Authenticity of AI-generated models in fashion

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Levi's Partnership with Lalaland.ai
3. Authentic Representation in Fashion
4. Diversity and Inclusion in the Fashion Industry
5. AI-Generated Models vs. Real Models
6. Impact on Real Models' Careers
7. Body Diversity in the Fashion Industry
8. Regression in Body Inclusivity
9. Ensuring Body Diversity in the Fashion Industry
10. Conclusion

Levi's Partnership with Lalaland.ai: A Step Forward or Backward for Authentic Representation in Fashion?

Levi's recent decision to partner with a company called Lalaland.ai and use AI-generated models to promote diversity in their online shopping experience has sparked a debate about the authenticity of representation in the fashion industry. While the idea of being able to view items on a variety of AI-generated models of different sizes, skin tones, ages, and body types sounds great in theory, it raises questions about whether AI-generated models are a step back from authentic representation.

Authentic Representation in Fashion

The fashion industry has long been criticized for its lack of diversity when it comes to models. Typically, we see thin, tall, able-bodied, predominantly white models being the industry standard, leaving people of different sizes, races, physical abilities, and backgrounds underrepresented. While efforts and movements have been made to improve diversity, there is still a long way to go in the fashion industry, much like all other industries.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Fashion Industry

Levi's decision to partner with Lalaland.ai to use AI-generated models to promote diversity in their online shopping experience raises questions about whether this is a step forward or a step backward as it relates to the ongoing struggle for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. While AI-generated models can cover a wide range of diversity, there is a risk of losing that real authentic touch that real models bring to the table. Real models are bringing their unique experiences, perspectives, and personalities to the table, especially now with so many of them being social influencers, which AI models can't fully replicate.

AI-Generated Models vs. Real Models

Levi's announcement that the AI-generated models are not replacing human models, just supplementing them, is a relief. However, we can't ignore the possible impact on real models' careers, especially with Levi's recent layoffs. This move is going to take away job opportunities or potential job opportunities, especially for underrepresented models who already face limited opportunities within the industry. We've long seen issues with non-white models securing jobs, and using AI-generated models could further contribute to the reduction of real body representation, undermining the progress that has been made in promoting body positivity and inclusivity.

Impact on Real Models' Careers

Levi's decision to use AI-generated models raises questions about the impact on real models' careers. With Levi's recent layoffs, this move is going to take away job opportunities or potential job opportunities, especially for underrepresented models who already face limited opportunities within the industry. We've long seen issues with non-white models securing jobs, and using AI-generated models could further contribute to the reduction of real body representation, undermining the progress that has been made in promoting body positivity and inclusivity.

Body Diversity in the Fashion Industry

Levi's decision to use AI-generated models also comes at a time when we're seeing less body diversity in the fashion industry. A recent article from The Cut highlighted a study that looked at more than 900 fashion looks across more than 200 shows during recent fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. The study showed that only 17 brands included at least one plus-size look, and nearly 96% of the looks were worn by models who fit a U.S. size zero to four. There were less than 4% of the looks being worn by mid-size models, and those are models that were wearing U.S. women's sizes 6 to 12.

Regression in Body Inclusivity

We're seeing a regression in body inclusivity within the fashion industry, and relying on AI-generated models could further contribute to the reduction of real body representation, undermining the progress that has been made in promoting body positivity and inclusivity.

Ensuring Body Diversity in the Fashion Industry

How can we ensure that body diversity remains a priority in the fashion industry? It's unclear if Levi's decision-makers considered any of the questions that have been posed. Based on the diversity of Levi's leadership team, it wouldn't be surprising if they didn't. Levi's is an industry leader, so what they do with AI in the fashion industry is likely going to set the tone for so many others. We really do need to prioritize real representation and opportunities; otherwise, We Are going to keep perpetuating the same exclusionary and inequitable systems that we've seen for years, for centuries.

Conclusion

Levi's decision to partner with Lalaland.ai and use AI-generated models to promote diversity in their online shopping experience raises questions about the authenticity of representation in the fashion industry. While AI-generated models can cover a wide range of diversity, there is a risk of losing that real authentic touch that real models bring to the table. We need to prioritize real representation and opportunities; otherwise, we are going to keep perpetuating the same exclusionary and inequitable systems that we've seen for years, for centuries.