The Rise of AI in Fashion: Timeline of Its Impact on Fashion Photography Careers and Virtual Styling

The Rapid Transformation of the Fashion Industry Fueled by AI: What You Need to Know

The landscape of fashion photography and styling is undergoing an unprecedented upheaval, driven by the swift advancements in artificial intelligence technology. From virtual models to automated styling tools, the industry is witnessing a seismic shift that industries and professionals must recognize immediately.

A Closer Look at Recent Developments

Recent months have seen remarkable strides in AI-powered fashion solutions, with developments accelerating at an astonishing pace. Here’s a chronological overview of some key milestones:

January 2025: AI-Generated Models on the Rise
– In early 2025, Botika secured $8 million in funding to revolutionize fashion imagery, enabling small brands to utilize AI-created models that can replace traditional photographers instantly. This shift marks a significant cost-effective alternative for brands seeking quick visual content (source).

May 2025: Virtual Try-Ons and Shareability
– Doji raised $14 million to develop AI-driven avatars that allow consumers to virtually try on clothing. These digital try-ons are designed to be easily shareable on social platforms like TikTok, enhancing engagement and reach (source).
– Additionally, Google launched “AI Mode” on its shopping platform, enabling virtual try-on capabilities across a vast array of products and further integrating AI into the shopping experience (source).

Recent Advancements in the Past Few Weeks

The pace of innovation has intensified recently, with notable breakthroughs:

Two weeks ago, Alta secured $11 million to introduce a comprehensive AI stylist platform capable of supplanting traditional stylist roles altogether (source).

Just two days past, FASHN AI unveiled a high-resolution, hyper-realistic virtual try-on model, allowing brands to produce professional styling images without human models—streamlining the creative process (source).

And most recently, Google Doppl launched publicly, offering fully automated, motion-capable AI-generated videos showcasing virtual avatars in real outfits—an entirely new dimension in digital fashion presentations (source).

Implications for Industry Professionals

This rapid series of developments, amounting to over $33 million in funding within just half a year, underscores a fundamental transformation in fashion technology. The speed at which these innovations are rolling out indicates that traditional roles—stylists, photographers, creative directors—are increasingly at risk.

Staying relevant in this evolving landscape requires proactive adaptation. As AI continues to enhance and automate core tasks, professionals must consider how to integrate these tools into their workflow or risk obsolescence.

Final Thoughts

The future of fashion