Norma Kamali Embraces AI to Change Fashion

MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Publication Date: April 22, 2025

Norma Kamali, a well-known designer, now uses AI to change fashion. Her work spans more than fifty years. She made clothes for stars like Whitney Houston and Jessica Biel. Today, she adds AI as a new tool to create and build on her past work.

A Pioneering Spirit

Kamali began her work with AI after she took an online course at MIT Professional Education called "Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation" in 2023. In the class, she learned how AI can push creative ideas further. After a talk with experts in Abu Dhabi, who liked her Walmart collection, she thought of a system that uses AI. Instead of copying her own style, she chose a method that brings her 57-year design archive into play. "I thought, AI could be my Karl Lagerfeld," she said with a smile. Her choice means that she keeps her art while adding a new way to make designs.

The Learning Journey

To bring her idea to life, Kamali studied generative AI. At first, the concept seemed hard. She spent time learning about prompts, training data, and the art that AI can make. "I was not sure of the things I could do," she said. "But as I learned, my ideas grew." She then asked AI to rework one of her well-known styles—dark clothes with silver studs. The result felt like magic and mixed art, tech, and fashion in one look.

When AI produced odd shapes, she saw them as a chance to start new art. "Some of the best fashion is strange," she explained. This fun result can lead to new creative looks.

AI’s Role in the Future of Fashion

Kamali’s use of AI is part of a growing trend in fashion. Many see tech as a way to bring fresh ideas to the field. Bhaskar Pant, who leads MIT Professional Education, said Norma shows that learning has no age. He noted that the course gave many a way to use AI to get better work and creative ideas.

Kamali also spoke about worries that machines might change jobs. While she sees gaps in skills such as sewing, she believes that AI can help designers face new challenges.

She also looks to AI to keep production green. For years, she has worked to reduce waste from clothing. She imagines a day when AI helps decide fabrics, cuts waste, and makes items on demand. "Imagine a system where you design your wedding dress online and a machine makes it, one piece at a time," she said.

Looking Ahead

Abel Sanchez, a teacher for the AI course, said AI will mark the future in many fields, including fashion. "Generative AI is opening new ways to think, design, and connect with buyers," he said.

Kamali kept close talks with Abel, which fed her interest in AI. "AI grows so fast, I know I must study it again," she said. Her words remind us that learning stays a fun part of life.

For those unsure about AI, Kamali said the choice feels like living in a foreign place without knowing its language. "It feels like that for those who ignore AI. The train is gone, so you must join," she warned.

Now, her work with AI sits alongside her classic designs on her website. Kamali shows that tech does not hold back art. Her core idea is clear: "Learning is life’s adventure. Why stop now?"

As she moves forward with smart tech, the world of fashion watches with clear eyes, ready to see how her past and new techniques come together in fresh, surprising ways.