AI-generated fashion models threaten livelihoods of human models

Diesel: Diesel is an Italian fashion brand specializing in casual apparel and denim. In this news, the brand circulated draft contracts requesting models' consent for AI-based face swaps, body alterations, and other modifications during photo shoots. Its parent company OTB stated that the language was for a specific campaign and does not reflect standard agreements. L'Oreal: L'Oreal is a major cosmetics company listed under the ticker OREP. In the reported contracts, the company requested rights to apply AI technologies for modifying product appearances and retouching purposes during shoots. The firm clarified that it employs standard AI tools only for post-production editing that does not alter model images. Sara Ziff: Sara Ziff is the founder and executive director of the Model Alliance, a nonprofit advocating for models' rights. She has pushed for legislation like the New York State Fashion Workers Act to require explicit consent for AI replicas and warned that AI accelerates misuse of models' images. Helen Reid: Helen Reid is a Reuters journalist covering developments in the fashion industry. She authored the analysis examining how AI-generated models and digital clones are pressuring human models and reshaping industry economics. Calvin Klein: Calvin Klein is a global fashion brand focused on apparel and underwear. The news reports that a draft contract from the brand sought rights to use models' images for training AI tools without extra compensation, with language limiting use to unrecognizable images. A company spokesperson noted ongoing testing of AI guided by regulation and respect for models' rights. Julian Jansen: Julian Jansen serves as vice president of marketing at About You, a fast-fashion retailer. He highlighted how AI enables a completely different scale of ecommerce imagery production compared to traditional photo shoots. Patrick Staal: Patrick Staal owns Uniko Models, a modeling agency based in Barcelona. He described contract requests for digital twins and AI modifications, noting that many young talents do not fully grasp the long-term implications of signing away AI rights. Khalifa Haftar: Khalifa Haftar is a military commander leading Libya's eastern administration. The report notes his forces' past conflicts and improving relations with Turkey, including visits and investments in sectors like construction. George Gerapetritis: George Gerapetritis is the Greek Foreign Minister. In the news, he delivered a joint statement at the United Nations denouncing a Turkey-Libya maritime accord on behalf of Greece and three Arab states, citing concerns over regional security and international law. Regulation: The New York State Fashion Workers Act prohibits brands from creating or modifying replicas of models without explicit consent. Brand Practices: High-end brands have experimented cautiously with AI-generated imagery while fast-fashion retailers have adopted it more broadly for marketing content. Industry Response: Some modeling agencies and associations have developed codes of practice requiring model consent and ownership of digital twins, though these lack binding force without regulation.