Black Models Slam Levi’s For Using AI Technology To ‘Increase Diversity’

February 2, 2026

Levi's recently announced a partnership with Lalaland. ai to test artificial intelligence-generated fashion models, claiming the technology would enhance diversity in their marketing materials. The initiative has sparked significant criticism from Black models and industry professionals who argue that using computer-generated models undermines real opportunities for underrepresented groups already struggling with limited visibility in fashion.

Who is affected

Black models in the fashion industry
Underrepresented models who face limited opportunities
Levi's (the company facing backlash)
Lalaland.ai (the AI digital fashion studio partner)

What action is being taken

Levi's is piloting/testing AI-generated models through its partnership with Lalaland.ai
Lalaland.ai is creating lifelike fashion models using AI technology

Why it matters

This matters because it addresses fundamental questions about diversity and representation in the fashion industry. Rather than providing more opportunities for real models from underrepresented communities who already face barriers to employment, the use of AI-generated models could further reduce available work for Black models and other marginalized groups, making their claimed goal of "increasing diversity" contradictory to the actual impact on real people seeking representation and employment.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle