Digital fashion and the metaverse: perspectives from the emerging fashion designers in Zimbabwe
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of emerging fashion designers in developing digital fashion content and their presence on the virtual spaces referred to as the metaverse. Methodology/Design: The research utilised a qualitative design by conducting five comprehensive inter...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals – Ghana
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Fashion and Textiles Review |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journal.itfpgh.com/ftr/article/view/85 |
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| Summary: | Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of emerging fashion designers in developing digital fashion content and their presence on the virtual spaces referred to as the metaverse.
Methodology/Design: The research utilised a qualitative design by conducting five comprehensive interviews with emerging fashion designers and a focus group discussion with conveniently sampled participants. The interview participants were purposively sampled from the final participants who showcased at the exhibition themed Fashion Forward sponsored by the British Council in Harare, Zimbabwe. Each participant was expected to show how their collection fits into the digital world of fashion. The focus group discussion comprised of the guests who attended the event. This strategy was used to specifically choose participants who could offer insightful and varied opinions on the development of digital fashion and the metaverse from emerging fashion designers in Zimbabwe.
Findings: The study reveals that fashion designers have acquired digital exposure and experience through self-teaching. The COVID-19 pandemic promoted the application and usage of digital technologies as physical interactions were prohibited. Inspiration in the development of a fashion collection is key, as highlighted by the designers. Digital fashion creates an environment where designers can share the intangible cultural heritage through their inspirations, which in turn supports sustainable fashion design.
Practical and Social Implications: Practically, emerging fashion designers can use the metaverse to earn more income if they adopt physical and digital design-“phygital”. Fashion designers need to use diverse social media platforms to enhance brand visibility for their digital or virtual environments.
Originality: The research explored how emerging fashion designers have integrated digital fashion concepts into their fashion collections. The focus of the study was on how these designers use the metaverse as a new technological tool that provides an opportunity to the fashion design industry. The study highlights the possibilities of virtual environments for fashion designers.
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| ISSN: | 2665-0983 |