👗 How Glam Bots Are Taking Over the Fashion Industry
The Spanish fast-fashion chain Mango is eliminating some human models and using AI-generated avatars, known as glam bots. In July, a virtual mannequin advertised the summer teen collection, and now a glam bot is promoting the brand's sportswear line. Pictured ⤴️
🛍 Simpler and Cheaper
Mango is not alone — Levi's, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and other companies also adopt digital models. The financial benefits are clear: an hour of work by a human model can cost $35, whereas an AI agency charges just $29 per month to use its digital "employees."
Michael Musandu, founder of the AI modeling agency Lalaland.ai, emphasizes that glam bots are intended to complement traditional photoshoots, not replace them. "One model does not represent everyone that's actually shopping and buying a product," he said. "As a person of color, I felt this painfully myself."
📸 Concerns From the Industry
However, industry workers are concerned that businesses might train AI systems on their photos without their consent or financial compensation. "We live on an amazing planet. We have people of every skin tone, every height, and size. Why not find the right person and pay them?" New York model Yve Edmond asks.
