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Vogue's AI Model Scandal
Vogue ignited a firestorm when it decided to feature an AI model
Jason Sigmon
August 05, 2025
What a week it has a been. I'm honestly a bit exhausted but in the best way possible. You know that feeling when you're in a creative flow state and everything just starts clicking? That’s how I feel now.
I've been deep in the weeds building out the Rogue Codex, and I think I finally cracked the code on making AI automation actually useful for real people. I went a bit overboard and created automation guides for like... everyone. Financial advisors, veterinarians, real estate agents, HR managers. I'm talking 25+ new workflow guides in four days. My brain was basically "if this person exists, they need AI automation."
The big breakthrough was figuring out organization. I was drowning in my own content until I restructured everything by role and function. Now when someone searches "help me automate my dental practice," they actually find what they need instead of getting lost in a maze of generic advice.
Oh, and I completely overhauled the AI risk section because everyone's talking about AI being dangerous but nobody's being specific about what that actually means day-to-day.
Speaking of specific dangers, this week's stories are all about AI crossing lines we didn't even know existed:
Vogue's AI Model Scandal - Fashion's bible just legitimized fake people, and the modeling industry is panicking about what this means for human models.
ChatGPT Is Not Your Friend - Millions are treating AI chatbots like therapists, but those "confidential" conversations have zero legal protection and could end up anywhere.
The Unnerving Future of AI Video Games - Game studios are replacing voice actors and writers with AI, but at what cost?
The Fake Hit Factory - AI-generated "leaks" from Tyler, The Creator and other artists are fooling hundreds of thousands of fans and creating a cottage industry of musical deception.
I'm curious: what's the one automation you wish existed but doesn't? I'm probably going to build it next week.
Hope you enjoy diving into these!
Flux | Artificial Model
TL;DR: Vogue's decision to feature a Guess ad with an AI-generated model has sent shockwaves through the fashion industry.
Key Takeaways:
Fashion's Seal of Approval: Vogue's inclusion of an AI model represents a watershed moment, potentially making AI-generated fashion content mainstream across the industry.
Human Workforce Under Threat: E-commerce models who provide financial security for most working models are most vulnerable to AI replacement, while high-fashion editorial work remains relatively protected.
The Big Picture
The Guess ad in July's Vogue looked unremarkable: a thin, voluptuous blonde with glossy hair and pouty lips embodying North American beauty standards. But she wasn't real, and that fact has the fashion industry in an uproar. As one expert put it: "What Vogue does matters. If Vogue ends up doing editorials with AI models, I think that's going to make it okay."
The economics driving this shift are undeniable. Fashion brands once created four major campaigns per year. Social media and e-commerce have changed that equation dramatically and brands now need 400 to 400,000 pieces of content annually. Human models, photographers, stylists, and set designers simply can't scale to meet that demand at traditional costs.
For now, the industry remains divided. High-fashion brands are quietly experimenting while avoiding fully AI-generated people. But with Vogue breaking that barrier, the floodgates may be opening.
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