Selkie, the fashion brand celebrated for its ethereal, feminine designs, recently sparked a debate within its community by introducing a pet-themed Valentine’s Day collection titled “Home Is Where the Heart Is” on January 16. Utilizing a blend of vintage art, digital painting, and the AI generator Midjourney, the collection featured an array of accessories, sweaters, and pastel dresses adorned with graphic animal prints. This approach, revealed by TechCrunch, marked a significant shift for the brand, traditionally known for its commitment to slow fashion and sustainability.
Public Reaction and Ethical Concerns
The promotional collage shared on Instagram, showcasing the line’s fluffy dresses and graphic prints, was initially met with intrigue. However, the excitement quickly turned to skepticism as fans and followers noticed the unnatural appearance of a puppy with extra toes among the designs. This detail led to a wider conversation about the role of AI in art and design, with many expressing disappointment in Selkie’s decision to use technology in place of traditional human artistry.
Critics argued that the reliance on AI conflicted with Selkie’s foundational messages of inclusivity, artistic self-expression, and ethical manufacturing practices. The controversy deepened when some customers began to question the originality of other graphic prints from Selkie, pondering whether AI had been used more extensively than disclosed. Comments on Instagram reflected a sense of betrayal, with users expressing their intention to unfollow the brand or cancel orders, citing concerns over the authenticity and value of the artwork on garments priced at nearly $500 CAD.
Selkie’s founder, Kimberley Gordon, known for her innovative approach to design, did not directly respond to the backlash. Instead, the brand issued a statement on Instagram acknowledging the polarizing nature of AI art and expressing a desire to explore this new medium’s potential impact on the fashion industry. The statement highlighted Gordon’s interest in staying at the forefront of technological advancements, suggesting that the exploration of AI in design was a deliberate choice aimed at understanding and possibly integrating these tools into Selkie’s creative process.
Industry-Wide Use of AI in Fashion
Despite the controversy, Selkie’s use of AI is reflective of a broader trend within the fashion industry, where generative AI is increasingly being employed for a variety of purposes, from creating advertising visuals to designing entire collections. High-profile brands like Valentino, Prada, Gucci, and Levi’s have experimented with AI, leading to a mixed reception from the public. The backlash is not limited to Selkie; Levi’s, for example, faced criticism for using AI-generated models to promote diversity, highlighting the complex ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in fashion.
The debate extends beyond the fashion industry to broader concerns about AI’s role in creative fields. The use of AI to replicate or augment human creativity raises questions about originality, authenticity, and the value of human artistry. While some view AI as a tool that can enhance creative expression, others fear it may diminish the importance of human touch in the art-making process.
Selkie’s approach to design has always involved the reinterpretation of existing artworks, with Gordon previously utilizing stock images and public domain art as foundations for her creations. The Valentine’s Day collection represents an evolution of this process, with AI art serving as the initial layer, a method that Gordon believes could be the future of fashion design. This willingness to experiment and adapt is indicative of the brand’s desire to remain innovative, even as it navigates the complexities of integrating new technologies into its creative ethos.
Featured Image courtesy of Selkie on LinkedIn