How Miki Flores is bringing 20 years of fashion industry experience into digital fashion
Miki Flores shares why she started her digital fashion brand Metaneon and what digital fashion could mean for fashion designers.
NFTs and virtual social spaces are transforming digital fashion, but the ones driving the changes are the designers. In our Designer Spotlight series, we interview the aspiring designers to share their backgrounds as well as their perspectives on metaverse wearables.
Miki Flores is an LA-based designer with deep experience in physical fashion. Specifically, she worked in fashion brands like Forever 21 and Big Star Denim. And since June 2021, she has been working on her digital fashion brand Metaneon. In this interview, Miki shares her story and insights on digital fashion and what it could mean for fashion designers.
TYPE >> MN01
TYPE >> MN01 by METANEON [1 of 1] Mediator of feminine empowerment charging ahead towards higher consciousness. Neoprene power shoulder shrug with molded logo, iridescent tube with leather bralette + pleated digital leather cargo joggers with detachable legs. Unlockable content includes a link to CLO3D file + 3000px x 3750px @ 300dpi png image file.
M&W: Could you tell us the story about how you entered the world of digital fashion?
Miki: I've been in the fashion industry for 20 years, with diverse experience ranging from premium denim and street wear to fast fashion. During the pandemic, I discovered design softwares like CLO3D, Blender, and Daz 3D, and through that experience, I realized the power of digital fashion and how it could allow me to start my own line just with my computer. Since then, I launched my brand Metaneon and participated in the Digital Fashion Week NYC. I also listed my design on NFT platforms and been active in the digital fashion space. Currently, I'm also working with Meta in designing wearables for their avatars across all of their platforms.
M&W: Is there anything you try to express or convey through your Metaneon designs?
Miki: Metaneon is an experience where I explore the themes of innovation and fantasy. In my designs, I try to be open to new design possibilities by playing with a bit of sci-fi influences and combining them with vast areas of fashion. I am excited to keep growing Metaneon in the digital space and I hope to explore new tools to take my collection to the next level.
TYPE >> MN02
TYPE >> MN02 by METANEON [1 of 1] Mythological + ready to play in a diverse realm of fantasy. Pleated sheer chiffon asymmetrical dress with mohair contrast, metallic bra + biker shorts with gem trimmed straps + digital lavender puffer coat with over-sized hood. Unlockable content includes a link to CLO3D file + 3000px x 3750px @ 300dpi png image file.
M&W: How has your background in physical fashion helped your digital fashion work?
Miki: I think a big advantage I have is that I know what is trending in real-world fashion and I then start thinking about how to bring those to my digital designs. My fashion design background helped me a lot when I was first learning the 3D design tools—specifically CLO3D—since I have a deep understanding of pattern drafting and garment constructions.
M&W: Any advice for fashion designers who are interested in digital fashion or someone who just started their career in digital fashion?
Miki: It can be overwhelming to start learning new things, especially if you had limited exposure to 3D software. But I always encourage other designers to learn new tools and try out digital fashion. I think these are very exciting times for younger fashion designers. I believe that digital fashion will open up more career opportunities beyond traditional fashion industry, such as gaming, film, and tech.
Learn more about Miki's work and Metaneon through the links below: