AI Innovations in Fashion and Music
The realms of fashion and music are experiencing transformative changes as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape conventional industries. Reebok co-founder Joe Foster and Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman share their perspectives on the integration of AI within their fields and explore the exciting future that lies ahead.
Fashion Meets AI: Syntilay’s Groundbreaking Shoe
‘This is my idea. Can you bring me a different take to it?’ is the type of query designers are increasingly posing to AI, according to Joe Foster. In a promising collaboration with entrepreneur Ben Weiss, Foster is supporting Syntilay, a pioneering brand that recently unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first commercially available AI-designed shoe. Priced at $149.99, the futuristic lifestyle slide is tailored using a simple smartphone scan.
In a Zoom interview with The Korea Herald, Foster emphasized that AI does not replace designers but expands their creative potential. ‘When a designer comes up with an idea and wants to look at four or five different versions, he can get four or five hundred,’ he stated. ‘AI allows for much more variation and choice.’ With 70 percent of the Syntilay slides’ design influenced by AI, the project embodies a significant shift in how footwear is conceptualized and produced.
Weiss echoed Foster’s sentiments, noting that they utilized AI to co-generate concepts before refining them into sketches, ultimately leading to 3D models enriched with futuristic textures inspired by renowned neo-futurist Syd Mead. ‘One of the prompts we used was Syd Mead-style sci-fi, and it really gave the design that bold edge,’ he explained.
A.R. Rahman’s Metahuman Music Project
On another front, A.R. Rahman, known for revolutionizing Indian music, is venturing into metahuman projects that intersect AI technology with music. In light of the increasing prevalence of AI in the industry, Rahman expressed concern over the ethical implications of using AI-generated voices of deceased artists, mentioning, ‘Some of the songs are so filthy, yet they’re released using the voices of popular singers. This needs to be controlled, or else there will be chaos.’ His latest project features a global band composed of six virtual musicians representing diverse cultures.
Rahman’s engagement with AI was further detailed in a YouTube show, where he discussed his work with Unreal Engine on a virtual band composed of metahumans. With his deep understanding of music and technology, Rahman seems poised to elevate his artistry to new heights.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While innovations in AI offer promising potential, both Foster and Rahman recognize the need for balance as the technology proliferates across industries. Each leader advocates for responsible practices that harness AI’s strengths without compromising creativity and ethical considerations.
As Syntilay gains traction and Rahman’s metahuman project unfolds, the collective voice of innovation is ringing across fashion and music. We are undeniably entering a new era, one where technology complements artistry in remarkable ways. ‘You turn the corner, and maybe that’s where the breakthrough is,’ Foster concluded, urging industry leaders to persist and push boundaries.
