Editor’s Note
This article explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the fashion industry, from forecasting trends years in advance to revolutionizing design, production, and marketing processes.
The fashion industry undergoes changes with every season. Similar to weather forecasting, extensive research work now happens year-round for fashion forecasting. Trends for colors in upcoming seasons are decided as early as two years in advance. The influence of AI and Machine Learning has brought revolutionary changes to design, production, and marketing in the fashion industry. Using AI and Machine Learning, designers are creating digital models. This makes selecting fabric samples and colors easier. AI algorithms assist in creating patterns, which increases the accuracy of garment fit and sizing. Machine Learning algorithms help predict fashion trends, enabling designers to create designs according to new trends.
This technology facilitates customers to design clothes according to their preferences. AI-powered virtual try-on technology allows customers to experience wearing clothes, giving them a chance to see the fit before purchasing. Automation and digital design save both time and effort. Concurrently, sustainable fashion has become a significant issue today. It involves the use of natural materials like cotton, linen, silk, and wool, as well as recycled materials from old garments. There is also an emphasis on using organic and biodegradable materials, such as plant-based polyester. During the design process, zero-waste techniques are being employed to reduce fabric waste. The use of natural and low-toxic dyes is strongly emphasized.
India’s traditional prints like block print, bagh print, and embroidery are being incorporated into modern outfits. By using artisanal techniques of weaving, spinning, and dyeing in modern garments, the youth are being directly influenced. Many designers are increasing the use of traditional materials like silk, wool, and cotton in modern fashion and promoting them at International Fashion Weeks. Thus, promoting sustainable fashion through traditional crafts will become easier. In youth fashion today, prints like Jaipur’s Bagru, Sanganeri, Ankola, and Barmer applique are being used. Based on research, colors are declared every year, setting new fashion trends. For example, Peach Fuzz was announced for 2024, Mocha Mousse for 2025, and Transformative Teal for 2026. Today, we are talking about adopting slow fashion. There is an appeal to people to prioritize slow fashion, treating it like a campaign. This is how fashion trends are determined, as following fast fashion leads to many products quickly becoming waste. Meanwhile, in the future, AI is improving the design process.
Thus, the era of customized clothing and virtual fitting has arrived. Virtual fashion is now rapidly gaining a place in the industry. Work has begun on the dresses worn by characters in games. Sustainable fashion is a necessity for the future. It is hoped that in the future, we will see even more new and unique changes in fashion design.