AI Takes Center Stage at Milan Fashion Week: Giuseppe Di Morabito’s Bold Debut
Image Source: Giuseppe Di Morabito
The Milan Fashion Week witnessed an unprecedented moment this past weekend as Giuseppe Di Morabito unveiled his debut Fall 2025 collection, titled Alone with the Stars. The show, held on February 28, 2025, at the luminous Spazio Maiocchi venue, was not only a milestone for the emerging Italian designer but also a groundbreaking showcase of artificial intelligence in fashion. At the heart of the event was Ameca, widely regarded as the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, whose presence on the runway underscored the intersection of human creativity and cutting-edge robotics.
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Ameca: The Robotic Star of the Show
The atmosphere in the venue shifted dramatically as a pre-recorded voice of Di Morabito reverberated through scattered screens: “Ameca? Ameca, wake up! The show is about to start”. The audience fell silent as Ameca, developed by Engineered Arts, came to life center stage, its mechanical breaths marking the beginning of an extraordinary presentation. Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and lifelike gestures, Ameca served as more than a prop—it embodied Di Morabito’s vision of a society hurtling toward a tech-driven future. Before the models took to the catwalk, the robot recited passages from Thomas Carlyle’s 1830s philosophical work Sartor Resartus, a text exploring the deeper meaning of clothing and human isolation—an apt prelude to the collection’s thematic depth.
Ameca’s role was not merely theatrical. Positioned as Di Morabito’s “alter ego”, the robot symbolized the rapid pace of technological advancement and society’s often unreflective embrace of it. Its ability to mimic human expressions and movements, courtesy of integrated AI, captivated attendees and sparked conversations about the potential for robotics to redefine artistic expression. This integration of AI into a traditionally human-centric domain like fashion marks a bold step, raising questions about how technology might shape the industry’s future.
Image Source: Giuseppe Di Morabito
A Collection Rooted in Resilience and Reflection
Di Morabito’s Alone with the Stars collection was a deeply personal narrative, inspired by a traumatic experience during a trip to Namibia, Africa. The designer openly discussed the accident that left him grappling with post-traumatic stress, a vulnerability he channelled into his work. “I talk quite frankly about this as I believe it kills the stigma”, Di Morabito remarked in a post-show interview, emphasizing his intent to confront and overcome past repression through design. The collection drew heavily on historical costume, particularly the protective symbolism of medieval armour, which he reimagined as a metaphor for strength amid fragility.
The runway featured a restrained colour palette—dominated by stark blacks, muted grays, and earthy browns evocative of Namibia’s red desert—contrasting with the shimmer of crystals symbolizing stars. Model Amelia Gray Hamlin opened the show in a striking all-black ensemble of hand-twisted leather, setting the tone for a lineup that blended rugged textures with ethereal elements. Iron-crafted armours, sculpted by blacksmiths, adorned models’ forms, while three-dimensional metallic roses—described by Di Morabito as “hardened fragility”—emerged as a recurring motif, mirroring his own emotional journey.
Further enriching the collection were corsets with 18th-century basques, French lace catsuits and georgette drapes, balanced by trompe-l’oeil embroideries and concealed crinolines that lent subtle structure. Lasered denim, shaped into statue-like drapery, and glass accents added dimensionality, transforming the designer’s “gloomy emotions” into a luminous finale. The inclusion of a few menswear pieces, worn by male models alongside Elisabetta Dessy and Valeria Buldini, hinted at Di Morabito’s broader vision, though he clarified, “I wouldn’t define it as a co-ed show though, it’s just a sentiment”. These tailored designs, adapted from men’s fits, underscored his innovative approach to silhouette and form.
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AI and Fashion: A New Frontier?
The debut of Ameca at Milan Fashion Week signals a potential turning point for the industry, where artificial intelligence could extend beyond design tools into live performances. While AI has already influenced fashion through digital rendering and trend analysis, its physical presence on the runway introduces a new dynamic. Experts suggest this could pave the way for robots to serve as models, narrators, or even co-creators, challenging traditional roles while enhancing spectacle. However, it also prompts debate: Does AI amplify human artistry, or does it risk overshadowing it?
Di Morabito’s use of Ameca aligns with a growing trend of technology integration in fashion, seen in previous experiments like AI-generated collections and metaverse shows. Yet, his approach stands out for its philosophical grounding, using the robot to probe existential questions rather than mere novelty. Critics may argue that such theatrics distract from the garments themselves, but supporters see it as a visionary blend of innovation and storytelling—a testament to fashion’s evolving identity in a digital age.
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Di Morabito’s Rising Star
Though this marked Di Morabito’s first official runway appearance at Milan Fashion Week, the designer is no newcomer to the industry. Since founding his brand in 2016, he has cultivated a following among celebrities like Lady Gaga and Zendaya, leveraging their spotlight to build a reputation for glamorous, structured designs. His debut collection, backed by a minimalist yet impactful aesthetic, reinforces his trajectory as a talent to watch. The armour-like motifs and starry embellishments suggest a future as radiant as his crystalline creations.
Source: Vogue, Giuseppe Di Morabito
