September 24, 2026, 12:30 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The Milan edition of Vogue World was supposed to focus on fashion. Instead, humanoid robots sparked discussions and critical reactions online.
Vogue World is considered a mix of fashion show, celebrity event, and grand spectacle. This year’s edition in Milan aimed to celebrate Italian craftsmanship and the significance of human creativity in the age of modern technology. That’s precisely why the appearance of robots stood out.
During the segment “The Age of Intelligence,” humanoid robots from the Chinese manufacturer Unitree walked the runway. The machines waved to the audience, encouraged viewers to clap along, and quickly became the most talked-about moment of the evening. On social media, the actual fashion temporarily took a backseat.
Criticism of the Staging Grows
The reactions from the audience received particular attention. Images of fashion icons like Alessandro Michele and Miuccia Prada spread rapidly online. At the same time, critical comments multiplied on platforms such as Reddit, Instagram and X.
Some users described the appearance as alienating and questioned why robots were part of a fashion show if they weren’t even presenting clothing. For others, the scene symbolizes a development that extends far beyond the fashion industry. Critics see the appearance as further evidence that new technologies are increasingly encroaching on creative fields traditionally dominated by human labor.
The Role of AI and Big Tech
The debate gains additional urgency due to the event’s sponsors. Supporters of the Milan edition included Meta and OpenAI, among others. Observers point out that major tech companies are increasingly seeking alliances with the fashion and media industries.
Also of interest: Sex with robots could soon become commonplace
As a result, the robot appearance is more than just an unusual show act for many critics. The discussion now also revolves around how naturally artificial intelligence and robotics will be presented in culture, media, and entertainment in the future. One thing is already certain: The machines generated significantly more buzz than many of the collections shown.