Current Research

Artificial Intelligence, Worker Voice, and the Future of Fashion

Workers across creative industries are reckoning with the potential job-displacing implications of advanced artificial intelligence (AI). Models and other fashion workers, including makeup artists, hair stylists, and photographers, have raised their own concerns not only about job replacement, but also about the potentially detrimental impacts of having their images manipulated with AI without their consent or compensation. The industry’s lack of regulation raises important questions about whether and how worker perspectives will inform the future use of AI by management agencies, fashion brands, and even workers themselves.  

In our preliminary poll of over 100 fashion models and influencers, an overwhelming majority of respondents anticipated that AI would negatively impact their careers, and around one in five reported that they have already been asked to submit to body scans. In June 2024, the MA passed the Fashion Workers Act, a New York State bill which, once signed into law, will establish essential labor protections for models including requirements that agencies and brands obtain clear, written consent for the creation or use of a model’s digital replica. 

The MA aims to partner with Data & Society and the Worker Institute at Cornell ILR on an IRB-certified, mixed methods action research project that probes worker views on AI, potential disparate impacts on women workers and workers of color, the impacts and limitations of the Fashion Workers Act, and how the future use of AI in the industry should best be negotiated. We aim to publish a report that will be used to support organizing, policy work, and the development of a comprehensive strategy for bringing the perspective of fashion workers into decisions over how AI is used within the industry.

The Model Alliance is seeking funding for this research project and a full proposal is available upon request. If you would like further information, please contact us.