The fashion world was left reeling after subscribers to Vogue magazine spotted a double-page ad featuring an AI-generated model in the latest issue.

For decades, Vogue has been synonymous with style and creativity. But now, its reputation is under fire for using artificial intelligence (AI) to create images that are barely distinguishable from real models. The ad in question features two different looks on a single blonde model, with a caption crediting the AI marketing company Seraphinne Vallora.

Users on social media were quick to express their outrage and disappointment. “The downfall of Vogue,” one user tweeted. “Their covers are trash. No creativity. And now using AI.” Others warned that this could set a dangerous precedent, where former titans of style and cultural innovation become more concerned about bottom lines than human creativity.

But the backlash against Vogue’s use of AI-generated models goes beyond just aesthetics. Critics argue that it could exacerbate the social issue of unrealistic beauty standards. “Guess using AI models in Vogue is creating impossible and irresponsible beauty standards,” Australian lawmaker David Shoebridge tweeted. “These digitally ‘perfect’ bodies don’t exist — but the mental health damage to young people will be real.”

So, how did this happen? According to 25-year-old Seraphinne Vallora cofounder Valentina Gonzalez, it was a complicated process to generate the images. But some models are calling out the company for being lazy and cheap. “Either Guess is doing this to create a talking point and get free publicity or they want to cut costs and don’t think about the implications of that,” model Felicity Hayward told the BBC.

The incident has highlighted the growing concerns around the use of generative AI in creative fields such as fashion and art. Critics say it’s already putting human creators out of work by replacing them with an inferior product — which, for good measure, was created by ingesting their work without permission.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the use of AI-generated models in Vogue has sparked a wider conversation about the role of technology in creative industries. And while some see it as a convenient shortcut, others are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences.

Inspired by

• https://futurism.com/vogue-magazine-ai-model-ad

Sources

• the-independent.com
• bloodinthemachine.com
• bbc.com