(Reuters] – Fashion X AI Hong Kong’s show featured new clothing that attendees noted had an “alien” feel to them. In fact, the designers were not human-like.
The show put more than 80 outfits from 14 designers in the spotlight, all of which were created with the help of the artificial intelligence software AiDA, short for “AI-based Interactive Design Assistant”. It was designed by AiDLab’s PhD students as well as academics in Hong Kong.
The models, disguised in monochrome, wore outfits that included down jackets or translucent skirts. They strutted past fashion critics and designers.
Cynthia Tse was a witness to the future of fashion during the show, which took place Dec. 19.
“I think the face covering is definitely alien-like, and exciting,” said Tse.
According to AiDLab CEO Calvin Wong, the software was created to serve as a “supporting tool” for designers.
“AiDA is an assistant for fashion designers just to help them, you know, to work together,” Wong said. Wong stated that AI and designers can cooperate to produce the final collection.
Wong explained that AiDA is powered by AI technologies, such as image detection, image recognition and image generation. Designers can upload draft sketches, materials, and colour palettes to a virtual mood board, and the software’s algorithm generates blueprints that designers can tweak and add their own flair to.
Wong explained that within 10 seconds the software can create a dozen templates for fashion, which saves time and money.
Mountain Yam, a Hong Kong fashion designer who uses AiDA since six months now. He said that it has not only saved his time but also inspired him.
“Our relationship is comparable to a romantic relationship in that I seemed to gradually get to know her (AiDA), and she gradually got to know my own designs,” Yam said. According to my designs, patterns, and databases, AiDA will recommend something that is compatible with me. Therefore I believe we are developing a long-term relationship.”
Fashion designer Yulia Tlili said she had hoped the AI designs would be more at the forefront of the collection, noting that they weren’t nearly as radical as the futuristic collections she had helped design when she started her career.
“I think AI is full of possibility and it’s really an amazing opportunity for the students and for the professors to really collaborate with this really interesting field,” Tlili said.
AiDA officially launched at Fashion X AI and is now available for designers from Europe and Asia Pacific.
Joyce Zhou reports. Joseph Campbell wrote the article. Gerry Doyle edits