Thoughts from the Editors

Coperni’s dog robots and counterfeit Chanel in the metaverse are proof enough that fashion and technology are intertwined. As artificial intelligence overtakes many aspects of our lives, it begs the question: does technology do more harm than good? In STITCH’s Technology Issue, we consider this question through the lens of fashion. When does techno-centrism stop being marvelous, and instead, turn menacing? After all, beneath a metallic bliss of iridescence lurks over surveillance, or even worse, a complete, AI takeover of pop culture as we know it. This duality frames the creative and editorial content.

Our photoshoots explore different fashion “futures:” over surveillance, glossy glitz, and AI-meets-real-life. Flashing cameras amid an eerie backdrop reveal a sinister side of technology. Yet, sequined dresses and iridescent makeup in the “Metallic shoot” remind us that the future can be something out of a dystopian novel or a Renaissance music video—sleek, shiny and carefree. And nothing says that AI and art can’t go hand-in-hand. The final photoshoot blurs the lines between editorial fashion and computer-generated art by transplanting models onto a DALL.E 2-generated background ... Cher’s closet can step aside.

Our editorial content further confronts the digital dilemma. Personal essays evoke nostalgia for flip phones; Barbie and Disney Princess computer games; Polaroid cameras; and pre-Insta social life. But they also embody the thrive of securing the latest dunks with the help of a bot. Other pieces celebrate technocentrism for bringing us the cyberpunk aesthetics (i.e., dillo ‘23) and metaverse concerts.

Whether you see fashion’s merger with technology as fun or frightening, we hope you enjoy our take on this phenomena.