In the 21st century fashion industry evolving through a paradigm shift by its innovation, technology & creation of trends.
Disruptive innovations are paving the way for a new era of manufacturing, fashion retailing, and mind-blowing user interface and experience as conventional practices are put to the test.
To meet the demands of a dynamic and ever-changing world, fashion has always been at the forefront of innovation. Fashion technology is an evolving field that has emerged in recent years as a result of the fusion of fashion and technology. The exciting possibilities created by the blending of these disciplines are influencing how we produce, use, and perceive fashion.
The Evolution of Fashion & Technology
Early 18th century: Traditional craftsmanship techniques and hand-sewing.
Fashion was produced by skilled craftsmen who painstakingly hand-sewed clothing. The majority of fabrics were made from organic materials like silk, cotton, wool, and linen. Beading, lacework, embroidery, and other intricate embellishments were all done by hand.
Late 18th century: Elias Howe and Isaac Singer’s development of the sewing machine revolutionised the industry of fashion design. The sewing machine greatly accelerated and improved the production of clothing. As a result of the advent of mass production, more people could now access ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion trends and consumer behaviours were influenced by the availability of more affordable clothing options.
1960s-1970s: Fashion technology’s early stages were characterised by experiments with novel materials and forward-looking designs. Designers like Paco Rabanne and André Courrèges challenged conventional ideas of fabric and construction by using plastic and metal into their clothing.
1980s-1990s: Since the invention of computers, the fashion industry has increasingly embraced technology. In order to develop digital sketches and patterns, designers can now use CAD
(Computer-Aided Design) tools. This permitted more accurate garment manufacture while streamlining the design process.
Late 1990s-Early 2000s: The fashion sector saw substantial upheaval as a result of the internet’s growth. Online retail began to take off, enabling people to buy clothing and accessories while lounging at home. The foundation for the online fashion sector was laid by e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon.
Mid 2000s: Wearable technology started to make its way into the world of fashion. The Nike+ iPod Sports Kit, one of the earliest examples, allowed users to track their physical activity and sync it with their music players.
2010s: Smartphones and mobile apps have completely changed how customers interact with fashion, from browsing and buying to getting personalised recommendations.
With the introduction of 3D printing to the fashion world, designers now have unmatched creative freedom to produce detailed and avant-garde clothing. Emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality enable virtual try-ons and immersive fashion shows.
Fashion technology contributed to resolving ethical concerns in manufacturing by investigating innovations like blockchain technology to guarantee supply chain transparency and material traceability.
2020s: Fashion technology has continued to advance and innovate in the 2020s. With brands hosting digital fashion shows and utilising augmented reality to create virtual try-on capabilities, the COVID-19 pandemic hastened the adoption of virtual fashion experiences. AI and data analytics are now fundamental components of the sector, driving individualised recommendations and enhancing inventory control.
With established brands and fashion tech startups using technology to create sustainable materials, recycling systems, and circular fashion projects, there has been an increase in the focus on sustainability.
Fashion technology has developed continuously over the course of its history, fusing creativity, innovation, and functionality. It has changed how fashion is created, distributed, sold, and used, transforming the sector into what it is today.
Fashion Tech: Exploring the Intersection of Fashion and Innovation
As stated, Fashion Technology is still an evolving industry, so here are some key areas that indicate the direction fashion technology may take:
Wearable Technology: The most intriguing feature of fashion tech is wearable technology. There has been introduction of electrical and sensor-equipped clothing monitoring a variety of health parameters, including body temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
Fashion designers have embraced wearable technology by including cutting-edge elements in their designs. Just a few examples include fabrics that respond to temperature, smart jackets are being made to automatically cool or warm the body based on body temperatures taken from sensors throughout the jacket. Smart rings stylishly track steps and sleep habits.
Source: Businessinsider
Virtual Fashion: A new era of fashion experiences has begun with the development of virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR).
Computer-generated personas have amassed millions of followers on social media thanks to their flawless fashion sense and online presence. They work with brands, display digital fashion items, and even have an impact on consumer trends.
