During the pandemic more people found escape in virtual worlds, donning secondary identities that they were free to manipulate however they wished. Playing into this, Roblox debuted 'Gucci Garden', where avatars become genderless mannequins as they embark on a journey of self-discovery.

As influencers sample and promote physical fashion digitally, fashion brands are collaborating with them to bolster 3D-rendered designs. As more people are exposed to virtual fashion, influencers' digital sampling could mean fashion brands would no longer need to give away clothes for free.

After a period of rapid digitisation, in which people relied heavily on the internet to facilitate meaningful connections, modes of visual self-expression have moved far beyond the performative selfie. In this new era of metaversal living, how do people want to curate their virtual identities?

Non-fungible tokens offer a way for people to digitally own everything from a tweet to a GIF of an NBA play via blockchain technology. How might they forge meaningful connections between fans and their idols? And how can brands sustain engagement with the tech beyond the initial hype?