Crossword Genius

Fashion figure in computerised communication (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

modem

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'in computerised communication' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'fashion figure' is the wordplay.
'fashion' becomes 'mode' ('mode' can be a synonym of 'fashion').
'figure' becomes 'm' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'mode'+'m'='MODEM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for modem that I've seen before include "Device linking computer system and telephone line" , "Data to sound converter" , "electronic device" , "Computer interface" , "Phone-to-computer connector" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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