The global fashion industry is worth a staggering $3 trillion. It’s no wonder that designers, manufacturers, and retailers are constantly looking for new ways to stand out from the crowd. And artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key player in fashion in recent years. AI is capable of analyzing information to make decisions and can be implemented in just about any business process from design to production. We have previously published an article about Artificial Intelligence in retail which you can read here if you would like more information on the subject, but today we are going to focus on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the fashion industry.
Fashion is data-driven
Designers, brands, and retailers have always relied on data to inform their decisions. This data might include measurements, consumer surveys, and even the weather. The difference now is that the data is more abundant, easier to access, and can be interpreted in more sophisticated ways. AI can help cut down on the time designers spend sourcing materials or data scientists spend interpreting results.
This has become increasingly important with the rise of the multi-channel retailer, where consumers are shopping across multiple channels (e.g., website, mobile app, store). The fashion industry has always been about innovation, but within the last decade, the pace at which change has been brought about has increased dramatically.
AI as a virtual stylist
An AI stylist is able to work with a retailer’s data to make recommendations to customers on what to buy. AI stylists can use machine learning algorithms to analyze a customer’s past purchases, preferences (colors, prints, type of clothing), or even their current mood. The AI stylist is programmed to use data to make suggestions to customers about what to buy.
For example, a customer looking for something to wear on a date might receive recommendations for a pair of dark blue jeans and a black dress shirt. The AI stylist may have noticed that the customer’s purchase history includes items of that color and texture, along with a preference for a classic style. A virtual stylist could also use images or video to make recommendations. AI can analyze images of people wearing different outfits and select the ones that most closely match the customer’s style. In an online store, the AI may be able to scan the customer’s current outfit and suggest alternative items that would fit well with the rest of their wardrobe and be appropriate for the occasion.
AI in retail and merchandising
AI could be used to optimize product placement in a store by analyzing data and calculating the most effective and efficient layout. It could also be used to analyze customer preferences and shopping habits to help retailers plan sales and special events. For example, AI could analyze how long people spend looking at certain display items and how many items they pick up. This data could be used to highlight recommended items or specials.
AI could also measure customer foot traffic and purchase patterns to inform product placement. For example, a retailer with a large inventory of athletic or fitness-related apparel may want to place items from these departments in the store near relevant equipment such as running shoes and treadmills. AI could use data to select the optimum location for these items and calculate the most effective layout.
AI in manufacturing
AI could be used to optimise the design process and help manufacturers identify opportunities for efficiency. AI could use data to create new designs, based of predicted trends, shapes and colors.
Alternatively, AI could be used to even create a personalized customer solution by using data to select fabrics, patterns, or even colors that most closely match what a customer had requested.
A manufacturer could use AI to examine data to identify opportunities for efficiency, identify inefficient or non-value-added tasks. AI could also be used to track and manage inventory to minimize excess materials, saving time and money.
Conclusion
The future of fashion will be data-driven. AI can help designers and retailers make informed decisions, optimize their processes, and increase their productivity. But fashion companies must create a culture that values data and is open to innovation. At the same time, brands must be cognizant of the risks that come with relying on AI. In addition, it’s important to note that for many companies, AI is still in the pilot or beta phase, and it will take time for these technologies to be widely adopted. And, as in any industry, there are opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. For example, AI and human designers could work together to create more innovative and revolutionary designs.
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| Image created with AI (photosonic) |
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