While the impending impacts of AI technology have been well talked about in fields like tech and entertainment, its effects on the fashion industry are often overlooked. Like any professional creative field, AI-generated images could have massive implications for Fashion. Considering clothing designs often begin with concept art, this job will definitely be threatened by image generators.
No matter the quality, generators could push out hundreds of designs at a faster rate than a concept artist, easily meeting the demand of less than ethical companies, particularly in the fast fashion industry.
Now, AI could potentially affect models. In striking similarity to the cause of the 2023 acting and writers, H&M revealed a new technology that could copy a model’s likeness into an AI model that can be used in marketing campaigns or even social media posts. Similar to the concerns expressed in the actors and writers’ strikes, this new technology could potentially put models and people in entry-level positions out of their jobs.
While companies supportive of this technology claim that it will open avenues to streamline production and ease the process for models, it is simply another way to pay workers less. Additionally, there is the possibility of producing products that lack the quality that a human touch would provide.
Luckily, while it may seem impossible, there is still time to build protections for workers within the fashion industry against AI technology. It is unlikely that this technology will fade away, but workers within the industry have a right to advocate for security within their jobs and the acceptable uses for the technology.
