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Can AI Machines Lead Fashion and Become the Ultimate Trendsetter?
Curated by
cdteliot
4 min read
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Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the fashion industry, with AI-powered tools now capable of analyzing millions of images daily to predict and shape upcoming trends. As reported by McKinsey, generative AI could add up to $275 billion to the apparel, fashion, and luxury sectors' operating profits in the next few years, raising intriguing questions about AI's potential to not just forecast, but actively lead fashion trends.
Is Data Creative Enough for the Fashion World?
The reason the world is going crazy over AI technology right now is because of its ability to run through massive amounts of data. As this happens, patterns emerge that humans simply can't seem to identify on their own
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. In the world of fashion, this translates to brands being able to analyze everything from consumer behavior to social media trends to important movements in the blink of an eye3
. Gone are the days when analysts would have to pour over data for days, weeks, and months to identify important trends4
. A perfect example: AI can analyze numerous Instagram posts and know exactly which colors, styles, and accessories are trending. And we're not just talking over months and months, we're talking right now, in real-time—over the last handful of hours—what people are loving and what they aren't5
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. So, AI acts as a trend predictor and trendsetter. This is why a growing number of brands are increasingly relying on AI-generated insights. It makes their design decisions more effective and easier to make7
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Algorithmic Design
clothingsupplier.com
And then there is Algorithmic Design. Its role is to go far beyond data analysis and to create designs based on the trends they have discovered. This is Where Google's DeepDream comes into the picture. It's being used to generate entirely new designs and combine patterns, textures, and colors in ways that many humans wouldn't ever dream
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. Recently, Dior partnered with an AI design tool to create a new line of scarves. AI helped the team analyze numerous images, and then was able to output beautiful patterns2
. Nike also gave AI a try to design a new sneaker that combined amazing fabrics and patterns3
. And yet, while these examples are exciting, some critics say all the systems are doing is mimicking past designs rather than truly "thinking" out of the box. AI innovators have argued back that the wonderful thing about AI is that it can fuse various eras and output designs that go far beyond what the human mind would ever fathom4
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Can AI Understand Fashion’s Human Connection?
It's safe to say that fashion for many is an emotional art. It goes far beyond simply covering the body, it reflects a person's identity and culture, and even the things they've experienced throughout their lives.
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Let's consider the punk movement in the 1970s. All the torn clothes, leather jackets, and wild accessories went much further than how it all looked. It was a complete rejection of society as the world had known it, as the youth voiced how frustrated they were by convention.3
Or, in recent years, we've seen clothing move toward being comfortable and focused on wellness. These trends went far beyond data, they were a shift in human desires, hopes, and aspirations.
Whether you love to wear classic patterns or love the punk flair, you can bet there is a designer behind the clothing you buy who has poured their heart and soul into the pieces you wear every day. The world of AI thus far is not emotional, so there's a valid argument that AI designs simply can't come close to that of a real designer. Yes, it can identify patterns and innovate designs, but does it have the same sense of passion? Can it truly output something that resonates deeply with the customers that brands are trying to reach? This is where humans must come into the mix, designers can look at AI-derived designs and then adjust them as needed.4
This is true so far! But, you can be, there are going to be brands that have very little human interaction. Where AI drives designs and robots do the work in the factory. As time progresses, it will be quite fascinating to see how these AI-driven brands will connect with their intended audiences.4 sources
The Future of AI in Fashion: What We Can All Expect
voguebusiness.com
Many brands are already vocalizing that AI is not going to be seen as a replacement for human designers, but a tool that will help them to be more creative. AI will help brands do the data analysis, which will free them up to innovate more
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. Also, AI can help them overcome the drudgery of things like social media so that they can keep things moving while allowing AI to do the heavy lifting for posting, content creation, and more. Then, when it comes to design, human designers can work hand-in-hand with AI to conceive and output designs3
. This way, AI can be a trend enhancer, not a trendsetter per se. Thus far, brands like Gucci and Alexander McQueen have already admitted they are diving into human-AI collaborations, and so far they are loving what they're seeing4
. They see AI as an opportunity to stretch their sometimes conventional minds and seek new ways of evolving.4 sources
Last Words: Can Machines Be Trendsetters?
builtin.com
So far, the answer is not alone. Because AI doesn't have emotions and isn't trained to understand the nuance of human emotions surrounding the clothes they wear, it's safe to say that it's nearly impossible to get rid of designers and replace them with data to design.
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True trendsetters have to have intuition and emotion while understanding what culture is all about. Fashion is about heart and soul, which human designers currently own the corner on. With AI, however, they can learn new ways of pushing their design vernacular and try things they never realized are possible.3
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This does not mean that in the future, AI won't gain a higher EQ or understand the human experience and human desires more. Time will tell what that looks and feels like, as there are a number of experts working around the clock to humanize AI and have it play a much greater role in the human experience and connection.5
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