The Impact of AI Fashion Technology on Modeling Agencies
Wiki Article
As a journalist covering the ever changing world of fashion and technology, I have seen first-hand how artificial intelligence is unarguably altering industry foundations. For modeling agencies, a staple gatekeeper of the fashion industry, there are new challenges and changes ahead as AI technology makes it possible for virtual models to be submitted for jobs like real ones, and digital garments to appear on screen.
The traditional modeling system was a model of scarcity: there weren’t enough models to go around, so prices for booking talent were exorbitant and you had geography limiting who got access to tastemakers. These assumptions are being challenged by AI technology and pushing agencies to challenge their businesses' value propositions and business models.
The Shifting Demand Landscape
Historically, modeling agencies have been profitable due to their ability to book models in high volume. Many e-commerce brands require numerous models across various product types, catalog productions require a multitude of different sets of models, and seasonal advertising efforts produced a continual flow of income to support both agencies and model careers.
The emergence of AI-enabled fashion technology has resulted in the reduction of demand for some types of traditional modeling jobs; as brands utilize AI to digitally apply clothing to their base model images, there are now fewer bookings necessary for repetitive product photography. A singular modeling photo shoot can now yield catalog content similar to dozens of models being individually photographed for the same products.
As the core income source (or bread-and-butter) for many models and modeling agencies, catalog and e-commerce modeling have been under considerable pressure from competing with artificial intelligence. Due to the high volume of bookings made by agencies and brands typically favoring efficiency over artistic interpretation, catalog, and e-commerce modeling are prime examples of the types of jobs that can most easily be optimized via AI technology.
Evolution Rather Than Extinction
While there are many concerns about disruptions in the modeling industry due to technology, modeling agencies have certain advantages that cannot be replicated by AI. Models offer authenticity, personality, and the ability to create collaborative content with their audiences.
A lot of evolution is occurring in the modelling industry and many agencies are changing their direction away from the traditional models of employment and towards high-level bookings where there is greater importance put on having a physical presence. They are focusing on editorial campaigns, luxury brands, video content and projects requiring an authentic emotional connection between the client and the model. These high-value bookings showcase the unique qualities that models possess which go beyond simply wearing clothing.
Smart modeling agencies are also expanding their services; some are offering new options related to both human models and creating digital portfolios that have been designed to work best within the confines of AI technology. New agencies are also serving as talent consultants by offering guidance regarding project requirements for the need for a human model or enhanced use of AI technology in projects.
Visboom AI and the New Modeling Ecosystem
Solutions such as Visboom AI are one of the signs of this evolving environment. The model swap function means brands can see how their products look on different types of models, which looks like a threat to old-school agency bookings.
Progressive agencies, however, see potential in the transformation. They’re collaborating with AI platforms to offer base model photography professional shoots that are specifically tailored to be augmented by AI. The models in their books can work on foundation photo shoots that generate massive usage via AI.
This creates new revenue models. Models perform base photography instead of the one-off catalog bookings, and those images are used an endless number of times across countless AI-generated edits. Compensation schemes are developing to adjust for this increased use.
Market Segmentation and Specialization
Different parts of the modeling industry are becoming distinctly separated from one another based on their model's value, as well as their model's personality and established connection with their audience. An example of this would be high-end editorial, runway and luxury campaigns, which will be minimally impacted by the use of AI. On the contrary, mid-tier catalog and commercial models will experience the greatest level of disruption. As a result, agencies that currently represent these models should assist them with transitioning to more specialized, high-value forms of modeling or support their efforts to utilize AI-integrated assignments.
Emerging models may also benefit from using AI applications, as these platforms allow them to gain exposure and build a portfolio without being hindered by the traditional "gatekeeper" function of modeling agencies. As a result, AI platforms will provide a more equitable and level playing field for aspiring models to find opportunities in the industry than has historically been available.
Preparing for the Future
The modeling agencies that will thrive in the changing world of fashion modeling will be those that proactively embrace change and educate their models about the potential uses of AI technology for their work. Additionally, agencies should negotiate fair compensation on behalf of their models for AI-use rights, and prepare their models for assignments where the personal touch of the model cannot be replaced by an AI application or computer program.
Navigate the Changing Modeling Industry
The future of fashion modeling will be a hybrid between traditional styling assignments combined with AI-based styling projects. The future of fashion modeling will combine and recognize both human authenticity and the efficiency of technology. Fashion modeling is going to be redefined, not eliminated. Agencies that understand and embrace AI technology will create new opportunities for themselves and their models within the continually evolving fashion industry. Find out how Visboom AI is creating new pathways for the fashion industry to adapt to the changing landscape of fashion modeling.