The beloved fashion label Selkie appears to have faced a decline in its reputation following the adoption of AI technology for crafting new apparel designs.
On January 16, the renowned brand recognized for its whimsical and soft dresses unveiled a compilation on Instagram to introduce its latest Valentine’s Day collection inspired by pets.
In the showcased image, a range of accessories, sweaters, and delicate dresses adorned with vivid animal patterns created by Selkie’s founder, Kimberley Gordon, using a blend of vintage artwork, digital painting, and the AI generator Midjourney was displayed, as reported by TechCrunch.
While some individuals welcomed the technological innovation, numerous loyal Selkie enthusiasts expressed their dismay towards the brand’s decision to opt for AI over employing a human artist.
Critics argued that the utilization of AI contradicts Selkie’s core values of promoting inclusivity, artistic self-expression, and ethical manufacturing practices.
Despite requests for comments, representatives from Selkie and Gordon remained silent on the matter.
One disillusioned individual voiced their decision to unfollow the brand, citing the exorbitant price of nearly $500 CAD for a dress featuring a non-human-generated print.
Another Instagram user declared their reluctance to make future purchases from Selkie, expressing disappointment despite their fondness for the brand’s dresses and opting to support alternative designers instead.
Questions arose regarding the origin of other graphic prints featured on Selkie garments, with speculations that AI might have been involved in their creation as well.
In response to the backlash, Selkie addressed the concerns in an Instagram comment, acknowledging the divisive nature of AI-generated art. The brand emphasized Gordon’s artistic experimentation and her curiosity in exploring this new medium.
Selkie highlighted the evolving discourse around AI in the fashion industry and expressed a commitment to leveraging customer feedback from the current collection to shape future decisions regarding AI integration.
Gordon, known for incorporating existing art into her fashion creations, disclosed that while previous Selkie prints were typically derived from stock imagery and non-copyrighted art, the latest collection utilized AI-generated art as the foundational element.
The intersection of AI and fashion has sparked controversies in the past, with brands facing criticism for employing AI-generated models for campaigns, altering appearances using AI, and the establishment of AI Fashion Week as an annual event.
Although Selkie’s future employment of AI remains uncertain, the brand appears to have navigated past the recent controversy and continues to engage with its audience through regular Instagram updates.
