The Rise of AI in Fashion: How Photography Careers Are Disappearing and Virtual Stylists Face Obsolescence

The Rapid Rise of AI in Fashion: A Timeline of Disruption

In recent months, the fashion industry has experienced a seismic shift driven by artificial intelligence. From virtual models to automated styling, AI technology is transforming the landscape at an unprecedented pace. Here’s a detailed overview of how quickly these changes are unfolding—and why professionals in fashion need to pay close attention.

A Brief Chronology of AI Advancements in Fashion

Exciting developments in AI-powered fashion tools have been accelerating rapidly, particularly over the past six months. Just within this short period, multiple groundbreaking initiatives have emerged, signaling a transformative trend:

• January 2025: Botika secures $8 million in funding, utilizing AI-generated models to replace human photographers for smaller brands almost instantly. This innovation streamlines production and reduces costs significantly. Source

• May 2025: Doji raises $14 million with its virtual avatars, enabling users to share virtual try-ons on social media platforms like TikTok, making fashion experiences more interactive and shareable. Source

• May 2025: Google launches “AI Mode,” offering virtual try-on capabilities for billions of products worldwide, making online shopping more immersive than ever. Source

• Two Weeks Ago: Alta raises $11 million to develop a comprehensive AI stylist that could replace traditional stylists entirely, raising questions about the future roles within fashion consulting. Source

• Two Days Ago: FASHN AI unveils a hyper-realistic virtual try-on model with high-resolution output (1MP), eliminating the need for human models in commercial styling imagery. Source

• Today: Google’s Doppl platform launches, capable of