Written by Oyella Odong

The latest digital technology, could see the fashion world becoming filled with fake beauty

We all have seen how Instagram can be a powerful tool; especially in the fashion industry. Whether it’s a supermodel posting images or individuals discovered – a nobody can become somebody and almost instantly! This was the case for 19-year-old Anok Yai, who was snapped up by Next modelling agency after posting one picture. But what if the model sensation isn’t a person, but a thing?

28-year-old Photographer Cameron James Wilson, has created a stir when designing Shudu – a digital super model. The dark-skinned female creation has over 100k followers. What does this mean for the future of modelling and has Cameron-James Wilson changed the game?

The model has already featured in major campaigns such as Fenty Beauty. This has resulted to Cameron-James Wilson being called a racist, as some people feel that the photographer is replacing dark skinned models with the digital models. In Cameron James Wilson defence he says: “Shudu represents what I’ve always seen as beautiful, but something I don’t see often enough,” Wilson told Isiuwa Igodan. “Although there’s a slight change happening now, more people need to question, what really is beautiful.”

Shudu was heavily inspired by the aesthetic of Alek Wek, Lupita Nyongo and South African Princess barbie. To me, the reference of these beautiful women; even doll, makes me realise that a lot of thought was put in Mr Wilsons creation. Each image took the photographer roughly three days to create and several images can be found on Instagram. He did this by using a 3D software called Daze3d and which helped give an illusion of a life like finish!

Whether some people are shocked by it or not, we can’t help but appreciate the artistic vision and execution. In that sense, I would say Shudu has made Mr Wilsons photography to be almost the equivalate of the late Alexandre McQueen – alarming for some but can’t help and admire the work of art!

In fashion, shouldn’t it also create a stir?