HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IS REVOLUTIONIZING SUSTAINABLE FASHION
By: Srishti Sharma
With patrons becoming increasingly environment conscious, the growing sustainable fashion movement has been quick to adapt to technology and usher in a new era of responsible fashion.
Being touted as ‘a match made in tech heaven’, the marriage between AI and sustainable fashion is fast becoming a reality. Here we explore the typical stages of apparel supply chain and how AI is revolutionizing the fashion industry, giving way to a new buzzword - Digital Couture.
Designing
AI algorithms are being used to create virtual prototypes and generate new designs based on consumer preferences and market trends. Not only this, AI is being used to analyze data on consumer behaviour, social media, and other sources to predict future trends in fashion. By using digital tools, designers can now test designs before committing to full-scale production, thereby reducing the amount of waste generated.
Manufacturing
Material optimization is helping brands analyze data on the environmental impact of different materials and production processes, helping designers and manufacturers make informed decisions about the materials they use. Additionally, digital couture allows for the use of recycled and biodegradable materials in the creation of garments. By using AI algorithms, fashion companies are now also predicting demand for certain items, reducing the risk of overproduction.
Distribution
With technologies such as predictive analytics and supply chain optimization, AI can help distributors better understand consumer needs and adjust their distribution processes accordingly, reducing the need for excess inventory and helping distributors to identify opportunities for streamlining their supply chain. Furthermore, AI is being used to optimize last-mile delivery by identifying the most efficient routes, reducing emissions, and fuel consumption.
Marketing
AI has already made personalized marketing a reality with customized campaigns being presented to the right audience at the right time. By using machine learning algorithms, fashion brands are analyzing customer data to identify the most effective marketing channels and tailor their messages to individual consumers, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
End-of-life
One of the biggest challenges in the fashion industry is waste management. Every year, millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills, and only a small fraction of this clothing is recycled or reused. Predictive analytics can help brands better understand the durability and longevity of their products. By using predictive analytics, brands can identify the most efficient processes for reselling and donating fashion products, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
So, is Digital Couture a passing fad or the future of fashion?
The fashion industry is a complex web of suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers, and it can be difficult to ensure that all parts of the supply chain are sustainable. The future of digital couture is truly exciting, as designers and technologists continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. In the future, we may see the use of AI to create truly personalized fashion experiences, where garments are tailored to an individual's unique preferences and needs. AI powered digital couture technology such as 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, and computer-aided design (CAD) could be used to create high-end, one-of-a-kind garments.
Although still in its infancy, with its immense potential, in the future, AI presents the possibility to bring fashion to a wider audience. With the use of virtual and augmented reality, customers can try on digital couture garments from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for physical shopping and increasing accessibility for people with mobility issues. AI is expected to bring about a consumerism habit shift by reducing fashion carbon footprint and bridging the lines between traditional, digital and virtual fashion for the environmentally and socially conscious fashionistas of today.