Leighton McDonald, a talented experience designer with a flair for blending fashion trends, 3D design creation, and augmented reality, had the pleasure of collaborating with the exceptionally creative and CFDA award-winning designer, Elena Velez. Together, they brought an Instagram filter experience to life by recreating sunglasses from Elena's FW23 collection in a digital replica of her Welding Glasses.

Elena Velez made her mark not only in New York City but also in her hometown of Milwaukee, introducing Midwest natives to fashion through her eponymous brand. Rejecting traditional femininity and beauty standards, Elena's brand embraced unique and unlimited ideas of femininity. With a strong influence from her blue-collar Midwestern upbringing, Elena's designs are infused with an indelicate, ornery, and willful aesthetic. Her work explores the tension between the delicate and refined aspects of traditional femininity and the strength, dexterity, and unapologetic reality of the women who shaped her own identity.

Elena's background in fine arts and her dedication to empowering underrepresented individuals led her to launch the Collaborator Studio in 2020. This innovative platform functions as a remote residency and rotating artist showcase, providing a space for small city makers and skilled craftspeople to create limited co-designed products that challenge the norms of the fashion industry. As Elena continues to push boundaries and defy established institutions, her brand remains a powerful force in advocating for diverse and authentic subcultures.

Leighton's collaboration with Elena Velez not only showcased his impressive skills in the realms of AR, AI, and design but also aligned with his vision of empowering others in the creative community. As they both continue to break barriers and create innovative experiences, their work will undoubtedly inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.