“Baggu and Collina Strada are the most recent targets of ire among consumers opposed to the use of generative AI designs, and they won’t be the last. What does it mean for an industry that has already embraced the innovation with open arms?
When nylon bag maker Baggu debuted its collaboration with the equally buzzy label Collina Strada last week, the two brands were expecting a smash hit. Ahead of the release, their young online fans fawned over the psychedelic prints and a horse-shaped purse in the collection — styles that exemplify Collina Strada’s irreverent aesthetic.
The capsule is selling well, according to Baggu chief executive Emily Sugihara. But on social media, the collection, which includes Baggu’s signature reusable shopping bags, pouches, towels and a tent, met a more mixed response. Some consumers expressed anger and disappointment over the use of generative artificial intelligence by Collina Strada, pointing to the technology’s implications for the livelihood of artists as well as its potential impact on the environment.“