A new definition of “model”

By: Lauren Gilbart | July 05, 2011 | Fashion

Since Alexander McQueen first introduced the fashion world to hologram models in 2006, it seems technology keeps getting bigger and better to help enhance runway fashion shows and set designers apart from the others.

From Burberry to Stefan Eckert, fashion designers this year are stepping up to the futuristic plate. As a way to present the collection, British line Burberry used both real and holographic models to showcase the many clothes the designer had to offer. German designer, Stephan Eckert, joined forces with Tim Joeckel, a major motion graphic designer, to create the very first 3D hologram fashion show.

Billy Jurewicz, the CEO and founder of the digital advertising agency space150 teamed up with Forever 21 in April to create eight runway shows comprised entirely of holographic models. They even went above and beyond by having the models disappear into starbursts and walk up invisible stairs, which lit up underfoot.

But all these holographic models have people wondering — will there still be a need for real models as the years pass? Many believe that holographs are the future and, as such, models will become a thing of the past. As Joeckel said on his Vimeo account, holographic fashion shows “create a complete optical illusion and break the rules of time and space on stage.” Jurewicz agrees, but added, “(I’m) not saying the traditional runway show has seen its end, but this technology and concept really rethinks the idea of what a runway can do now.”

But some critics disagree, saying that no matter what, clothes should be kept on real models, in order to see the clothes’ movement.

With no signs of stopping any time soon, it looks like the world will have to embrace this new way of viewing our favorite fashion designers’ creations. What do you think of this newer generation of runway modeling? Sound off below.

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