Selkie, the beloved fashion brand, faced backlash for using generative AI in its Valentine’s Day collection. Founder Kimberley Gordon defended AI as an artist’s tool but acknowledged the controversy. Critics argued against AI’s potential exploitation of artists. The debate reflects the broader discussion surrounding the ethical implications of AI in creative industries. Gordon responded to the criticism, pledging not to use AI in future Selkie collections. Despite discontinuation, she plans to experiment with AI in personal art. The controversy prompts a deeper exploration of the evolving relationship between technology and artistic expression in the fashion world.
Selkie, a renowned fashion brand known for its inclusivity and ethical practices, faced immediate backlash when it revealed its Valentine’s Day collection was designed using generative AI. Founder Kimberley Gordon defended the use of AI as a creative tool, sparking a debate on the ethical implications in the art world. The controversy sheds light on the ongoing struggle between embracing technological progress and preserving traditional artistic methods. As the intersection of AI and art becomes more complex, Selkie’s case exemplifies the challenges faced by artists and the fashion industry in navigating this evolving landscape.
The Valentine’s Day collection, inspired by vintage greeting cards, features whimsical images of puppies, kittens, and pastel backgrounds printed on sweaters and dresses. Gordon, who owns and founded Selkie, explained that she utilizes a vast library of vintage art from the 1800s and 1900s and employs generative AI as a creative tool to enhance and modify the art. She expressed her enthusiasm for the technology, emphasizing the humor and cheekiness it adds to the designs.
In response to the immediate criticism, Selkie addressed the use of AI in art through an Instagram comment, stating that Gordon aimed to explore this new medium and its compatibility with the brand. However, the comments section overflowed with dissent, with some users expressing disappointment and viewing the use of AI as a betrayal to artists.
Gordon defended her choice, asserting that the AI tool allows her to improve upon and create unique art inspired by vintage designs. She sees generative AI as a new artistic medium, comparable to photography, and believes future generations may accept it as such. Despite her conviction, the controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the ethical implications of using AI in creative industries.
As generative AI tools advance, the polarization around their use in art intensifies. Some artists, including Gordon, perceive AI as a tool that enhances creativity, while others express concerns about job displacement, exploitation of workers, and copyright infringement. The debate extends beyond visual art, encompassing music, entertainment, and literature.
Gordon, who spends about a week designing collections, emphasized that public opinion on AI art has shifted significantly in the year since she finalized designs for the Valentine’s Day drop. Artists like her, who incorporate various elements such as royalty-free clip art, public domain paintings, digital illustration, and Photoshop collaging, see AI image generators as complementary tools rather than replacements.
Selkie’s founder countered accusations equating her use of generative AI to larger companies replacing human artists with AI generators. Gordon clarified that she is the brand’s sole in-house artist and charges premium prices to cover material and labor costs. She argued that fair wages for garment workers contribute to the higher price points and refuted claims that she is exploiting the technology to cut costs.
Addressing concerns about the potential exploitation of other artists’ work, Gordon asserted that she did not use any artists’ names or works as prompts when generating images with Midjourney. She justified her use of AI as a means to efficiently visualize her creative ideas and stay ahead of technological advancements in the industry.
Gordon acknowledged the criticism and pledged not to use AI-generated images in future Selkie collections. While she believes that regulation in the generative AI space is lacking, she suggested compensating artists every time their names or work are used as prompts. Despite discontinuing its use in Selkie collections, Gordon plans to continue experimenting with AI in her art, maintaining her perspective that AI is simply another medium for artistic expression.
The Selkie AI art controversy signifies a nuanced intersection of creativity and technology. Founder Kimberley Gordon’s defense of AI as a tool for artists reflects a broader discourse on its role in the industry. While Gordon pledged to exclude AI from future Selkie collections, the debate prompts reflection on the need for ethical guidelines. As technology advances, the balance between innovation and artistic integrity remains elusive. The evolving relationship between AI and art calls for comprehensive regulations, ensuring a harmonious coexistence that empowers artists without compromising their creative authenticity.
