Fashion has evolved tenfold over the years. It has gone from a basic necessity of human life to a medium of self-expression. Fashion has become an extended part of a consumer’s personality. Therefore, they are always looking for new styles and outfits. However, this huge demand strains the limited resources of the fashion industry.Â
Here’s where fashion technology steps in. It makes the job of many designers and merchandisers easier. The entire 3.3 trillion dollar fashion industry stands on the efforts of these designers and the technology they use. Let’s explore the various fashion technologies that simplify the daily activities of the industry.Â
Digital Design and Prototyping
One of the first steps of any fashion house is creating new designs. They work with hundreds of options daily to find the next market fit. This process requires a lot of manpower and countless working hours. Earlier manual sketches were made by designers and pinned on boards. Now, AutoCAD has automated the design process. 3D printing is also used to make prototypes of the designs. Virtual reality programmes also test the look of a new design on a model. Hence, fashion designers have transformed from mere artists to tech creators.Â
Supply Chain and Manufacturing
Technology has long entered the supply chain through RFID and IoT devices. It is easier to track the production of different batches using these technologies. Moreover, the production unit can be sustainably managed with these tools. Supply chain managers use the past data provided by engineering software to avoid wastage. They are also able to increase efficiency and create smart factories. New software is integrating with AI and ML to further enhance the production line according to consumer demand. You will learn all about fashion supply chain management in a comprehensive fashion and design degree program. Â
E-commerce and Retail
Here comes the part where fashion products are put on sale for the masses. Online websites and marketplaces are the number one choice of many consumers in today’s time. Hence, fashion technology like omnichannel retailing, where online and offline shopping experiences mimic each other. Shopping apps also have personalised recommendations. Consumers easily find their desired styles through these recommendations. They can also check out reviews and additional information about the products on the app.Â
Marketing and Consumer Engagement
You need to push your product to stand out from the competition. Therefore, digital marketing strategies have entered the arena. Marketing agencies use social media and search engine marketing to drive sales. Consumers will see the ads for your products if they have searched for them. Your product ads are also visible if your consumers have searched for similar styles. Technology has made marketing easier by targeting the perfect market segment. Virtual fashion influencers like Kyra and Naina are also disrupting the influencer market.Â
Successful Fashion Brands Using Technology
Many fashion brands have embraced technology. They use technology in their marketing processes or production lines. You will find numerous examples of small and large brands using blockchain technology for a transparent supply chain. Nike was the first one in the fashion industry to do so. Other brands like Balenciaga published a deep-faked AI version of a fashion show that never happened in reality. Such content raised the topic of intellectual property in the fashion industry. Gucci uses AI to understand consumer trends. One interesting example is Ralph Lauren, which uses AR technology in its logo. You can scan the logo on Snapchat to unveil special filters.Â
The Future of Fashion Technology
Fashion technology will evolve more in the future. Fashion is not just limited to casuals and office wear. It extends to more areas like sportswear, lingerie, and protective gear. Hence, research on advanced materials is always ongoing. Research institutes also pioneer new methods of fabric production. They want to speed up the supply chain and produce more quality articles in a short period of time. Therefore, the future of the fashion industry completely depends on the development of new technologies.Â
Education and Training in Fashion Technology
You will be excited to know that training for all these technologies is quite simple. Parul Institute of Design provides a four-year bachelor’s program in fashion design. You will learn not just the fundamentals of fashion design but about the entire industry. The institute’s curriculum will give you an insight into manufacturing and garment businesses. You will see how high-end luxury brands produce their goods for the target market. Thus, you will develop core skills in fashion tech and pave your way to a successful career.Â
Are you ready to embrace the power of technology in the fashion industry? Join Parul Institute of Design’s Bachelor of Fashion Design program! You will gain the skills needed to thrive in this exciting field. Our curriculum and industry-focused approach will equip you with the tools to succeed as a fashion professional. Visit our website today to achieve your career goals.