On the eve of the publication of our first AI Report, we sat down with the designer of its cover art, Baris Gencel, to discuss process, possibility, and why he believes AI will change every element of fashion.
The Interline: Before your current role, you spent a long time spearheading AI design as an art form in its own right – one that’s capable of having a tangible positive impact in multiple different areas. How do you feel the fashion industry’s recognition of that potential has developed over the last two years? And how much of that positive possibility space do you think has been realised?
Baris Gencel: Over the past two years, I have not seen a significant shift in the fashion industry’s recognition of AI as an art form and its potential for positive impact until recently this year. Initially, there was a degree of skepticism and resistance, with many viewing AI primarily as a tool for copying rather than creativity. However, this perception is evolving rapidly. Fashion houses and designers are increasingly acknowledging the innovative capabilities of AI, embracing it not just for optimizing supply chains or enhancing marketing strategies, but as a creative partner that can inspire and generate new ideas.
AI’s integration into fashion has opened up numerous possibilities. For instance, it has enabled more sustainable practices through predictive analytics and resource management, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly production. AI-generated designs have also pushed the boundaries of creativity, leading to unique and avant-garde collections that might not have been possible through traditional methods alone.
Despite these advancements, we are still only scratching the surface of AI’s potential in fashion. Many positive possibilities remain untapped. As AI technology continues to evolve, I believe we will see even more profound impacts, such as hyper-personalized customer experiences, AI-driven fashion shows, and deeper collaborations between human designers and AI systems. The journey is ongoing, and the future holds immense promise for further integrating AI into the core of fashion innovation.
The Interline: On a similar topic, you recently spoke at the United Nations “AI For Good” summit. What were your key takeaways from that conference in terms of how state-level actors are thinking about the positive impacts that AI could have?
Baris Gencel: First of all, I am honored to have received the AI for Good Award for my art. This UN initiative means a lot to me. I had the privilege of attending the UN’s AI for Good Summit and gave a speech that I feel was very inspiring. The summit’s focus was on how AI can be used to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as eradicating poverty and hunger, achieving gender equality, promoting clean energy, and taking climate action.
Leaving the summit, I felt a mix of confidence and determination. AI has the potential to play a meaningful role in advancing these goals, but we must ensure that all leaders, governments, and citizens of the world push stronger for change. AI should be a tool that decreases our impact, inspires us, and creates works that make people care more about our planet and all the species we share it with.
The Interline: You designed the artwork for our front cover as a new entry in a thematic series. Walk us through some of the inspirations behind the image, and the tools and processes you used to bring those ideas to life.
Baris Gencel: The cover artwork for Interline’s AI Report 2024 represents a fusion of technology, human creativity, and the evolving landscape of digital transformation in fashion. Every work we create is a culmination of the experiences we build up in our lives. Our creativity thrives on combining known elements to form new ones, and this boundary of imagination based on our experiences is what I have been exploring.
Having spent 23 years in Asia, I have been profoundly influenced by its rich cultural heritage. The tattoos on the figure’s body merge traditional art with futuristic themes, symbolizing the bridge between past and future. This fusion reflects the idea that while technology advances, it remains deeply rooted in cultural and artistic expressions. The tattoos add a layer of personal identity and storytelling to the otherwise mechanical form.
The Interline: Right now, in 2024, how do you believe the roles of the creative designer and creative director have changed as a result of generative AI? And how do you see them changing further in the near future?
Baris Gencel: As AI becomes more integral to design, educational institutions will increasingly incorporate AI training into their curricula. Emerging designers will learn to work with AI from the outset, making AI-assisted design a standard practice. This shift will produce a new generation of designers who are adept at leveraging AI to enhance their creative processes. by the integration of generative AI, leading to enhanced creativity, efficiency, and personalization. Looking ahead, these roles will continue to evolve as AI becomes even more embedded in the design process. By embracing AI as a collaborative partner, focusing on sustainability, and committing to continuous learning, designers and directors can navigate this transformation and drive the future of fashion innovation.
The Interline: If you were to speak to an emerging designer, or someone currently in education and hoping to move into a career in fashion, what advice would you give them about developing a creative process and a skillset that’s fit for the future?
Baris Gencel: Understanding and integrating technology into your creative process is essential. Learn about AI, 3D design software, digital pattern-making tools, and virtual reality. These technologies can enhance your creativity and efficiency, enabling you to experiment with new ideas and techniques. Stay informed about the latest advancements and consider how they can be applied to your work.
Focus on Sustainability: Sustainability is no longer optional in fashion. Educate yourself on sustainable practices, materials, and processes. Think about how you can incorporate eco-friendly methods into your designs and advocate for ethical production. Consumers are increasingly valuing sustainability, and being knowledgeable in this area will set you apart.
Cultivate a Diverse Skillset: The fashion industry is multifaceted, and having a broad skillset will make you more versatile and valuable. In addition to design, learn about business, marketing, and technology. Understanding the entire fashion ecosystem will enable you to navigate it more effectively and seize diverse opportunities.
