The Style Connection
By Mindy Gura + Paula Orlan
Photography by Brandon Parker
When we were asked to write this article about how AI is taking over many professions/businesses and how it affects our business of fashion styling, we thought let’s go to the source! We asked ChatGPT how it feels about the effects AI would have on the styling world, and this is what it said…
AI vs Stylists Roles
• A stylist on set isn’t only about dressing people; they’re managing energy, boosting confidence, problem-solving wardrobe malfunctions, and collaborating with makeup, hair, and photography teams. That human presence is huge.
• AI can’t yet physically pin a dress, improvise when a zipper breaks, or build that trust with a model or celebrity.
• AI can be useful to help create mood boards, predict fashion trends, and even generate outfit combinations quickly. However, it won’t replace stylists for fashion shoots, but it will reshape their role — making them more curators, directors, and visionaries, with AI as their assistant.
So, thank you, ChatGPT for this brilliant and on point answer!
We couldn’t agree more that while AI comes in handy (as it did in answering our question), it could NEVER replace what real stylists bring to the table.
For example, we were on a recent styling job where the celebrity walked in completely exhausted, over extended and anxious about her first cover shoot. We were able to sensitively talk her through the style options while making sure to stay true to her style comfort zones and boosting her confidence enough to try different looks than she would normally gravitate toward. At the end of the shoot, she told us she had the best day and would definitely be incorporating new styles into her own wardrobe, having gained confidence on set. Days like that are so rewarding.
Having been fashion stylists for almost 20 years, we know that the experience of hands-on curating, sitting front row at fashion shows, and working directly with designers are crucial aspects of this business. And learning to interact with each client and boost their style confidence is the most important thing that can only come from human connection!
But as an assistant, AI - you are hired!
