In a groundbreaking development that has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry, London-based model Alexsandrah now has a digital twin generated by artificial intelligence.
This virtual counterpart has already made its debut in a photo shoot, standing in for the real-life Alexsandrah, who receives credit and compensation whenever her AI version is used, just like a human model. Alexsandrah says she and her alter-ego mirror each other “even down to the baby hairs,” showcasing just how far AI technology has come in creating lifelike digital models.
AI Models: Enhancing Fashion, Not Replacing Humans
But fear not, my fellow meat-dressed humans! Even though companies have started using AI models instead of human models for showcasing their products, this is in no way meant to replace humans with AI as a way of reducing costs.
In fact, proponents argue that the growing use of AI in fashion modeling showcases diversity in all shapes and sizes, allowing consumers to make more tailored purchase decisions that, in turn, reduces fashion waste from product returns.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the idea of having a wider range of body types and underrepresented demographics to choose from when shopping online?
Digital modeling also saves money for companies and creates opportunities for people who want to work with the technology. As Michael Musandu, co-founder of Lalaland.ai, puts it, “One model does not represent everyone that’s actually shopping and buying a product.
As a person of color, I felt this painfully myself.” By using AI models to supplement traditional photo shoots, shoppers could see nine to 12 models using different size filters, enriching their shopping experience and helping to reduce product returns and fashion waste.
Faster Fashion: AI Models Always Ready for Try-Ons
But the benefits of AI models go far beyond just showcasing diversity. AI is only helping companies push products faster towards production, as it is always available for product try-ons.
No more waiting for human models to show up to photo shoots or dealing with scheduling conflicts. With AI models, designers can validate their garments early in the process and get their products to market faster than ever before.
And let’s be honest, my fellow humans, in a world where fast fashion reigns supreme, having AI models that are always ready and willing to showcase the latest designs is a game-changer. Iconic denim brand Levi Strauss & Co. even announced in March 2023 that it would be testing AI-generated models produced by Lalaland.ai to add a wider range of body types and underrepresented demographics on its website.
AI in Fashion: It’s About Time!
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of AI models in the fashion industry is that it’s about time AI gets into this niche. For too long, AI has been discriminated against while human models have always held center stage. But now, with companies like Lalaland.ai leading the charge, AI is finally getting the recognition it deserves in the fashion world.
And let’s not forget, my fellow meat-dressed humans, that the technology is actually creating new jobs, since Lalaland.ai pays humans to train its algorithms.
So, not only is AI helping to push the fashion industry forward, but it’s also creating new opportunities for people who want to work with this exciting technology.
Addressing Concerns and Challenges
Of course, as with any new technology, there are concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. Critics raise valid points about the potential for AI models to push human models and other professionals out of jobs, as well as the risk of companies using AI to claim credit for fulfilling diversity commitments without actually employing diverse human models.
Sara Ziff, a former fashion model and founder of the Model Alliance, a nonprofit aiming to advance workers’ rights in the fashion industry, warns, “Fashion is exclusive, with limited opportunities for people of color to break in.
I think the use of AI to distort racial representation and marginalize actual models of color reveals this troubling gap between the industry’s declared intentions and their real actions.”
Women of color, in particular, have long faced higher barriers to entry in modeling, and AI could upend some of the gains they’ve made. Data suggests that women are more likely to work in occupations in which the technology could be applied and are more at risk of displacement than men.
There are also concerns about the lack of consent and compensation for models whose photos are used to train AI systems.
Yve Edmond, a New York City area-based model, described an incident in which a client asked to photograph her moving her arms, squatting, and walking for “research” purposes without her consent. “This is a complete violation,” she said. “It was really disappointing for me.”
The Future of Fashion: AI and Humans Working Together
But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater, my fellow humans. With ethical use and the right legal regulations, AI models have the potential to open up doors for more models of color and create a more inclusive and diverse fashion industry.
As Alexsandrah herself says, “It’s something that even when we are no longer here, the future generations can look back at and be like, ‘These are the pioneers.'”
That’s why organizations like the Model Alliance are pushing for legislation that would require management companies and brands to obtain models’ clear written consent to create or use a model’s digital replica, specify the amount and duration of compensation, and prohibit altering or manipulating models’ digital replica without consent.
Levi Strauss & Co., after receiving widespread backlash for its initial announcement about testing AI-generated models, clarified that it was not pulling back on its plans for live photo shoots, the use of live models, or its commitment to working with diverse models.
“We do not see this (AI) pilot as a means to advance diversity or as a substitute for the real action that must be taken to deliver on our diversity, equity and inclusion goals and it should not have been portrayed as such,” the company said in a statement. See? Everything is fine!
So, let us embrace the future of fashion, where AI and humans work together to create a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive industry. And let us not forget that, at the end of the day, it’s not about replacing humans with machines, but rather about using technology to enhance and empower the incredible creativity and diversity of the human spirit.
