Glassworks Special Projects recently completed post-production on a unique 3-minute sequence for Alexander McQueen's fashion show in Paris.

The end of the show featured a full-size virtual image of Kate Moss, floating in a three-meter high glass pyramid situated in the middle of the stage.

Shot on film and projected in HD, the illusion was achieved using an effect updated from the 1800's known as Peppers Ghost. In this case four hidden projection screens were arranged to reflect from the faces of the pyramid, creating an optical illusion of a holographic display.

Baillie Walsh directed the film of Kate Moss, shot in a studio in London, floating in mid-air, suspended from a wire rig. After colour corrections and transfer in TK, Glassworks removed the wires and did substantial cleaned up on the image. An abstract optical effect for the beginning of the sequence and glowing light effect for the ending were also created.

Glassworks also built a pre-visualisation of the show in 3D to verify the geometric calculations necessary for the illusion to work convincingly.

The show was a resounding success and the magical appearance of Kate Moss at the finale drew a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience.