EMBRACING the VIRTUAL RUNWAY

Visiting the Rise of AI-Generated Models

By JOSE-MARIA JIMENEZ

AI-GENERATED IMAGES CREATED BY ED JACHIMOWICZ @eddies_ai_creations USING MIDJOURNEY & PHOTOSHOP

In an age where technology continuously intersects with every facet of our lives, the fashion industry stands at the forefront of innovation. From revolutionary fabrics to boundary-pushing designs, fashion has always been a reflection of the times we live in. However, the latest addition to the fashion landscape has taken a step beyond the tangible; enter the era of AI-generated models.

Traditionally, the fashion industry has been synonymous with supermodels gracing glossy pages and strutting down runways, embodying beauty standards and aspirational lifestyles. Yet, in recent years, a new wave of models has emerged, ones that don't require hair, makeup, or even a wardrobe change. They exist purely in the digital realm, crafted meticulously by algorithms and computer programming. These AI-generated models are challenging conventions and reshaping the very definition of what it means to be a model.

One cannot deny the allure of these virtual beings. With their flawless features, unattainable proportions, and ability to seamlessly transform into any desired aesthetic, they offer designers a blank canvas upon which to project their creative visions. Freed from the constraints of human limitations, AI models open up a world of possibilities, enabling designers to experiment with radical concepts and push the boundaries of traditional fashion norms. Moreover, the rise of AI-generated models has implications beyond the creative realm. In an industry that has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity, virtual models offer a solution. They transcend physical attributes such as race, age, and size, providing a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard and celebrated. In a world where representation matters more than ever, AI models offer a glimpse into a more inclusive future for fashion.

However, as with any technological advancement, the rise of AI-generated models also raises questions and concerns. Some argue that the increasing reliance on virtual models could further perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, exacerbating issues of body image and self-esteem. Others question the authenticity of these digital beings, arguing that they lack the soul and charisma that human models bring to the runway. In a realm where creativity intertwines with culture, the presence of human models remains an indispensable cornerstone. Fashion, more than mere garments, embodies narratives, emotions, and aspirations. It's through the human form that these stories truly come alive. While AI-generated models boast technological allure, they lack the ineffable essence that human models effortlessly exude. From the graceful stride on the runway to the candid moments captured behind the scenes, human models infuse fashion with authenticity and relatability, forging connections that transcend the digital divide.

The legacy of visionaries like John Casablancas , the luminary behind ELITE modeling agency, underscores the profound impact of human models on the fashion landscape. Casablancas's discerning eye not only launched the careers of iconic figures like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell but also crystallized the concept of the 'supermodel'. These luminaries weren't just faces; they were embodiments of charisma, allure, and individuality. Casablancas understood the irreplaceable allure of human presence in fashion, recognizing that it's not merely about the clothes but the dynamic interaction between cloth and flesh, between imagination and reality. As we honor his legacy, we reaffirm that in the ever-evolving tapestry of fashion, the human model remains an irreplaceable icon of elegance and expression.

At QP , we believe in celebrating diversity in all its forms while recognizing the transformative power of technology and its ability to reshape our world, including the world of fashion, but nothing beats the sensations and experiences of a traditional photoshoot with real (human) fashion models.