Author: Fjona Kulla
In recent times, the fashion industry has undergone a severe transformation as models in high-brand fashion industries are created by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The problem with AI is that it promotes unrealistic standards for women. In previous generations, we struggled with magazines and movies showing standards we could not meet. Airbrushing was all the rage. AI goes beyond.
The Delusion of Perfection
AI models don’t look like real women as they set a very high standard that women cannot live up to. Many brands now use AI models with no warning in their ads blurring the lines of reality.
AI models fail to promote diversity in body types and ethnicities, which often leads to stereotypes. Many fashion industries use AI-generated models as headlines as a way to promote a perfect model. By embracing models from different body types and identities, brands can send a strong message of empowerment and give women the confidence they need.
Living in the modern world of AI, beauty standards have moved beyond unrealistic and unattainable to downright awful for our mental health. Social media defines the norm. Trying to achieve having the “perfect” body portrayed on social media is unhealthy as we are seeing in all of the research.
Lack of Diversity and Representatio
The lack of diversity and representation in fashion industries is an issue society is trying to fix. However, we have seen a recent rise in the usage of AI technology to create these “models''. We all have compared ourselves to people online. Now, imagine that our beauty standard is set to an unreachable standard. AI models are a threat to women’s confidence and representation.
Many AI models show no diversity in bodies and ethnicities. All women should be represented in the fashion industry. Many high-name brands use AI models as a way to gain popularity for their feed, however at what cost? AI models remove the normal features of women, such as cellulite. By excluding body types and features, brands reinforce beauty standards that many women do not fit. Without representation of all types of women, it can lead to systemic inequalities and limit opportunities for underrepresented groups in fashion.
The Importance of Representation
Some fashion industries seek to reflect the reality of the world we live in and to celebrate the unique beauty of each individual model, rather than merely featuring a wide variety of models. Sadly, the fashion industry's adoption of AI-generated models has worsened the issue of underrepresentation and strengthened negative stereotypes.
Most AI-generated models are based on a limited definition of beauty, with minimal differences in terms of sizes, forms, or physical characteristics.
Real models give fashion imagery realism and authenticity, allowing customers to recognize themselves reflected in the clothing they purchase. Real models have the ability to inspire confidence and empower women to embrace their individual beauty, whether it's a plus-size model flaunting her curves or a model of color celebrating her heritage.
This push away from AI perfection communicates to women a strong message: beauty exists in all colors, shapes, and forms. Fashion brands can redefine beauty standards and promote a more inclusive and positive image of femininity by using real models in their imagery.
Women see real people with real stories and experiences rather than just clothes when they view real models in fashion industries . Women and brands develop a stronger emotional bond and increase brand engagement as a result of this human connection, which also fosters trust and loyalty.
Embracing Diversity and Empowerment
To fight this, brands must be able to promote diversity and inclusivity in their designs. Embracing models from all backgrounds is necessary to send a powerful message of empowerment and honor the beauty of all women.
Women come in all shapes and sizes and the fashion industries must ensure that every woman has a model to look up to. Growing up, I felt overwhelmed that I was never going to find a model that looked like me. We must change the narrative so that our future generations will have at least one model they can relate to. However, the major problem that society faces today are AI models and how brands are replacing real women.
Bloom Bras focuses on the importance of body inclusivity and positivity by promoting real women on their website. In addition, Bloom Bras pushes for the movement of diversity in the fashion industry.
Diverse beauty is celebrated, and embracing diversity in fashion imagery encourages acceptance and inclusivity. Brands convey a strong message that everyone is welcome and deserving of respect and recognition when they feature models with a range of identities and backgrounds.
This empowerment is about feeling confident and strong in all facets of life, not just about looking good in a certain outfit. Women are motivated to live true and unapologetic lives when they see themselves reflected in fashion imagery. This makes them feel heard, seen, and appreciated.