Queens of the Metaverse Campaign, 2022

Queens of the Metaverse is a first-ever mixed reality drag show, taking place at 180 The Strand in London on Sep 8. The project highlights how LGBTQ+ designers can and are using immersive technologies to create mixed-reality creation. Three metaverse-inspired drag looks designed using virtual-reality and showcased on stage through augmented-reality technologies on drag superstars Blu Hydrangea, Tia Kofi, and Adam All. As one of three of the digital designer showcased on the project, I had to design a look following the theme "Superverse Supersuit" for drag king Adam All, using virtual design technology, digital avatars and Horizon Workrooms to design a look for a king to then be made as physical garments. The look had to involve physical costume to be worn by the drag performer, and a digital AR aspect that is shown on the screen during the performance. The garments were presented on an immersive runway to an audience of fan-favourite British drag queens, LGBTQ+ creatives and digital creators, including the new cast of “Ru Paul’s Drag Race,” showcasing the power of collaboration in the metaverse.

QUEENS

OF THE METAVERSE

Credit: PA Media

Initial digital design in VR by ZiQi Xing & Xing Yunjia

The Process

From the theme, "Superverse Supersuit", I created a design for the full look. Likening the exaggerated silhouettes of men's jazz suits of the 30's with the performance of masculinity, I designed this twisty, animated suit for Adam All to reference his animated character on stage, emblazoned with colours of the non-binary flag, with an accompanying twin version appearing in AR.

The design was first recreated in 3D using Gravity Sketch VR, and then the shape is referenced in the pattern through CLO3D. The design is then brought into MetaSpark AR with body-tracking to create the twisty twin version of the design.

Credit: Meta

Credit: PA Media