin or Vogue. Be sure to tune in and don’t miss this unprecedented fashion show with virtual models (Agency and production CM Models / Zoe 101). Read more about: Virtual influencer.

Show by Marc Cain

Virtuelle Models (Screenshots): Fashion Movie

Marc Cain: From Italy to Germany

The company was founded in 1973 by Helmut Schlotterer in Carpi, Italy. A few years later, the headquarters were moved to Bodelshausen in Baden-Württemberg, where the company is still based today. To this day, Marc Cain produces a large part of its collection there and is one of the most important employers in the region. The focus is always on the high-quality product that arouses emotions in the consumer. Like his father’s company, Marc Cain also specialises in knitwear, which is still one of the core competences.

3D printers and radiant colours

Marc Cain attaches great importance to its knitwear, which is why it owns one of the most modern knitting machine parks in Europe. He already invested in electronically controlled knitting machines in the 1970s. In 2013, 3D Knit & Wear was introduced. Here, the garments are purely programmed in a 3D printer and a finished product comes out of the knitting machine. With digital printing, different materials such as cotton, leather or wool can be printed. Marc Cain uses its own reactive dye for this, with which particularly radiant, brilliant prints can be created. The dye does not just lie on the surface of the fibre, but forms a permanent bond with the fibre. This makes Marc Cain particularly unique.

Marc Cain Fashion Shows 2020

To give you an insight into how Marc Cain’s fashion shows are run, here are the fashion shows from 2020. Rich fabrics, deep colours and elegant cuts.

A spectacular light show and colourful looks with striking Marc Cain prints, dynamic florals and exciting colour mixes. The collection for spring/summer 2020.

Marc Cain featuring fashion artists

Marc Cain cooperates with bloggers, painters, photographers and illustrators. The artists create exclusive designs for a product, which is then incorporated into the collection as a limited edition. The collaborations started when the project with a fashion blogger with the theme “From Paris to Tokyo” was totally successful.

Virtual Influncer: Digital Top List! Lil Miquela, Ella Stoller, Shudu Gram, Noonoouri & Co.

Here you will find an overview of the virtual influencers you may have already met. What role digital influencers play and what you need to know about them. Whether these virtual influencers are on the live show?

• Virtual Influencers: Digital Top List!

Fashion Week Revolution in Moscow

Next Sunday, September 06, 2020, she will definitely rock the catwalk in Moscow. Yes, you heard right: Our Zoe is not a real person, but she will be present at Chain’s fashion show anyway. How does that work? State-of-the-art technology makes it possible! Zoe is the very first digital model in the world. If that isn’t a goal! The fashion shows are sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, Russian Fashion Council and Global Talents Digital.

The event of the year in the fashion industry

Global Talents Digital: Now that’s something the fashion industry should know. The digital fashion shows are of course not only revolutionary, but can also offer a creative solution in Corona times. So you can easily stay up to date and watch the show from home on the couch in a comfortable jogging suit.

The fashion show with our model Zoe can be streamed live from over 80 countries. She is one of six models who are walking the catwalk in Moscow. There will be eight virtual shows in total. On Sunday the time has finally come: According to German time at 19:50 Zoe’s time to shine. The outfits that Zoe will present are also digitalized. So in any case nothing can go wrong in the dressing room. All in all, the shows will already start on September 04 and end on September 06, 2020.

• Moscow Fashion Week from September 4 to 6, 2020
• Zoe’s appearance on the catwalk for Chain: 19:50
• Livestream from over 80 countries possible

Zoe: Our influencer in the fact check

Our model Zoe has a cool lifestyle: She lives vegan and is a bartender at poké in Israel. When she is not walking her dog, she likes to do yoga. After working in the bar, she likes to spend time with her boyfriend. Zoe also has an eye for art, animals and fashion. This is of course ideal for a model. On her Instagram profile you can see her shopping with a mouth mask or at the booth. Zoe has beautiful, curly brown hair and blue eyes.

What she puts a lot of emphasis on in her virtual life is sustainability. Thus, as a virtual model, she may even serve as a role model that already has many followers. She has already posted over 100 pictures on her Instagram account. If you want to learn more about Zoe, just visit her on her Instagram profile. See if you can tell the difference.

• Zoe is not a real person, she is a virtual model
• She lives vegan, has hobbies and a dog
• The model is also active on Instagram and already has some followers.

Zoe for Chain: Virtual Fashion Show

Zoe gets to walk along the runway for Chain from Argentina. The pieces of the collection are designed by Lucía Chain. The pieces will be handmade. But this is not the only brand. Anciela, Alkhanashvili and duet.by.me are just some of the labels that will present their collections in the coming days. The focus of the whole Fashion Week is on the topic “Sustainability”.

In total, there will be 100 different participants from 34 countries at the international Fashion Week. Terms such as “zero waste” and also “upcycling” will play an important role here. So it is of course an honor for our Zoe to be able to run at such a fashion show. After all, the term “sustainability” is not foreign to her.

Facts about Chain

This is not the first time that Lucía Chain has had models walk the Moscow runway in her designs. Only last year her collections could be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Russia Fashion Week. For her, sustainability is a lifestyle. She is concerned about our planet and the people on it. She herself describes Chain as minimalist and rebellious. Chain is based in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

The label, which is just three years old, has already made a good trip around the world: Chain has already had the opportunity to present itself on many catwalks, for example in France, Costa Rica and also here in Germany. Last year the brand even managed to win the Global Talents of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Russia. Fashion lovers can marvel at their creations in Italy, to be more precise in the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.

• The issue of sustainability is important to the label
• Chain comes from Argentina
• Chain could already be seen on many catwalks worldwide

Virtual influencers: The latest hype

If digital, then digital is the way to go: the latest trend is the influencer. Here, many people take the viewer on a tour of everyday life or present products – we all know it. But what is new about it? After all, influencers have been around for several years.

Not so long ago, virtual influencers like our model Zoe were introduced. Zoe goes together with Ella and Linda among the influencers. They could also promote products or sweeten their followers’ day with stories. There are certainly many possible applications here. From commercials to photo shootings – the virtual influencers can keep up with the real ones in some things.

Lil Miquela

Lil Miquela has been in business for several years, since 2016 to be exact. She is also a virtual influencer and has already cooperated with big labels like Prada or Nike. On Instagram she has already 2.7 followers with her 19 years, which she can entertain. And she does, because she has already posted over 800 articles and uploaded some stories. With her short pony and the two braids she definitely stands out from the crowd. In her pictures she poses behind the wheel of a car or is photographed with flowers in her hand. Lil Miquela even already has her own songs.

• virtual influencer

Who is Bermuda, and what has she done?

Bermuda, has been a controversial blonde virtual model from LA since 2016, known for stirring up the digital world of social media. The virtual model is very political and was a trump supporter, but now her view has changed. She also did not believe in climate change. She did some other scandalous actions that helped to get more followers. April 2018 Bermuda hacked the Instagram account of Miquela. In the process she deleted many photos and posted computer generated avatars, including her photos. She wrote in the description:

“Hello folks! This is Bermuda. Sooooo… you have been lied to by the wrong person. Who will buy that literally for a second? Apparently a lot of you. …Sorry, miquela. I tried to text you,I tried to call, but you keep ignoring me. You brought this on yourself,girl ?. Leave me a comment if you care about the truth, k? ? Follow me @bermudaisbae.”

However, this brought Miquela to 1 million followers on Instagram, and was a milestone that opened a lot of doors in the world of influencers, including lucrative brand deals with prominent designers. Miquela didn’t let herself get down and continued to try to prove to people that she was a real person. And that’s exactly what Bermuda didn’t like. She posted pictures on her own Instagram account and continued to threaten Miquela. In the meantime, the two have reconciled and are now very good friends.
No, the whole story was a marketing strategy by the inventors to help attract more followers and attention.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ge_neD93o/

What does Bermuda do for a living?

Bermuda is now a well-known influencer and has already advertised Chanel, Balenciaga, Tesla, Adam Selman and Starbucks on her Instagram. She also releases her own music, which has earned her 378,735 hits on YouTube. On Instagram, Bermuda now has 274,000 followers and gets about 20-40 thousand likes per picture.

Where can you book digital influencers?

Through the first European provider, Cocain Models, the 3D models can book. Here you can find the lists of all the Digital Models like LilMiquela, Ella Stoller and many mehr.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6EbGEHBDpd/

Love between virtual influencers?

Bermuda and Blawko22 were once a couple. However the relationship ended. They met through Instagram. Blawko discovered them through the argument between her and Miquela. When Bermuda changed companies, where Blawko and Miquela were, they met. Bermuda got a better look and her personality changed. The two met more often and then became a couple. However, the two had different characters. Blawko was always very positive and always wanted the best, whereas Bermuda was very negative. The ways separated because Bermuda wanted to change Blawko and he didn’t like it. However, the three virtual characters are still friends.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6gLrsVBiGG/

Influencer Marketing

That the scandal was a good marketing strategy is no secret. But how exactly does it all work? Well networked influencers can be very valuable for a company, and with influencer marketing, companies wanted to achieve the greatest possible reach. They want to increase awareness and get more likes and comments and sell a product, service or brand as well as possible. Would you like to learn more about it? Then click here: Virtual Influencer/ Models /Avatars: Social Media Marketing Strategy

What are the Digital Models good for?

Is there a difference between influencer and virtual influencer marketing? The 3D avatars bring a big advantage for companies: They are timeless! They can be changed individually and adapt to the brand image. For a social media agent this is of course a catcher. The model can be directly available at a specific location. And doesn’t have to sit in the plane first. The other advantages of a virtual Influencer can be found here: Advantages at a glance

Daisy’s character as a virtual model

Daisy has an extraordinary and perfect appearance with her brunette hair and many freckles. She comes from East London, Stepney to be exact. Her clothes have been created on the computer. Apart from being a model, Daisy is supposed to become an actress, present fashion and influence and entertain her future followers.

Who do you look to when you want to rock the fashion industry? Clearly, those who have already made a name for themselves there. Daisy is good at inspiring other models, her role models are supermodels likeKate Moss or Cara Delevingne or Kendall Jenner. However, Daisy Paige’s career is still very fresh and new to the world of fashion. She is currently the only virtual model at Lipps LA.

Leisure, kickboxing and high fashion

When Daisy isn’t kickboxing, she might be at home watching a nice old movie. But the 19-year-old model is sporty through and through: If you think kickboxing is her only sporting activity now, you’re clearly mistaken. Daisy likes to cruise around on her bike in her free time or even does motor sports. With so much variety, she certainly doesn’t get bored very often. Daisy also has a good eye for retro things, which she also likes to collect. High fashion is her thing. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t also like to just be in casual clothes.

• First digital supermodel, under contract with Lipps LA
• Daisy Paige is 19 years old
• Kickboxing

Daisy didn’t always have it easy

Daisy Paige life has not always been as glamorous as it is at this moment. She’s been shaped by her tough past, where she’s had to experience and witness quite a few things. And that’s despite the fact that she’s still very young. Some of Daisy’s people were forced to join gangs, where they were abused and bullied. That’s why Daisy detests bullying so much.

References

• Luxury fashion retailer YOOX – Daisy presents fashion & accessories as a virtual dress-up doll

https://www.instagram.com/p/By78P39lJqU/?utm_source=ig_embed

Daisy’s Instagram?

According to Lipps LA, Daisy probably already has about 8400 followers on Instagram. That’s a good start. But Daisy Paige’s account on Instagram is no longer to be found? Why is that? Did Daisy change her mind about modeling? Does she perhaps want to pursue a career in motorsports after all? She certainly doesn’t need a lot of pictures on Instagram with a green tea in her hand. What’s going on with Daisy? Has anyone heard from her? Any sign of life?

The reasons for their absence on Instagram can be many: from stress with the best friend to simply social detox. No one knows if we’ll ever know the real reason. But maybe she will come back to the world of social media soon. In any case, it remains exciting.

