Last update on: 10:38 am October 9, 2024 by fashionabc
Supersocial, a creative studio specialising in virtual world development, and supermodel Heidi Klum, collaborate to launch Modelverse: a fashion-themed game for Roblox. With dynamic runways and seasonal themes like Oktoberfest, users can style their avatars and strut down a virtual catwalk!
Watching her daughter Lou spend time on Roblox, and seeing the joy she finds in expressing herself creatively through her avatar, supermodel, producer, and Emmy-winning television personality, Heidi Klum, found inspiration to create ‘Modelverse’, combining her love for fashion with the immersive spaces where people from all over the world converge and connect.
“When building this world, I wanted to make sure that the players get the chance to be unconfined — they can play as their established Roblox avatar, or design a new avatar that looks like themselves… or step out of the box and walk the runway as a hot dog, a worm or something else” said Klum.
Modelverse is a labour of love for Heidi Klum and highlights inclusivity and body positivity. Per People — “I wanted people to either come with their own avatar or create a new avatar [and have it be] however they want, and not just that one typical kind of body shape…” she explains. “We’re in 2024. I think diversity is bigger than ever these days, so why is this not reflected in any of the games,” Klum adds. “I feel like there needs to be a variety in avatars, so I wanted to make a world where there’s diversity in body shapes.”
Modelverse caters to the mega audience of 79.5 million daily active users on Roblox, allowing them to utilise their inventory alongside the Marketplace catalogue to generate unique looks. This is why users feel that creating a memorable avatar is one of the best ways to make a name for yourself. Per Forbes — “The virtual fashion experience is designed to promote self-expression and body positivity. Inspired by her daughter’s love of Roblox, Klum’s initiative allows users to customise avatars with diverse body types and dress them in digital fashion…”
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with powerhouse Heidi Klum to create a brand new kind of immersive experience in the metaverse where users can authentically express themselves,” said Yon Raz-Fridman, CEO and founder of Supersocial. “Bringing together the best parts of Roblox gameplay with Heidi’s fashion and beauty expertise allows us to tap into the growing trend of people looking for new ways to show their creativity in virtual worlds.”
Supersocial stands at the forefront of the 3D Internet revolution, specialising in creating boundary-pushing virtual worlds with games and experiences that feel meaningful to metaverse natives, with an initial focus on Roblox. Renowned for its iconic visuals and unparalleled user experience, Supersocial is the premier studio partner to the world’s leading brands, redefining the intersection of entertainment, community, and commerce.
“As our global Roblox community continues to play a role in shaping today’s digital culture, style and fashion, we know it values opportunities and spaces for self-expression,” said Winnie Burke, head of fashion and retail partnerships at Roblox. “We’re excited to see Heidi bring her vision to Roblox with her experience that further enables and celebrates creativity and expression on the platform.”
Hedi Klum brings a wealth of experience to the table. During her tenure as the host, co-creator, and executive producer of “Project Runway” for sixteen seasons, the show received fourteen consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Reality Competition program. Klum is a judge on NBC’s hit show “America’s Got Talent,” and the host and executive producer of “Germany’s Next Top Model”. Notably, she leverages her reach to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF, Children’s Hospital LA, God’s Love We Deliver, and amfAR.
Modelverse is now available on Roblox.
The intersection of fashion and gaming
Since the creation of the metaverse, and the subsequent collision of gaming, fashion and culture, the digital space is the new normal. No longer does it seem experimental that our avatars are hanging out with friends’ avatars, gaming or doing business in the metaverse. With its adaption and popularity, the digital fashion and gaming industries are poised to transform into a global powerhouse with key players from fashion leveraging its immense potential.
According to Morgan Stanley, Web 3.0 could open up revenue opportunities worth up to $50 billion for the fashion and luxury industries by 2030, with NFTs and social gaming driving that growth. These digital assets and platforms provide new ways for fashion brands to engage with consumers, offering virtual products and experiences that blur the lines between physical and digital worlds.
Modelverse is the newest in fashion-themed gaming and underscores the intersection of gaming and digital fashion in today’s cultural landscape. Tommy Hilfiger’s Hilfiger Ventures recently introduced mobile game, FashionVerse. CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund partnered with Finfin Play AG, the creator of styling-themed mobile game, The Fashion League, in honour of the Fund’s twentieth anniversary.
Gucci Continuum x Vans on Gucci Vault which integrated Gucci’s deadstock fabrics into new limited edition items with American footwear company Vans, extended to Roblox metaverse gaming through a scavenger hunt. Supermodel Karlie Kloss launched a styling game, Fashion Klossette, on Roblox. Additionally, Drest, by former editor Lucy Yeomans, is preparing for a comeback, through partnerships with fashion icons Kate Moss, Irina Shayk, and Imaan Hammam.
FAQs on Dressing Up Your Gaming Avatar to Reflect Your Personal Style
- How can I make my avatar’s outfit reflect my personal style?
To reflect your personal style, choose clothing and accessories that match your real-life preferences. Look for items in-game that align with your favourite colours, patterns, and fashion trends. Many games offer customisation options for mixing and matching pieces, so experiment until you find a look that feels authentic to you. - What are some tips for standing out in a virtual world with my avatar’s style?
To stand out, try combining unique or limited-edition items that aren’t widely available in the game. You can also layer different styles, add bold accessories, or use customisation tools to tweak details like hair, makeup, or pose. Opt for unexpected combinations that showcase your individuality and creativity. - Are there in-game fashion brands or designers I can use to elevate my avatar’s look?
Yes, many virtual platforms now feature collaborations with real-world fashion brands or in-game designers. These partnerships often release exclusive digital collections, giving your avatar access to high-end or trendy pieces. Stay on the lookout for new drops or limited-time offers to keep your avatar’s wardrobe fresh. - How can I balance fashion and function when dressing my avatar for gaming?
It’s important to consider the game environment and activities when styling your avatar. If your avatar will be engaging in competitive or action-based gameplay, you may want to focus on functional outfits that suit the character’s role. For social or creative platforms, you can prioritise fashion-forward choices that reflect your personality without worrying about utility. - Can I change my avatar’s look frequently, or should I stick to one signature style?
You can do either! If you enjoy experimenting with fashion, feel free to change your avatar’s look often to reflect your evolving style or mood. Alternatively, if you prefer consistency, developing a signature style can make your avatar instantly recognizable in the virtual world. It’s all about what makes you feel most confident and authentic.
Footnote
The unprecedented success of Modelverse on Roblox may inspire key players in Fashion to take a deeper interest in Web3, which offers an unprecedented opportunity to reach new audiences and engage with customers in new ways including virtual showrooms, interactive experiences, gaming, styling avatars and much more. Fashion- themed gaming is facing an exciting future where elements of the real and the virtual world have begun converging to provide gamers with exciting experiences.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.