By Abhishek Sharma


We live in an age called the ‘insta-era’ of technology, and fashion has certainly become an industry that is well-familiar with this concept. Fashion enthusiasts today are well above waiting, as they eagerly eye the product even before its launch thanks to social media. Simultaneously, the modern generation is not a fan of mass products, as they are set on wearing something unique every time they step out.


As this trend continues to become more popular, designers and fashion labels are finding it more difficult to produce unique garments in a short period, without even knowing if they would be a massive hit or miss. Having realised this, many designers and brands in the world are actively moving the needle on innovation, by embracing new-age technologies that can help them produce ensembles that meet the wardrobe needs of the digital generation.


Smart Fabrics


Fashionholics no longer want to wear animal leather, as they have become increasingly conscious about the impact of their clothes on the environment. Since fashion designers have always had to stay one step ahead of their game, thanks to the integration of technology and fashion they have been able to bring forth smart textiles.


These fabrics are constructed with modern materials that are embedded with nanotechnology and reshape conventional garments. They also feature characteristics like temperature control, and moisture-wicking technology, and are most importantly lab-grown to meet the sustainable clothing demand.


Mobile Commerce


From the brick-and-mortar stores, the world of fashion has come a long way, as fashion connoisseurs no longer have to worry about making trips to the store, when they can access the entire collection from the fingertips of their smartphone.


Mobile commerce has emerged as a tool that is only going to escalate further, as consumers today are more than happy to shop from their phones with technologies like facial recognition, digital wallets, and virtual try-ons making their experience all the more easy.


AI Algorithms


AI has made its mark in almost every industry, and the fashion industry remains no exception. At the very core, it has streamlined the shopping experience and allowed brands to forecast trends and increase sales. Fashion designers have been using GenAI to expedite the creative process and save hours of manual work.


Adding more, AI has become an avenue to increase revenue as it allows brands to plan the right styles in an accurate quantity. Last but not least, the introduction of AI chatbots in stores and websites has allied brands to personalise the shopping experience.


Blockchain


The power of blockchain truly lies in enhancing the transparency, traceability and efficiency in the supply chain, which can be applied to trace and keep records of clothing apparel in case of diversion of products.


At the same time, blockchain technology makes a physical digital link between the garment and their digital identities on the blockchain, which comes in handy to keep a record of every stage of production and prevent counterfeiting of goods. Also by tracking the journey of raw materials to the finished product, blockchain pushes the notion of sustainable fashion.


IoT (Internet of Things)


Every year, the fashion industry comes up with innovative clothing that sends us one step closer to the reality of our lives. Since the present is all about the interplay between the real and the virtual, many designers are trying to capture this concept by expanding the limits of wearable clothing.


With the entrance of IoT, brands are focusing on improving the customer experience, as it allows data sharing. IoT has also given a boost to apparel with digital capabilities, by introducing smart clothing, multifunctional designs, and responsive sportswear, giving fashion a whole new meaning.


Virtual & Augmented Reality


Virtual Reality, having combined both the online and physical world of retail is setting a new precedent in the fashion landscape. With VR, shoppers can now try their outfits virtually which gives them greater accuracy, due to the customised measurement functionality.


This kind of shopping experience has been instrumental in engaging and retaining customers for a longer period, as it allows them to try on multiple outfits without any hassle. In addition, it also makes the shopping experience more profitable as customers are more likely to buy the outfits that they have tried.


Big Data


In a time where consumerism is unstable, brands find it complex to make the right decisions, especially when it comes to choosing new pieces for the collection or determining the right price point.


In order to get around that, a majority of fashion brands have been making use of Big Data to make informed market decisions. By making crucial information like market dynamics, competitor analysis, and customer expectations available to brands, Big Data helps them make big decisions with a broader perspective.


3D Printing


Ever since the advent of 3D printers, all clothing brands have showcased increased traction towards it and the possibilities it holds for meeting on-demand production.


By opening new avenues for customisation, suitability and creativity, 3D printing allows designers across the globe to experiment with unique styles and always be on top of innovation. It has also been making great strides in reducing fabric waste as it allows printing on garments on demand, whilst also reducing labour-intensive manufacturing.


Cloud-Based Inventory Management


In the wake of cloud-based inventory management systems, the fashion industry finds it easier to monitor and track inventory levels, sales, orders, deliveries and receipts.


With the support of such inventory management systems, brands effortlessly generate purchase orders, bills of materials, and other such documents. With data-driven production, brands can seamlessly control inventory levels and subsequently increase sales.


Online Vector Editors


For designers, it is certainly not easy to always come up with creative ideas that are yet to be seen, especially in a time where the fashion-inclined populace is always seeking distinctness with every passing day.


These online vector editor tools can prove to be beneficial for designers in the beginning as they include pre-built clothing templates which can help designers get a rough idea about how they want their next look to turn out. In addition, these powerful vectors allow them to design new apparel at a much faster pace, as they don’t have to sketch their designs from scratch.


Fashion and technology, the two most innovative industries have always been the ones to grow exponentially. Having said that, the interrelation between these two dynamic segments is an opportunity for designers to break the horizons of creativity, and conjure a path to a more sustainable and efficient fashion industry, specialising in satisfying the hyper-connected consumers of the present.


(The author is the Co-founder & COO, Fashinza)


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