Dec 27 (Reuters) – Attendees at the Fashion X AI show in Hong Kong noticed a certain “alien” quality to the new clothes modeled after the event’s narrow catwalk – and the designs weren’t actually quite human.
The show spotlighted more than 80 outfits by 14 designers, all of which were created using artificial intelligence software AiDA, short for “AI-based Interactive Design Assistant.” The software was developed by PhD students and academics at Hong Kong-based AiDLab.
Masked in solid blue, dressed in outfits ranging from down jackets to sheer skirts, models made their way past rows of critics and fashion designers.
Attendee Cynthia Tse said she felt like she was witnessing the future of fashion at the Dec. 19 show.
“I think the face covering is definitely alien and exciting,” Tse said.
According to AiDLab CEO Calvin Wong, the software was created to serve as a “support tool” for designers.
“AiDA is an assistant for fashion designers to help them collaborate,” said Wong. “Designers and AI can work together to create the final collection.”
[1/5] Images of AI collections led by designers assisted by AiDA are seen backstage at the “Fashion X AI: Call For Young Talents 2022” fashion show in Hong Kong, China, December 19, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
The AiDA system is supported by AI technologies such as recognition, detection and image generation, Wong said. Designers can upload sketch designs, materials and color palettes to a virtual mood board, and the software’s algorithm generates blueprints that designers can refine and add their own flair to.
The system can create a dozen fashion templates in 10 seconds, saving designers valuable time, Wong said.
Hong Kong fashion designer Mountain Yam has been using AiDA for the past six months and said it has not only saved him time but inspired him.
“Our relationship is comparable to a romantic relationship in that I gradually got to know her (AiDA) and she gradually got to know my own designs,” Yam said. “According to my lines, styles and databases, the system will suggest something that I may never have considered, but she (AiDA) thinks is suitable for me. Therefore, I believe we are developing a long-term relationship.”
Fashion designer Yulia Tlili said she had hoped AI designs would be more at the forefront of the collection, noting that they were not nearly as radical as the futuristic collections she helped design when she started her career.
“I think artificial intelligence is full of possibilities and it’s a really amazing opportunity for students and for professors to really work with this really interesting field,” Tlili said.
AiDA was officially launched with the AI Fashion X show and is available to designers in Europe and Asia Pacific.
Reporting by Joyce Zhou. Written by Joseph Campbell. Editing by Gerry Doyle
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