By Claire Obae
- Fashion’s most meaningful advancement may still be a long shot as AI’s latest numbers seem to perpetuate the same old biases on race, age, body type, and disability
- Attempts to create facial imagery returned a whopping 52.5% of female bodies in a bikini or low-cut top and only 42.5% for men
Fashion’s most meaningful advancement may still be a long shot as AI’s latest numbers seem to perpetuate the same old biases on race, age, body type, and disability. Attempts to create facial imagery returned a whopping 52.5% of female bodies in a bikini or low-cut top and only 42.5% for men. The fashion industry’s future is fast approaching and it looks like we’re going to have to take responsibility for how we use technology to avoid replicating these historical biases.
Why This Matters: The reason AI is so important is that it can help companies use data more efficiently than ever before. But does this mean that fashion is now more inclusive? Not quite. When it comes to beauty standards and body types, there is no shortage of stereotypes in fashion and design. The problem with diversity isn’t just about how many people are represented but how those people are portrayed within society and culture.
Studies have found that dark-skinned women are 35% more likely to be misidentified. Models with disabilities are underrepresented in the industry, and designers tend to favor thin women over curvy ones. Now, just when AI is increasingly becoming pervasive in our lives, it has now become a tool for reinforcing these biases. In a market where the average consumer is becoming more diverse, brands are missing out on a major opportunity to connect with consumers by not creating products that reflect their changing demographics.
What’s Next: The lack of diversity in fashion is not just a problem for consumers who want a more realistic representation of the various demographics, it’s also bad for business. Humans have created AI tools and only time will tell if it can be harnessed to boost diversity in fashion.
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