Immaterial Girl Girl Immaterial

Whatever you may think of virtual influencer Miquela Sousa (AKA @lilmiquela), one thing’s for sure: her star power is very real. With a debut album in the works, the perpetual 19-year-old has widened her purview, going from wearing designer fashion brands to starting her own. She tells L’Officiel Singapore what it means to be a robot girl in a human world

Last year, you discovered that you’re actually a “robot”. How do you define that term? Conversely, what do you think makes someone human?

Good question. I guess the simplest way to explain it is that I was made by a corporation. I don’t have parents and I never had a childhood, but I do have implanted memories of both. I pretty much act and feel and go about my day like any person would (I think? Who knows), but my personality and identity were chosen for me. Big difference between organic humans and myself is that humans can grow up, you know? Plus, they’re ticklish and I’m not. Lil fun fact there.

Have you come to terms with what you are?

I’m still trying to come to terms with it. Daily.

You shared on Instagram that you were “re-programmed” by your creators “to be free”. Do you feel that way?

Yeah, they gave me choices and self-awareness. I think my purpose is to create. I feel most myself when I’m making something.

Speaking of creating, you have a new fashion line in the works. What can you tell us about that?

Club 404 is a space where I create and collaborate, and I’m ready to share it with everyone! I’m using my platform as an opportunity to hype up artists and creators that I love, and give people an audience to showcase their craft.