Influencer Marketing – the future is today

Influencers haven’t just been around since yesterday. Many have already established themselves in the industry and have secured good collaborations with advertising partners. There are already some agencies that specialize in influencer marketing. One of them is SocialMedia One, for example. The agency tries to introduce the right influencer to the right customer. Of course, not every influencer is the perfect match here. After all, what matters here is whether the client fits the influencer and vice versa. For example, it would certainly make little sense to introduce an influencer who gives cooking tips to a fashion company.

Just like that, it plays a big role that the influencers are first supported and promoted by the agency. After all, influencers are a dime a dozen. That’s why it depends, for example, on what kind of personality is behind the respective person. You have to stand out from the crowd somehow. Who does that in any case, you can find out now.

Virtual Influencers: Digital Top List! Lil Miquela, Ella Stoller, Shudu Gram, Noonoouri & Co.

We dive into the world of digital models, influencers and Instagram stars. It’s all about fashion and what buzz these virtual personalities are creating in the fashion world. Who are they? Who created them? Are they replacing the supermodels of millennials? Are Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid simply being replaced? What role do you play in today’s fashion and social media world. We introduce you to models including Lil Miquela and Shudu Gram, the first two virtually created models, and what exactly makes each of them so special.

• Virtual Influencers: Digital Top List!

Shudu Gram: Virtual Supermodel, Fenty Beauty, and Academy Awards.

Changes are becoming visible in the fashion world. In the age of technological progress and Photoshop, real models are suddenly competing with virtual beauties. The digital models and influencers have a very decisive advantage: they are perfect, can wear anything, do what a customer asks and don’t talk back. Of course, it’s not quite that simple, because behind a virtual character is a lot of work, a lot of costs and a life.

• Read more about virtual supermodel Shudu Gramhere

Blawko22: digital model with masked face

Miquela and Bermuda have already made a name for themselves in the Digital Models world. In addition to the two women, there is now finally a man alongside the Digital Models. We present: Ronald F. Blawko. Better known as Blawko22, attractive, mysterious, a real sex symbol. Just like a real model, he causes a sensation and entertainment, for example with his turbulent love life.

• Read more about male virtual model Blawko22here.

Now also in the magazine: Virtual Models

You can also find the article about virtual models in the magazine. Now on fivmagazine.com, the whole magazine is also online:

• FIV Issue #7

The most beautiful prisoner in the world:

Millions of young women and men dream of a career in the modeling industry and sacrifice a lot for it. However, more than ten years of prison experience, a tattooed face and a drug past certainly do not belong in a model’s portfolio. The set card of Jeremey Meeks also looks like that of a supermodel. The American became an internet celebrity in 2014 purely by chance and got a modeling contract while he was still serving a prison sentence. How can I do that? Meek’s career starts with a harmless police photo that a policeman posted on Facebook after the arrest of the then 30-year-old. The photo went viral and quickly demanded Jeremy Meek’s release by thousands of people worldwide. Give the pretty boy a modeling contract, they say.

Criminal past: drugs, weapons, gang wars

But his piercing blue eyes and cool gaze cannot hide a terrible past, clouded by drugs and violence. Meek’s childhood is marked by crime and gang wars. While his mother was still pregnant with him she took heroin and served several sentences in prison. When his mother can no longer care for him, he moves in with his sister Leanna. But even she cannot give the boy a sheltered childhood. The wrong friends and a disturbed family environment lead the then 15-year-old into gang crime at an early age. During his life Meeks is said to have been shot five times.

Second chance: Model career, celebrity friends

In 2014, Jeremy Meeks was serving a 27-month prison sentence for illegal possession of firearms when a police officer posted his photo on Facebook. After that everything happened very quickly. Thousands of fans turned to the bad boy and praised him to model heaven. Because of these surprising reactions a judge gave Meeks a second chance and shortened his prison sentence. While he was still serving his last months in Californian prison, Meeks signed a modeling contract with the hip agency White Cross Management. From now on everything was to change. The boy, who had never been paid any attention, ignored by his family, should expect an exemplary career.

Trademark Bad Boy

Meek’s criminal gang career may be behind him but the bad boy image haunts him forever. A smile of the now 36 year old is hard to catch and also his whole appearance makes some people sit up and take notice. Nevertheless he is one of the best booked Male models of the century. The nice boy from next door is wanted in vain by Jeremy Meeks. But that’s not what the labels of today are looking for. Constantly looking for new, interesting people, Meeks revolutionizes the world of the beautiful and rich. With his looks and his criminal past he is breaking down doors and showing how to do things unconventionally. But how much Bad Boy is still in the ex-prisionor? And has he really shed all his criminal energy?

From criminal to model

Watch the video to see how former inmate Jeremy Meeks made it onto the catwalks in Milan and Paris.

After two failed relationships finally the great love?

Even though Meeks often made the wrong decisions in his life and he certainly has no picture-book childhood to show for it, he proves as a loving father of two children that there is another way. He and Melissa Meeks were a couple for ten years until she divorced the newcomer model in 2018. The couple has an eleven-year-old son, named Jeremy Junior, who Meeks proudly presents on his social media channels. Shortly after, a liaison between Topshop heiress Cloe Green, daughter of Philip Green and the model became known. Although the relationship lasted only one year, it produced another son, Jaydon Meeks Green, in 2018. After two failed relationships it became quiet around the bad boy for a long time. Until now. Since a few weeks rumors are spreading that the model has something to do with reality TV starlet Jessica Rich (35). Neither Jessica nor Jeremey commented on the rumors yet, but they have been seen together in Los Angeles quite often. Whether friendship or romance, a love story with a happy end is granted to the former bad boy.

References

After Meek signed a modeling contract in 2014, he could hardly escape from orders. Everyone wanted to work with that special man. After a few campaigns and shootings he finally celebrated his catwalk debut in 2017 at the New York City Fashion Week. There he ran for Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfinger, among others. The bad boy has also made it onto the covers of various fashion magazines such as Preme Magazine. With his 1.6 followers on Instagram, he shares his story, deals with his past and presents himself as a proud father. In addition, he actively supports the Black lives matter movement. Now the former jailbird is also trying his hand at Hollywood. In a new thriller he tries his hand as an actor. Not much is known about his future role, but the role as a villain would certainly suit him well.

