Fashion magazines have long been known for featuring high-profile actors, models, and celebrities on their covers. However, the latest cover of Vogue Singapore’s March issue featured AI-generated avatars, a first for the world-renowned fashion bible.
Varun Gupta, the creative director of We Create Films, came up with this idea to honor innovation while highlighting India’s unique culture and heritage. This move was meant to embrace both that which is old and new. To honor the legacy of Southeast Asian women in the early 1900s, Aadhya, Faye and Melur were brought to life through the use of AI imaging tools such as Midjourney and Dall-E. These avatars show how powerful combining creative ideas with modern technology can be! Vogue Brasil demonstrated the use of AI in its March issue by creating six magazine covers with the help of photographer Zee Nunes. This was a great example of how AI can help create unique visuals.
Advantages and Limitations of AI-generated Models in Fashion
The use of AI-generated models in fashion has both advantages and limitations. Sofie Mählkvist, a London-based style columnist and socialite, notes that AI-generated models are customisable in ways that are impossible with human models, and do not require payment, do not get tired, and have no agency fees. However, Mählkvist doubts that AI-generated models will replace human talent, predicting that human models like Gigi Hadid may eventually have their own avatars, which they can use as an NFT and brands will pay to use.
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On a wider scale, AI-generated models could make modelling a more exclusive industry by limiting the number of people hired for basic photographs and making certain parts of the industry, like fashion shows, more accessible to those unable to attend physical events.
The Industry’s Divided Opinion on AI-generated Models
The use of AI-generated models in fashion has garnered a divided opinion within the industry. New York-based model and fashion photographer Kyle Glenn sees AI avatars as a double-edged sword, arguing that cultures are not being represented by the people who are currently living in them, but by an AI that has taken information from billions of photos and general information on these cultures to create an image. However, Glenn appreciates the novelty of the work and believes that it is pushing the boundaries of design.
Jon Gacela, who has done many shoots for Vogue Mexico, considers the cover of Vogue Singapore to be a reflection of how technology and art are merging. It is indicative of the potential that this technology has to bring out novel possibilities in the world of fashion. Vincent Peters, the founder of Inheritance Art Lab is a strong advocate for automated picture generation as he believes it will have an impact on the models, modelling agencies and fashion brands. His lab specializes in AI & Animation which makes him well-informed on this subject.
In Summary, The use of AI-generated models in fashion is a fascinating development that could significantly impact the industry in the future. While there are both advantages and limitations to the use of AI-generated models, the technology’s potential to create new and exciting possibilities in the world of fashion is undeniable. Ultimately, the decisions made by fashion content creators will depend on a magazine’s budget and preference, with cost and effectiveness being the key factors.
