“Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.”
Diana Vreeland
As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, its impact on various industries becomes more evident. One industry that is rapidly embracing and benefiting from technological advancements is the fashion industry. Deep tech, a term used to describe cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and blockchain, is revolutionizing the way fashion brands design, produce, market, and sell their products.
In this blog post, we will explore the exciting future of deep tech in the fashion industry and the transformative changes it brings.
Data-Driven Trend Forecasting: One of the key areas where AI has made a significant impact in fast fashion is trend forecasting. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from social media, fashion blogs, and online shopping platforms to identify emerging trends in real-time. This data-driven approach helps fashion brands stay ahead of the curve and rapidly respond to changing consumer preferences. By accurately predicting trends, fast fashion companies can reduce the time
between design and production, resulting in fresher and more relevant product offerings.
Manufacturing: The fast fashion industry has traditionally been a labor-intensive process involving cutting, sewing, and finishing garments. However, with the advancements in AI technology, Automated machines equipped with AI algorithms will have the ability to perform these manufacturing processes with precision and speed, significantly reducing production time and minimising errors. With the capability to analyse structured data, these machines can follow predetermined patterns and instructions to ensure consistent and accurate results. This automation will not only improve productivity but also allow manufacturers to meet tight production deadlines more efficiently.
AI-Enabled Automated Quality Control: AI technology can be utilised for automated quality control in fast fashion production. Computer vision systems powered by AI algorithms will be able to inspect errors, such as stitching errors or fabric inconsistencies, at a much faster and more
accurate rate than manual inspections. This will improve product quality and reduce production costs and time.
AI-Powered Virtual Fitting: AI is not only improving the online shopping experience but also revolutionising in-store shopping. Now, waiting in long queues is over. Retailers are implementing AI-powered virtual fitting rooms that use computer vision technology to create accurate 3D models of customers. This allows shoppers to virtually try on clothes, experiment with different sizes and styles, and see how garments fit and move on their digital avatars, making the fitting process more interactive and efficient.
Personalised Customer Experiences: AI has transformed the way fast fashion brands engage with their customers, providing personalised and targeted experiences. AI-powered recommendation systems analyse customer data, including browsing and purchase history, to deliver personalised product recommendations. This not only enhances the customer’s shopping experience but also increases sales and customer loyalty. Virtual stylists powered by AI can assist customers in finding the right size, fit, and style, reducing the likelihood of returns and improving
customer satisfaction.
However, the question still stands: How exactly is AI contributing to a more sustainable fast fashion industry? And is the industry’s commitment to sustainability long-term?
AI in the fast fashion industry contributes to sustainability through efficient supply chain management, sustainable material selection, and waste reduction/recycling. AI-powered systems analse data to optimise supply chain operations, reducing waste by minimising overproduction
and unsold garments. AI also assists in selecting sustainable materials by considering factors like water usage, carbon emissions, and chemical treatments. Waste reduction is facilitated through AI- driven computer vision systems that detect fabric defects, minimising rejection rates. Furthermore, AI automates and optimises recycling processes, enabling the recovery of valuable materials from discarded garments, further reducing environmental impact.
Regarding the industry’s commitment to sustainability, it is essential to distinguish between short-term trends and long-term strategies. While some sustainability efforts may be driven by seasonal fashion trends or marketing strategies, there is a growing recognition of the need for long-term sustainability in the fast fashion industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding ethical and environmentally responsible practices, prompting brands to integrate sustainability into their core
strategies. Furthermore, regulatory measures and industry initiatives are pushing for more transparent and sustainable practices, indicating a systemic shift toward lasting sustainability commitments.
So, artificial intelligence definitely has its part to play for the “future of sustainable apparel business”.
