Lessons in 3D and AI design at University of Fashion (Image credit: University of Fashion)
In an industry where fashion trends can come and go at warp speed, you’d expect our industry to embrace 3D & AI with open arms. Not so fast.
Over the past 50 years, I have witnessed initial resistance to using CAD tools for drawing and PDS for pattern making. But today the industry can’t imagine doing without programs like Photoshop & Illustrator along with digital pattern drafting and grading tools.
With the launch of our 3D and AI for fashion design lessons at University of Fashion, we have received emails that challenge the use of these tools as “real designing.” However, I’m here to tell you that these are just tools and, they are here to stay. While some people see AI as a threat, and that it could replace certain jobs, the reality is that it’s a tool used to enhance human work.
McKinsey analysts predict Generative AI could boost fashion industry profits by $150 billion to $275 billion by 2030 and in their recent survey claim that “73% of global fashion executives consider generative AI to be an important strategic priority”.
Therefore, embracing AI for tasks like designing, merchandising, production, marketing, promotion and sales is the way to go. In this blog post I will explore how some fashion brands have already incorporated AI into their design process and are even using it to create legacy archives.
Fashion’s AI Early Adopters
Using AI for Trend Prediction & On-Demand Fashion
Desigual launched an “On Demand” collection designed with AI technology (Image credit: cross-border-magazine.com)
In 2023, the Spanish fashion brand Desigual launched its first Online Only On Demand collection. The garments and denim bags were produced once the customer bought them online, with an estimated manufacturing time of 90 days.
This innovation allowed the brand to make better forecasts for raw material needs and logistics. According to Desigual, the key to success in this process has been learning to manage the technology to enhance creativity. This strategy not only improves efficiency but also offers a more personalized and sustainable fashion experience for consumers.
Tommy Hilfiger’s interactive mobile game utilizing AI (Image credit: hypebeast.com)
Designing using AI
Collina Strada and Heliot Emil used generative AI tools for their Spring/Summer 2024 collection. (Image credit: NFM Magazine)
G-Star RAW integrated AI into the design of their 2024 collection (Image credit: Reddit.com)
Designing Prints using AI
Bach Mai and Monse used AI to develop prints for their Fall 2024 collections. (Image credit: blog.newarc.ai)
Hillary Taymour for Collina Estrada used AI to create prints for Spring 2024. (Image credit: blog.newarc.ai)
Keeping a Designer’s Legacy Alive using AI
Norma Kamala uses AI to preserve her legacy. (Image credit: Glossy.co)
In 2023, designer Norma Kamali partnered with Meta Maison to develop a proprietary AI model trained on her archives. In February 2024, she showcased her AI-generated designs in an installation called, Fashion Hallucinations. Kamali told Glossy magazine, “AI is set to shape the industry’s approach to archiving and to facilitate creative longevity”.
Consider AI tools not as replacements for your work, but as powerful allies that amplify your abilities and bring your imaginative concepts to life.
To view our first AI lesson, click here. And our newest lesson: AI: Midjourney- The User-Friendly AI Platform
Our newest lesson: AI: Midjourney- The User-Friendly AI Platform
