ONGOING|MAY 2022 - Redefining Representation in the Digital World
Created by The Diigitals in collaboration with Forsman & Bodenfors and Down Syndrome International, Kami became the world’s first virtual influencer with Down syndrome, a groundbreaking project designed to challenge beauty standards and expand representation within digital culture.
In a digital landscape dominated by “perfect” avatars and idealised identities, Kami was created to celebrate inclusivity and ensure people with disabilities are visible within the future of fashion, media, and the Metaverse. Her name, short for Kamilah, means “perfection”, a statement of exactly how the team wanted the world to see her.
The project was developed alongside more than 100 young women with Down syndrome from across the global DSi community, whose features, expressions, personalities, and stories helped shape Kami into an authentic and meaningful representation. Combining machine learning, digital artistry, and 3D character creation, The Diigitals developed Kami using a process that blended advanced technology with human collaboration and care.
Kami quickly became an international symbol of digital inclusion, earning global recognition and sparking conversations around diversity in virtual spaces. In 2023, the project received three Cannes Lions awards, including Silver for Innovative Use of Influencer and Bronze awards for Digital Creation and Digital Illustration & Image Design.
Beyond social media, Kami’s world expanded into immersive digital experiences celebrating creativity within the Down syndrome community. One of the most notable projects, Kami’s Room, transformed her platform into an interactive virtual space showcasing fashion, makeup, art, and digital design created by artists and collaborators from around the world.
Designed as both a creative exhibition and a celebration of representation, Kami’s Room highlighted the importance of visibility not only in technology and fashion, but within creative industries as a whole. The project brought together digital artists, designers, and community contributors to help shape Kami’s evolving world, turning her platform into a collaborative space for expression, storytelling, and empowerment.
Presented at Palais Augmenté and supported by collaborators including L’Oréal Groupe and Fisheye Immersive, the experience demonstrated how virtual worlds can become meaningful platforms for inclusion and artistic collaboration. Through immersive environments, digital fashion, and community-led creativity, Kami continues to redefine what representation can look like in the future of media and culture.
More than a virtual influencer, Kami has become a platform for voices, artists, and creators who are often underrepresented in digital spaces, proving that innovation and inclusivity can exist hand in hand.
Follow Kami’s journey at @itskamisworld.
