Digital fashion artist Vesna Stawa has an imaginative approach when it comes to creating virtual couture–she takes inspiration from fairy tales and mythology.

“I design digital garments that combine elements of trendy daily wear; I call it casual attire for a fantasy land,” said Stawa, who is from Belgrade, Serbia.

“The surreal, dreamy floral motifs in my pieces draw inspiration from Japanese illustrations, as well as artists like Katsushika Hokusai, while my dreamy environments also take cues from the ornate elegance and playful extravagance of the Rococo style.”

Stawa first got into digital fashion because of the freedom it gave her. “Learning 3D skills came naturally, and it felt like I’d finally found the right medium to bring my visions to life quickly and sustainably,” she said.

“My background in photography also influences how I embrace experimentation as a key part of my creative process, much like my days in the darkroom exploring textures and new ideas.”

Stawa completed her master’s degree in photography in Belgrade before attending a 3D training program at a VFX studio. “This is where I discovered my passion for 3D. which led me to digital fashion,” she said. “Then I began to learn independently.”

Stawa later completed a Management in Digital Fashion course by DressX and Esmod Paris. Last fall she launched her own 3D studio, called Orchidea3D, which focuses mostly on 3D fashion animations. That is when she started to focus more on her own digital fashion designs.

Digital fashion isn’t just for Roblox. This year, Stawa showcased her works at digital fashion events during Milan Fashion Week in February and September organized by tech fashion brand, Izy Studio. She also created a collection of digital garments available on DressX, and some of her AR wearables are available on the virtual try-on platform, Zero10.

“Fashion is thriving in digital art because it offers limitless ways to express personal style, from AR accessories to surreal, abstract concepts that go beyond physical limitations,” she said. “With 3D technology and AI reshaping production into something more sustainable, digital fashion also connects communities and enhances how we curate our digital identities.”

Stawa’s work is mainly digital animations, so when she needs to show it in real-life settings for art galleries or client presentations, she uses digital frames. She was accustomed to showing her work to clientele on phones and tablets until she discovered FRMD, a digital art and fashion framing company. “Digital art frames are essential for my practice because they allow me to showcase my work as a complete, immersive concept,” said Stawa.

FRMD founder Max Stanisic saw a need to give digital art and fashion a sharp, professional presentation. “Our goal is to support the fashion industry, especially in retail, where it’s all about grabbing attention and getting people into stores,” said Stanisic. “Look at the screens used in shops or malls today—most have glare, poorly formatted content, or unsmooth loops.”

Stasnic and Stawa teamed up last month for their product launch at Mriya Gallery in New York City, opening the exhibition with a panel discussion on how digital art is transforming various industries.

“A key part of our mission is creating an economy for digital artists through our subscription model,” he said. “Clients pay monthly for access to fresh collections, and artists earn royalties from those subscriptions.”

Some of Stawa’s most compelling fashion works include her frilly, pastel blue Sunlit Garden Corset or her Berry Blush two-piece set in hues of red.

“My designs are inspired by themes like eternal spring and fairytales, and the dreamy atmosphere is just as important as the garment itself,” she said. “Since my work often involves digital animation, these frames are the most natural way to display the full experience without losing any of its essence.”

The e-commerce boom has helped fuel a rise in digital fashion. “It allows people to express themselves more freely and experiment with styles in fun, creative ways,” said Stawa. “It’s also a hub for those passionate about technology and innovation, connecting like-minded individuals while transforming how we engage with fashion online.”

Stawa is seeing digital fashion thrive on social media through augmented reality filters and virtual try-ons. “Gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox use digital fashion for character customization, while metaverse platforms like Zepeto and Decentraland integrate it to enhance virtual identities,” she said.

Next Stawa is planning on building her own creative community in the digital fashion world. “I’m experimenting with artificial intelligence and new technologies for a phygital product in the future,” she said.

“I also want to integrate my manual illustrations and artwork into my digital fashion, blending traditional and digital techniques,” adds Stawa. “Over the coming months, I’ll be exploring ways to bring this fusion to life, adding a personal touch to my creations.”