For some time now, nostalgic-style gift boxes containing surprise items – akin to modern ‘goody bags’ – and collectable figurines in the style of the 2000s, or Y2K style, have been enjoying an international renaissance. At the ‘Digital Fashion Contest’, student Lena Müller from the HAWK Faculty of Design took up this trend aesthetic, reinterpreted it and went on to win first prize at the prestigious Future Fashion Forum for her digitally designed series of mini figurines, which combine apocalyptic scenarios with a critical message: destructive behaviour makes way for nature and the environment.
Rather than being based on realistic models, the Y2K design drew inspiration from the exaggerated, playful look of collectable figurines. Oversized buttons, visible seams and distinctive textures emphasise the character of these digital miniatures. She carried out the ‘production’ on the computer using state-of-the-art digital tools: the designer modelled the figures in Blender, developed the fashion in CLO 3D, created animations with Mixamo and built the virtual sets using the Unreal Engine and suitable kitbash assets.
For her innovative concept and impressive digital implementation, Lena Müller was awarded first prize, comprising a cash prize of 1,000 euros from the Herder Campus and a one-year license for the international fashion design software CLO 3D.
In addition to the competition, Lena Müller spoke at the Future Fashion Forum, where she gave a talk on the presentation of virtual fashion in the digital space. Owing to her success and the quality of her presentation, she will also be speaking and exhibiting her work at this year’s FashionTex Festival in November, as part of Chemnitz’s 2025 European Capital of Culture programme.
