A supermodel has created a 'world first' digital double so she can spend more time with her children.
Eva Herzigová, who shot to fame as the original Wonderbra model, has worked with tech experts to create a lifelike, real-time 3D digital human.
While a number of fictional models have been created, developers claim Eva is the first real-life supermodel to debut as a hyper-real 3D avatar.
The Czech model says the process of creating the so-called 'MetaHuman' was like "giving birth".
Eva worked with virtual production studio Dimension and talent agency Unsigned, co-owned by Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman, on the project.
The 50-year-old was been scanned in a seventy-camera rig, generating data which a team of character artists used to faithfully recreate her as a 3D MetaHuman.
The team has worked to ensure Eva’s likeness has been captured, before working to style her with virtual clothing, hair and make-up.
To ensure the MetaHuman has Eva’s signature walk, the supermodel took part in a motion capture shoot, using Vicon systems to track movement of her face and body.
This now means that Eva’s MetaHuman can be re-dressed, posed and lit, have her hair and make-up restyled, and her body and facial expressions are ready to be animated using motion capture or traditional animation.
A MetaHuman avatar has a multitude of real-time applications, such as virtual fashion shows in VR, 3D browser-based experiences, modelling digital wearables, live video streams, online games, in live broadcast, as well as 2D video and stills.
Eva Herzigová comments: “The process of giving birth to my MetaHuman (digital human) has been incredible, it genuinely feels a mother-like experience: creating every aspect of me, as me.
"My skin and bone, the way that I move, frown, smile: and at the same time everything can be changed at the flick of a switch or the drag of a mouse, my look, smile, background, age: everything can be changed and adjusted.
"My MetaHuman gets to go off to work, to be photographed and styled by the most incredible creative minds.
"Today, I can be in London, Paris, Milan and New York, all whilst at home cooking dinner with my children.”
Gavin Myall, CEO of Unsigned: “Eva has always been a trailblazer, so we are thrilled to begin this virtual journey with her.
"The growth of digital fashion presents huge opportunities not just for talent, but also for brands, the flexibility and the creative opportunities it presents are endless.
"From campaign shoots to modelling digital wearables to walking in virtual fashion shows, we are excited to collaborate with brands to create innovative ways we can work together with Eva and her MetaHuman.
"At Unsigned we are passionate about creating new opportunities for our talent, so we are really excited that this project marks our first step into the digital world of talent representation and co-owning IP with those we represent."
