Unitree Robots Walk Vogue World Runway Without Clothes, Spark Debate
Vogue held its fifth annual Vogue World event in Milan, and for the fifth consecutive year the public was left asking what the event actually is. This year offered no clearer answer, but the runway did feature robots. Vogue World was divided into five acts, each pointing in some way to Italian history and culture. Near the end of the fourth act, titled "The Age of Intelligence," four Unitree robots walked onto the runway at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. They wore no clothes at all. The stage was cleared for the machines, which waved and made the universal gesture for "make some noise." Jennifer Lopez, seated between Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, clapped and smiled. Donatella Versace also applauded, while Alessandro Michele, sitting next to her, looked completely uninterested.
The moment was brief but symbolic, placing bare-metal humanoid robots in a setting usually reserved for luxury fashion and celebrity guests. The appearance highlighted fashion's growing appetite for technological spectacle. Vogue World has become an annual event blending fashion, music, and performance, but its purpose remains ambiguous to many observers. This year, the inclusion of robots suggested that the line between entertainment, technology, and commerce is increasingly blurred. The robots did not wear designer outfits, which made their presence feel both raw and provocative. Their actions were simple, yet the image of four humanoid machines on a Milan runway was enough to generate discussion. The event's fifth edition continued its tradition of mixing high fashion with pop culture and unexpected guests.
Why did robots invade Vogue World? Several factors appear to be at play. The show was sponsored by Meta Glasses, and its credits listed OpenAI as providing additional support. The robots themselves were made by Unitree, a Chinese robotics company and the world's largest manufacturer of humanoid robots. In short, Vogue wants to be where the money is, and technology companies want Vogue's influence. The robots may also hint at what next year's Vogue World will look like, since the event is scheduled to take place in San Francisco. Will Sam Altman make his runway debut? Perhaps. The collaboration reflects a broader trend: tech firms are seeking cultural credibility, while fashion brands are eager to align themselves with innovation and capital.
Vogue World was not the only event last night to feature Unitree robots. A dancing team of Unitree robots is currently competing on "America's Got Talent." Last night, they performed a traditional Chinese dance in the finals, proving that these robots can wear clothes. Viewers will have to watch tonight's episode to find out whether they won the overall competition. The contrast between the naked robots at Vogue World and the costumed robots on television underscores how humanoid machines are being presented in different entertainment contexts.
How should this be viewed? The report's author writes that the aim is not to scare readers about robot overlords, but perhaps everyone should remain skeptical about humanoid machines being introduced in fun and entertaining ways. If Melania Trump gets her way, some of these robots will replace human teachers. That possibility makes the playful display at Vogue World feel less harmless. The best response, the report suggests, may be to react with the same expressionless disinterest that Michele displayed. In other words, audiences can enjoy the spectacle without accepting the hype.
The event also raises questions about the role of robots in public life. Unitree's humanoid robots are increasingly visible at trade shows, competitions, and now fashion events. Their appearance at Vogue World may be a marketing move, but it also normalizes the presence of humanoid machines in cultural spaces. As robots become more capable, the debate over how they should be used and portrayed will only grow. For now, the Milan show offered a surreal snapshot of that future, with robots waving on a runway while some guests applauded and others looked away. The credits listing OpenAI and Meta Glasses suggests that Silicon Valley sees fashion as a way to reach new audiences.