Vogue World Milan’s Robot Runway Divides Opinions—and Signals Fashion’s Tech Shift

Vogue World Milan’s latest edition ended with a scene that upended expectations: humanoid robots, not models, took center stage. The display, part of an act titled The Age of Intelligence, was sponsored by Meta Glasses and OpenAI and featured robots created by Chinese firm Unitree. While the event was marketed as a tribute to Italian craftsmanship, the robot showcase sparked criticism and divided opinions among attendees and industry observers.

Robots Take the Runway at Vogue World Milan

Vogue World Milan, an annual traveling event by Vogue magazine, concluded with a controversial moment that overshadowed its fashion presentations. During an act titled The Age of Intelligence, humanoid robots created by Chinese robotics firm Unitree walked the runway at Milan’s Galleria. According to TechCrunch, the robots performed simple actions like waving and dancing but wore no clothing, creating a stark contrast with the event’s theme of celebrating Italian craftsmanship and "the human touch."

The display was met with mixed reactions. Alessandro Michele, creative director of Valentino, was photographed with a pained expression, which quickly spread across social media. Observers noted the irony of robots dominating a fashion event marketed as a tribute to human artistry.

Tech Sponsorship and Cultural Clout

Vogue World Milan was sponsored by Meta Glasses and OpenAI, two prominent players in the tech industry. According to TechCrunch, the event reflects Vogue’s long-standing efforts to build relationships with Silicon Valley, a strategy that has intensified in recent years. As one observer noted, Vogue possesses the cultural influence and access that tech leaders covet.

The choice of San Francisco for the next Vogue World further cements this alignment. Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, has been vocal about her close ties with tech industry figures, including collaborations with Jony Ive at the Met Gala and featuring Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez on the cover of Vogue’s wedding issue.

Criticism and Financial Concerns

The decision to feature robots at Vogue World Milan drew criticism from attendees and industry observers. According to TechCrunch, some viewed the move as tone-deaf, given the current economic climate and ongoing debates about AI’s role in displacing jobs. The inclusion of Unitree’s robots—manufactured in China—also raised questions about the event’s messaging, particularly its emphasis on Italian craftsmanship.

Skeptics argued that the spectacle prioritized tech industry optics over the artistry and labor of fashion designers, many of whom operate in an industry already facing financial pressures.

Background: Vogue’s Tech Ambitions

Vogue World is an annual event that has previously been held in cities like New York, London, and Paris. Historically, it has served as a celebration of fashion, culture, and high-profile collaborations. In recent years, however, Vogue has sought to strengthen its ties with the tech industry, viewing it as a crucial partner in shaping the future of creative industries.

This shift aligns with broader trends in luxury and fashion, where brands increasingly collaborate with tech companies to explore new revenue streams, digital experiences, and innovations like AI-driven design tools.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Vogue’s decision to feature humanoid robots at its Milan event reflects a broader tension in the fashion industry: the push and pull between tradition and technology. For founders and operators, this moment underscores how prestige brands are increasingly courting the tech sector—not just as sponsors but as cultural collaborators.

The backlash also highlights a growing sensitivity around AI and automation, especially during economic uncertainty. Fashion, like many industries, is grappling with how to integrate technology without alienating its core audience or appearing tone-deaf. For startups and investors, this serves as a reminder that cultural capital is just as valuable as venture capital. Tech companies are eager to align themselves with iconic brands like Vogue to lend legitimacy to their own ambitions, while fashion houses leverage tech partnerships to stay relevant in a digital-first world.

The next Vogue World in San Francisco suggests this relationship will only deepen. Founders should watch how this dynamic evolves, particularly in industries where human creativity and craftsmanship are central. The question isn’t just whether technology belongs in fashion, but how—and who gets to decide.

Key takeaways

• Vogue World Milan featured humanoid robots on the runway, sparking mixed reactions and criticism.
• The event was sponsored by Meta Glasses and OpenAI, reflecting Vogue’s growing ties to the tech industry.
• Alessandro Michele’s viral reaction highlighted discomfort with the juxtaposition of fashion and robotics.
• Vogue’s next edition will be in San Francisco, further aligning the brand with tech culture.
• The incident raises questions about the role of AI and automation in creative industries during economic uncertainty.

FAQ

Why did Vogue World Milan feature robots on the runway?

According to TechCrunch, the robots were part of an act titled The Age of Intelligence, reflecting Vogue’s broader efforts to align with the tech industry. The event was sponsored by Meta Glasses and OpenAI, emphasizing the growing collaboration between fashion and technology.

What was the reaction to the robots at Vogue World Milan?

Reactions were mixed. Alessandro Michele, creative director of Valentino, was photographed with a pained expression, which went viral. Critics argued the display was tone-deaf, given economic uncertainty and concerns about AI’s impact on labor. Others saw it as a bold statement about the future of fashion.

Why is Vogue moving its next event to San Francisco?

Vogue has been cultivating relationships with Silicon Valley for years, and the move to San Francisco signals a deeper commitment to partnering with the tech industry. According to TechCrunch, the decision aligns with Vogue’s strategy to leverage tech’s cultural influence while offering tech leaders access to fashion’s prestige.

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