Scan the QR code to view more image process and development. My Instagram page includes behind the scenes footage, timelapse’s, and videography content.
‘Ralph Lauren Flagship Store metaverse, luxurious, wealthy, futuristic antique building, ultrarealistic’
‘Ralph Lauren store reimagined in the metaverse, antique building with a futuristic twist, ultrarealistic’
Midjourney:
For this image I felt as though something was missing until I reimagined Ralph’s Coffee Truck. Ralph’s Coffee Truck has made an appearance in the collaboration with Roblox; however, it wasn’t memorable as they replicated the existing truck. I therefore made it my mission to create and communicate how futuristic and creative this could look in the metaverse by experimenting with Midjourney creations.
Midjourney:
I didn’t move this image forward because of two reasons. Firstly, Daisy didn’t feel like the right fit for an image that captures sport as she is a glamorous character, and the accessories would have been outdated for the metaverse. I liked the concept of this image, but I wanted to reimage what I created and make it more futuristic and exciting through Midjourney outcomes.
Ralph Lauren creates a world with his designs, he imagines every detail – the place, the women, the man, what they’re wearing, and their fragrance. It was therefore equally as vital I reimagined fragrance in The Virtual Escape too.
I have rebranded Big Pony to be the next generation of Ralph Lauren fragrances. I experimented with alterations to the packaging and bottle to celebrate the launch of a scent in the metaverse.
I wanted to establish how the garments would be displayed in the metaverse/ The Virtual Escape and I decided that although a mannequin seemed traditional and on brand, this would be outdated in a virtual environment. Although I trailed it, I was correct in my judgement and after researching what other brands and games are doing, I decided to be more creative and add a futuristic element. I evolved my idea, and the outcome includes clothes hovering above a podium. However, I have decided not to incorporate this image in my final exhibition piece as I believe it would be more effective in the game.
Image taken from the gaming book.
I initially reached out to an AI artist on Instagram (@barbara.chira.ai.art) to see if she would be interested in collaborating as I have been following her page and was amazed by her talent. I loved how she was bringing her AI imagery to life by adding sound effects and giving the AI characters a voice, this inspired me and got me thinking that I could achieve something similar with The Virtual Escape. I was fortunate that Barbara wanted to collaborate, we worked together to elevate my imagery and the outcomes were fantastic. Working with Barbara to create two videography content was a pivotal moment in my development, I took it upon myself to learn the platform and I continued to develop my imagery into talking avatars.
The content I created using the AI platform D-ID, is now showcased on The Virtual Escape Instagram page and as the following pages will uncover, it is also the content linked to my final exhibition images.
Barbara was kind enough to share the platform she used to get the characters talking and we gave each other’s Instagram accounts a lot of exposure during our collaboration. This was a truly unique partnership and I am thankful of Barbara for introducing me to D-ID as it elevated my FMP to another level.
To make my exhibition image’s more interactive I have included QR codes. If you were to scan these codes with your camera, you would be automatically redirected to an Instagram post of the character talking. I also decided to brand my exhibition images with The Virtual Escape logo to increase the brands recognition.
To make purchases in The Virtual Escape realistic, I have decided to give all outfits and accessories a price point. Users will be able to build their virtual wardrobe by purchasing the luxury goods, the clothes and accessories are priced at a high price point and replicate the cost of existing products in a Ralph Lauren store/ online. Users who can’t afford to build their wardrobe at a premium price are now given the opportunity to build their virtual wardrobe at a similar cost because virtual replicas are more accessible. Over time, I would increase the cost of the products available in The Virtual Escape as the idea of owning a virtual garment will become more desirable.
In The Virtual Escape, I used The Sandbox token symbol and labelled the cash as Polo Points.
These images are taken from the gaming book that I have created to go alongside my FMP.
To promote this collaboration and the launch of The Virtual Escape game, I believe the most beneficial form of advertisement will be through social media. Ralph Lauren currently has 14.7 million followers on Instagram and The Sandbox have 181 thousand, therefore not only will an astonishing amount of people engage with the content, but it will also increase The Sandbox’s awareness. I am confident that this will be an effective way to promote this collaboration because it will reach the correct target market, Generation Z.
I have created an Instagram account for The Virtual Escape. Grid posts include image and video content and since the rise of TikTok, Generation Z favours behind-the-scenes content, to match this demand I have ensured posts respond to what is trending. The page has already received a lot of interaction. I had a look at the accounts insights and the content has reached 356 users (non-following) and received 4,825 impressions (likes and comments). A digital marketing strategy has been successful for The Virtual Escape.
I have made a game trailer and released it on The Virtual Escape Instagram page. I made this to create an initial buzz and excitement around the release of The Virtual Escape game, the game will be available to download from the App store on May 18th.
My work has developed unbelievable amounts since the beginning of this journey. Midjourney has encouraged me to visualise the metaverse in a completely different light and the original croque’s in my journey book highlight this evolution. I have loved designing The Virtual Escape, my creative skills have advanced during this module, and I have successfully reimagined Ralph Lauren and all its counterparts that build the brand’s dream. I believe that I have successfully fulfilled Ralph Lauren’s desire for authenticity and created a concept perfect for building their exclusivity to Generation Z in a new, exciting, and statement-making way. I strongly believe my FMP is a ground-breaking idea for Ralph Lauren and that the future would be bright if they took the first mover’s advantage.
During timetable teaching (January – March) I kept a document of progression and feedback. Following each 1-1 that I attended, I used this management plan to take notes and plan my next steps.
