What does ChatGPT mean for fashion?

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that uses machine learning to automate text from prompts. They are most commonly used as a next-level search engine that can provide the user with more exact answers to their inquiries using specific prompts. This being said, this technology is far from fitting in just this limited space of definition and lately, we have seen this technology being utilized in more creative ways. By using ChatGPT one can create 3D animation and even music, as it has proven to be a helpful tool for musicians who have experimented with the limits of AI music with the help of ChatGPT. Having established ChatGPT’s potential for photorealistic and stylistic interpretations we see it becoming more tangled with the more “humane” practices in creative industries, we run into the question: what does ChatGPT mean for fashion? ChatGPT is showing massive potential, especially in the e-commerce side of the industry. While this technology has not yet been utilized by the fashion industry as a whole, some fashion companies have taken the leap and started to incorporate ChatGPT technology into their services. One such company is an all-in-one product discovery company YesPls.ai, which is on a mission to transform fashion e-commerce search like never before.

Jiwon Hong, CEO & Co-founder of YesPlz.ai had this to say when asked about ChatGPT’s role in the industry. «Fashion industry is trying to understand trend forecasting and what exactly customers are looking for. The problem is that they have too much data, from everywhere. It is also not an easy job to analyse data and understand what they need. ChatGPT does a very good job of getting all the information and making a summary and so, therefore, we have a product and we have a key attribute. We know what the product attributes from each of the product images are, so we can actually find a common denominator. All the information, we have the core ingredient based on our image technique information and then when the user starts chatting with the ChatGPT - she’s giving direct information about her preference. So all the information, now can just be put into the ChatGPT and it gives a summary about this person. So it just empowers merchandisers and retailers. Everybody can understand the customer's information more accurately. Therefore I think we can highly optimise the shopping experience.» Hong explained shedding light on the benefits of using ChatGPT. While it is clear how ChatGPT can be used to enhance customer service and help to improve the overall shopping experience, many have toyed around with the idea of a ChatGPT stylist. The hope with this aim is to use ChatGPT as a type of personal stylist that learns about its customer’s styles and offers personalized recommendations. However, this still leaves the debated question of how well can a machine really recognize and interpret a concept as broad as “style” or even fashion as a subject. Can a computer really know your personal style better than you? 

The direct answer is no. ChatGPT will most likely not do a better job at styling you than you yourself would. No matter how little sense of style you think you might have. For now, the most ChatGPT can do is deliver you limited curated options following the prompts you have given it. However, according to Hong, this can be improved further. She mentions that they are testing to be more creative with the use of ChatGTP by teaching the AI on how to do so. Drawing a line of comparison to teaching a first-year fashion student. They do this by using product images and teaching fashion terminology and vocabulary. «We can train them to recognise patterns and make recommendations based on logic.» Says Hong when explaining how AI is able to get smarter about fashion by being taught patterns from a catalog. What is remarkable about this approach is that while open AI makes product recommendations based on prompts you are searching by, their AI understands the request the consumer is making and starts the vetting process from a catalog. This makes the process more detailed and opens a door to the possibility of a more optimized styling service. While admittedly there are still ways to go before ChatGPT is at the height of its potential when it comes to fashion styling and customised search prompts, we might be closer than previously thought. Jiwon Hong believes that we are going to see exponential progress in even 6 months and 1 year to be conservative.We don’t know exactly how this technology will transform in the future but one thing is for sure. As far as this writer is concerned, if the machines actually do take over - At least we will all be better dressed for it.