Dr Mumbo is loathed to inform industry creatives that their jobs are all doomed to be replaced by AI bots after a series of fake ads seemed to have redeemed Balenciaga from its 2022 cancellation.
Maybe the situation is not quite that dire, but Dr Mumbo is still unsettled to see a bizarre series of AI-created campaigns have been viewed by millions who are voluntarily engaging with the high fashion brand once again.
The off-kilter videos see Breaking Bad, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter characters, or their high fashion alter egos in pseudo-ad campaigns that integrate fantasy worlds with the distinctive Balenciaga style.
AI’s not-quite-there interpretation of the well-loved characters makes for uncomfortable, or hilarious viewing, depending on how you see it.
Dr Mumbo suspects Balenciaga has absolutely nothing to do with this, but it can’t be a bad thing for the brand.
“Wingardium Balenciaga” is not a phrase Dr Mumbo had ever expected to hear, but it seems this is just the way of the future.
Take a look at this week’s Campaign Review to see how these home-made AI ads compare to a couple of recent AI-led works from real creative agencies.