Recap: "When Fashions Meet AI - Empower Green Future"
Stanford Valentine's Day Innovation Event
On February 11, 2025, the Valentine's Day innovation event "When Fashion meets AI - Empower Green Future." was held at the Stanford Faculty Club. Fashion frontier Yue-Sai Kan, renowned professor of Stanford University Jim Sweeney, and Leo Ma, CEO of RoboForce, together with two moderators at a roundtable panel to discuss common topics among three different industries. The event was co-organized by: Yue-Sai Kan, Chair of the One World Foundation; Kerry Yu, Founder of China-US Fashion Week; Xiaofeng Zhang, President of the Global Green Development Alliance; and Top Designer Huijun Jia. The fashion show featured robots dancing alongside models, with the highlight being Huijun Jia's "Ocean World" design collection. Hosted in the center of Silicon Valley, this event was a collaborative effort between the Global Green Development Alliance (GLOGDA) and China-US Fashion Week to celebrate Valentine's Day.
The event started with a book signing for Yue-Sai Kan’s autobiography, “The most famous woman in China”, which is about her journey as a New York immigrant entered into mainstream American media industry. She created the 1990s well respected TV program Looking East, she had become an important signal of connection between the U.S. and China, hosted One World for the Chinese government, entered into fashion, and launched the Yue-Sai cosmetics brand. During the signing, Kan frequently paused to chat with fans, creating a lively atmosphere.
Yue-Sai Kan Famous TV program moderator & producer, pioneer in fashion industry, renowned writer, and philanthropist
The open remark was started by Kaedance Collete,Miss Earth.
Kerry Yu, Founder of China-America Fashion Week, expressed her honor in welcoming Yue-Sai Kan to Stanford, emphasizing fashion has a strong connection with environmental protection. She highlighted the responsibility of the fashion industry, as one of the most polluting sectors, to prioritize sustainability.
Yue-Sai Kan shared her excitement about attending the event, noting that fashion can inspire lots of goodwill. Decades ago, China had little awareness of fashion, but today, it has become an integral part of life.
Xiaofeng Zhang, President of the Global Green Development Alliance, acknowledged the challenge of organizing a cross-industry event. She is honored to host events with Yue-Sai Kan and China-US fashion week. She also mentioned there will be further discussions on AI and green energy at the upcoming 2025 Global Green Development Summit in August at Stanford.
Huijun Jia emphasized the importance of expanding the meaning of fashion beyond clothing. At this event, she will use the fashion show to deliver a message about raising awareness about ocean conservation.
Wenhui Wang, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco, remarked on the uniqueness of hosting a fashion show at a university and looked forward to seeing how fashion and technology could be integrated.
Attorney Xiaoxiao Liu introduced her law firm and discussed the application of AI in legal practice.
Well prepared Valentine Dinner at Stanford faculty club.
An hour later, the event transitioned into the fashion show. Accompanied by electrifying music, robots and robotic dogs entered the stage alongside models, performed together.
At 7:15 PM, the highlight of the event began: the panel discussion, "When Fashion Meets AI - Empower a Green Future." AI robotics, green energy development, fashion show, how could three completely different industries connect together?
（From left to right）MC Dr. April Zheng, VP of GLOGDA; Leo Ma, Founder & CEO of RoboForce, specializing in AI-powered labor solutions; Yue-Sai Kan, media pioneer and fashion entrepreneur; James Sweeney, Stanford Professor of Management Science & Engineering, and founder of the Stanford Energy Efficiency Center; MC Chenchen Shen, Director of Sing Tao Chinese Radio
How can AI enhance human creativity rather than inhibiting it?
Leo Ma: "AI and robotics can take over challenging and hazardous tasks, freeing up human time to explore their potentials of creativity. RoboForce robots specialize in labor-intensive and dangerous jobs, such as installing solar panels in extreme climates and reducing human workload."
How did Yue-Sai Kan become so influential and change global perceptions of China?
Yue-Sai Kan: "During China's early economic reforms, I returned with many Chinese Americans to work in the country. It was a thrilling period, and I felt compelled to record that historical moment."
What are the key factors behind China’s transition from poverty to prosperity?
Yue-Sai Kan: "Three key factors: First, China's open-minded policies over the past 40 years, Chinese government is adaptive to new things. Second, strong support from the U.S. government, including educational programs and assistance in China’s WTO accession. Most importantly, the Chinese people's adaptability and openness to new ideas."
Given today’s political tension, where is the fashion industry headed?
James Sweeney: "Fashion is evolving from mere clothing to a messenger. AI’s involvement will clear out the advantage of low-end labor in China’s fashion industry, as robots take over labor-intensive tasks. However, I believe China’s creativity will drive a shift in the fashion industry toward high-end design, focusing on exporting unique designs rather than importing trends." Professor James Sweeney is renowned as expert in green energy, energy efficiency, and low carbon energy field.
Can AI, a purely rational tool, complete fashion design assignments that require creativity?
Yue-Sai Kan: "AI can analyze vast global data to generate numerous design ideas. However, AI should be seen as a tool that enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity.
Dr. April Zheng summarized the forum, emphasizing the importance of cross-industry innovation. The discussion was met with prolonged applause from attendees.
The event climaxed with multiple fashion teams showcasing their designs.
Finally, Yue-Sai Kan presented awards to distinguished participants, closing the night with a performance of A Thousand Years.
