Salford students power AI-driven immersive catwalk

Students from across BA Fashion Business and Promotion, MA Fashion Design, MA Animation and MA Dance lent their skills to design and present the show, titled ‘Runway to the Future’, at THG Studios in Altrincham.

The event, headlined by fashion brand Topshop, featured a runway that was a blend of 30 in-person models and AI-generated virtual avatars. Customers in attendance could try on the virtual outfits and purchase around 80 per cent of the items shown on the runway in real time using the bespoke Front Row AI app.

An AI host also guided guests during the event alongside digital content creator and entrepreneur Patricia Bright, while interactive AI stylists offered guidance for those trying on the outfits virtually.

Gemma Moran, Subject Group Head for Fashion at the University of Salford, said: “Our students’ involvement in the THG fashion show demonstrates the ambition and innovation at the heart of our Fashion subject area.

“Their work reflects a future-focused approach to creativity, where craft, technology and storytelling come together in exciting new ways."

Each of the four course groups had specific tasks for the show. BA Fashion Business and Promotion worked in the show space and provided content generation in addition to capturing the behind-the-scenes of the event whilst dressing and running.

The MA Fashion Design team also worked in the show space as well as producing garments for the runway. The MA Animation team developed the technology for the screen’s AI visuals whilst the MA Dance students worked on the show choreography with the show producer. The students collaborated together to close the event.

A spokesperson for THG Studios said: “We are immensely proud and honoured that these talented designers from the University of Salford closed our show. This finale was more than a showcase of their incredible work; it was a powerful statement.

“By giving the final act to the next generation, we symbolically pass the torch, demonstrating our belief that the future is in their capable hands. Their creations, born from this unique intersection of academia and industry, represent the very future we aim to build."

The production was officially certified as the world’s first AI-driven immersive, shoppable catwalk by the World Record Certification Agency.