Studio Infinity explores cyber-feminism and gender fluidity through digital fashion
This is A HOT MINUTE WITH, a quick-fire interview series championing all the rising talent catapulting into fashion, art and music’s fickle stratosphere. From pinch-me moments to bad dates and even worse chat-up lines, think of it as an overindulgent conversation – like the ones you have in sticky club toilets at 4.A.M. Except these guests don’t regret the overshare…
Courtesy of @studio_infinity_fashion
NAME Lena Novello, STUDIO INFINITY
AGE 28
LOCATION Paris, France
STAR SIGN Libra
Nowadays, there’s more to fashion than just sewing machines, fabrics and in-person runway shows. In fact, the past year has completely reshaped everything that fashion has been. And whilst the world’s roadmap out of the pandemic may shine some glimmers of hope onto the prospect of attending shows and snuggling back into the chaos of fashion week, digital fashion has found its rightful place as a true contender of exhibition and display within the landscape (see Arceleven’s recent CGI fashion show as a prime example).
But we’re past the point of 3D fashion shows being niche purely because they’re on-screen and made up of bug-eyed avatars whose lips and hands move like undeveloped Sims characters. Now, the business of 3D fashion is starting to take shape as a plurality of ideas, influences and creative approaches, not just as a monolithic less-loveable alternative to de facto fashion.
Cue Studio Infinity - a space for designers and artists creating digital fashion shows, 3D fashion design and augmented reality through gender fluidity, cyber-feminism and collaboration. “What we are doing is not replacing what is real,” says Lena Novello, the studio’s Art Director and Curator. “Digital fashion and 3D fashion design are of course not new, but the project with Studio Infinity is to showcase to the fashion scene the amazing opportunities. 3D is not an end in itself or an aesthetic, it’s a tool for creation.”
Studio Infinity is a product of digital fashion’s recent exponential growth - a collection of creatives injecting greater meaning into the designs beyond simply what meets the eye. For the Studio, this is found in “cyber-feminism” and the power that technology has in dissecting our patriarchal society. “A Cyborg Manifesto from Donna Harraway 1984 was probably one of the strongest references that inspired my whole artistic universe,” Novello explains. “Donna Harraway uses the figure of a cyborg as an intensely sexual creature which creates its own conditions for existence while finding resilience from patriarchy.”
But beyond the Studio’s more profound ambitions of debunking the intricacies and exploitations of the world, the creatives also find success in reshaping our perceptions of digital design and its relationship with the fashion world. “When we were talking about 3D fashion a year ago, people were looking at us like we were some kind of geeky freaks but now while talking to the same people they seem to have known digital fashion forever, which is funny but of course amazingly great for the mission we want to accomplish.”
Ry Gavin: Which fashion brand would you like to collaborate with the most?
Lena Novello: I would love to collab with experimental designers that would look dope in 3D, such as CHARLOTTE KNOWLES and KASIAKU for clothing, ANCUTA SARCA for shoes or HUGO KREIT for jewellery.
RG: How can 3D design and augmented reality revolutionise fashion?
LN: It is a revolution as it is a new paradigm which will radically change fashion in the way we produce (with 3D design softwares), the way we sell (virtual showrooms/e-fitting), the way we showcase (virtual runways). This is not just a trend, it’s a 360° metamorphose which is invading fashion at all levels.
RG: What is the connection between fashion and high technologies?
LN: Fashion has always been a lab for creative experimentations and with new technologies it’s just the opening of another playground for cutting edge aesthetics and inspirations.
RG: What does beauty mean to you?
LN: Botox and acid hyaluronic AR filters, of course. Just joking, be yourself.
RG: What does the future of fashion look like in your eyes?
LN: A place where everyone could design their own clothes everyday. Imagine that.
RG: Highlight of your career so far?
LN: Winning an award with Ecole 42 coming from a stylist background was a blast.
RG: What’s one thing you’d like to change about fashion?
LN: Rhythm and last minute policy.
RG: What’s one eye-wateringly expensive piece of clothing that’s worth the money?
LN: BALENCIAGA Amor boots to fight this mad place we call the world.
RG: Name one song you hate but that everyone else loves?
LN: Mamma Mia from ABBA, I have been trying hard but still have no clue why I can’t feel the vibe and it’s such a shame.
RG: What are you excited for?
LN: NFT lessgo.