How Technology is Revolutionising the Fashion Industry?

It's an era of technology, and the fashion industry, like many others, has undergone a dramatic transformation due to the integration of innovative technological advancements over the past few decades. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and other cutting-edge tools have significantly influenced various aspects of the fashion landscape, including design, production, shopping, marketing, and operational processes.

Today's topic is how technology has revolutionised the fashion industry, from the creative process to consumption and marketing. We'll also discuss the Bachelor of Design in Fashion at Manipal University Jaipur, a program designed to equip you with the skills needed to thrive in this tech-driven era of fashion.

Let's begin….

Revolution in the Fashion Industry with Technology

In recent years, the Indian fashion industry has evolved remarkably from predominantly handcrafted and traditional to highly tech-integrated. The pervasive influence of technologies is evident from design and production to marketing and retail. It has become an integral part of the fashion landscape in India. Join us as we explore key areas of influence, examples of innovative applications, challenges, and more.

Technologies for Fashion: Areas of Influence and Examples

The Digital Design Revolution

Among the most notable impacts of technology on the fashion industry has been in the realm of design. CAD (Computer-aided design) software, virtual fitting rooms, 3D modelling rooms, AR, and AI have transformed the way designers visualise their creations on diverse body types, themes, patterns, etc. CAD tools enable designers to experiment with various fabrics, silhouettes, and patterns, resulting in innovative designs and creativity at their best.

Sustainable Fashion Through Technology

Sustainability is the buzzword in all industries and has been emphasised on various global forums and platforms. Technology for sustainable practices is crucial for controlling the deteriorating effects of climate change, minimising carbon footprints, and ensuring a greener and healthier future. Textile and apparel manufacturers in India are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimise their impact on the environment.

Example:

The use of 3D printing technology enables more precise fabric production and minimises waste material.
Blockchain technology is being explored to track the supply chain and ensure ethical sourcing of materials, promoting transparency and sustainability.

E-commerce and Omnichannel Retail

E-commerce, omnichannel retail, social media sales, and Q-commerce have opened unending business possibilities for the fashion industry. With targeted marketing and logistics partners, any fashion company can launch, sell, and promote its products in any corner of India and even beyond.

This omnipresence of the fashion industry has been enabled by technology, faster internet bandwidth, 5G, and government initiatives for extensive internet penetration from hills to remote villages to islands. Brands are using Metaverse, virtual tryouts, online collection launches, etc. Social media facilitates real-time communication, feedback, comments, and more. Technology has opened newer avenues for customers to interact and shop and for businesses to expand their customer base and enhance overall conversions.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Product and service recommendations based on customers' patterns of shopping and browsing have transformed the fashion industry on a significant scale. Organisations use AI tools to collect and analyse consumer data and make strategies to launch and promote their brands, clothing lines, and more. AI tools provide calculated results based on numbers and facts.

AI and ML also help automate tasks such as reducing error risks, improving efficiency, and improving overall quality control.

Wearable Technology and Smart Textiles

Indian fashion brands are increasingly integrating wearable technologies into their style, design, and functional garments to cater to the aspirations of the multigenerational consumer base (Millennials, GenZs, Alpha and others).

Researchers have developed smart textiles that can recognise and react in a predetermined manner to stimuli or environmental factors from mechanical, magnetic, chemical, electric, thermal, and other sources. Application fields for smart textiles or fibres are clothing consumption, military purposes, medical and health care, entertainment, and sports.

Examples of Technological Innovation in Indian Fashion

FashionTech Startups

FashionTech startups and companies like Greenbluebrown Apparels Pvt. Ltd., Naymish Designs Pvt. Ltd., YOLOgram Style, etc., promote sustainable fashion, innovation, art-infused fashion for conscious consumers, low-waste materials, low carbon footprints, and a positive step towards a greener future.

Metaverse and Virtual Fashion Shows

Metaverse is a virtual universe that brands use for digital fashion shows, immersive customer experiences, virtual try-ons with AR, fashion collections, and interactive digital events.

Examples;

Decentralised Fashion Week was a Fashion Week on Metaverse held in March 2022. The event organised luxury brand events, runway shows, wearable competitions, and after-parties.
MetaTokyo invites virtual fashion designers inspired by Japanese culture.
OVER is an AR metaverse platform. It runs a Wearable design competition in partnership with Decentralised.

Bachelor of Design in Fashion at Manipal University Jaipur

Manipal University Jaipur, a UGC-approved premier university in Rajasthan, offers Bdes in fashion design. It is a four-year degree program. It provides a research and development-based, market-oriented, and demanding career in India's fashion industry.

The program's key points include developing a distinctive qualitative individual style in designing with innovation, understanding the market/client, skill development, and technical knowledge. The program's highlighting features are start-up establishments and industrial internship and placement opportunities with renowned designers, brands, and export houses.

Some of our recently placed students are;

Satakshi Bisen- Tommy Hilfiger
Kritika Misruf- Gini & Jony
Kavita Saini- JADE
Shoryavardhan Singh Sekhawat- Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail

Conclusion

Design your future with Manipal University Jaipur and get placed at leading national and international fashion brands. Technological developments have enabled Indian brands to become more competitive, find a voice on global platforms, and be sustainable and customer-centric. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to experience more innovative applications in fashion, and people have begun to explore its applications for their careers and businesses.

Let's conclude with an encouraging fact about the Indian and global fashion industry. The fast fashion market is projected to reach $185 billion by 2027, and global fashion market revenue is expected to grow to $1,183 billion by 2029.