AI takes the Met Gala by storm: Celebrities in fabricated fashions
The Met Gala, an event renowned for its parade of stars in bold fashions, experienced a unique twist this year. Unbeknownst to many, only photos represented the presence of certain celebrities, thanks to the ingenuity of artificial intelligence (AI).
10:58 AM EDT, May 8, 2024
Known formally as the Costume Institute Gala, this annual charity ball is hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It marks the opening of the Costume Institute's yearly exhibition, drawing celebrities, fashion designers, and influential figures from various industries. Their extravagant outfits make the gala a pivotal moment in the global fashion calendar.
Each year, the Met Gala revolves around a theme tied to its exhibition, challenging attendees to embody this theme in their couture. The gala's proceeds are a vital funding source for the Costume Institute.
This year introduced an unexpected twist with AI causing a stir in the fashion realm.
Katy Perry and Rihanna in stunning gowns that turned out to be fabrications
Reports from outlets like Tech Crunch highlighted the surge in popularity of a photo featuring Katy Perry in an elaborate floral gown, amassing millions of views. Yet, it was ultimately revealed as a fabrication. Misrepresentation in the carpet's color scheme—depicted as red and beige rather than the gala's traditional green and white—was a telltale sign of the image's inauthenticity.
Similarly, a supposed photo of Rihanna adorned in a garden-themed gown proved fictitious. Despite her announcements and a dramatic hair color change to pink, Rihanna did not attend the gala. Despite their falsehood, these AI-generated images captivated a significant amount of attention.
The gap between AI-generated and authentic creations
This year's Met Gala demonstrated that in the age of advanced generative AI tools, admirers of the celebrity world must be diligent in verifying the authenticity of online content. Zendaya's appearance in two different outfits at the same event underscores that reality can be as captivating as any virtual fabrication.
The deployment of AI in fashion and celebrity culture not only alters our perception but prompts a reevaluation of creativity and originality in a time when digital tools are increasingly accessible. As reported by Tech Crunch, while AI-generated designs marvel, they fall short of the innovation and expressiveness found in the genuine ensembles showcased at the Met Gala over the years.
