WoW Woman in VR / AR | Kelly Vero, Head of Game Development, Fashion & Collections at SO REAL
Interview by Marija Butkovic
Kelly Vero is Head of Game Development, Fashion & Collections at SO REAL. Crafting a career in development throughout some of the world's most famous franchises, Kelly always knew that she would work at the top-flight of video games. But naturally curious and a bit quirky, she has slipped seamlessly into the world of fashion through combining her love of all things style, and video games. Add to that a degree in classics and, like most people, she wondered whether she’d ever be able to use it! But this makes for a wonderful partnership at SO REAL where we combine objects, art and technology in equal parts. Evangelising our digital twins to the world, she is able to navigate digital fashion, museum collections and curation with expertise. With enviable experiences in video games and digital development she's tech-driven and brand-focused for businesses wanting to put our technology into their brand. Kelly is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Kelly, what does your current job role entail?
I’m head of game development, fashion and collections. My verticals cover those areas, but my job is more about solving problems that the fashion industry either didn’t know they had. I’m tasked with driving technology into usability: from supply chain democratization using digital twins development to retail sustainability.
Has it been an easy industry to get into or have you had many challenges?
I wanted to start on the ground level to assess and access the challenges that fashion has in order to solve the up to now unsolvable issues in the fashion industry. The challenges facing fashion are less about the bigger picture and instead, by making small changes we’re seeing big differences.
How long did it take you to be where you are now? What was the biggest obstacle?
I have spent 25 working in the games industry, mostly for franchises or lifestyle games and platforms and I think that really gave me a broader view of the end user, player or audience. When you get down to the DNA of product development the only obstacles left are in inspiring the desire to make the change you want to see.
What are your projects you are currently working on?
We’re working with some amazing clients right now to digitize their vision for everything from pop-up boutiques to London Fashion Week. It’s ridiculously exciting!
What are your biggest achievements to date?
My biggest achievement to date is probably being more actively involved in sustainability to eliminate fashion waste through the UN Ethical Fashion Initiative.
What does the #WomenInVRAR movement mean to you? What are the challenges of being a designer and a woman in the VR/AR industry?
I really love being in this space anyway. All of the conversations and friendships I have made here have been about going further and doing more, together – it feels so much more different to my previous life in the games industry. And as for design challenges as a woman in VR/AR? I have a huge flaw and that’s that I’m a massive future gazer. I’m always trying to open up possibilities to drive fashion even further forward. One of the biggest things we can learn from the explosion of this movement generally is that anything is possible.
What will be the key trends in the VR/AR industry in the next 5 years and where do you see it heading?
Wow, there’s so many key trends emerging right now. Real-time is a big challenge, not just for us but for collaborators too. Automation processes are big now, but the ML boom is gonna make everyone’s life a whole lot simpler for everything from pipeline to marketing. Currently, we’re developing some super top secret scenarios with the manufacturing industry to look at negative space. This is not something many developers have tried in VR/AR – but we are actually doing something that will enhance how we buy and consume (for the better) 5, 10, 20 years from now.
What is the most important piece of advice you can give to all women in VR/AR out there?
There’s room for us all, so make time and space for each other to lift and mentor no matter your level or experience
Know your stuff – good trend forecasting in our corner of the creative industry means that often you can’t get away with just being this or that, you have to know it all and feel confident in bringing your best game to every pitch, talk or conversation
Partner up! Collaboration is key to a healthy ecosystem in VR/AR
Who are your 3 inspirational women in VR/AR?
I admire Sam Roach – she’s figuring out where the media/entertainment/fashion apex is in service-driven technology at Unity
I respect Hannah Bianchini at Microsoft Mixed Reality Studios hugely, she’s really driving up the quality of volumetric capture in this space
I’m in love with Angel Chen, she’s telling us what we’ll be wearing from the comfort of her VR set-up, in her season/no season methodology. Designers who can bring about change from the need to learn, lean in and that’s what should inspire us to keep moving and keep trying
Website: www.soreal.ch
This interview was conducted by Marija Butkovic, Digital Marketing and PR strategist, founder and CEO of Women of Wearables. She regularly writes and speaks on topics of wearable tech, fashion tech, IoT, entrepreneurship and diversity. Follow Marija on Twitter @MarijaButkovic.