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
