In collaboration with digital artist @Mellow, we developed a visually captivating series of AI-generated images and animations to define the identity of the Global Fashion Graduate event—a four-day symposium and exhibition, held in October 2024 in Mexico City, culminating in a runway show that showcased the talent of more than 20 prestigious fashion institutions from around the world. Sponsored by Arts Thread and CENTRO, the visual narrative we created celebrates diversity, creativity, and sustainability in fashion. By harnessing advanced AI tools, the project seamlessly fuses traditional Mexican textile heritage with modern aesthetics, embodying a unique interpretation of the future of fashion.
Set in Mexico City—a vibrant hub of cultural and creative exchange—the Global Fashion Graduate event was a four-day celebration, from October 28th to 31st, 2024, that offered an inspiring platform for the world’s leading fashion design talent to collaborate, share ideas, and showcase their achievements. The event brought together over 20 prestigious fashion institutions from 10 countries, including CENTRO, Academy of Art University San Francisco, Accademia Costume Moda Rome, Anahuac Norte, FAD International Academy India, FIT NY, IED – Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Madrid, San Paulo, IBERO México, Istituto Marangoni Milano, IUAD Naples, London College of Fashion, Kent State University, NABA Milan, Osaka Institute of Fashion, SAIC Chicago, University of Northampton, and West Valley College California. Arts Thread collaborated with CENTRO not only to mark CENTRO’s 20th anniversary but also to continue its commitment to showcasing emerging talent and fostering collaboration between educators, students, and industry leaders.
The creative impetus for this project arose from the desire to reinterpret traditional vibrant Mexican textile artistry through the lens of modern technology. Inspired by the fusion of age-old craftsmanship with new digital possibilities, our work sought to capture the dynamic evolution of fashion. The resulting visuals reflect a vibrant cultural narrative that pays homage to Mexico’s storied past while boldly envisioning its creative future.
Our research delved deep into Mexican textile heritage and its influential role in contemporary fashion design. By examining traditional patterns, materials, and techniques, we established a rich visual language that resonated with historical significance and modern appeal. This investigation, combined with a thorough understanding of the client’s aesthetic vision, provided the critical framework necessary to guide the AI generation process and ensure that every image was both contextually meaningful and visually striking.
The images and animations were generated using ComfyUI with Flux, allowing us precise control over the creative output. This local generation process enabled iterative refinements and the application of advanced upscaling techniques to achieve maximum quality and clarity. By integrating traditional design elements with modern AI capabilities, we crafted a series of visuals that accurately reflected the event’s dual emphasis on heritage and creativity.
The final collection of images match the visual identity and encapsulates the essence of the Global Fashion Graduate event. The AI-generated images and animations not only celebrate the rich legacy of Mexican textile traditions but also embody the creative spirit driving the future of fashion. This project has successfully provided a compelling, illustrative narrative that match the standard for creative expression in international design events.
