LONDON: Tesla CEO Elon Musk, never one to shy away from spectacle, shared an AI-generated video that was as strange as it was entertaining. Captioned “High time for an AI fashion show” on X, the video featured several political figures donning outlandish, futuristic attire as they strutted down a digital runway. The show kicked off with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His outfit was a riot of colors and patterns, prompting one to wonder if he was considering a new field of work—perhaps as a hypnotist.
Former US President Barack Obama made several appearances, each more surprising than the last. First, he was seen in a Goku-themed outfit from the Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z—confusing, to say the least. This was followed by a basketball uniform, clearly nodding to his well-known love for the sport. Finally, Obama donned several warrior-inspired outfits, channeling his inner gladiator. It seemed as though the AI couldn’t decide whether he was a diplomat, an anime hero, or a sports icon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for his understated elegance, was clad head-to-toe in Louis Vuitton. The luxury brand’s logo was splashed all over his 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—perhaps a nod to his legacy as president.
Donald Trump then showed up in an orange prison-like jumpsuit with handcuffs dangling from his waist, with Musk not shying away from the not-so-subtle jabs.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s outfit was perhaps the most unusual of all. Dressed in a bright red set covered with playful, colorful teddy bear motifs, including a matching handbag, he looked more ready for a costume party than a political summit.
But after this stunt, we might have to keep reminding ourselves that this display was anything but real, as Musk has managed to transform some of the world’s most powerful people into memes that we just cannot take seriously.
