Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the modeling industry, with brands like Levi’s and Louis Vuitton teaming up with AI modeling companies to showcase their products on a diverse group of models. However, the increasing use of AI in this industry is raising concerns about potential discrimination and exploitation.
According to a survey by McKinsey, nearly three quarters of fashion executives see generative AI as a priority for their companies by 2024. The cost benefits of using AI models are significant, with some agencies offering AI models for a fraction of the cost of human models. This raises questions about the future of traditional modeling and the potential impact on stylists, makeup artists, and other industry professionals.
One of the main concerns is the violation of name, image, and likeness rights of human models. The Model Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group, found that nearly 18% of responding models reported being asked to undergo body scans without knowing how the scans would be used. This lack of transparency and accountability is not new in the modeling industry but is exacerbated by the use of AI-generated “people.”
While some AI modeling companies claim to be promoting diversity and representation, critics argue that it is a cheap and insincere solution. Companies like Lalaland.ai pay people from different communities for their body data to create AI models, but the partnership with Levi’s was seen as a shallow attempt to address the lack of diversity in the industry.
Moreover, the use of AI-generated models can create a misleading consumer experience. Consumers may not be seeing the actual garments on real people, which undermines the authenticity of fashion advertisements.
AI has the potential to bring much-needed diversity and representation to the fashion industry. However, it is important to ensure that AI models are not used as a substitute for addressing the systemic issues of discrimination and exploitation in the industry. Transparency, accountability, and ethical practices should be at the forefront of AI modeling to ensure a more inclusive and equitable future.
The source of the article is from the blog portaldoriograndense.com