In today’s rapidly evolving fashion landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant. Educators in the fashion domain are observing a notable trend: students who engage creatively with AI are capturing the attention of brands, leading to commissions and collaborations. This intersection of technology and creativity offers exciting prospects for budding designers.
“Many of our students are doing intriguing work, having developed their own GAN [generative adversarial network], which produces images based on their own photography,” Louca explains. “The real thrill occurs when AI doesn’t simply generate a final design, but rather uncovers patterns that the designer may not have recognized in their own work. It prompts them to step back and consider, ‘That’s an interesting design, but how can I ensure that the pocket functions well?’”
For students aspiring to creative roles in design and fashion film, experts suggest that articulating the journey behind your work, particularly your utilization of AI, can be advantageous. “Employ AI tools where appropriate to illustrate your concepts and prototypes. However, when it comes to interviews, portfolios, and websites, there’s a noticeable shift towards focusing on the process,” notes Thompson. She emphasizes that the ability to discuss the visual research and critical analysis behind a final product carries considerable importance.
“At the end of the day, while the result is appealing, employers want to assess whether you could replicate it if the technology malfunctioned or if you were tasked with generating even more innovative ideas. We often talk about ‘helicopter pitches’—where you should be able to verbally express your identity, work, approach, and methodology,” she adds.
In a world where information is readily accessible through AI searches, exhibiting an understanding of the broader context is vital. “To enhance employability, having a comprehensive grasp of the fashion ecosystem is essential,” advises Lois Baile, acting course leader for LCF’s Fashion MBA. “Knowledge has become a commodity, but it’s crucial to possess the foundational understanding to discern what is legitimate and what is not.”
Read the Room and Present Yourself Effectively
This skill of gaining a broader perspective on how AI integrates into the overall industry is essential even within an organization. Career advisors indicate that possessing AI expertise can create substantial opportunities for advancement, provided it is shared with a sense of humility. While having a strong stance on AI applications is beneficial, it is equally important to grasp the intricacies of the business environment before proposing technological innovations.
“You have to learn the business first,” explains Karen Harvey, CEO and founder of Karen Harvey Consulting, a luxury advisory firm specializing in talent placement. She emphasizes that luxury brands may adopt AI more slowly than younger generations might anticipate, as their creative professionals are often concerned about compromising the quality of their work. “One of the key skills we all need to develop early in our careers is the ability to read the room,” she remarks. “It’s about being in the right place, at the right time, with the right message.”
