Modi, Trump, Putin walk the ramp for Elon Musk’s AI runway

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, never one to shy away from spectacle, shared an AI-generated video on Monday that was as bizarre as it was entertaining. The video, that Musk captioned "High time for an AI fashion show," on X, featured an array of prominent political figures, each donning outlandish, futuristic attire as they strutted down a digital runway. If the idea of the Pope in high fashion wasn’t wild enough, the rest of the video surely took the cake.

Now, I wouldn’t be able to tell these politicians-turned-AI runway models apart in a line-up, but I do know fashion, whether it be meme-worthy or not. 

The show kicked off with none other than Pope Francis, who appeared dressed in an ensemble that can only be described as divine haute couture. Clad in a white Balenciaga-like puffer coat that could double as a luxury sleeping bag, the Pope’s outfit was cinched at the waist with a gold belt that screamed “Vatican bling.” To complete his look, he carried a large, ornate cross in one hand and a holy water sprinkler in the other, because why not? 

Next up was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appeared to have raided a technicolour dreamcoat factory. Modi’s vibrant, multi-coloured ensemble featured a long, patchwork coat adorned with geometric patterns and symbols, merging traditional Indian design with futuristic flair. Adding a stylish twist, he sported dark sunglasses that made him look like a Bollywood star ready to take on the world. His outfit was a riot of colours and patterns, making one wonder if he was considering a new field of work, maybe as a hypnotist.

Former US President Barack Obama made multiple appearances, each more surprising than the last. First, he was seen in a Goku themed outfit from the Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z.  Confusing. This was followed by a basketball uniform, a clear nod to his well-known love for the sport. Finally, Obama appeared in several warrior-inspired outfits, channeling his inner gladiator. It was as if the AI couldn’t decide if he was a diplomat, an anime hero, or a sports icon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, always one for understated elegance, was clad head-to-toe in Louis Vuitton. The luxury brand’s logo was splashed all over his very strapless outfit, making him look more like a high-end luggage salesman than a world leader. My first thought was: “This is so Rocky Aur Rani coded. Karan Johar would be proud.”  

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden appeared in a wheelchair, wearing sunglasses, and a US military uniform. A nod to his legacy as president maybe?

Donald Trump then appeared in an orange prison-like jumpsuit with handcuffs dangling off his waist. Musk really didn’t shy away from the not-so-subtle jabs.

Musk himself couldn’t resist the temptation to feature in his own AI creation. He appeared in a costume that combined elements of a superhero outfit with Tesla branding and the X logo, looking ready to save the world—or at least sell it a few more electric cars.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s ensemble was a fashion statement in its own right. He wore a baggy, long hoodie paired with a chunky gold necklace, the name “KIM” plastered across the front of his person. It evoked the image of a K-pop star who just raided a hip-hop wardrobe.

Other notable appearances included Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who walked the runway in a red dress, embracing his inner fashionista with an attitude that suggested he was more than ready to break into the drag scene. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton turned heads in a bright red Supreme pantsuit, blending high fashion with streetwear in a way that only she (or at least her fake version) could pull off.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s outfit was perhaps the most whimsical of all. Dressed in a bright red set covered with playful, colourful teddy bear motifs, including a matching handbag, he looked ready for a costume party rather than a political summit. The outfit, a clever reference to the banning of Winnie the Pooh in China after the public started drawing similarities between the beloved honey-loving bear and Jinping. He clearly didn’t find the comparisons amusing.

Unsurprisingly this is not AI’s first foray into fashion. London Fashion Week this year announced before it’s shows in February that it will showcase a host of AI-generated outfits and industry. As per The Guardian, insiders expressed a growing optimism about what the technology can do for the sector – from improving diversity to shortening the path from design desk to shop floor.

But after this stunt, we might have to keep reminding ourselves that this display was anything but real because Musk has managed to transform some of the world’s most powerful people into memes that we just cannot take seriously.