Considering my fascination with both fashion and artificial intelligence/robotic technology, I'm really surprised that I didn't think of this possibility sooner.Last week is was announced that a research institute in western Japan has developed a 'fashion robot' of sorts: a mechanical being who "can assume human-like postures by simultaneous control of its 16 joints used for limbs, neck, waist and other body parts". It is hoped that this robot "will be used for fashion and other promotional events after its metal frame is furnished with polyethylene sheets to give it a human-like look". (n.b. The picture to the left is not of the fashion model robot, but of an equally creepy fembot showcased at a robotics convention a couple of years ago.)
This is a really interesting situation (to me, but I also think that '2001: A Space Odyssey' is one of the best books ever written...), because it really makes me wonder what it is that makes any model a good model to begin with, and if they have any significance whatsoever in the grand scheme of the fashion industry? Are they not merely blank canvasses, and do the designers and editorial stylists not direct every aspect of the way by which their work is presented anyways? Prada, for example, has been insistent upon a monochromatic, robot-like retinue of models for both their advertisements and runway shows for years now - who's to say that Sasha and the rest of the Eastern Europeans teenagers won't be phased out as quickly as you can attempt to pronounce their last names?
This being said, I'm still unsure as to how easily real, live models will be usurped by their new machinated counterparts. Since I can't seem to make up my mind here, I'm really curious as to what your thoughts on this are, readers!
Photo credits: Fembot from gizmodo.com, Prada ad from fashionista.com
Hi there
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I stumbled across your site by total chance (I think I was googling ideas for what to wear with my AA lame bra but anyways) and I love your posts! We have a similar style and it's fun to read your perspectives on fashion.
I run the website college fashion & I added you to the blogroll today. I think my readers will like your site as much as I do!
Xoxo- Briana
fascinating concept!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting because fashion is about the clothes, to me. I don't even look at the models (okay, i lie a bit... i do.... but not before the clothes!). However, the point of having "real" models is that they can show the movement of the clothing and bring life to it-- although that robot sounds pretty advance, join-wise!
My brain hurts. How dare you get me thinking over summer.
On a totally unrelated note, imagine what it would do to the teenagers who currently aspire to be Agyness Dyen. Imagine "I want to be like R2Q2-X344 who opened the Dior show".
ps. you should totally read "Flesh Machine"- it's a quick read, but it's all about eugenics and cyborgs. The first chapter sucks, but the rest are interesting. =)