Clicked. Not just an event but something transcendent. More than a fashion show, it's the ultimate AI-driven digital fashion experience. Comparison futile; this venture, a virtual expedition into the metaverse’s new fashion frontier. Venturing beyond physical constraints, courtesy of AI-amped global collections. Sounds apt. But there’s more. E-traveling, leaping from Milan’s glass palaces to Florence, London, Paris’ Pompidou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Mumbai’s diverse landscapes. Wandering in the age of AI—a whirlwind world tour, minutes, not 80 days. Jules Verne, let’s talk about your ‘Around the World.’
Wondering, right? Let’s rewind. Istituto Marangoni drops I AM AI—digital fashion experience in The Talent District, our school’s metaverse revolution. Naturally, I’m the first space-time fashion voyager. No way! Dreamed of this epic ride forever—better than fashion weeks, more cities, 10 times the speed. Finally happening. Unreal! What fashionista wouldn’t crave that? Leading the way, fingers clicking wild on the access link.
The ‘I AM AI’ digital fashion experience by Istituto Marangoni
Out of nowhere, the ‘I AM AI’ digital fashion experience kicks off. I’m face-to-face with this oracle—maybe? The super tech guru says something. Artificial Intelligence jumps in, talks to me, and whoosh—I’m inside my screen.
The Planet of People collection by Novackova Anezka, a Fashion Design graduate from Istituto Marangoni Milano
Entering a tunnel, encountering geometric wonders, animations unfurl. Boom! An arena emerges—3 avatars rocking sleek styles against Milan’s hyper-tech backdrop. AI magic? Totally! It’s Milan, morphing with AI-created sounds, from traffic to underground stops.
Recognising Istituto Marangoni Milano Fashion Design graduate Novackova Anezka’s Planet of People collection, now digitally transformed—magnificent, vibrant, and bursting with colour. Her fabric mastery, a personal expression. A texture and pattern virtuoso, no surprise she’s now part of Prada’s embroidery team. Witnessing AI elevate her work, a perfect blend of technology and inspiration from Julijonas Urbonas, Space Age, grunge, and 1960s hip-hop.
The Oltre collection by Istituto Marangoni Firenze grad Alessia Ancillotti
Next tunnel, Florence—art and Renaissance vibes pulsate. Reality blurs. Oltre, a collection by Istituto Marangoni Firenze alumna Alessia Ancillotti, breaks limits. Perfectly rendered soft yet conceptual shapes in nylon, gabardine, cotton, linen, jersey, chiffon—Clo3D is shaping the future of fashion design, no doubt. Wearable, convertible constructions, dynamic life’s motion emphasised, metallic hardware vibes. I feel lost, I feel ecstatic, both? Confused, not really.
The Blue City collection by Ummehani Kanchwala, an alumna of Istituto Marangoni London
Tube views, Blue City by Istituto Marangoni London’s Ummehani Kanchwala. Jodhpur’s rough textures and architecture influence—bold, minimalist silhouettes, a palette of vibrant yet muted colours.
La cigale ou la fourmi, a collection by Istituto Marangoni Paris graduate Najjar Tia
Paris vibes hit—experiencing La cigale ou la fourmi, a collection by Najjar Tia. “Balance both characters; enjoy life, work hard,” she advises.
The Titans graduate collection by IM Shenzhen talent Gong Wenze
In Shenzhen, Gong Wenze’s Titans—Japanese anime, Gundam, Lee Bowery’s style influence. Subversive avant-garde—exaggerated silhouettes, wild colour matching.
The Resist! collection by Jin Leiyao, a Fashion Design graduate at Istituto Marangoni Shanghai
Zoom to Shanghai—Jin Leiyao’s Resist! Reflecting on tech’s advances and AI’s applications. Diverse voices, rebellion—the resistance spirit explored.
Unread, a collection by Istituto Marangoni Mumbai's Shreya
Mumbai spotlight, Shreya’s Unread work shines—intricate embroidery, unmatched size inclusivity.
Seven cities, seven emerging designers—Fashion Design graduates worldwide from Istituto Marangoni. Unique collections, one per grad, each with three avatars. Bespoke sounds by the one and only Chiara Luzzana, sound designer extraordinaire.
Stunned, fascinated, enchanted—this wild ride, uber-fast. Each city, a vibe like reality, but not quite predictable. Background morphs, AI-guided, not banal. Environments, situations—an identity, not stereotyped, ever-changing, blending reality and dream.
Can’t shake this thought: Graduates’ collections, top-notch. Observed just like during real catwalks, but with a twist—using my device. Kinda strange, right?
The ‘I AM AI’ digital fashion experience by Istituto Marangoni
But it doesn’t end. AI, we meet again? Another room, interactive. Hold up, it’s a showroom. Seven avatars, rocking hero looks from each designer. Explore time! Designers’ avatars spill—collection tales, journeys, ideas.
Spinning into style with a game that's like the 'Fashion Wheel' inside the 'I AM AI' digital fashion experience by Istituto Marangoni
A game? I’m in, love fashion games. The 80s had ‘Fashion Wheel’—an old gem, but this? It’s that on steroids. AI, you’re in on this game, too, right? Let me play, I’m diving in. Stop writing, I’m busy, playing, sharing on social media.
Jump into this offbeat digital fashion experience—hurry, the clock’s ticking, just until the 20th. Catch you there.
Lucrezia Spina
MA student in Fashion Omnichannel & E-Commerce, Milan