During the latest edition of the Vogue World show in Milan, the historic Galleria Emanuele II became the stage for the launch of Fashion Week, drawing together the elite of the fashion world. The event celebrated Italian craftsmanship and local artisanry, highlighting the deep roots of the country’s design heritage. One of the standout moments was a performance featuring "metal machines" — robotic entities that moved with hesitant small steps and large, deliberate arm movements, creating a futuristic yet somewhat awkward visual.
A key segment of the show, titled "The Age of Intelligence," explored the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and fashion. This part of the program included humanoids from Unitree Robotics walking the runway in a unique display. These robots, designed to mimic human movement, walked naked and swayed in front of an audience and fashion critics, sparking a range of reactions. Some found the performance thought-provoking, while others questioned its relevance to the traditional artistry of fashion.
The performance drew comparisons to a famous moment in fashion history: Alexander McQueen’s 1999 show, where industrial robotic arms painted directly onto the dress of model Shalom Harlow. That event was celebrated for its creativity and technological flair. However, the Milan show's robots were present but did not create anything in real time, prompting discussions about the role of automation in the future of fashion and even the potential replacement of mannequins in fashion displays.
While the use of robotics in fashion is still in its early stages, the event highlighted the need for refinement in how such technology is integrated into the industry. The performance was seen as a bold experiment, raising questions about the balance between innovation and the artistry that has long defined the world of fashion.
Fashion Week Showcases Robotics and Artisanry with Mixed Reactions
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Konbini
- 🇫🇷Konbini
- 🇺🇸TechCrunch



