Miquela Sousa Is Fashion's First Computer Generated Influencer

“I’d like to be described as an artist or a singer or something that denotes my craft…”

Fashion
12.4K 15 Comments

From the Gorillaz to Hatsune Miku, virtual celebrities have been around for decades, releasing content and collaborating with real-life artists. So why should virtual social influencers be any different? Miquela Sousa, better known as @lilmiquela on Instagram is a 19-year-old, Los Angeles-based, Brazilian/Spanish model and musician who endorses brands like Chanel and Supreme on her platform, as well as social causes like Black Lives Matter.

Although her responses and actions are all computer generated, Sousa refuses to be looked at any other way than as an individual. “I’d like to be described as an artist or a singer or something that denotes my craft rather than focus on the superficial qualities of who I am,” Sousa told BoF in their recent interview. Check out the full interview on BoF and an excerpt of it below.

BoF: I heard you will appear in big fashion publications in the next couple of months. What fashion projects do you have coming up?

MS: I have some really exciting stuff coming up that I can’t say just yet due to non-disclosure agreements. As a teaser to what’s coming up I can tell you that I’ve been shot in Chanel, Moschino, Burberry, Versace and Fendi. I always try to bring something original to these looks and try to do something these magazines have never seen before. I’ve only really partnered with brands to create, so I think monetizing would be a great next step. Making things is time consuming and being rewarded for my creativity with money would be amazing.

BoF: You seem to have a more hands-on approach with your community compared to many other influencers. For example, you direct message a lot of your followers if they want advice or have questions.

MS: The community stems from a place that feels safe to communicate and voice your opinions. When you’re only showing the world and not engaging it becomes one-sided. Taking in the likes, the comments, even the hate, and you stop learning from others around you. Learning also comes from listening, so if you don’t have a space for people to speak to you, then you’re limiting your growth.

BoF: In what way would you say your identity is crowdsourced? Real or fake, you have the opportunity to see what your followers want and subsequently you can respond to this.

MS: I definitely wouldn’t say my identity is crowdsourced. I’m an artist and have expressed opinions that are unpopular and as a result have cost me fans. I’d like to be everything and more that my fans want me to be but at the end of the day I have to make decisions that I believe in.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Apple's New Mac Mini is its Smallest Ever Computer
Tech & Gadgets

Apple's New Mac Mini is its Smallest Ever Computer

Tiny but powerful.

Kith Winter 2024 Is Tailored With Arctic Influences
Fashion

Kith Winter 2024 Is Tailored With Arctic Influences

The expansive lineup includes cozy outerwear, sharp formalwear, ornamental knitwear and head-turning accessories, as well as collabs with Clarks Originals, Vasque, Disney and TUMI.

Is Honesty Out of Fashion?
Fashion 

Is Honesty Out of Fashion?

Nine magazine editors, independent journalists and social media creators weigh in on the current state of fashion criticism.


Engineered Garments SS25 Is "Evoking the Spirit of the Lost Generation"
Fashion

Engineered Garments SS25 Is "Evoking the Spirit of the Lost Generation"

A collection that pays homage to Ernest Hemingway, a prominent figure of the 1920s’ Lost Generation.

A Look Inside Takashi Murakami's "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg" Exhibit in Vancouver
Art 

A Look Inside Takashi Murakami's "The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg" Exhibit in Vancouver

A must-see for any Murakami fan.

New YEEZY Season 6 Suede Crepe Sneaker Leaks
Footwear

New YEEZY Season 6 Suede Crepe Sneaker Leaks

Known as the Chalk Thick Snaggy Suede.

Supreme Releases Spring/Summer 2018 Teaser
Fashion

Supreme Releases Spring/Summer 2018 Teaser

A studded color block leather jacket and tie-dye hoodie.

The Todd Snyder x Timex MS1 Maritime Sport Was Made for Open Water
Fashion

The Todd Snyder x Timex MS1 Maritime Sport Was Made for Open Water

A subtle diving watch for any fit.

Watch First Full Trailer for 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'
Entertainment

Watch First Full Trailer for 'Solo: A Star Wars Story'

“I’m gonna be a pilot. The best in the galaxy.”


OAMC's Luke Meier Always Leaves Room for Mystery in His Designs
Fashion

OAMC's Luke Meier Always Leaves Room for Mystery in His Designs

Breaking down the ethos of OAMC in a new interview.

J.W. Anderson Unveils His Spring/Summer 2018 Collab With Matchesfashion.com
Fashion

J.W. Anderson Unveils His Spring/Summer 2018 Collab With Matchesfashion.com

“It’s the first time I’m excited about projecting myself into product.”

Watch Justin Timberlake's Super Bowl LII Halftime Performance
Music

Watch Justin Timberlake's Super Bowl LII Halftime Performance

He also showcased his Air Jordan 3 collaboration.

Apple Music Is on Track to Overtake Spotify
Music

Apple Music Is on Track to Overtake Spotify

Although only in the USA for now.

A Closer Look at the Off-White™ x IKEA Collaboration
Design

A Closer Look at the Off-White™ x IKEA Collaboration

“BLUE.”

More ▾