AI can’t replace real-life models – Entrepreneur

A fashion entrepreneur, Mrs Olajumoke Mafolasire, says the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fashion business cannot replace the job of real-life models within the industry.

Mafolasire, the Chief Executive Officer of JMK Design, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos while reacting to reports that AI would replace models in the fashion industry.

According to her, fashion is a way of life and it transcends physical outfit.

Mafolasire emphasised that nothing could adequately replace the natural presence, personality, emotions and charisma of models.

She said that the plan might have been set in motion in some parts of the world but the richness and genuineness of a model is almost impossible to replicate in a place like Nigeria.

“Artificial Intelligence has become perhaps the most talked-about topic on social media.

“We have seen websites like Chat GPT gain prominence. It is therefore no surprise that Artificial intelligence has been linked to the fashion industry.

“However, we must understand that fashion is a way of life. It transcends just the physical outfit. It is the representation of the culture and beliefs of a particular set of people.

“It is fair to admit that Artificial Intelligence has its place/role in fashion, nevertheless, it is difficult to imagine the technology fully replacing models.

“This is because these models are unique. Their movements, while rehearsed, are dynamic and creative,” she said.

She called for increase in the commercialisation of models, adding that some jobs would be affected by AI while more would also spring up in the fashion industry, especially in the creative aspects.