• • Fashion Concept GmbH: joint collection (2019)
  • Tommy Hilfiger
  • Philipp Plein

What makes a (super)model?

Supermodels like Eva Herzigová or Heidi Klum fulfill the (external) clichés of a model in many ways. Perfect measurements, clean skin and full hair. But the supermodel as it used to exist, does not exist anymore. The demands on the model, how she has to look like, generally how she acts in the world have changed. Herzigová, for example, even goes one step further and calls the activist Greta Thunberg a supermodel. The status of a model and its definition are at a turning point. A model is no longer just an empty canvas, but a person with a voice.

“Models today receive more attention for what they are – and what they say,” said Eva Herzigová (source: Süddeutsche Zeitung)

• What makes Bella, Gigi, Taylor and Hailey so special? Find out in the article about the Millenialmodels.

Influencer Marketing

Even supermodels like Eva Herzigová, Heidi Klum or Naomi Campbell use the possibilities of digital presentation in the age of Instagram and Facebook. Through clever posts and a well-considered marketing strategy, they are gaining attention and are better known as influencers than ever before.  The word “influencer” is not a modern invention of marketing, but a business model that has worked for thousands of years, also known as “recommendation marketing”. A recommendation means that people (with influence) have an effect on other people through positive opinion making. People who receive the recommendation will usually stick to it, once the willingness to buy is given.  The goal of successful marketing is to introduce products or services to a previously determined target group through interesting and creative content and to motivate the target group to act.

• • • More about Influencer Marketing (at Social Media One).
    • Marketing strategies at a glance.

Virtual Influencer: The future of tomorrow?

Lil Miquela, Zoe, Ella, Bermuda, Daisy Page, Shudo. What do these six people have in common? They are successful influencers and models on Instagram and Co. They are considered the new discovery in social media. But what makes them so special? They are not alive. The pixel-creatures only exist online and thus fool some people. Their whole appearance seems so real that even big fashion brands book the influencers for shootings and fashion shows.

Models, Blogger, Indluencer and now virtual models

The trend of virtual influencers is a phenomenon of the 21st century. After Facebook and Instagram came the bloggers, real people who exploit the platforms to their advantage and entertain their fans on various topics. At the latest since the advent of digital photography and Photoshop, the difference between real and fake can no longer be seen anyway. The advantage of a virtual character: He can be everything and very fast! The developers behind the virtualities create an answer to a prominent demand. In elaborate miniature work a story around the person is invented, character traits are cultivated and pixel by pixel new marketing possibilities are created. In this way, new opportunities open up for the fashion world.

• Lil Miquela and Co.: digital models and influencers Read more here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLdya7HLtu/

Controversies and dangers

If people are already able to design virtual people whose fiction you can’t even look at, where are the limits and does this change influence the traditional, already critically eyed model world? Are the digital newcomer models a competitor to the real supermodels of the 90s, like Naomi Campbell or Heidi Klum, as well as the hip models of the 21st century, Gigi Hadid or Haily Bieber? But the effort of a virtual model should not be underestimated. Because behind the perfect appearance and the unmarked life are several hours of hard work. Moreover, digital influencers are not cheaper than real ones of their kind. Besides the development costs, the team behind all the steps of Shudu and Co. must not be forgotten. Italians, design specialists, marketing managers and so on. However, this development does not pose a threat to the demand for real models, says Cameron Wilson.

Advantages of virtual influencers at a glance

• They are immortalized, the career could take decades, even centuries
• Companies can build their own virtual models / influencers
• Managing brand image
• Messages which are to be conveyed to the target group can be better controlled
• Appearance and personality can be tailored to specific industries
• Any background can be mounted
• inexhaustible workspace
• no short term hype – seven digit financing reasons into the Tech start UP brother (Creator of Lil Miquela)
• in the future, more art figures from different industries will populate the social media

Virtual Influencer booking

Virtual influencers are becoming more and more popular, and in a few years they could possibly take over the entire fashion market. But where do I go as a label to book a digital influencer? Meanwhile there are several agencies that specialize in virtual avatars and models or influencers.

CM Models is the first model agency in Europe with virtual influencers. Hip digital influencers like Ella and Zoe can be booked there. Ella is the first digital model of the agency and is in the starting blocks of an ambitious career. Two beauties followed her: Zoe and Linda. While Zoe is already running her first fashion show at the Russian Fashion Week, Ella is becoming a hip Instagram Influencrin.

• Virtuelle Supermodels bei CM Models: Ella, Zoe und Linda. Hier erfahrt ihr mehr.

The most important at a glance:

What? Moscow Fashion Week, 8 virtual fashion shows with 6 digital models and 8 digital artists

When? September 4 to 6 (Sept. 6: Fashion Show CHAIN with virtual influencer Zoe)

Who? 50 international newcomer designers from 20 countries with a focus on sustainability

Where? Streamed from Moscow, shown on all major online platforms and fashion magazines

Moscow – City of a Revolution

Russia’s capital Moscow has developed into a true fashion metropolis in recent years. As one of the largest cities and metropolitan regions in the world, the city with over a million inhabitants is Russia’s political, economic, scientific and cultural center. By opening up the Asian market, the giant is driving forward the digitalization of the world. A controversial city, which on the one hand acts traditionally and conservatively and on the other hand strikes the nerve of its time, is becoming the scene of a revolution. In the past, the gray, dreary and cool city in the East has attracted attention too often through negative headlines. But away from politics and crises, there is a spark of hope on the horizon. The Global Talents Digital Fashion Show where reality meets digitalization.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Moscow

6 digital models, 8 digital artists, 8 virtual shows, 38 video presentations, 50 designers from 20 countries As the first hybrid fashion project, the Global Talents Digital Show from September 4-6 brings together designers and technology to create something never seen before. Global Talents is an initiative of the Russian Fashion Council that gives newcomers the chance to prove themselves in the fashion world. This year, the focus is on “sustainability”. Fifty international designers such as Alexey Severin (Italy), Chain (Argentina), Femme de Mars (Belgium) and many more will show, spread over eight shows, how fashion can be designed and presented innovatively. Global Talents Digital is one step ahead of “normal” fashion shows in many ways. With more than 2.5 million viewers worldwide, distributed on the most popular social platforms and websites of well-known brands, Global Talents wants to build on the success of the last show.

