Fashion x Technology Merge in Service of Digital Self Exploration 🔮🖥️
SSense x 032C x EDGLRD x Metastage
Helping to build this one-of-a-kind digital spread in SSENSE using volumetric assets was an incredible journey. When the team at EDGLRD approached us with Harmonie Korine’s vision for the piece – a digital replica of Abel Tesfaye, AKA The Weeknd, traversing CG scenes in rebellious, monochromatic ensembles from Rick Owens, Givenchy, and Prada – we knew that volumetric capture technology was the perfect format.Â
In the SSENSE interview, The Weeknd delves into a digital exploration of Self, examining the virtual and real-world personas he’s crafted over his career against the backdrop of his holographic self, captured at Metastage.
Capturing Motorbikes, Glass, and Fashion in Sync
The Metastage production team was tasked with capturing The Weeknd’s edgy persona in a series of ruggedly-textured, streetwear-inspired looks curated by SSENSE stylist Matthew Hensen, all while the artist posed on a stationary motorbike. Everything, including the bike, was filmed practically inside the capture volume, with careful collaboration between technical and creative teams to ensure “clean capture” while preserving the artist’s glam looks.
To optimize the bike for capture, our production team overcame some key technical challenges: the reflective surfaces of the bike’s glass and metal components. Using dulling spray, we minimized glare that could disrupt the capture quality. In order to simulate a sense of high-speed motion, talent was positioned on the vehicle with the kickstand down, swaying lightly as if bobbing and weaving through traffic. The kickstand was removed in post and background visuals of light trails were added to heighten the realism.
Per Ross Scarano’s recounting of the shoot: “Capturing a single pose takes about as long as an X-ray at the dentist’s office. Tesfaye, in a motorcycle jacket and sunglasses, stands still in the green-screen space. “Let’s capture that.” A beat of maybe three seconds follows. “Okay, and cut!”
How Volumetric Capture Brings Flexibility and Realism to 2D Content Creation
Volumetric capture holds groundbreaking potential for the fashion industry, offering a new way to showcase the depth, texture, and realism of the human form, which is central to fashion. Unlike traditional photography, which captures a single static moment, volumetric capture creates a full 3D model that can be transformed into highly adaptable 2D visuals, enabling brands to control every angle and detail. Metastage’s dynamic, holographic captures can be easily adapted for use across different formats, giving designers and brands the ability to adjust lighting, angles, and poses without the need for a reshoot.Â
This flexibility means campaigns can be quickly tailored for various platforms or regions, maintaining visuals that are both consistent and versatile. As a result, volumetric capture not only enhances creative control but also makes the production process more efficient, sustainable, and lighter on the talent.
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Want to learn more about Volumetric Capture? For more information, contact our sales team at: team@metastage.comÂ
Credits:Â
Article by
Ross Scarano
Photographed by
EDGLRD
Styled by
Matthew Henson
Talent
Abel Tesfaye
Grooming
Christine Nelli using Tom Ford Beauty
Barber
Daronn Carr at Blend LA
BTS Videography
Thomas Woodward
BTS Animator
EDGLRD
BTS Video Editor
Daniel Antebi / Cartel
Hero Video Editor
Zoe Lawrence / Cartel
Tailor
David Viato
Production
Michael Quinn & The Morrison Group
Production Manager
Alaura Wong
Stylist Assistant
Breaunna Trask
Post Production
EDGLRD
Volumetric Capture
Metastage
Thanks to
Iconic Motorbikes
Web Design and Development
Kristina Vannan
Hero Image: Abel wears VETEMENTS hoodie, Prada shirt, System pants, and VETEMENTS boots.
Credits:Â
by
Ross Scarano
Photographed by
EDGLRD
Styled by
Matthew Henson
Talent
Abel Tesfaye
Grooming
Christine Nelli using Tom Ford Beauty
Barber
Daronn Carr at Blend LA
BTS Videography
Thomas Woodward
BTS Animator
EDGLRD
BTS Video Editor
Daniel Antebi / Cartel
Hero Video Editor
Zoe Lawrence / Cartel
Tailor
David Viato
Production
Michael Quinn & The Morrison Group
Production Manager
Alaura Wong
Stylist Assistant
Breaunna Trask
Post Production
EDGLRD
Volumetric Capture
Metastage
Thanks to
Iconic Motorbikes
Web Design and Development
Kristina Vannan
Hero Image: Abel wears VETEMENTS hoodie, Prada shirt, System pants, and VETEMENTS boots.
__________________________________________________________________________
Want to learn more about Volumetric Capture? For more information, contact our sales team at: team@metastage.comÂ