Imagine a world where fashion doesn’t just live on the runway or in your closet but is transformed by technology into something even more powerful, personal, and dynamic, thanks to the advancments of tech and AI this is becoming an everyday reality.
It’s a world where your favorite designs can exist in a virtual space no matter how impossible it may seem, where creativity isn’t limited by fabric or size or gravity, and where digital threads are woven and combined with blockchain technology. Welcome to my story of the vibrant “in-between” space of fashion and technology.
I am Kay an artist, creator and lover of fashion and technology and I’ve spent my life surrounded by art and performance, from working in musical theatre where I dove deep into the realms of costume design and now, digital fashion. My journey wasn’t a predictable one—it was marked by unexpected turns, the global pandemic, and a need to start over in an entirely new industry. But those twists made me realize how seamlessly the worlds of theatre and digital fashion connect. It’s like virtual fashion was waiting for me all along.
From Theatre Magic to Digital Fashion
Theatre and digital fashion might seem like completely different worlds on the surface, especially for those who are trained in Fashion. But at their core, both are all about creating illusions.
In theatre, the entire audience knows they’re watching something staged, yet the joy lies in making the impossible come to life. Characters fly on carpets, costumes transform before your eyes as the actors perform, and we all accept these magical moments because that’s what the experience is all about.
When I discovered digital fashion, I realized I could continue creating “magic” in a new form. Virtual fashion doesn’t have to obey the rules of fabric and gravity; a dress can be made from fire, a jacket could shimmer like water. The potential here felt so close to what I loved about theatre—using creativity to stretch the boundaries of reality.
But the shift wasn’t easy. When COVID hit, the industry I’d dedicated my life to was forced to a halt. I suddenly found myself wondering if I needed to find a new path altogether. This led me to the world of digital fashion, and it was like finding a new home. Today, I work with a platform called RSTLSS, which enables people to create 3D fashion without needing to know the complexities of 3D design. It is a platform where artists of all journeys can collaborate with World class IP and use that experience to grow an audience to lead to more opportunities. It’s fashion-tech at its finest—empowering, inclusive, and growing fast.
NFTs, Blockchain, and Digital Fashion’s Next Frontier
Now, if you’re still with me, let’s talk about the tech side of this intersection, especially as it relates to NFTs and blockchain. To many, “NFTs” are just buzzwords, but they’re tools with incredible potential for artists and designers. Imagine creating a piece of fashion that lives digitally, fully yours, secured on the blockchain, and ready for the virtual runway. That’s what NFTs enable us to do.
Working alongside many Projects in this field, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can make fashion more accessible and customizable. Anyone can design wearables, integrate them into virtual worlds, and even sell them—especially at RSTLSS where there is little to no need for 3D skills or advanced tech knowledge. It’s this kind of accessibility that drew me to digital fashion in the first place and made me believe that virtual fashion could be something anyone could participate in.
In a traditional industry that can sometimes feel exclusive, digital fashion and blockchain offer an exciting shift. We’re seeing a community-driven model where designers, gamers, and creators of all types can bring their vision to life without gatekeeping. It’s as if the limitations of the physical world are being rewritten, allowing us to create, own, and wear pieces that might never have existed otherwise.
The Journey Through Challenges
But, as with any journey, the path to digital fashion wasn’t without its difficulties. Making the decision to leave the theatre world was a tough call. I’d dreamed of working in the entertainment industry since I was 16. To step away from that felt like letting go of something I’d held close for so long. And starting over felt daunting—I kept thinking, “Isn’t it too late to change paths?”
Those doubts didn’t go away easily, but the more I explored digital fashion, the more it felt like the right place for me. The “aha” moment was realizing that I didn’t have to give up what I loved about theatre; I could carry that same spirit into this space. In many ways, digital fashion isn’t about starting over—it’s about using your unique experiences to add something new to an evolving industry.
There’s still a lot to learn, but I’ve come to see this space as a blend of what I loved about theatre and the innovations of fashion-tech. It’s a platform to create magic without being held back by physical or technical barriers.
Why Fashion-Tech Matters for All of Us
You may be wondering why this even matters to you. After all, if you’re not in the fashion industry, why care about the intersection of fashion and tech? To that, I’d say that fashion-tech is about more than just clothes; it’s about rethinking how we interact with the digital world. Virtual fashion gives us the chance to customize avatars, make personal statements, and create art in ways we couldn’t before.
And it’s still early. Digital fashion is open, accessible, and built to be inclusive. Unlike traditional fashion’s exclusivity, this space invites anyone with an idea to come in, play around, and find their own unique way to contribute. In a way, exploring digital fashion doesn’t require a fashion background at all; it’s about curiosity and the excitement of seeing what’s possible.
Join Me in Exploring This New Frontier
If you’ve ever been curious about where fashion might be heading or how tech is changing creative industries, this is a journey worth taking. In the Fashion Territory here on T2, we’re building a space to share, learn, and grow together. The beauty of this platform is that you can pick your favorite voices, follow along, and get inspired by perspectives you may have never considered.
Fashion and tech together open up possibilities that are truly limitless, and I’m thrilled to share my own experiences, insights, and maybe even a little bit of magic from the theatre world here with you. So join me in exploring what’s new, what’s exciting, and what’s next for fashion-tech. There’s something here for everyone—whether you’re here for the fashion, the tech, or simply the adventure.
