I've always been drawn to the space where old-world charm meets future-forward ideas. As a designer, I wanted my thesis project to be more than a polished academic exercise—I wanted it to feel cinematic, experimental, and emotionally resonant. That's how Rêve La Drame was born. Inspired by the timeless style of Audrey Hepburn, Rêve La Drame is a luxury fashion brand concept brought to life through augmented reality.
The project examines how immersive technology can transform storytelling and branding, especially in an industry as visually rich and heritage-driven as the fashion industry. I didn't want to challenge traditional branding; I wanted to expand its potential.
Why Audrey?
Audrey Hepburn has always fascinated me—not just for her elegance but for how her style remains iconic across generations. From the little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's to her poised persona in Roman Holiday, her aesthetic carries this dreamy, dramatic quality that I deeply resonate with as a designer. I knew I wanted to create a brand that would embody this spirit: nostalgic, evergreen, but also imaginative.
The brand name, Rêve La Drame, means "Dream the Drama." It's theatrical. It's fluid. It felt right.
Designing the Brand Identity
My goal was to use design to transport people, not just show them something beautiful, but have them feel immersed in it. I kept the visual identity clean and classic: black, white, and red. I created line-drawing graphics inspired by Audrey's film scenes—minimal but expressive. Everything was intentional. Every curve and frame carried weight. The packaging was not just packaging; it was an emotional artifact.
But the real pivot was asking: how do we make this come alive? That's where AR came in.
AR as a Storytelling Tool
Rather than creating a traditional lookbook or static experience, I designed an AR installation that triggered a virtual shopping bag in space—a dramatic, oversized one—right in front of you when you scanned a poster. On the bag, animations played, revealing a short cinematic commercial teasing the brand and its launch. The experience was designed to mimic the feeling of walking past a store window and being drawn in—but with a surreal, immersive twist.
It wasn't just about the tech. It was about feeling like something magical was unfolding in front of you.
My Experience at Imagine RIT
Presenting Rêve La Drame at Imagine RIT was one of the most fulfilling parts of the entire journey. I remember setting up the booth and watching people walk by, curiously reading the sign: "Scan for a Free Gift." Then came the moment of delight—watching their faces light up as the virtual bag appeared, floating above the floor, animated and alive. Some people walked around it, peeking behind it. It was just incredible.
One person even said, "This feels like something a luxury brand would do." That stayed with me.
I learned a great deal through that real-time engagement. I observed how people interacted, how long they stayed, and where their attention wandered. It helped me refine not just the technical details but the emotional pacing of the whole experience. That kind of feedback—immediate, unscripted, honest—is invaluable.
What I Learned
This project taught me that technology can serve elegance. It doesn't always have to feel cold or futuristic. When applied thoughtfully, AR can become a poetic layer in design—one that surprises and connects people with a brand on an emotional level.
I also learned that good storytelling is about creating experiences people want to be part of. And sometimes, those experiences come from unexpected combinations: a black dress and a smartphone, nostalgia and interactivity, cinema and code.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Rêve La Drame stands as a testament to the powerful intersection of nostalgia and innovation in the fashion world. By embracing augmented reality as a storytelling medium, I was able to breathe new life into traditional branding, creating an experience that transcended the conventional boundaries of design. This project not only allowed me to pay homage to the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn but also to explore how technology can enhance emotional connections between brands and their audiences.
Through real-time interactions at Imagine RIT, I learned the importance of engagement and the value of incorporating feedback into the creative process. Ultimately, Rêve La Drame is more than just a luxury brand concept; it is an exploration of how immersive experiences can evoke feelings and inspire dreams, making fashion not just a visual art but a journey of emotions. Moving forward, I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of design and technology, always seeking new ways to create compelling narratives that resonate deeply with people.
