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                                                 AI Fashion Models: Boon or Threat to Diversity?

The fashion industry is embracing AI models for their speed and cost-effectiveness. While some models and agencies see this as a positive development, others are concerned about the potential impact on human models, particularly regarding diversity in representation.

This is exemplified by the contrasting approaches at London Fashion Week. Designer Sinéad O’Dwyer's show celebrates diversity with a range of plus-size and physically challenged models. However, the rise of AI models in fashion campaigns raises concerns about the future of such inclusivity. The article includes an image of London-based fashion model Alexsandrah, highlighting the potential impact on human models in the industry.

                                                                                                        

                           Blurring the Lines: AI Models Mimic Human Counterparts, Raising Questions

The second image presents a twist: it's Alexsandrah again, but in different clothing. However, upon closer inspection, a subtle difference arises – is it truly her?

Alexsandrah herself initially struggled to distinguish the real from the artificial. "They looked exactly like me," she recounts, expressing surprise. "I didn't do these pictures." The answer lies in AI technology. Alexsandrah has a digital twin named Shudu, created using AI by Cameron Wilson, who runs The Digitals, a specialised agency focused on AI and 3D modelling. The process involves a third party approaching Wilson with a request for an AI model resembling a specific person. Alexsandrah explains, "Cameron would just come back to me and say, 'Look, a client is looking for an AI version of you. Are you OK with it?' And then bang, here we go, we've got a digital campaign."

                                                                                                       

                                         AI in Fashion: Speed, Efficiency, But Ethical Concerns Emerge

While AI models offer advantages in terms of production speed and cost, ethical questions arise regarding their impact on human models and diversity in fashion. Creating an AI version of a model appears less daunting than initially perceived. Cameron Wilson, founder of The Digitals (an AI and 3D modelling agency), explains the process: "We just need 40-60 high-quality images of the model. These are then layered with various backgrounds and clothing to create the AI model."

The Digitals' success story began with Shudu, the world's first digital supermodel launched in 2017. However, the initial reception surprised Wilson.

"There was significant controversy," he admits, "particularly around a white person creating a black virtual character. This wasn't something I consciously considered when creating Shudu – I was simply aiming to create a beautiful female model." This backlash has influenced The Digitals' current approach. Alexsandrah, the human counterpart to Shudu, receives compensation whenever her AI twin appears in campaigns or photoshoots.

"We're advocating for the ethical use of AI," Wilson explains. "We encourage businesses to leverage both AI and real models, demonstrating the potential for collaboration rather than AI replacing human models altogether." However, concerns remain. Josephine Markham Webster, a former model and current modelling agency owner, fears AI could hinder progress made on diversity.

"It undermines the strides taken in recent years towards inclusivity," she argues. "AI models lack real-world aspects like dress size, skin texture, and natural beauty. This could negatively impact how people perceive themselves based on these artificial portrayals." Webster worries that AI could lead fashion back to idealised models, negating the push for representation of diverse body types and ethnicities.

Conclusion

The integration of AI models into the fashion industry offers undeniable benefits in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, this technological advancement also brings significant challenges, particularly in the realm of diversity and the ethical use of AI. As the industry continues to evolve, it's crucial to balance the use of innovative technologies with the need to maintain and enhance human representation in fashion. There's a growing need for clear guidelines and ethical standards to ensure that AI complements rather than replaces human models, preserving the gains made in representing diverse body types, ethnicities, and abilities. This balance will not only respect the dignity and livelihood of human models but also enrich the creative potential of the fashion industry. Are you a model navigating the evolving landscape of AI in fashion? Connect with All Talent to leverage opportunities that respect both innovation and diversity. Join us in shaping a future where technology enhances human creativity and inclusivity. Visit All Talent's website or contact us to discover how you can be part of this exciting journey.

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