FabriX Returns to Paris Fashion Week: A Fusion of Digital and Human Experience
PARIS – The digital fashion initiative FabriX, backed by the Hong Kong government, made its much-anticipated return to Paris Fashion Week, showcasing a thought-provoking exhibition titled “Tomorrow Was: Fragments of Tomorrow, Told Through Fashion.” This marks the third consecutive year that FabriX has participated in this prestigious event, emphasizing its commitment to exploring the intersection of technology and fashion.
A New Era of Fashion Experience
The exhibition featured a diverse lineup of four innovative designers: Kevin Germanier, Alainpaul, Caroline Hú, and Didu. Each designer collaborated with an artist to delve into the future of fashion, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and 4D visual creation. The installation, which took place at the Palais de Tokyo, employed an impressive array of 60 cameras to capture and project moving figures, allowing visitors to engage with fashion in ways previously unimaginable.
Audrey Hu, a fashion stylist and consultant who curated the exhibition, emphasized the importance of blending human experiences with digital advancements. “My angle is trying to infuse a human touch while showing it from a digital point of view,” Hu explained. “To me, the theme is very nostalgic. It’s all about human experiences and memories. So it’s important in a digital age that we reminisce and bring that into the future.”
Designer Collaborations: A Creative Exploration
Each designer’s collaboration brought unique perspectives to the exhibition. Kevin Germanier partnered with 3D sculptor Ram2 and technologist James Cao to create an immersive 4D-scanned couture experience. This innovative approach allowed visitors to step inside the artwork, blurring the lines between observer and participant.
Alainpaul, co-founded by Alain Paul and his husband Luis Philippe, teamed up with Shanghai-based artist Liu Shuwei. Their collaboration explored themes of time and emotion through illuminated lightbox installations, evoking memories of Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife. This partnership highlights the significance of cultural exchange in fashion, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s globalized world.
Caroline Hú’s collaboration with choreographer Emma Portner resulted in a dance-film hybrid that intertwined Hú’s romantic couture with Portner’s exploration of movement and identity. “It’s an epic film about two lovers and the struggle between them,” Hu noted, describing the emotional depth of the performance.
Didu’s partnership with AI artist 0nastiia produced a tarot-inspired, AI-generated visual narrative that delved into themes of empowerment and transformation. This collaboration exemplifies the potential of AI in creative storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion narratives.
A Futuristic Set Design
The exhibition was set against a bold, futuristic backdrop designed by Gary Card, known for his work with high-profile brands like Jean Paul Gaultier and Louis Vuitton. Card’s set design played a crucial role in creating an immersive environment that complemented the innovative works on display.
Shin Wong, project director at FabriX, expressed her desire to create an experience that transcended the typical interactive kiosk. “I wanted to blur the line between digital and reality with a paradoxical twist,” Wong stated. “For me, ‘Tomorrow Was’ is a fantasy. There are so many bad things going on in the world right now that you just want an escape.”
The Importance of Cross-Cultural Exchange
Wong highlighted the significance of cross-cultural collaborations in the fashion industry. “I think it’s great for a fashion designer to work with a visual artist from another culture and have this exchange in a very natural way,” she remarked. This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the fashion world, where cultural influences are increasingly interwoven, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and aesthetics.
The FabriX initiative aims to provide a platform for local creative talents to connect with global audiences. Founded in 2022, FabriX seeks to “weave a new reality for fashion,” offering support to designers throughout the digital design journey-from initial sketches to 3D production and global marketplace listings.
A Vision for the Future of Fashion
Wong hopes that attendees will leave the exhibition with a fresh perspective on digital fashion. “I want them to feel the young energy and that they have created something quite beautiful, and not be so stereotyped about digital fashion,” she explained. “We’re known for ARs, but it’s not just about ARs. Because of AI, things are changing so rapidly, we need to constantly think about how to tell fashion stories through digital.”
The initiative is supported by PMQ, a Hong Kong-based creative hub that operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise. With funding of 100 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $13 million) from the Musketeers Education and Culture Charitable Foundation, and sponsorship from Create Hong Kong, the project is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the fashion landscape.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Last September, FabriX collaborated with leading digital identification solutions provider Avery Dennison, digital fashion commerce infrastructure provider Genesis-One, and augmented reality specialist Zero10. This partnership resulted in an enhanced AR try-on kiosk featuring new digital fashion items from six designer brands, including Bianca Saunders and Charles de Vilmorin. Such initiatives underscore the rapid evolution of digital fashion and its potential to reshape consumer experiences.
As the fashion industry continues to grapple with the implications of digital technology, FabriX stands at the forefront of this transformation. By merging creativity with technology, the initiative not only showcases the talents of emerging designers but also invites audiences to reconsider the future of fashion in a digital age.
Conclusion
FabriX’s return to Paris Fashion Week serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of fashion, where technology and human experience intersect. Through innovative collaborations and a commitment to cultural exchange, the initiative is paving the way for a new era in fashion that embraces both nostalgia and futurism. As the industry navigates the complexities of digital transformation, FabriX offers a glimpse into a future where fashion is not just seen but experienced in profound and meaningful ways.
