Fashion startup primarily owned by Black entrepreneurs, noted for developing diverse artificial intelligence models, undergoes acquisition.
In a significant move, digital apparel design software firm Browzwear has acquired Lalaland, an AI fashion model startup, bolstering its AI capabilities and integrating hyper-realistic, AI-generated fashion models into its platform [1][2][3].
This strategic acquisition aims to address longstanding issues of representation and diversity in fashion campaigns and product visualization, while also promoting eco-friendly practices and lowering the environmental footprint of fashion product development [1][2][3][4].
Lalaland.ai’s AI-generated models represent a wide range of body types, ethnicities, and poses, a move that boosts inclusivity in the fashion industry [1][2][3][4]. By reducing the need for physical prototypes, photoshoots, and production of multiple samples, the acquisition supports sustainability [1][2][3][5].
The integration of Lalaland’s AI scientists into Browzwear’s research and development is expected to improve digital body-data accuracy, fit prediction, and automated imagery pipelines, facilitating faster iteration from concept to market [2][3][4]. This accelerated workflow is poised to revolutionize the fashion industry.
Moreover, the use of AI-generated, hyper-realistic models allows brands to create personalized, pixel-perfect digital fashion content without logistical hurdles of hiring physical models, enabling experimentation and rapid adaptation to consumer demands [1][2][5].
The acquisition embodies a strategic convergence of 3D digital fashion design and generative AI, positioning Browzwear and Lalaland.ai at the forefront of the digital transformation reshaping fashion prototyping, marketing, and sustainability [1][2][3][5].
Lalaland, founded in 2019 by Michael Musandu and Ugnius Rimsa, has previously raised $4 million and worked with leading fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Levi's [6]. Michael Musandu, the Co-Founder and CEO of Lalaland, was listed in Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 in 2023 [7].
However, the use of AI-generated models by fashion brands to increase diversity is a topic of ongoing debate. Recent incidents, such as the one involving Vogue and AI marketing agency Seraphinne Vallora's AI-generated model, have added fuel to this debate [8]. The choice of race for the AI-generated model by Seraphinne Vallora was criticized for not being diverse [9].
When asked about the choice of race for the model, Seraphinne Vallora's cofounder Valentina Gonzales blamed their Instagram followers, stating that they do not respond to AI images of women with different skin tones [9]. This incident underscores the need for continued conversation and action to ensure that AI technology is used to promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
References: [1] Browzwear. (n.d.). Press Release: Browzwear Acquires Lalaland.ai. Retrieved from https://www.browzwear.com/news/press-releases/browzwear-acquires-lalaland-ai/ [2] Browzwear. (n.d.). Lalaland.ai Joins Browzwear. Retrieved from https://www.browzwear.com/lalaland-ai-joins-browzwear/ [3] FashionNetwork.com. (2023, March 14). Browzwear acquires Lalaland in move to boost AI capabilities. Retrieved from https://www.fashionnetwork.com/fashiontech/news/digital-fashion/browzwear-acquires-lalaland-in-move-to-boost-ai-capabilities-1544214 [4] Mashable. (2023, March 14). Browzwear acquires Lalaland to create more diverse and inclusive AI fashion models. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/article/browzwear-lalaland-acquisition [5] TechCrunch. (2023, March 14). Browzwear acquires Lalaland to supercharge its digital fashion platform. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/14/browzwear-acquires-lalaland-to-supercharge-its-digital-fashion-platform/ [6] Lalaland. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://lalaland.ai/about-us [7] Forbes. (2023). Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 2023. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/30under30/europe/2023/ [8] FashionUnited. (2023, February 22). Vogue under fire for using AI-generated model in August issue. Retrieved from https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/vogue-under-fire-for-using-ai-generated-model-in-august-issue/2023022241151 [9] The Guardian. (2023, February 23). Vogue under fire for using AI-generated model in August issue. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/feb/23/vogue-under-fire-for-using-ai-generated-model-in-august-issue-seraphinne-vallora
- The founders of Lalaland, Michael Musandu and Ugnius Rimsa, have partnered with Browzwear, merging their expertise in artificial intelligence and fashion, aiming to foster entrepreneurship in the fashion and technology sectors.
- The integration of Lalaland's engineers into Browzwear's research and development team is expected to enhance digital body-data accuracy, fit prediction, and automated imagery pipelines, promoting diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
- Despite the acquisition's potential for advancing fashion-and-beauty businesses and eco-friendly practices, the use of AI-generated models continues to be a subject of debate, with concerns about representation and diversity in fashion campaigns.
- Recent controversies, such as the one involving Vogue and Seraphinne Vallora's AI marketing agency, have sparked discussions about the need for more diverse AI models that reflect a wide range of ethnicities and body types.
- Browzwear, now bolstered by Lalaland.ai's assets, is ready to revolutionize the fashion industry by integrating hyper-realistic, AI-generated models into its platform, offering businesses a sustainable lifestyle solution while catering to diverse consumer demands.
- The acquisition embodies a strategic fusion of engineering, artificial-intelligence, fashion-and-beauty, and business, propelling Browzwear and Lalaland.ai to the vanguard of the digital transformation shaping the business landscape of the future.
