London Fashion Week saw an innovative twist this year as Taiwan-based fashion technology platform Portaltransformed Protein Studios in Shoreditch into a grocery store-themed virtual wonderland. The immersive exhibition, blending the physical and digital worlds, redefined the fashion runway experience and showcased the future of fashion technology.
Supported by Taiwan’s garment manufacturing leader Makalot and global tech firm ViewSonic, Portal’s virtual showcase allowed guests to explore fashion in a digitally interactive space designed to mimic a grocery store. Here, attendees could “shop” for design elements, from fabrics to YKK® zippers, within a digitised environment.
Portal’s Gamified Approach to Fashion Design
The platform offers a unique opportunity for anyone to create their own fashion designs, much like in a game such as Minecraft. Through accessible digital tools, Portaldemocratizes fashion, empowering users to customise garments in real-time and virtually “try on” their designs. This interactive, gamified experience highlights a shift in fashion towards digital engagement, a move that is not only creative but also aimed at sustainability.
Alan Liu, Co-Founder of Portal, commented, “Immersive virtual experiences are the future. Designers are now collaborating with creators of gaming worlds to find new ways to express creativity.” The grocery store theme underscored Portal’s role as a comprehensive platform for fashion brands to integrate 3D content, enhancing customer interaction while promoting sustainability.
A report by GEEIQ revealed that by mid-2024, over 700 brands had entered the virtual fashion space, with over 1,200 activations across gaming platforms—a 58% increase from the previous year. The exhibition, which featured artists like Naya Rea, Ray Chu, and graduates from Shih Chien University, demonstrated how Portalcould revolutionise fashion technology.
Interactive Technology and Artistic Collaboration
The showcase wasn’t just about virtual fashion. ViewSonic’s interactive displays and projectors brought the designs to life, allowing visitors to engage with artworks in an immersive digital format. Cloudy Ku, a Taiwan-born DJ, curated a techno-inspired soundtrack, adding to the event’s multi-sensory appeal.
Portalis designed to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds in fashion. From digital garment creation to augmented reality (AR) try-ons, Portaloffers brands the chance to bring physical designs into the virtual realm. The platform’s ability to merge 3D worlds with fashion extends beyond just design, providing brands with tools to create concept videos and powerful digital storytelling.
By integrating Unreal Engine experiences and interactive displays, the platform enables shoppers to connect with designers’ visions on a deeper level. Portal’s emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and innovation positions it as a key player in the digital fashion revolution.
London Fashion Week’s showcase of Portal highlighted the potential of fashion technology to break new ground, providing designers with the tools to harness digital creativity and offering consumers an exciting glimpse into the future of virtual fashion.
