Computer-generated Instagram model astounds internet

Is this the future of fashion?

Shudu Gram (Instagram)

The world of fashion is always looking ahead to the future for the latest innovations and avant-garde ideas.

However, models could be facing the prospect of being rendered useless thanks to a novel creation by celebrity photographer Cameron-James Wilson.

Wilson has created a digital persona called Shudu Gram, which he has dubbed as the “world’s first digital supermodel”.

Shudu currently has 40,500 followers on Instagram, ever since her Instagram account was first created by Wilson in April last year.

However, it was only recently that Wilson revealed that Shudu was entirely computer-generated, with her followers previously under the impression that she was a real person.

Rihanna’s cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty, even shared a photo of Shudu on their Instagram account that shows her wearing a shade of the makeup line’s lipstick.

Wilson is a 28-year-old British photographer based in London. He’s spent the last years working within the fashion sector and has made a name for himself as a beauty, fashion and celebrity photographer.

The successful photographer taught himself how to create three-dimensional art online, which is how Shudu was conceived.

While Wilson's beautiful creation undoubtedly showcases his talent, some have questioned the ethics of designing a digital model with darker skin, as opposed to photographing a black model in real life.

“A white photographer figured out a way to profit off of black women without ever having to pay one,” one person wrote on Twitter.

“Now pls, tell me how our economic system is in no way built on and quite frankly reliant on racism and misogyny [sic].”

“This is problematic. Instead of hiring a black model, the photographer created one,” another person remarked.

“Is it that hard to pay black women? Also shows how much dark skin is still being exoticised by the media.”

Wilson has also pictured Shudu posing alongside a real-life male model, Nfon Obong.

“I get many comments saying that her beauty is ‘rare’ but she represents and is inspired by a whole continent of beautiful women,” Wilson explained to Isiuwa Igodan.

“To me she’s special, yes, but as are millions of real-life African men and women.

“She’s a fantasy trying to break through into reality and I have plans to help her do so."