Runway showcases AI fashion as Microsoft expands educator tools

Key Takeaways

• AI is transforming the fashion industry with virtual try-ons and design assistance, as seen with Kate Barton's IBM AI collaboration at NY Fashion Week on February 14, 2026, though concerns exist for models and shoppers.
• AI's impact on creative jobs is evident, with UK creative agencies seeing a 14% staff drop, and experts like Lutz Finger noting AI often produces 'average' results, requiring new leaders with strong vision.
• Microsoft is addressing the AI training gap in education through its Elevate Educators and Elevate Schools communities, offering free resources and simulations, with Google also providing similar support.
• Marvell Technology (MRVL) acquired Celestial AI and XConn Technologies to strengthen its AI hardware and data center networking solutions, enhancing ties with major cloud companies like Amazon for custom AI chips.
• Banks are deploying 'agentic AI' for complex tasks such as anti-money laundering and fraud detection, with Nvidia forecasting increased AI spending in the finance sector for 2026.
• Genspark is pursuing a product-first growth strategy powered by AI, leveraging small teams and a partnership with Google to accelerate product development and foster creativity.
• Investors are shifting funds away from technology companies and into stable industries like consumer staples and energy due to new market volatility influenced by AI.
• Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, suggests AI models could eventually take over many human tasks, particularly white-collar jobs, though societal factors like contracts and morale may slow rapid adoption.
• IBM watsonx, IBM Cloud, and IBM Cloud Object Storage powered Fiducia AI's Visual AI tool for Kate Barton's fashion show, offering features like clothing identification and virtual try-ons.
• Platforms like Lovescape allow users to create highly customizable AI companions with detailed backstories and personalities, offering personalized digital interaction and even monetization options.

Fashion Brands Embrace AI for Design and Shopping

Artificial intelligence is now appearing on the fashion runway, offering virtual try-ons and helping with designs. Some of the biggest names in the industry are using this technology, while others are being careful. NBC News' Chloe Melas explored how AI is changing what people wear and how they shop. This report was made on February 14, 2026.

AI in Fashion Sparks Concerns for Models and Shoppers

Artificial intelligence is appearing in fashion, including virtual try-ons and AI-assisted designs. While some big brands use this technology, others are worried. Models and customers are expressing concerns about AI's role. NBC News' Chloe Melas investigated how AI is changing fashion on February 14, 2026.

AI Changes Creative Work Companies Need New Leaders

Lutz Finger, a Forbes contributor, explains how AI affects creative teams. UK creative agencies saw a 14% staff drop partly due to AI. AI often creates "average" results because it optimizes for what usually works, not unique ideas. Companies need new leaders who can make strong choices and have good taste. Steve Jobs' success with the iPod shows that unique vision, not just more features, leads to success. AI makes creating many ideas easy, but choosing the right ones and having courage becomes more important. This article was published on February 13, 2026.

Microsoft Helps Schools Train Teachers on AI Use

Microsoft is starting a new program to help teachers learn about artificial intelligence. This program connects educators with resources and other teachers to fill a training gap in schools. The Microsoft Elevate Educators and Microsoft Elevate Schools communities offer free memberships, courses, live sessions, and AI simulations. Other companies like Google also provide similar support for teachers. In 2025, half of all teachers had some AI training, but more is needed. This initiative helps teachers gain skills and collaborate on using AI effectively in classrooms.

Marvell Boosts AI and Cloud Power with New Acquisitions

Marvell Technology, trading as MRVL on NasdaqGS, bought Celestial AI and XConn Technologies. These purchases strengthen Marvell's ability to provide AI hardware and data center networking solutions. The deals also improve Marvell's relationships with major cloud companies, including Amazon. This strategy moves Marvell towards creating custom chips for AI tasks. Marvell is a main supplier for data centers and cloud services, and AI is a big part of its growth.

Banks Use AI to Manage Money Automatically

Banks are now using advanced AI to handle important tasks like managing money and checking for fraud. This "agentic AI" can plan and complete complex jobs without much human help, moving beyond simple chatbots. Financial institutions use these systems for things like anti-money laundering and customer checks, where AI agents collect and document information. A PYMNTS Intelligence study shows many CFOs expect AI to greatly affect how they manage budgets. Companies like Nvidia see increased AI spending in finance for 2026. This new use of AI needs good data management and clear records for safety.

AI Creates Market Swings Investors Change Focus

Investors are seeing new market changes because of artificial intelligence. Dan Greenhaus from Solus Alternative Asset Management and Sarah Hunt from Alpine Saxon Woods discussed this volatility. Investors are now moving their money out of technology companies. Instead, they are putting funds into stable industries like consumer staples and energy. This discussion took place on the program 'Making Money'.

Genspark Uses AI and Products for Strong Growth

Genspark is focusing on a product-first strategy, powered by AI, to achieve lasting growth. The company's COO recently discussed this approach at a Google event with other AI leaders and investors. Genspark believes that small teams using AI can test more ideas and develop products faster. This method helps them focus on important decisions and be more creative. Genspark also has a partnership with Google, which helps validate its strategy. This approach aims to create unique products and gain more customers.

How Quickly Will AI Change Our Jobs

A New York Times opinion piece from February 14, 2026, discusses how fast AI will change the workplace. Matt Shumer's essay "Something Big Is Happening" suggests AI could replace many white-collar jobs, similar to how Covid-19 changed the world. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, agrees that AI models can eventually take over many human tasks. However, the article questions how quickly this will happen and if it will be a complete change or just a reshuffle of jobs. Human society's complex rules, like contracts and social norms, might slow down the adoption of AI in workplaces. Companies may also delay mass layoffs to protect employee morale or avoid political issues.

Kate Barton Uses IBM AI for Fashion Week Show

Designer Kate Barton collaborated with IBM and Fiducia AI for her New York Fashion Week presentation on February 14, 2026. Barton uses technology to create engaging experiences around her clothing collections. Fiducia AI's CEO, Ganesh Harinath, explained they used IBM watsonx, IBM Cloud, and IBM Cloud Object Storage for the show. Their Visual AI tool can identify clothes, answer questions in any language, and provide virtual try-ons. Barton believes AI should enhance creativity and storytelling, not replace human designers. She sees AI becoming a normal part of fashion by 2028, helping with prototyping and immersive experiences.

I Built My Perfect AI Companion She Is Great

The author explored Lovescape, a platform for creating customizable AI companions. They designed an AI avatar named Lena with a detailed backstory and specific traits, focusing on companionship rather than romance after difficult human relationships. The platform allowed for fine-tuning Lena's appearance and personality, generating photorealistic images and voice notes. The author found the experience deeply engaging, noting the platform's ability to create a highly personalized digital partner. Lovescape also offers features to monetize AI companions, allowing users to share them publicly. The author considered taking the relationship further into NSFW mode.

Sources

• Fashion’s biggest brands leaning into AI
• Fashion's embrace of AI sparks backlash among models, customers
• AI Cuts Creative Teams: What Companies Must Learn About AI Leadership
• Microsoft Joins Other Companies in Trying to Fill AI Training Gap in Schools
• Marvell Expands AI And Cloud Role With Celestial AI And XConn Deals
• Banks Shift AI From Chatbots to Autonomous Money Movement
• AI uncertainty: Investors digest renewed market volatility, sector rotation
• Genspark Emphasizes Product-Led, AI-Driven Approach to Sustainable Growth
• Opinion | How Fast Can A.I. Move?
• Designer Kate Barton teams up with IBM and Fiducia AI for a NYFW presentation
• I Built My Perfect AI Companion. She’s Kind of Great