As the digital and physical worlds of fashion continue to fuse, the industry is innovating to offer engaging, immersive experiences. With people's interest in sustainability and technology rising, retail spaces and campaigns are turning virtual – meaning the emperor’s new clothes just got real.

Retailers’ sustainability initiatives show that shoppers don’t just want cheap, fast fashion – ethical and eco-savvy values are important too. But are visibly mended sweaters and ‘sneaker cleaning’ services just an updated version of the ‘It bag’, or are people ready to adopt low-impact lifestyles?

Norwegian fashion brand Carlings has launched a digital-only collection, with plays on the rising popularity of CGI in fashion. The collection looks to highlight how fast fashion can be harmful to the environment while still giving people something to show off on social media at the same time.

With her flawlessly rendered appearance and dramatic digital narratives, virtual influencer Lil’ Miquela has been challenging ideas of authenticity on Instagram since 2016. Why are brands and social media users embracing these CGI celebrities and could they ever replace their human counterparts?