Lavish robes for robot Sophia
International chef Gordon Ramsay is perhaps the most famous human to have donned a creation by Durban designer Haroun Hansrot.
Now Hansrot can add one of the world’s most famous humanoids, Sophia, to his list of celebrity clients.
Developed by Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong, Sophia will return to SA as one of PwC Africa’s chief guests at its education conference and gala dinner in Cape Town tomorrow. The robot first came to SA in July as a guest of Duke Corporate Education.
Sophia — who was activated in 2016 and has left the world in awe with her ability to use more than 50 facial expressions — is known for her fashion sense and penchant for designer labels such as Gucci and Alexander Wang.
So it was only fitting that PwC Africa commission Hansrot to kit out the fashion-forward robot.
“Sophia is a global fashion icon, not only an advanced humanoid robot, and as such she has a penchant for statement-making fashion,” said PwC Africa’s Roshan Ramdhany.
“Her body requires a unique fitting and her design is integral to her personality, so it’s important to get it right.
“Creating digitally enabled environments is one of the things we’re focusing on, and obviously machine learning and AI are part of this. Sophia is a great example of how this can be demonstrated in a realtime way. Having a human-like robot dressed up for a special occasion in the same way a human would assists in the acceptance of such advanced technology,” said Ramdhany.
Hansrot sought the advice of Durban dancer Jemma van Breda — a fundi in robotic dance — and worked closely with fabric design specialist Mohammed Moorad as part of his creative process for the two ensembles he has custommade for Sophia.
“I wanted to create pieces that are feminine yet strong and that are reflective of a woman of the future. I consulted with Jemma, who gave me insight about the movement for robots, especially with her experience in robotic dance.”
He took his cue from iconic British actress Audrey Hepburn — on whom Sophia was modelled — for the navy evening gown which the robot will wear to the gala dinner on Monday.
“I used a metallic lining, which throws off a little bit of shimmer. I chose navy because it’s a very classy colour for the evening. The embellishment is feminine yet strong and appears slightly futuristic,” said Hansrot.
The second ensemble is a day-wear coral dress embellished with beadwork, which will adorn Sophia at the Johannesburg event on Thursday.