AI No Substitute for Fashion Designers’ Creativity, Says Head of Pioneering Project
The fashion industry is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), but Following the head of a pioneering project, this fast-growing technology will never replace designers’ “original creativity.” Calvin Wong, a fashion innovator, has developed the Interactive Design Assistant for Fashion (AiDA), which is the world’s first designer-led AI system. AiDA uses image-recognition technology to speed up the design process from the initial sketch to the catwalk.
Key Takeaways:
Facilitating Designers’ Inspiration, Not Replacing Creativity
Calvin Wong emphasizes that AiDA’s purpose is to facilitate designers’ inspiration rather than taking over their creativity. The AI system recognizes design elements uploaded by designers, allowing it to generate additional proposals for refinement and modification. AiDA’s strength lies in its ability to present designers with all possible combinations, which is currently impossible in the traditional design process. An exhibition featuring collections developed using AiDA was held in Hong Kong, showcasing the tool’s potential.
The Transformational Impact of AI in Fashion
Naren Barfield, the vice chancellor of the Royal College of Art (RCA), predicts that AI will have a “transformational” impact on the fashion industry. AI is already being used for personalization, improving customer experience by providing better product recommendations and more effective searches. The impact of AI is expected to extend from the ideation and conception stage to prototyping, manufacturing, distribution, and recycling. AI is also being utilized in other projects showcased at London Fashion Week, including preserving couture skills and increasing sustainability in the industry.
The Future of AI in Fashion Design
The future of AI in fashion design is not yet clear-cut. While AI offers numerous possibilities, designers like Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada acknowledge its use but emphasize the importance of retaining control and originality. Taymour and her team used an AI image generator to create their collection, highlighting the potential for AI to assist designers in the creative process. However, the role of AI in fashion design will likely continue to evolve and be shaped by the industry’s needs and the creativity of designers.