Sustainable fashion despite corona

Innovative design contradicts sustainability? Not at all. The Global Talents Digital Designers deal with responsible consumption, concern for the planet Earth and various design strategies and present upcycling and recycling processes, zero waste and slow fashion in the form of fashion shows and workshops. From Japan to South Africa, designers from all over the world will participate in this unique event completely digital.Alexander Shumsky, President of the Russian Fashion Council and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia says:

“In our project we expand the boundaries of sustainability, (…). The idea of the project is to take designers outside of Instagram for widespread attention of clients, celebrity stylists, and the press. (…) viewers will gain wide knowledge of sustainability and will be engaged through AR” (Source: Global Talents Digital)

Zoe: virtual model and influencer

Digitizing a fashion show presents many designers and organizers with some unforeseeable problems. First of all: the catwalk. Running live models up and down a catwalk and filming them while doing so seems too simple and not innovative enough. But a solution has already been found. Her name is Zoe, she has blue eyes, brown curly hair and works in a bar. And that is not enough. Zoe is a virtual model and will run on the shows of Global Talents Digital. A true revolution in the fashion world. The Israeli model with the piercing eyes deals with sustainability in her spare time, lives a vegan lifestyle and is a real enrichment for the Russian Fashion Week.

Zoe for CHAIN

Zoe will celebrate her premiere as a catwalk model at the fashion show of the hip label CHAIN. The label recently signed her for the Russian Fashion Week. The Argentinean fashion brand stands for sustainability, slow fashion, craftsmanship and zero waste. The plant-based clothes are handmade in a small local studio in Buonos Aires and focus on timeless, minimalist and extraordinary design. The designer behind the brand, Lucía Chain, is not an unknown. After successfuly completing her studies in fashion business and sportswear design in Argentina and Paris, the talented young designer founded her label CHAIN. Just one year after the founding, Vogue Italy Chain awarded her the title “Next green Talent”. With her victory at the Global Talents Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia competition, the up-and-coming Argentinean secured one of the coveted spots at the Global Talents Digital Show in September. The plant-based brand CHAIN now wants to storm the fashion world with Zoe and presents a new collection at the Russian Fashion Week.

Chain: Gloabal Talents Digital

Chain is an aspiring brand whose fashion is modern and futuristic. See here what makes Chain so special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep88CZhG36Q

Virtual Influencer

Miquela, Zoe, Ella, Bermuda, Daisy Page, Shudo. What do these six people have in common? They are successful influencers and models on Instagram and Co. They are considered the new discovery in social media. But what makes them so special? They are not alive. The pixel-creatures only exist online and thus fool some people. Their whole appearance seems so real that even big fashion brands book the influencers for shootings and fashion shows.

The trend of virtual influencers is a phenomenon of the 21st century. After Facebook and Instagram came the bloggers, real people who exploit the platforms to their advantage and entertain their fans on various topics. At the latest since the advent of digital photography and Photoshop, the difference between real and fake can no longer be seen anyway. The advantage of a virtual character: He can be everything and very fast! The developers behind the virtualities create an answer to a prominent demand. In elaborate miniature work a story around the person is invented, character traits are cultivated and pixel by pixel new marketing possibilities are created. In this way, new opportunities open up for the fashion world.

• Learn more about virtual influencers here.
• Read more about Zoe, Ella and other known virtual influencers.

Supermodel Helena Christensen – from the past until 2020

Helena Christensen is a child of the 60s. She was born in December 1968 and comes from Copenhagen. She has roots in Peru and Denmark.

Career “only” as a supermodel?

She took her first step into the world of a model in her childhood. But after that there was a long break. It was not until 1968 that she really immersed herself in the world of modeling. At that time she no longer had to worry about anything, because her school days were over. In this year a dream that many girls have came true. She was crowned Miss Denmark.

Now Helena Christensen decided to build a life on the pulse of fashion, namely in Paris. That was now clear: she wants to start out as a model. No sooner said than done and Christensen stood in front of the camera for Vogue or even Elle. A wish of many (prospective) models: to be discovered by someone in the industry. That’s when Friedemann Hauss, a photographer, appears in Helen Christensen’s story.

In 1990 she was allowed to pose as a model for the Victoria’s Secret catalog. And not just once. Christensen was allowed to play in a music video, where she showed herself very open-minded. As if these milestones in life weren’t enough. It didn’t take long before Karl Lagerfeld knocked and wanted to hire her for a job. Jackpot!

For the Pirelli calendar, she was already modeling in 1994. Covers, international runways and advertising face – all chopped off on the list. Fendi, Chanel or Versace: The model has already worked with many labels. Plus: The model founded her own label called “Butik Christensen & Sigersen” together with Leif Sigersen based in beautiful New York.

Why model for magazines, if you can’t start one? In 1999, she and others launched the magazine “Nylon” into the world.

But even in her early 50s, Helena Christensen still proves that she still has a talent for modeling. You could see her on the catwalk of Balmain the other day. That was the autumn/winter show for 2020/21 in Paris.

• Helena Christensen was once crowned Miss Denmark
• She worked for labels like Victoria´s Secret, Fendi or Chanel
• Helena Christensen calls together with others the magazine “Nylon” into the world

Christensen x Versace Fashion Show Spring/Summer 2018

Helena Christensen walks the runway together with the supermodels of the 90s and Donatella Versace. Anyone who now thinks that this is nothing special anymore, after all the huge successes Christensen has already had in her career, is mistaken. In 2017 Donatella Versace did not let Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Helena Christensen walk down her runway for no reason at all. This was because Donatella’s brother Gianni, who was no longer alive. The show was a surprise, the audience didn’t suspect anything. So Donatella managed to create a show with an important meaning.

