Paris Fashion Week, one of the most prestigious events in the fashion industry, is taking a leap into the future with augmented reality (AR) kiosks that let visitors try on digital versions of designer looks. The kiosks, which are located at the Sphere showroom in the Palais de Tokyo, are a collaboration between Hong Kong-based curated fashion platform Fabrix and digital metacloset DressX.
How the AR Kiosks Work
The AR kiosks are neon-lit stations that feature full-length mirrors and touchscreens. Visitors can select and try on looks from a lineup of emerging designers, such as Chet Lo, Louis Gabriel Nouchi, Harri, and Celine Kwan. The digital garments are overlaid on the visitors’ bodies using AR technology, creating a realistic and immersive experience. Visitors can also customize their outfits with virtual stickers, download their photos to their smartphones via QR code, or print them out as souvenirs. Additionally, they can purchase the digital apparel via the DressX marketplace.
The Benefits of AR for Fashion
The AR kiosks are not only a fun and interactive way to engage with fashion, but also a tool to help designers and consumers alike. According to Shin Wong, the founder of Fabrix, the kiosks can provide valuable data for designers to understand which pieces are the most popular and how to optimize their production and distribution. Moreover, the kiosks can help reduce the environmental impact of fashion by promoting digital clothing as an alternative to physical garments.
The Future of Fashion and Technology
The AR kiosks are part of a larger trend of fashion and technology converging to create new possibilities and experiences. For instance, during Milan Fashion Week, a shoe with NFT functionality and crowdsourced design decisions made its debut on the AVAVAV runway. The shoe, called Hoofster, is backed by an NFT that grants ownership and access to exclusive content and events. Similarly, during New York Fashion Week, a digital fashion show featuring NFTs and metaverse models was held by RTFKT Studios and The Fabricant.
The AR kiosks at Paris Fashion Week are a glimpse into the future of fashion, where digital and physical realities blend seamlessly. They are also a testament to the creativity and innovation of the fashion industry, which is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the needs and desires of its customers.
