What Does the Future Hold for Designers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

Will artificial intelligence replace fashion designers? This question keeps coming up in creative industries. Tony Pinville, co-founder of Heuritech and an AI specialist, shares his insights.

At LOUD, the space at Who’s Next dedicated to societal issues, an important discussion occurred. While many people embrace AI for its ability to simplify everyday tasks—like planning vacations or summarizing emails—numerous creatives worry about being replaced by it. To tackle these concerns, Tony Pinville spoke with the digital cultural magazine S-quive. Co-founder of Heuritech in 2013 alongside Charles Ollion, Pinville has witnessed his company achieve the prestigious LVMH Innovation Award in 2017. Today, Heuritech includes major fashion houses such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Moncler among its clients, highlighting the growing influence of AI in the luxury sector.

Tony Pinville began studying AI in the late 2000s. At that time, the field was still in its infancy, yet he firmly believed it would revolutionize the world. He decided to focus his thesis on the subject and publish scientific articles to advance research in this area. “Deep learning is what has truly transformed the industry,” he explains. “That’s how my associates and I came up with the idea of creating a company that would put AI to work for businesses.” Why fashion? “It’s a unique industry, and France possesses undeniable credibility in this field. The fashion sector is driven by imagery, trends, and the evolution of consumer needs… It made sense.” A conversation with an expert on the topic.

S-quive: How is AI transforming design?


Tony Pinville: AI can help designers in various ways, especially by confirming or challenging their instincts about current trends. It also improves communication of ideas, assisting designers in visualizing a product and justifying their creative decisions.


AI: New Tool or Partner?


It’s a new paintbrush—an opportunity to work differently and more efficiently, allowing designers to focus on their actual added value: creating something new.


Replacement or Evolution?


AI won’t replace humans. However, designers who refuse to use AI may be replaced by those who do. AI is a tool that facilitates the designer’s work, not a substitute for creativity. It’s natural to fear the unknown, but learning about AI helps to understand both its opportunities and limitations.

Is Resistance to AI Necessary?


Yes, it plays an important role. On one hand, it encourages designers to reflect on the technology's limitations. On the other hand, it highlights what AI still cannot achieve. Resistance isn’t just external—it also exists within the tech industry itself.


What Are the Challenges of AI in Fashion Design and Creativity?


One major issue is intellectual property. When an AI model draws inspiration from existing designs, who owns the final creation? Can an AI-generated design be copyrighted?

Concerns also exist about data privacy and the ethical use of personal information to train AI models. How can we ensure transparency and responsible usage?


What Impact Does AI Have on the Production Chain?


AI plays a vital role in the design process by analyzing trends and consumer preferences across different regions. It helps brands adjust production volumes to align with local demands, reducing excess inventory. AI also assists in launching the right product at the right time to the appropriate audience. However, AI is not a miracle solution; it only functions when there is sufficient and reliable data. Without data, AI is ineffective.


Are Design Schools Preparing Students for AI?


We partner with design schools to demonstrate how our teams integrate AI into their work. For younger generations, AI feels more natural as they aren’t constrained by traditional methods. Few students resist its adoption. By collaborating with schools, we help train the next generation of designers to incorporate AI tools into their creative process.

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