This fashion designer says we'll all be watching 3D runway shows in the future

Anifa Mvuemba, founder of the direct-to-consumer women's apparel line Hanifa, didn't set out to revolutionize the fashion industry when she had a viral 3D runway show on Instagram this spring.

The self-taught designer, who launched Hanifa in 2012 and became known for curve-hugging luxury pieces, was just searching for an innovative way to show her latest collection. Although she had planned to show her pieces during New York Fashion Week, Mvuemba had also dreamed of having a virtual show but hadn't had the time or resources to pull one off. Then the pandemic happened, and she knew she couldn't wait any longer.

Mvuemba, who has been fascinated with 3D technology for several years, studied YouTube and other online resources to learn how to incorporate tech into her designs. Fans came to know and love Hanifa's digitally rendered model, Imani, who has made multiple appearances on the brand's website and social media since early this year.

"The feedback has always been great, (and) it converted to sales," Mvuemba said. "But I always wondered if it was possible to actually make them move, so that we can actually show our customers the movement