Imagine a personalized virtual model that is based on your own height, measurements and appearance and can model new outfits for you at all the popular fashion retail outlets online.

This fantasy shopping option is closer than most people (even leaders in the fashion industry) realize.

Some analysts are saying that the majority of Internet users will be inhabiting a 'virtual world' of some kind within four years. A few clothing companies have already seen the huge potential this may have on their marketing and sales. These companies are trying to figure out ways of how to participate in 'Second Life'.

Second Life may be the most immensely popular virtual world out there now but just imagine if the rumor is true that Google is working on creating a virtual world environment within Google Earth.

Any of the largest fashion brands that are not keeping up to speed on 'virtual model fashion' may risk extinction in the decade to come.

See a fascinating blog about virtual model fashion technology.