A visionary fashion school has taken a novel approach to showcasing its graduates’ collections by creating an interactive online game. The closure of campuses due to Covid-19 posed challenges for fashion education institutions, especially for final year students who rely on physical collections for assessments and future employment opportunities. In response, universities worldwide explored various solutions, from online platforms like Portfolio by University of the Arts London to virtual showcases like the Graduate Fashion Week online portal.
However, Ravensbourne University London stood out by venturing into the realm of online gaming to provide graduating fashion students with a unique platform to showcase their work. Spearheaded by Adam Andrascik, Associate Senior Lecturer at Ravensbourne, the initiative aimed to challenge the traditional notion of fashion design by embracing a digital-only approach. The project, launched during lockdown, encouraged students to develop 3D digital design skills within an interactive gaming environment.
Collaborating with design and gaming students, the project involved re-creating physical designs using Marvelous Designer and developing an interactive game named “The Game” on the Unity platform. The students, with no prior experience in 3D design, quickly adapted to the digital workflow, creating multiple outfits within a short span. The gaming students, meanwhile, worked on the 3D environment to enhance the user experience and art direction capabilities.
By choosing an interactive gaming environment over a traditional virtual fashion show, Ravensbourne aimed to provide students with a platform that transcends conventional design boundaries. Adam Andrascik, drawing from his experience in the luxury fashion industry, emphasized the value of digital fashion and its potential to revolutionize the industry. He highlighted the shift towards digital platforms for creative expression and the need for designers to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape.
The collaboration with Twitch, a leading global entertainment platform, further underscored the innovative nature of the project. Twitch’s UK Head of Partnerships, Harry Gallegos Packer, praised the initiative for bridging the gap between fashion and gaming, offering students unprecedented visibility and exposure to a diverse audience. As universities navigate the shift towards digital teaching, initiatives like the one at Ravensbourne exemplify the importance of equipping students with digital skills in a rapidly evolving industry.
Andrascik’s forward-thinking approach to integrating 3D design software into the fashion curriculum reflects a broader trend in the industry towards embracing digital tools for design and prototyping. The success of the project underscores the potential for digital fashion to redefine the way designers create and showcase their work. As the fashion world continues to evolve, initiatives like the digital fashion showcase at Ravensbourne are paving the way for a new era of creativity and innovation in the industry.
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