AI-generated fashion models could bring more diversity to the industry – or leave it with less

Fashion model Alexsandrah poses with a computer showing an AI generated image of her, in London, on March 29, 2024. The use of computer-generated supermodels has complicated implications for diversity. Although AI modelling agencies – some of them Black-owned – can render models of all races, genders and sizes at the click of a finger, real models of colour who have historically faced higher barriers to entry may be put out of work. — AP

CHICAGO: London-based model Alexsandrah has a twin, but not in the way you’d expect: Her counterpart is made of pixels instead of flesh and blood.

The virtual twin was generated by artificial intelligence and has already appeared as a stand-in for the real-life Alexsandrah in a photo shoot. Alexsandrah, who goes by her first name professionally, in turn receives credit and compensation whenever the AI version of herself gets used – just like a human model.