3 Key Takeaways From Fashion’s AI Model Obsession
Here’s what the girls have to say…
If you haven’t seen the hot takes on TikTok, just know that fashion girlies are not happy about the rise of AI in fashion. From virtual dressing rooms to campaigns with our faves — cue Alex Consani and K-pop icon Jisoo — AI has become well acquainted with the industry. But is that ethical?
Fewer jobs — but not just for models…
Recently, an AI-generated model was spotted in a leading fashion magazine, which left many confused. Are there not enough models IRL to hire? Is it a budget issue? Or are companies simply experimenting? Here’s what social media had to say about the trend.
@popculturepls #voguemagazine #aimodels #aimodel ♬ Destiny guard our girls – popculturepls
They weren’t the first to receive backlash, either. H&M tried its hand with AI-generated models in early 2025, and it’s still getting dragged on Reddit threads to this day.
The most obvious feedback is: why not just hire humans? Each season, the fashion industry tallies up inclusivity across race, gender, size and more. The pivot to AI models seems unethical to some, as many humans are struggling to secure jobs in fashion already. This not only impacts models, but make up artists, photographers, set designers and other production roles.
It confuses what we consider “diverse”
@malibumama__ Replying to @not taylor #vogue #ai ♬ Yacht Club – MusicBox
AI-generated models can champion diversity — if that’s the goal. As one TikTok user, Valeria Emanuel, shared, it can quickly reflect the exclusivity and racism we see IRL. Essentially, AI-generated models will feature ”Instagram face… on steroids.” She continues to share that these models rarely have asymmetrical faces or other unique qualities that drive representation, as well as a celebration of individualism in style.
Allegedly: AI use in fashion is rampant… you’re just late to the party
@ellievoxel New @Vogue , I’m surprised to see fully AI models! (See pinned post for the old sketchers ad…. There are some weiiird things with that one) #vogue #voguemagazine #ai #aiad #condenast #advertising #fyp ♬ original sound – Ellie Voxel
Although we can neither confirm nor deny, there have been allegations — with support — that your favorite fashion moments from magazines to campaigns have already been tapping AI talent. See the TikTok above.
In conclusion:
We most likely won’t see — or acknowledge — the effects of AI in fashion until we experience a few flop-worthy Fashion Weeks and an unstable trend cycle that reflects TikTok’s “core” obsession. Hopefully, that day never comes. But if it does, we’ll be here to report.
Stay tuned for updates.
In other news, Bb trickz fronts ICECREAM’s first women’s drop. Elsewhere, Beyoncé rewrites the rules of country music history with Cowboy Carter. Here’s how she did it.
