Strike a pose! These models aren't real, but their success sure is lifelike

Shudu, Imma and Miquela Sousa are among the most famous virtual models in the fashion industry. Photo composite (from left): Instagram/@shudu.gram, @imma.gram, @lilmiquela

Two years ago, everyone in the fashion circle was stunned when Balmain unveiled a campaign featuring virtual models. The Pre-Fall 2018 collection looked gorgeous, of course – but what stood out was Shudu.

No one would probably have guessed that the visuals were a product of computer generated-imagery (CGI), on the account of how realistic they looked, if the fashion house had not proudly made the declaration. Along with Margot and Zhi, it called the trio “the new virtual Balmain army”.