The robotic intrusion at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The presence of humanoid robots on the runway at Vogue World Milan 2026 triggered a spectrum of reactions ranging from mild indifference to intense anger among fashion enthusiasts. During the event held on September 22, 2026, at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a specific segment titled 'The Age of Intelligence' featured futuristic machines that interacted with the audience while the track 'L’Amour Toujours' by Gigi D’Agostino played in the background.
For many attendees, the inclusion of these machines felt like a departure from the core values of the event. While Vogue intended to showcase the intersection of tradition and progress, the reality of seeing non-human entities on the catwalk led to significant backlash on social media platforms. Critics questioned the fundamental necessity of robots in a space dedicated to clothing and human creativity. The event, which marked the start of Milan Fashion Week, was designed as a five-act exploration of the past, present, and future of fashion, attempting to balance Italian craftsmanship with technological innovation.
The disconnect between technology and garment
A primary point of contention was the perceived lack of purpose for the machines. One observer on social media pointed out the logical flaw in the presentation, asking, "What are the robots doing there? They aren't even wearing clothes." This sentiment captured a broader frustration: if fashion is the art of dressing the human form, the introduction of entities that do not participate in the act of wearing garments feels hollow to purists.
The frustration was not limited to the utility of the robots but extended to the very presence of AI in a medium traditionally defined by human touch. On platforms like Reddit, users expressed a growing fatigue, with one commentator writing, "I am so tired of robots and AI being forced upon us! This has to stop!" This sentiment highlights a growing divide between those who see technology as a natural evolution and those who see it as an unwanted imposition on the artistry of fashion.
What was Miuccia Prada's reaction to the robotic display?
Miuccia Prada's refusal to applaud the robotic segment became a viral moment that encapsulated the tension between the industry's old guard and its technological future. While the show was structured in five acts to explore the past, present, and future of fashion, the reaction from one of the industry's most influential figures signaled a profound skepticism toward the automation of the runway.
The lack of applause from Prada was not merely a personal gesture but was interpreted by many as a symbolic stand for the "human touch" that Vogue had promised to celebrate. The event's theme emphasized that even in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, human creativity remains the essential ingredient. Prada's silent disapproval resonated with those who feel that the soul of fashion is being eroded by rapid technological integration. Her reaction, captured by social media users, served as a stark contrast to the high-tech spectacle being presented.
How does this compare to historic uses of robotics in fashion?
The controversy at Vogue World has led many to compare the current use of robots to the iconic work of Alexander McQueen. Unlike the recent displays, which some critics claim add nothing to the collection, McQueen’s use of technology was deeply integrated into the narrative and emotional impact of his shows.
One of the most famous examples cited by critics is McQueen’s Spring/Summer 1999 "No. 13" show. In that performance, model Shalom Harlow stood on a rotating platform while two industrial robots—typically used for car painting—sprayed her white dress with black and yellow pigment. This was not a mere gimmick; it was a choreographed piece of performance art that used machines to transform the garment and the model in real-time. It was a moment where the machine served the art, rather than the art serving the machine.
Artistic integration vs. technological spectacle
The distinction lies in the intention behind the machine. In the McQueen example, the robots were tools of creation that contributed to the visual and conceptual climax of the show. In contrast, the recent appearance of Unitree Robotics at Vogue World was viewed by some as a distraction that lacked a meaningful connection to the actual clothing being presented. Critics argued that these robots "add absolutely nothing to the collection or the runway," emphasizing that the technology felt disconnected from the craftsmanship being celebrated.
This distinction is central to the current debate: is technology a medium for art, or is it replacing the artist? For many, the McQueen moment was a marriage of man and machine, whereas the Vogue World display felt like a technological spectacle that bypassed the human element entirely.
Is the fashion industry moving toward a robotic future?
Despite the backlash in Milan, the trend of integrating robotics and AI into fashion shows is accelerating globally. The appearance of robots at Vogue World is part of a broader pattern seen in recent international fashion weeks and high-tech presentations, suggesting a shift that is difficult to reverse.
- Seoul Fashion Week: Just days before the Milan event, the Greedilous show brought robotics to the runway, featuring a humanoid robot walking alongside human models as part of an exploration of futuristic design.
- Coperni: The brand has a history of using robotic elements, notably in their Fall/Winter 2023 collection, which featured robotic dogs walking alongside models.
- Parisian Interpretations: In Paris, Boston Dynamics' "Spot" robots were utilized in a futuristic retelling of "The Wolf and the Lamb," where the machines interacted directly with the models.
- Maison Roboto: Perhaps the most significant development is the emergence of Maison Roboto in 2026, recognized as the world's first robotic haute couture house. This entity creates garments specifically engineered to fit the unique mechanical anatomy of commercial humanoid robots.
These developments suggest that while there is significant resistance from traditionalists, the industry is actively experimenting with how artificial intelligence and mechanical entities can redefine the boundaries of the runway and the very definition of couture.
Frequently asked questions
Why were robots used at Vogue World Milan 2026?
The robots were part of a segment titled "The Age of Intelligence," designed to explore the relationship between Italian craftsmanship and technological innovation. Vogue intended to showcase how the future of fashion might be shaped by the synergy between human creativity and advanced technology.
What was the main criticism against the robots?
The main criticism was that the robots added no value to the fashion itself, as they were not wearing clothes. Critics argued that their presence distracted from the human models and the handmade quality of the garments, which the event was supposed to celebrate.
How did Miuccia Prada respond to the show?
Miuccia Prada did not applaud the robotic segment of the show. Her reaction quickly went viral, serving as a symbolic gesture of disapproval from one of the most respected figures in the fashion industry regarding the automation of the catwalk.
Is there a difference between McQueen's robots and recent ones?
Yes, critics argue that Alexander McQueen used robots as an artistic tool to transform garments, such as in his 1999 "No. 13" show. Recent uses are often viewed as mere spectacles that do not contribute to the actual design or the narrative of the clothing.
What is Maison Roboto?
Maison Roboto is recognized as the world's first robotic haute couture house, established in 2026. It specializes in creating high-fashion garments specifically engineered to fit the unique mechanical anatomy of commercial humanoid robots.
