Levi’s announcement that it would pilot AI-generated models to “increase diversity” was met with backlash from Black models who already face underrepresentation in the fashion industry.

According to Insider, the company announced last week that it would partner with Lalaland.ai, “an AI-powered digital fashion studio that creates lifelike fashion models.” Levi’s said it hopes the initiative will increase “the number and diversity” of its models “in a sustainable way,” per a press release.

Jasmine Rutledge, a 28-year-old Black model in Los Angeles, believes the company should be using its resources to book more diverse models.

“I think it’s silly, especially because there are so many diverse models out there,” Rutledge said. “So they talk about diversity, yet they’re not willing to go out

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