Develop a Strong Personal Brand: In a crowded industry, having a distinctive personal brand is crucial. Use social media and digital platforms to showcase your work and share your design philosophy. Build a portfolio that highlights your unique style and creativity. Networking is also essential; connect with industry professionals and participate in relevant events and competitions.
Stay Curious and Open-Minded: The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and being adaptable is key. Stay curious about new trends, technologies, and cultural shifts. Be open to feedback and willing to experiment with different styles and concepts. Continuous learning and adaptability will help you stay relevant and innovative.
The Interline: What do you believe is the right approach for brands looking to translate some of the possibilities of AI into lasting institutional transformation? Where should they start, and what do you see as the areas where AI has the potential to add the most value in the shortest timeframe?
Baris Gencel: In my opinion, the right approach for brands looking to translate the possibilities of AI into lasting institutional transformation involves a strategic and phased implementation. By starting with a clear strategy, leveraging data, initiating pilot projects, upskilling employees, and scaling AI initiatives, brands can translate AI possibilities into lasting institutional transformation. This approach not only drives immediate value but also sets the foundation for sustained growth and innovation.
Encourage a culture of innovation and experimentation. Employees should feel empowered to explore new ideas and use AI to solve problems creatively.
AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify emerging trends and consumer preferences, guiding the development of new products.
AI-powered design tools can assist in creating innovative and efficient product designs.
AI can automate repetitive and mundane tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic activities.
The Interline: In your role as Director of Digital Transformation, how do you believe AI fits into the broader ecosystem of technology-enabled and technology-adjacent change? A lot of brands and luxury houses are already several years into transformation journeys that are built on digital workflows, digital assets, digital twins and digital experiences. How do you see AI slotting into those? And how much might it accelerate them?
Baris Gencel: In my role as Director of Digital Transformation, I see AI as an indispensable force in the ecosystem of technology-enabled and technology-adjacent change. AI seamlessly integrates with existing digital workflows, assets, twins, and experiences, propelling them to new heights of innovation and efficiency.
At Lanvin Group, we are committed to embracing new technology, with AI being a key focus area. Our CEO and the group’s vision emphasize leveraging cutting-edge innovations to drive our brands forward. This commitment ensures that AI is not just an addition to our digital transformation toolkit but a catalyst that enhances every aspect of our journey. By integrating AI into digital workflows, assets, twins, and experiences, we aim to unlock new levels of efficiency, creativity, and customer engagement. The potential for AI to accelerate these transformations is immense, positioning us to lead in the dynamic landscape of luxury and fashion.
LANVIN GROUP’s brands all have a long history and unique brand DNA. Moving forward, we will continue to innovate with AI while maintaining the unique DNA of each brand, allowing more people to understand the profound heritage of our brands.
In conclusion, AI is integral to our strategy at Lanvin Group. By harnessing its power, we are poised to achieve significant advancements and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders. Our vision is clear: to be at the forefront of innovation, setting new benchmarks in the luxury fashion industry.
The Interline: For some readers, the positioning of AI as the next wave of consumer and enterprise technology may feel like a repeat of the hype that was built around the visions for the metaverse, and for Web3, over the last few years. Why do you believe this wave is different? And what would you say to anyone who might find themself fatigued by a series of bold visions for change that do not necessarily pan out?
Baris Gencel: The wave of AI is different because it is backed by a proven track record, rapid advancements, seamless integration capabilities, adaptability, and wide-ranging applications. It offers tangible benefits that are already being realized across industries. For those wary of new technological promises, AI stands out as a mature and transformative force that is not only here to stay but also poised to drive significant, lasting change.
By focusing on real-world applications and measurable outcomes, brands can harness the power of AI to achieve lasting institutional transformation, ensuring that this wave of innovation leads to sustained success and growth.
The Interline: What do you see coming next from AI? With the speed at which existing models are evolving, and the pace of development on new models, new modalities, and new applications – what do you see as the future of AI in fashion in the next two years, the next five years, and the next ten years?
Baris Gencel:The future of AI in fashion is incredibly promising, with rapid advancements expected to transform the industry at every level. From enhancing personalization and sustainability to driving creativity and ethical practices, AI will be a catalyst for innovation and growth. By embracing these technological advancements, fashion brands can position themselves at the forefront of the industry, delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders alike.
In the immediate future, AI will further revolutionize personalization in fashion. Brands will leverage AI to create highly personalized shopping experiences, using advanced algorithms to analyze consumer data and preferences. This will enable real-time customization of product recommendations, styling advice, and even bespoke designs tailored to individual customers.
AI will play a significant role in the creative process. Designers will collaborate with AI tools to generate innovative concepts and explore new aesthetics. AI will analyze vast amounts of design data and trends to inspire new collections, pushing the boundaries of creativity while maintaining brand identity.
AI will drive advancements in sustainable fashion by optimizing material usage, reducing waste, and promoting circular economy practices. Machine learning algorithms will help identify eco-friendly materials and processes, enabling brands to produce high-quality, sustainable products at scale.
