The creative landscape on Roblox has given rise to some incredible talents, and Gigi is undoubtedly one of them. At just 17 years old, Gigi has already built one of Roblox’s most popular fashion games, Dress to Impress (DTI), which has captured the attention of thousands of daily players. But the meteoric rise of DTI hasn’t been without its share of controversy.
This blog explores Gigi’s remarkable creation, the aspects that make DTI stand out, her rise to fame as a young developer, and the challenges she and DTI are currently facing.
What is Dress to Impress (DTI)?
Dress to Impress (DTI) is a fashion-focused game released on Roblox in November 2023. It offers players a platform to showcase their creativity and sense of style, but with a competitive twist. Players are given 5 minutes to dress up their avatar based on a theme randomly picked from a raffle. Afterward, the players compete in a virtual fashion show where they can vote for others’ outfits using “stars” ranging from 1 to 5.
DTI quickly gained traction because of its unique art style and gameplay. Unlike traditional Roblox avatars, DTI incorporated non-traditional, non-Roblox-esque bodies for characters, adding a sleek and fresh aesthetic to the platform, setting it apart from competitors like “Fashion Famous.”
Gigi’s Journey as a Creator
Gigi, the creator of DTI, started developing the game when she was just 14 years old. By 17, her game consistently attracted between 100,000 to 700,000 concurrent players a testament to her ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. While many teenagers are still trying to decide on their career paths, Gigi had already built a community and demonstrated her ability to captivate millions of users.
What makes her success particularly notable is her hands-on approach to developing DTI. Gigi listens to her players and frequently incorporates their feedback into the game, explaining a significant factor behind the game’s ongoing success and popularity.
The game peaked around mid-2024 with the addition of a massive summer update (dubbed “The BRAT Update”) and a creative collaboration with pop sensation Charli XCX. These updates trended across social media platforms, including YouTube, where noted gaming influencers like Callmehhaley, Royal Dior, and Lukelash, who traditionally focused on games like Royale High, began exploring DTI. Their involvement brought a wave of new players to the game, pushing its popularity to new heights.
The Role of Storytelling in DTI
Another distinctive feature of Dress to Impress is its approach to storytelling. Much of the game’s narrative structure features design work by Gigi and development support from collaborators like the writer M0t0Princess. From its backstory to characters such as Lana, a nail technician with her own in-game storyline, DTI elevates its fashion-themed gameplay by bringing in elements of world-building and narrative depth. This level of storytelling helped the game appeal to users looking for more than just a competition.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding DTI
Despite the success, Gigi and her game have not been immune to challenges some of which have put her reputation on the line. Allegations surfaced in late 2024, with developers and collaborators coming forward to criticize her behavior in the workplace. Claims regarding fatphobic comments, racism, and other questionable actions gathered significant attention on X (formerly Twitter) and sparked a heated debate within the community.
Gigi’s Response
Understanding the potential harm to her reputation and her game, Gigi issued a public statement on DTI’s Discord server to address the allegations. She denied accusations of making racist comments or any involvement in purchasing inappropriate photos. However, her acknowledgment of fatphobic remarks and her subsequent apology became a focal point. Gigi took the additional step of promising to add “plus-sized” body options to DTI something that had been a long-standing request from the community.
Following these events, Gigi announced her decision to take a break after releasing the Halloween update, perhaps signaling a period of reflection and reevaluation.
Community Reaction
The allegations shook the community. While some players and influencers opted not to discuss the controversy publicly, others voiced their concerns or offered forgiveness. For many, the promise of inclusivity by integrating plus-sized body options marked a step in the right direction. However, some remain skeptical about whether Gigi has truly learned from the experience or if these issues may arise again in the future.
Zoey Prenderghast, a regular DTI player, remarked, “It’s hard because Gigi has done some great work, but the allegations can’t just be ignored. I really hope she grows from this and takes player concerns seriously.”
Why DTI Stands Out
Despite the controversies, Dress to Impress continues to dominate as one of Roblox’s most unique and engaging games, thanks to the following features:
- Innovative Gameplay: The dress-up-and-vote mechanic provides a highly social and interactive experience, keeping players engaged.
- Non-Standard Bodies: Moving away from the Roblox default bodies gives DTI its own distinct visual identity.
- Collaborative Efforts: Gigi’s willingness to collaborate with writers like M0t0Princess and even a popstar like Charli XCX highlights her innovative flair.
- Player-Driven Development: From implementing features like plus-sized bodies to listening to feedback, the game reflects player voices more than most.
What Lies Ahead for DTI and Gigi?
It’s clear that DTI remains one of Roblox’s standout games but the future depends heavily on Gigi and her response to controversies. Her ongoing commitment to player satisfaction will be crucial for the game’s longevity. Meanwhile, an important lesson in accountability and growth awaits for Gigi as a leader and creator.
What’s next for DTI? The post-Halloween updates and promised inclusivity changes will be a decisive moment for both Gigi and her community. Will Dress to Impress maintain its crown as Roblox’s go-to fashion game? Only time will tell.
FAQs About Dress to Impress creator Gigi
1. What is Dress to Impress (DTI) on Roblox?
DTI is a fashion-themed Roblox game where players dress avatars to match a theme and compete in fashion shows by voting on one another’s outfits.
2. Who created Dress to Impress?
The game was created by a teenage developer known as Gigi, who began developing it at 14 and gained widespread success by 17 in 2024.
3. How is Dress to Impress different from other Roblox fashion games?
DTI is unique because it features non-Roblox standard bodies, immersive storytelling, and collaborates with pop culture figures like Charli XCX.
4. What controversies have surrounded Gigi and DTI?
Gigi has faced allegations of fatphobia, racism, and workplace issues, which she has addressed with apologies, statements, and promised updates to the game.
5. Can new players still join Dress to Impress?
Absolutely! DTI continues growing and welcomes both new and returning players to enjoy its engaging gameplay and updates.