Shapeshifting Through Digital Fashion: A Reflection on Identity and Transformation
In My Life in Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler, the cuttlefish stands out as a fascinating example of shapeshifting in nature. These creatures can change their appearance within a fraction of a second by manipulating pigments in their skin, transforming themselves to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Imbler uses the term "shapeshift" to pose the question: What will you become? This concept of transformation invites us to reflect on the human experience. Do we also shapeshift, and if so, how?
We shapeshift through fashion, using clothing and accessories to reimagine our physical form. But beyond the tangible realm, digital fashion offers a radical way to transcend the physical limitations of our bodies. By engaging with digital tools, we can create identities that align with our desires and aspirations. Digital fashion bridges the gap between our physical selves and the imagined, virtual versions of who we might become.
Dahlia: the world’s first femmenoid
One example of this transformation is Dahlia, the world’s first "femmenoid," created by artist Sevdaliza. In 2021, Dahlia introduced herself on Instagram, saying: “Hello, I am Dahlia. The world’s first Femmenoid. I am specialized to serve Sevdaliza within the unrealistic expectations of women in modern society.” Dahlia’s metallic, futuristic form mirrors Sevdaliza’s likeness, and blends mechanical armor with a human-like head that resembles the artist’s own face. As both a physical robot and a primarily digital presence, Dahlia embodies an identity that transcends Sevdaliza’s physical body. She appears in virtual spaces, such as raves hosted by Sevdaliza, and features in music videos like Everything is Everything, where we even see her kissing her creator. Through Dahlia, Sevdaliza explores the tensions between societal expectations, personal identity, and the freedom of digital expression. It is significant for the time we live in. Our identity is not only limited by our physical body, but can live in a virtual space. As questions arise in the gender debate and gender becomes non-binary, bodies can shift in ways that transcend the ‘usual’. In that way, Dahlia sets an example of blending technology, cyboresque features, leaving room for people to look behind the binary, standard and ‘normal’. It creates a space to feel safe and free, and to perform one’s body and identity in their own way.
Fashion as Transformation
Digital fashion is more than just a trend; it represents a paradigm shift in how we express ourselves. By stepping into the realm of imagination, fashion allows us to experiment with identity in ways that surpass the constraints of the physical world. Digital tools provide endless opportunities to reimagine the self, enabling us to create characters and avatars that reflect not just who we are but who we wish to be. Unlike traditional fashion, which is limited by physicality, digital fashion enables fluidity. It serves as a "technology of transformation," pushing the boundaries of identity into a more flexible and imaginative space. This fluidity reflects the idea of "becoming, emphasizing that identity is not static but rather a continuous process of change and evolution.
The Cyborg Future
In this evolving landscape, the line between reality and illusion blurs. Dahlia exemplifies how digital tools can reframe identity, offering a way to challenge societal norms and expectations. In an Instagram conversation, Dahlia says: “In a world where bodies can be endlessly modified, fashion—especially in the digital realm—can still be a powerful tool for self-expression, but it raises questions about what ‘authenticity’ means.”
Is authenticity tied to the body we are born with, or does it reside in the choices we make about how we present ourselves? In a cyborg-like future, where physical and virtual realities intertwine, authenticity might become less about being fixed and more about embracing transformation. Fashion, in this context, becomes a canvas for creativity and liberation, allowing individuals to shape their identities in once unimaginable ways.
Reimagining the Self
Digital fashion offers a unique opportunity to explore identity beyond the physical realm. It allows us to create alter egos and aspirational representations that align with our inner desires. For example during Decentraland’s Metaverse Fashion Week, or by making a photorealistic avatar in Spatial. As we adopt these virtual personas, we understand our bodies not as static entities but as fragmented, multi-realm constructs. Digital fashion enables us to shapeshift into imagined versions of ourselves, transcending physical limitations to embrace new forms of expression. In this fluid space, imagination plays a central role. Physical and digital fashion becomes a tool to navigate the boundaries between the tangible and the imaginary. It challenges us to think critically about the role of technology in shaping identity and opens the door to a future where self-expression knows no limits.
As Dahlia suggests, authenticity in this future may lie in our decisions to continually reshape ourselves. In the realm of digital fashion, transformation is not just possible—it is inevitable. By embracing the virtual, we redefine not only how we see ourselves but also how we connect with the world around us.
Written by Vera van Nuenen a GLITCH Magazine Contributor