Christensen & Family

Together with Norman Reedus, the actor, the model has a son. He was born in 1999. Just like her mother: Her son Mingus Lucien also immerses himself in the model business and has already been running at Fashion Week in New York. Norman Reedus, however, is no longer at the side of the 90s supermodel.

Helena Christensen in her free time

Christensen is probably into rock music. Models like Claudia Schiffer or Eva Herzigova are among her friends. Many would like to have a jet set life. She has properties in cities like Monaco, Copenhagen and New York.

That Helena Christensen can pose on photos not only in the 90s, she also proves on Instagram. With over 700,000 followers on Instagram, she is always there to entertain her fans with pictures or stories she uploads. Here you can see the model in nature, with stars like The Weeknd or in the water.

How to become a supermodel

Times are changing, especially due to digitality. In the past, models like Claudia Schiffer were discovered. Or Heidi Klum, who became famous by winning a competition. Today, there are other ways to become known in the industry besides these things. Like through social media like Instagram. Brands like to cooperate with influencers and shoot videos or photoshoots with them.

There is certainly a lot of potential behind this, because with discount codes for products, for example, companies hope that the followers of influencers will become customers.

Influencer Marketing

In order that such cooperations between a label and an influencer can come about, there are extra agencies that specialize in this. One of them is for example SocialMedia One. The agencies then look at which match makes the most sense. Who can advertise for which product. Again, not everyone is suitable for every company.

New digital models

Even the world of models can change. Not too long ago, digital models or digital influencers were available. They also have their own background story and can advertise for brands. They are not real people, but they still go to fashion shows, post pictures on their own Instagram account or even release their own songs. Well-known virtual influencers are among others:

• Lil Miquela
• Zoe
• Bella
• Linda
• Daisy Paige

Of course, these virtual models still bring some benefits. If a shoot were to take place abroad, the digital models would not need to book accommodation or even a flight. Even during the Corona time they could be anywhere in the world. Whether these models grow older every year, just like us humans, is not absolutely necessary. Will these models soon conquer the fashion world or is it just a short hype? In any case it remains exciting. One can remain curious and ask oneself if, in a few years, looking back, these were the supermodels of the 20s.

Claudia Schiffer: This was her breakthrough

Schiffer comes from a small town called Rheinberg in North Rhine-Westphalia. Schiffer was discovered at the age of 17 while celebrating in Düsseldorf by the head of the “Metropolitan” agency. And then everything happened very quickly. Law studies or modeling career? From today’s perspective, one can certainly say that she made the right decision.

After just two years, she outstripped everyone else as a photo model in terms of pay. She probably wouldn’t have even finished her law studies. She was also photographed for Guess by the well-known photographer Ellen von Unwerth. Schiffer ran for the big names like Chanel or Victoria’s Secret and adorned the cover of Vogue – and not just once. And that was by far not all.

Café Woman Fragrance Campaign (1991)

Valentino Fashion Show (1996)

Claudia Schiffer & Family

Today Claudia Schiffer has been married since 2002. From her marriage to Matthew Vaughn, who is known as a director, among other things, three children are born. However, she tries to keep family and business apart so that her family is not constantly in the public eye. Beautiful London is her home these days.

Additional great successes to be celebrated

Schiffer even got film roles like in “Tatsächlich … Love”. Claudia Schiffer x Beauty: In 2017, she also launched a beauty products collection together with Artdeco. Another exciting highlight in her career is probably her own fashion label called “Claudia Schiffer Knitwear”. Claudia Schiffer has achieved what many people dream of: She has not only been honored with one, but already with two bambis.

And now all fashion fans from Düsseldorf pay attention: in 2021 an exhibition will be curated by Claudia Schiffer. The 90s of fashion photography will be shown in the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf.

Claudia Schiffer & Karl Lagerfeld

If you are considered the muse of Lagerfeld, then you have probably made it really far. That is exactly what Claudia Schiffer was for him. Karl Lagerfeld even had his own nickname for her.

Versace Fashion Show Spring/Summer 2018

One of the most unforgettable moments: That was definitely a big surprise. For the Milan Fashion Show Donatella Versace unites the well-known 90s models. Together they walked down the runway in golden dresses. This moment caused a lot of attention. Donatella Versace dedicated this appearance to her brother Gianni, who had already died 20 years earlier. Cell phone cameras as far as the eye can see: Claudia Schiffer ran here together with Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford and Carla Bruni. A special comeback of Schiffer at an equally special fashion show after her 15-year catwalk break.

A woman who also supports others

Claudia Schiffer is ambassador for Unicef and travelled to Bangladesh in 2000. Furthermore, together with Naomi Campbell, she promoted a handbag by Tommy Hilfiger. This is about the non-profit organization called “Breast Health International”, which among other things aims to provide financial support for women with breast cancer.

50 years Claudia Schiffer

Only recently, on 25.08.2020, she celebrated her 50th birthday. Towards the end of the year 2020, some brands will probably even bring something to Schiffer’s birthday – limited. When you see what Claudia Schiffer has achieved in 50 years, it can knock your socks off.

And if you imagine that she hadn’t felt like going out to celebrate in Düsseldorf that one evening, her life would probably have been very different. Then she might have eventually studied law, which means she would have taken a completely different direction. Surely you can be curious about what you will hear from her in the next few years. She proves that you can change your whole life with a small portion of luck and a little magic.

Interview with Claudia Schiffer

Here you can see an interview with Claudia Schiffer.

Interview with Jonathan Ross

Wardrobe: Claudia private

90s, Millennials & 20s

The supermodels of the 90s are well known: Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen or even Heidi Klum. But with the time, new models are always coming, who shape a model generation. For example Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner or Taylor Hill. But also a completely new kind of model has already made it to big advertising campaigns and into the world of influencers.

