Can CGI or virtual models truly replace humans in fashion campaigns?

Charles & Keith’s current campaign for example, makes use of digitally created visuals. These are termed as “hyper-realistic illustrations”. Photo: Charles & Keith

Fashion, like any other industry, is not immune to the encroachment of technology. As much as automation has taken over manufacturing, computer generated-imagery (CGI) is edging out live models.

This is not something totally new. The Covid-19 pandemic just brought the idea of virtual models back into the limelight. There isn’t a need to adhere to physical distancing restrictions if you don’t have a proper fashion shoot.