Additionally, virtual changing rooms have revolutionised online shopping. Shoppers can virtually try on clothing before making a purchase using AR technology, which decreases the need for physical returns and boosts customer satisfaction.
Source: Jerelyn and Jerelyn, 2021
Sustainable Fashion Tech: Innovative materials, recycling techniques, and digital solutions that reduce the environmental impact of fashion are the main focuses of sustainable fashion technology.
The creation of textiles made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or abandoned fishing nets, is one example of sustainable fashion technology. These materials aid in the preservation of natural resources in addition to reducing waste.
Additionally, the fashion industry is utilising blockchain technology to improve supply chain transparency and traceability, ensuring ethical sourcing and just labour practises.
Source: Vulcan, 2018
Data Driven Personalization:
Data-driven fashion recommendations are becoming more and more common. These recommendations use algorithms to make personalised styling suggestions based on customer preferences and past purchases. As a result, the shopping experience is improved, decision fatigue is decreased, and customer satisfaction is raised.
Virtual stylists and avatars are also becoming more popular, enabling users to try on various looks and get tailored fashion advice without having to be physically present.
Consumers can now create their own clothing and accessories thanks to customization technologies.
Source: Anon, n.d.
Fashion Tech Unveiled: Pioneering the Future of Fashion and Innovation
With the fusion of wearable technology, smart textiles, and data-driven innovations, the future of fashion and technology holds enormous potential. Through seamless integration with digital devices, it imagines a world in which clothing is interactive, adaptable, and capable of enhancing individual experiences.
A look at the development of the fashion industry and the direction that technology is taking it, from temperature-changing smart fabrics to digital products in the metaverse to AR/VR dressing rooms.
Fashion has always remained in the forefront of advancement-from the development of the sewing machine to the emergence of e-commerce, the fashion industry has come up with cutting edge innovation. In the same way technology is cyclical and progressive, so is fashion.
According to estimates, the worldwide apparel market will generate 1.53 trillion dollars in revenue in 2022, a little down from the previous year. However, it was anticipated that revenue would rise to more than 1.7 trillion dollars in 2023.
Indian garment sales are predicted to reach $135 billion by 2025, with online and direct-to-consumer sales accounting for 30% of that total.
Numerous innovations show how technology is accelerating, automating, and personalising the fashion industry. A few examples include clothing that can be worn in virtual reality and robots that can sew and cut fabric. Fashion trends can also be predicted by AI algorithms.
Fashion firms are collaborating with technology suppliers, acquiring startups, and even developing their own technology in an effort to expand their revenue streams and business models.
We have mentioned some of the prominent ever growing Futuristic Fashion-Tech solutions below for an interesting read.
Robotic 3D sewing technology: By producing high-end, fashionable clothing, robotic 3D sewing technology opens up new sewing possibilities. Philipp Moll GmbH & Co. invented a 3D sewing technology that could create 3D seams automatically. Car seat coverings and airbags can also be made using 3D sewing technology, along with clothing such as trousers, coats, and shirts.
Source: News-Desk, 2022
Another such technology is Digital Twins, with the help of which, designers, producers, and retailers can virtually recreate physical garments and collections, complete with information about their design, materials, and manufacturing processes, and simulate the entire product lifecycle, from conception to disposal. Digital twins are growing in importance as a tool in the fashion sector. This can increase sales and enhance the customer experience while reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
The estimated value of offline and online counterfeiting of textiles, cosmetics, apparel, and footwear has reportedly surpassed $98 billion, according to the Global Brand Counterfeiting Report 2018.
Through the use of an embedded chip, blockchain’s distribution throughout the supply chain enables customers to learn more about a product’s origin and journey. This provides customers with the knowledge they need to avoid purchasing fake goods.
To put a closing thought, by blending the lines between fashion and technology, fashion tech has propelled the fashion industry into uncharted territory. The exciting developments at the nexus of these fields include wearable technology, virtual fashion, sustainable fashion tech, and fashion tech and personalization, to name just a few. We can anticipate even more ground-breaking developments that will influence fashion as technology continues to advance. Adopting these innovations will improve our fashion experiences while also helping to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and customised industry.
