As artificial intelligence (AI) continues transforming industries […]

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues transforming industries across the world, Zambian fashion designers are being encouraged to embrace the technology without sacrificing the originality that defines their craft.

Ragged Different founder, fashion designer, and model Mulenga Mumba says AI has become a valuable tool in fashion, helping designers generate ideas, develop concepts, and visualize garments before production.

 Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Mumba said AI can make the creative process more efficient by assisting with brainstorming, styling, scripting, and conceptualizing designs. “It helps in bringing ideas to life before you even begin the construction of the garment. It can help with conceptualizing, styling, and working out different ideas,” she said.

However, Mumba warned that AI should complement creativity rather than replace it, saying overdependence on the technology could undermine originality and encourage plagiarism. “It depends on how we use it. AI is only a tool. It should not replace creativity because fashion is built on original ideas. Designers should continue creating from their imagination,” she said.

 Mumba added that while AI has made information and inspiration more accessible, it has also become increasingly difficult to distinguish between AI-generated work and original creations. “AI is everywhere now, so we have to appreciate it. But at the same time, we should value originality even more,” she said.

 By Karen Ngulube