THE BLURRING OF REALITY AND FICTION: THE RISE OF DIGITAL MODELS

As Margaret Atwood wisely says in her novel The Handmaid’s Tale, “The line between reality and fiction has become so blurred that we must begin to question what is real.” Her reflections resonate deeply in the age of AI, where distinguishing between the real and virtual becomes increasingly difficult. The rise of AI models in fashion, like Shudu, the world’s first digital supermodel, has sparked both intrigue and concern. Created by artist Cameron-James Wilson, Shudu embodies flawless, unattainable perfection, challenging the industry’s beauty standards. While initially celebrated for breaking barriers, critics argue that AI models reinforce a narrow, unrealistic ideal of beauty. This exacerbates body image issues and strips away the richness of human diversity. These avatars are often cold and emotionless, making it harder for consumers to connect with the products they represent. Consider Lil Miquela, for example. With almost 3 million followers, she’s worked with major brands like Prada and Balenciaga. In Prada’s Fall/Winter 2018, Lil Miquela was featured alongside real models, pushing the envelope in terms of what it means to create a high-fashion narrative in the digital age. Her presence in the campaign was groundbreaking, not just for her digital nature but for the way it blurred the lines between reality and simulation.

Similarly, Balenciaga, in its Fall/Winter 2021 campaign, featured AI models in a striking example of how digital avatars can be used in luxury fashion marketing. Yet, these digital characters often feel distant and disconnected, raising questions about the authenticity of such representations. It makes me wonder: in embracing AI models, are we losing something profoundly human in fashion? There’s a depth to human models—real people with real stories—that connects to our experiences and identities. When we replace that with perfect, soulless avatars, fashion loses the authenticity and emotional resonance that once made it so powerful.

Could it be that these avatars not only perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards but also reinforce harmful stereotypes and marginalize real human experiences? The use of AI models by brands like Balenciaga and Prada raises ethical questions about the role of technology in fashion. By prioritizing digital perfection over humanity, the fashion industry risks erasing the emotional, cultural, and creative richness that human models bring. Maybe fashion is sacrificing the very essence of what makes it truly artistic, emotional, and real?