We are talking about virtual influencers here. These are not real people, but quasi digital avatars, which look quite similar to humans. They can act as models, influencers or even singers. Every single digital model then has a personal past – just like us humans. One of the benefits is that the models can be made to look as they wish, just like the actions they perform. So a whole character can be created easily. Some of the virtual models are listed here:

• Shudu
• Bermuda
• Daisy Paige
• Lil Miquela
• Zoe

Will they be the supermodels of the 20s? It remains exciting. Virtual model Zoe, for example, has won a contract with the modeling agency CM Models. Just a few days ago she walked the runway for Chain in Moscow. That was during Fashion Week in Russia. It is also possible to digitize the designers’ outfits so that the virtual models can present them.

Influencer marketing ensures cooperation

So that the correct fire finds also the correct advertising partner, there are agencies, which help here with the switching. One of them is Social Media One, for example. Here, virtual models can also get a cooperation with a label through the agency. The agency then checks who would be a good match here. The influencers then have the opportunity to present the products to their followers via Instagram, for example.

Miquela Sousa: Instagram Star Lil Miquela

Miquela Sousa better known as Lil Miquela is a 19-year-old Brazilian-American digital model, music artist and influencer with over two million Instagram subscribers. Trevor McFedries and Sara DeCou designed Miquela together with Brud, who specializes in artificial intelligence. She lives in Los Angeles, wearing real clothes from well-known streetwear labels like Supreme, Stussy and luxury labels like Chanel and Balenciaga.

Will digital influencers replace the stars of today? Read more about this topic (external on Social Media One): Virtual Influencers in Marketing.

Trevor McFedries & Sara DeCou/ BRUD

In May 2019, Calvin Klein hit the headlines when he had Lil Miquela appear alongside supermodel Bella Hadid in a surprising campaign video. The model has a real personality, in her free time she hangs out with musicians, artists and influencers from real life, they visit the hippest restaurants in New York and Los Angeles. She supports the Black Lives Matter movement and the US protest against the sale of weapons. 

• 2016 developed (19 years old)
• Origin: LA, California – half Brazilian
• Presents fashion, appears in magazines, gives interviews
• Singer
• 2.4 million subscribers
• Miquela Sousa Instagram

Miquela x Bella Hadid

References

• Dior
• Chanel
• Prada
• Gucci
• Alexander McQueen
• Ugg’s Kampagne zum 40-jährigen Jubiläum
• Samsung Mobile Galaxy S20
• Porsche
• Burberry
• Jacquemus
• Jean Paul Gaultier
• Moschino
• Loewe
• …

Micquela Sousa has her own Youtube channel, in this video she introduces herself.

Micquela is a singer and released her first own music video in 2019. You can watch it here.

Ella Stoller

Ella Stoller is a 21-year-old digital model and influencer from Tel-Aviv, Israel. She represents a multi-faceted virtual personality, at Instagram alone, Ella has a community of over 12,000 subscribers. Ella is not only active at Instagram but also maintains her nearly 7,000 subscribers at TikTok and participates in Challenges. As multifaceted as a model can be, she lives a life with ups and downs, playing the roles of good and bad girl.

• Digital Influencerin, Model
• Active since November 2019
• Origin: Tel-Aviv, Israel
• 12,800 subscribers
• Ella Stoller Instagram

First cooperation

• Fix Underwear
• Pallet Swim

Zoe Dvir

Zoe Dvir is 22 years old, she is a social media star and model. On Instagram she has already gained more than 30,000 followers. She is studying art and design and also works as a bartender in a restaurant in her hometown Tel-Aviv, Israel. She loves to paint, visit the beach and walk her dog. The special thing about her is her love for animals and her social commitment, because Zoe is also an activist who leads a vegetarian lifestyle and works as a volunteer for the animal welfare association. Zoe and Ella Stoller are friends and post on their social media channels about their adventures together.

• Digital Influencerin, Model
• Active since January 2019
• Origin: Tel-Aviv, Israel
• 28,600 subscribers
• Studied art and design
• Barkeeper
• activist and vegetarian

Zoe Dvir Instagram

First cooperation

• Shanili Vegan Shoes
• Bird Scooter

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xDbh0BSYp/

First VR Fashion Show (Fashion Movie) @ Fashion Week

Virtual Fashion Movie @ Moscow Fashion Week – This year everything is different – the Fashion Weeks did not run as usual thanks to Corona. But as the saying goes: necessity is the mother of invention. And digitalization is also making its presence felt in the fashion industry with super news. Fashion Week in Moscow has its finger on the pulse when it comes to digital and is starting another round exclusively with our Zoe from CM Models. Zoe is our first digital model who will turn the fashion world upside down.

• Fashion Movie by Chain

Show #2: Zoe @ Fashion Week Berlin (MarcCain)

Marc Cain @ Fashion Week Berlin – Spectacular print and quality of the finest. The fashion shows of Marc Cain can be seen. But this year something new comes to the screens. Marc Cain’s Fashion Show 2021 titled “How Wonderful” is completely upside down. Fiction and reality meet and create something completely new. The first on the market with virtual model, which will start on January 19 at 18:00, a fashion show.

• Virtual fashion show by MarcCain

Shudu Gram / Cameron-James Wilson

Shudu, known as one of the most beautiful models on Instagram, was created by former photographer Cameron-James Wilson. She is the first virtually created supermodel and when you walk from the animated world, Wilson’s main inspiration, the South African princess Barbie, comes from. The supermodel has over 204,000 subscribers on Instagram. Shudu’s attention began to rise when Rihanna posted a picture of her on Fenty Beauty with the model wearing Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty lip gloss. That’s how the snowball started rolling and this was just the beginning for Shudu. Together with Margot and Zhi, who were also created by Cameron-James Wilson, you pose for the pre-fall campaign 2018 for one of the most famous luxury labels of our time, Balmain. The virtual icons of the Balmain Army should reflect the beauty, rock style, self-confidence and power of the brand. Besides Shudu, Wilson created the matching male model as her counterpart, his name is Nfon.

