Generative AI to revolutionise fashion design: Research

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and AI image generators like DALL-E have shown promising results across industries and popularised the use of AI. In fashion, LLMs can help designers and non-experts understand past styles and predict future fashion trends. These insights can then generate prompts for AI image generators to produce real fashion collections. As such, it is increasingly important to understand how AI can be effectively integrated into fashion.

In a recent study, professor Yoon Kyung Lee and master's student Chaehi Ryu, from the Department of Clothing and Textiles at Pusan National University, South Korea, explored how generative AI can contribute to visualising seasonal fashion trends. "To use AI effectively in fashion, we must understand the characteristics of generative AI models and make informed judgements of where they can be applied," explained. Lee. "In this study, we studied how effective prompt engineering can be used to generate realistic fashion collection images through AI."

Using ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, the researchers first analysed men's fashion trends, based on historical data up to September 2021. From this, they used ChatGPT to predict men's fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2024. Design elements from these predictions were classified as ‘initial codes’. In addition, design elements from Vogue's 2024 Fall/Winter Men's Fashion Trend data were used as ‘modified codes’, and those from literature as ‘codes from literature’. These were then regrouped into six final codes: trends, silhouette elements, materials, key items, garment details, and embellishments.

Using these codes, they created 35 prompts for DALL-E 3, each describing a unique outfit. The prompts followed a consistent template featuring a male model walking down a runway at a 2024 Fall/Winter fashion show. The template allowed customisation of event details, including aspect ratios, events, camera angles, model appearance and height, runway design, background, and audience details, and moods. Each prompt was run three times, generating a total of 105 images.

DALL-E 3 was able to perfectly implement the prompts 67.6 per cent of the time. Prompts with adjectives demonstrated a high implementation rate. Some generated images closely resembled actual 2024 Fall/Winter Men's fashion collections. However, there were errors—most leaned toward ready-to-wear fashion, and DALL-E struggled with trend elements like gender fluidity. Trend keywords alone were insufficient to generate accurate results, indicating a need for further learning.

"Our results show that expertly worded prompts are necessary for accurate fashion design implementation of generative AI, highlighting the important role of fashion experts," added Lee. "With further learning and improvements, generative AI models like DALL-E 3 will help fashion designers create entire fashion collections more efficiently, while supporting their creativity, and also help non-experts understand fashion trends."

The study shows that generative AI can be a powerful tool not just for professionals but also for the general public, making it easier than ever to explore, predict, and style the upcoming season's fashion with confidence.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (RR)