Addressing AI Bias in Fashion: How Absolut Uses 10K Diverse Image Prompts
Discover how Absolut collaborates with Copy Lab to create inclusive visual content for AI training, aiming to reduce bias in the fashion industry. Explore the initiative to combat AI bias through diverse and free-to-use imagery.
Absolut Vodka Partners with Copy Lab to Address Diversity in AI-Generated Fashion Content
Pernod Ricard's Absolut Vodka has joined forces with Copy Lab to tackle the issue of limited diversity in fashion content produced by artificial intelligence. This collaboration aims to bring more inclusivity to the fashion industry.
For the “Absolut Intelligence” project, 10,000 image prompts were used to train AI datasets that cover a wide range of fashion, culture, and identity. As a result, a collection of AI-generated images is now accessible for download on Unsplash, a website offering royalty-free stock images.
These images will also be featured in the upcoming second edition of Copy Magazine, an AI fashion publication. The project aims to assist in teaching AI algorithms to produce less biased results, following the lead of other marketers who are also working to address the potential issues associated with this technology.
Article Insight:
AI's generative capabilities have been a hot topic in the advertising industry in 2024, sparking discussions on earnings and creative marketing strategies. However, while AI technology has been exciting, it has also faced criticism for issues such as producing inaccurate information and reinforcing stereotypes related to race and gender. This has prompted some marketers to raise concerns and urge caution when utilizing AI in campaigns.
With its newest project, Absolut is taking on the issue of bias in AI in the fashion industry, where a lack of diversity can have serious consequences. Through "Absolut Intelligence," the brand worked with Copy Lab to include 10,000 different images in AI datasets, showcasing a wide range of fashion and cultural representation. The result was 25 unique and inclusive images created. The aim is to train generative AI algorithms to better grasp and appreciate the diversity present in fashion.
The images created are available for free on Unsplash, a stock image site, and will also be featured in the upcoming second edition of Copy Magazine. This magazine is known as the world's first printed AI fashion magazine. A microsite has been set up to explain this project further. This initiative is part of the brand's ongoing effort, spanning over 40 years, to promote inclusivity, fluidity, and diverse representation. Debasree Dasgupta, the global vice president of marketing at Absolut, highlighted the brand's commitment to mixing ideas, identities, people, perspectives, and drinks. According to Dasgupta, the brand aims to challenge biases in AI to create a more equitable and inclusive technology that positively impacts individuals and communities globally.
Dove made a commitment to not use AI to depict women in its advertising and communications as part of the "The Code" campaign. This campaign also includes guidelines to help users of generative AI create more diverse images. In a similar vein, IBM launched the "Trust What You Create" campaign in April to showcase the potential pitfalls of generative AI.
Absolut's recent focus on diversity includes the launch of the Absolut Ally platform last June. This global initiative aims to educate consumers and business owners about LGBTQ+ allyship. The brand has also connected with cultural trends by re-entering the metaverse with a Decentraland activation tied to the Coachella music festival.
Editor's P/S:
The partnership between Absolut Vodka and Copy Lab is a significant step towards addressing the lack of diversity in AI-generated fashion content. By training AI datasets with a wide range of fashion, culture, and identity, this project aims to reduce bias and foster inclusivity in the fashion industry. The resulting collection of images, available on Unsplash and featured in Copy Magazine, will serve as a valuable resource for creatives seeking to represent a more diverse audience in their work.
This initiative aligns with Absolut's longstanding commitment to diversity and representation. As a brand known for its progressive values, Absolut recognizes the importance of challenging biases in AI to create a more equitable and inclusive world. The "Absolut Intelligence" project is a testament to the brand's dedication to using its platform to drive positive change in the industry and beyond.
