When you think of an influencer, I’m sure you imagine a close to a perfect looking girl (or guy) seeming to be living their best life (traveling, events, partying, etc.) and advertising products, as documented through social media. It’s easy to forget that they’re real people like us, probably going through the ups and downs that humans experience daily.

However, most people usually don’t follow influencers to see those aspects of their lives; they follow them for a mini escape from reality, one where life just looks perfect. And what other better way to experience this than following the new wave of these influencers: CGI ones.

Scrolling through the Instagram user ‘lilmiquela’s page, it’s hard not to do a double take before realizing, yes, in fact, she is an AI model. From magazine covers to campaigns, to editorials and collabs with companies like Vogue, Wonderland, Prada, UGG, and more, she’s taken not only the internet world but the industry as well by a storm.

Balmain has also played into the idea of CGI models, with having three digital models being the face of their campaign in 2018. One of them, Shudu (a creation by British photographer Cameron-James Wilson) is claimed to be the world’s first digital supermodel, after appearing in multiple editorials as well as being featured on ‘Fenty Beauty’s Instagram. Although Shudu’s gained a large following, digital models can be controversial as they essentially portray unrealistic beauty standards (I mean, they’re literally not real) as well as take the spot for real women, especially POC, who are trying to achieve that level of success.

It’ll certainly be interesting to see what the future holds for AI models, and how much they actually will take over the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle world.

Damien Hirst / Snapchat, 2020

This augmented reality feature is the new engaging filter allowing users the chance to recreate one of Damien Hirst’s most infamous Spin Paintings. The British artist has partnered up with Snapchat to develop the interactive filter in aid of Partners in Health.

The filter is now available worldwide to the Snapchat community, enabling users to virtually create their own spin art by pouring and splashing vivid colours onto a rotating canvas.

Damien Hirst / Snapchat, 2020

On the collaboration, Damien Hirst stated:

“It’s amazing to be working with Snapchat on this totally mega spin art lens and making it possible for millions of people to make their own spin paintings right from their phones. I’m so happy that this partnership also supports Partners in Health, a brilliant and forward-thinking organisation that helps communities in developing countries around the world cope with devastating impact of COVID-19”.

In order to contribute your own spin artworks to a virtual gallery, access is being enabled through the ‘Our Story’ function. This encouraging new feature is allowing people to share their creations inspired by the artist’s own Spin Paintings across the world, from the comforts of their own homes.

After coming up with the idea while traveling on an airplane amid the pandemic, Will.i.am is introducing a clever tech-driven face mask, a joint venture with manufacturer Honeywell. Xupermask is outfitted with three dual-speed fans and a Honeywell high-efficiency particulate-arresting (HEPA) air filtration system.

It also includes noise-canceling audio and microphone capabilities as well as Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and LED day glow lights. To assist with the design, Will.i.am enlisted Jose Fernandez, who through his Ironhead Studio, a costume and creature design firm, has created costumes for films including The Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men United and The Avengers.

Created in two color schemes — white/gray/orange and black/black/orange — the Xupermask comes in two sizes and accompanied by a carrying case, three-month supply of HEPA filters, ear tips and USB-C charging cable. The first drop has already sold out, follow Xupermask for details on the second drop.