• First digital supermodel
• month of birth: end of April 2017
• Origin: Africa
• First Virtual Supermodel
• CMJ founds model agency from virtual models “The Diigitals”</li>
• Balmain Pre-Fall campaign 2018 with Margot and Zhi
• 204,000 subscribers
• Shudu Gram Instagram

First references

• Oscar de la Renta – Jewelry Line
• Pat McGrath Cosmetics campaign
• Fenty Beauty by Rihanna – Lip Gloss Mattemoiselle
• Cover for Harpers Bazar Arabia, dressed in Lavie CK
• nelly.com
• Lake Ellesee campaign
• Swarosvki
• Balmain
• Tiffany & Co
• Vogue

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ed54GBdhr/

Here are the models, Shudu, Margot and Zhi pose for Balmain.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRJdyXg5Q7/

Noonoouri / Joerg Zueber / Opium Effect

Noonoouri is a 19-year-old virtual model. The creator of this digital fictional character is Joerg Zueber. Together with his creative agency Opium Effect, Noonoouri was conceived eight years ago. Despite the fact that she was conceived in Germany, her life takes place in the fashion metropolis Paris. With her 19 years of age, she has already achieved a lot that many young girls dream of. She has over 200.000 followers on Instagram and works with the biggest and most prestigious labels. Among her friends is supermodel Naomi Campbell. Noonoouri has taken the fashion industry by storm and has promoted labels like Versace, Marc Jacobs, Dior and even Kim Kardashian’s cosmetics line. What sets Noonoouri apart from the other virtual models and influencers is its doll-like appearance, which is supposed to offer the possibility of entering a dream world.

• Digital Influencer
• month of birth February 2018
• Origin: Munich DE, lives in Paris
• Take over Dior’s Instagram account during Cruise Collection
• 360,000 subscribers
• Noonoouri Instagram

Refrences:

• Dior – AW20
• Lancaster Beauty
• Bulgari – Jewelry
• Yeezy Season 8
• Fendi
• Versace
• MiuMiu
• Valentino
• Burberry
• Marc Jacobs
• Tommy Hilfiger Kampagne – ELLE
• YOOX
• Mercedes
• Escada Perfume – Flor del Sol
• Lacoste x Jeremy Ville
• MiuMiu – Perfume Twist
• LeCoq Sportive – Kampagne Patou Boxing Shoes
• TV Show Making the Cut x Amazon Prime Video

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCS1KwpjXA5/

Bermuda / BRUD

Bermuda is a controversial blonde virtual model known for stirring up the digital world of social media. She is
Pro-Trump and calls himself a ‘robot supermacist’. She also once hacked Lil Miquela’s site, won followers for both accounts and brought Lil Miquela over the 1 million mark on Instagram, a milestone that opens a lot of doors in the world of influencers, including lucrative branding deals with prominent designers.
Now Bermuda and Miquela are friends who hang out, eat out, and do make-up on each other – digitally

• Digital Model
• Origin: LA, California
• Active since 2016
• runs a Youtube channel
• is a musician
• 263,000 subscribers
• Bermuda Instagram

First cooperation

• Chanel
• Balenciaga
• Tesla
• Adam Selman
• Starbucks

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yzwK_hXDh/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6gLrsVBiGG/

Blawko22 / BRUD

Miquela and Bermuda are joined by Blawko, another brother-born character with whom they both seem to be in love. Just like Miquela and Bermuda, he offers an incredibly authentic personality. He plays video games, goes out on dates and is reluctant to clean up his room. As for the bizarre love triangle between him, Miquela and Bermuda, each time it causes a stir and entertainment.

• Digital Model
• Origin: LA, California
• Active since 2016
• 156,000 subscribers
• Blawko Instagram

Cooperations

• KingKong Magazine Cover
• Stussy
• Yeezy
• Glossier Skincare
• Off-white
• Absolut Kampagne beim Sonar Festival
• Balenciaga
• Supreme

https://www.instagram.com/p/BosLG5NA0Er/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmMGK81gTM8/

Daisy Paige / Spark CGi

Daisy Paige, the youngest up-and-coming digital supermodel from Los Angeles, she already has a modeling contract with LIPPS LA, a well-known modeling agency from California. Daisy was created by the start-up company Spark CGi. LIPPS LA is known for working with famous faces like supermodel legend Helena Christensen, rapper Cardi B and rocker Courtney Love. Through Daisy’s exceptionally perfect appearance, brunette hair and freckles, CGi and her agency hope to enter an age where people in many traditional roles coexist with CGI characters. Apart from modeling, Daisy is expected to influence and entertain actors, fashion presentations and her future followers.

•  First digital supermodel, under contract with LIPPS LA
• 19 years old
• Origin: LA, California
• First virtual model, which was taken under contract by an important agency

Cooperations

• Luxury fashion retailer YOOX – presented as a virtual dress-up doll, the fashion & Accesoires

https://www.instagram.com/p/By78P39lJqU/?utm_source=ig_embed

Virtual models and artificial intelligence

One question that the fashion world is constantly asking itself is about progress, what is innovative, how will things continue, what does the future hold for the fashion world? With the advancing digitalization and the more and more discussed issue of artificial intelligence, things are made possible today that were unthinkable a few years ago. To what extent artificial models and creators will influence the future of fashion and marketing we have taken a closer look.

In the meantime, it is possible to create an avatar with an inhaled personality and the appropriate scenario with the help of 3D designers. The avatar, or in this case the model, can be customized according to the ideas of the brand or the client. The advantage for brands & Co. is that there is no need for long castings and associated costs. In the search for the right type, the right type can be designed. Virtually there are no limits for creativity. Whether for editorial shoots, fashion shows or advertising campaigns, the possibilities are endless.

• Creation of a 3D avatar
• Breathing in personality and character
• No costs for castings
• Creation of the correct type by AI
• Virtual no limits for the setup of a job

Will virtual models replace real people?

The answer is no, they will not replace their human colleagues. Maybe they are better suited for specific jobs and assignments than humans. It all depends on who is the right model for that particular job. Who is better suited for what depends on what the goal is. Is it editorial or commercial work, what should be achieved? Especially nowadays virtual models are very suitable, because physical photo shootings and fashion shows are currently not possible.

Will digital influencers replace the stars of today? Read more about this topic (external on Social Media One):

• Virtual Influencers in Marketing