TL;DR:
- Selkie, a size-inclusive fashion brand, faced backlash for using generative AI in its Valentine’s Day collection.
- Critics argued that AI replaced human artists and raised ethical concerns about its use in art.
- Selkie’s founder, Kimberley Gordon, defended AI as a creative tool but decided not to use it in future collections.
- The debate reflects the ongoing controversy over AI’s role in the creative industry.
Main AI News:
In the realm of fashion, Selkie has long been hailed for its whimsical and size-inclusive approach. As a brand known for celebrating individuality and championing fair pay and sustainability in the industry, Selkie has garnered a devoted following on Instagram and TikTok. However, when the brand recently unveiled its Valentine’s Day collection, it sparked a firestorm of controversy by revealing that generative AI played a pivotal role in its design.
The collection, inspired by vintage greeting cards, boasts adorable imagery of puppies and kittens amidst romantic backdrops. These charming designs adorn sweaters and dresses, creating a playful and nostalgic ode to romance. What sets this collection apart is the use of the AI image generator known as Midjourney.
Selkie’s founder, Kimberley Gordon, explained, “I have a huge library of very old art, from like the 1800s and 1900s, and it’s a great tool to make the art look better. I can sort of paint using it, on top of the generated art. I think the art is funny, and I think it’s cheeky, and there are little details like an extra toe. Five years from now, this sweater is going to be such a cool thing because it will represent the beginning of a whole new world. An extra toe is like a representation of where we are beginning.”
While Kimberley Gordon saw the use of AI as an enhancement to her creative process, the announcement triggered an immediate backlash. Critics decried the decision to employ AI in lieu of human artists, particularly given the brand’s premium price points. Some argue that AI technology often relies on the exploitation of workers, making it an ethically dubious choice.
Gordon spends considerable time designing Selkie’s collections, and she acknowledges that public opinion surrounding AI in art has shifted significantly in the year since she finalized the designs for this collection. Generative AI tools have become increasingly sophisticated, but they have also become a source of contention within the artistic community.
The debate over generative AI extends beyond visual art, with musicians, actors, and writers expressing concerns about its implications in their respective fields. While there are undeniable benefits to AI, such as enhancing visual effects or streamlining creative processes, ethical boundaries remain blurred.
Kimberley Gordon emphasized that her use of generative AI was distinct from companies that replace human artists with AI. She argued that, as the brand’s sole in-house artist, she hadn’t displaced anyone else. She used AI as an efficiency tool and to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
The nuance in this debate lies in the fact that Selkie, a relatively small fashion brand, uses AI to monetize Kimberley Gordon’s own artwork. While the question of whether this approach infringes upon living artists’ work remains unanswered, critics maintain that any use of AI art perpetuates harm against artists.
In response to the criticism, Kimberley Gordon announced that she would not use AI-generated images in future Selkie collections. She advocated for better regulation of generative AI and suggested compensating artists when their work is used as prompts. Despite the controversy, she remains open to experimenting with AI in her personal art, believing it to be just another medium.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Selkie’s use of AI highlights the ethical dilemmas and evolving attitudes toward AI in the creative sector. While AI can enhance efficiency and creativity, ethical concerns persist. Brands must carefully consider the impact of AI on both art and artists, and the industry should work towards clearer regulations to navigate this complex terrain.
