If you're addicted to avatars, and you love fashion, you probably already knew that Georgio Armani set up shop in Second Life. Trend Hunter has featured real life businesses marketing in the virtual realm of Second Life before, but this is the first time we've seen a major step into virtual reality by fashion designers.
Last week, Armani unleashed his alter-ego, his virtual debut including a live interview with Style.com's Candy Pratts Price. The Italian designer thought this would be a good publicity stunt to mark the opening of his Second Life boutique.
"Visitors to this online emporium, a mirror of the designer's real-life concept store on Milan's Via Manzoni, will be able to buy Armani's wares virtually using Second Life currency (as well as actually buy them via a link to www.emporioarmani.com)," Style.com explained. "What we find most intriguing is the possibility of bumping into the designerâ€"or at least his avatarâ€"in the café, bookstore, or among the racks of clothes. 'I am looking forward to meeting those Second Lifers who visit the store,' Armani said. 'My alter ego will be present much of the time to check on how the store is doing.'"
No word yet if sister Donatella will make her virtual debut. Style savvy Second Lifers would surely love to pick the fashionable brain of the platinum blonde designer. We'll have to keep checking back!
Until then, check out the clip to see the Italian designer's virtual interview:
Digital Designers In Second Life
Georgio Armani's Avatar
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Marketing - Fashion brands are exploring virtual reality as an innovative marketing channel, allowing them to create an immersive and interactive shopping experience that is beyond physical limitations.
2. Virtual Avatars - The rising trend of virtual avatars in digital spaces is signaling a new way of connecting with consumers that allows for a unique and personalized engagement.
3. Virtual Shopping - The concept of virtual shopping is gaining traction, allowing consumers to shop from the comfort of their own home through an interactive and realistic virtual store experience.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion brands are seeking innovative ways of marketing their products and engaging consumers, making virtual reality and virtual avatars become a growing trend.
2. Retail - The retail industry is adapting to changing consumer behavior and embracing digital transformation, with virtual shopping becoming a disruptive innovation that merges physical and online shopping experiences.
3. Technology - Technology is driving the trend of virtual reality, offering new ways of marketing products and engaging with customers that are beyond physical limitations.