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What AI Actually Sees in a Vintage Garment

·2 min read

What AI Actually Sees in a Vintage Garment

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When you upload a photo of a vintage kimono to our classification system, what happens behind the scenes? This article walks through a real example, showing exactly what the AI identifies, where it struggles, and why human oversight remains essential.

The Input

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What the AI Identifies

The AI examines the image and extracts several categories of information:

Visual Elements

  • Colors and patterns: The system identifies dominant colors, pattern types (geometric, floral, abstract), and color distribution
  • Garment type: Classification of the basic garment category
  • Construction details: Visible seams, closures, and structural elements

Contextual Clues

  • Era indicators: Design elements that suggest a time period
  • Material characteristics: Texture and drape visible in the image
  • Condition assessment: Visible wear, damage, or alterations

Where the AI Struggles

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Even sophisticated AI has blind spots:

  • Subtle differences between similar textile types
  • Dating accuracy without additional context
  • Cultural and historical significance
  • Authentication of rare pieces

The Human Review Step

This is where your expertise—or your staff's training—becomes critical.

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The Result

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This article is part of our Field Notes series, sharing observations from the intersection of AI and artisan retail.

Photo

Craig

Founder, Winding River Software