Artificial intelligence in the fashion industry

Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and is currently being used in many different industries. In previous articles, we talked about the use of artificial intelligence in various industries, including artificial intelligence and the tourism industry and artificial intelligence in education. This technology is also used in the fashion and fashion industry, and for this reason, we decided to examine the use of artificial intelligence in the fashion and fashion industry in this article. From sustaining sustainability to analyzing customer behavior, artificial intelligence is changing the way fashion is produced, marketed and consumed. Let’s see exactly what AI can do for fashion brands and how it will revolutionize the apparel industry.

The role of generative artificial intelligence in the fashion industry

As the integration of technology and fashion continues to evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly emerging as a transformative force in the fashion industry. According to a McKinsey analysis, generative AI could add $150 billion and up to $275 billion to the operating profit of the apparel, fashion and luxury sectors in the next three to five years. This astronomical figure emphasizes the central role that artificial intelligence is going to play in the future of fashion as a value-creating technology. From predicting trends and optimizing supply chains to customizing the shopping experience and enabling virtual apparel pro, the potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping the fashion industry is fundamental. In the following, we introduce the methods that artificial intelligence uses in the fashion industry for change.

1. Predicting fashion trends

Fashion is intrinsically tied to the trends of the day. Everything in the world of fashion and clothing is about what’s hot and trending and what’s not. Artificial intelligence has proven to be a valuable tool in this field and could revolutionize the way brands predict and capitalize on fashion trends.

AI can analyze huge amounts of data and gain insights from various sources such as social media platforms, fashion blogs, online retail sites and global fashion events. This data analysis extends to a wide range of elements, including colors and patterns, fabric choices, styles, and even the fashion preferences of different geographies. In doing this, artificial intelligence can identify patterns and predict trends with high accuracy.

Take, for example, the multinational technology company IBM. The company partnered with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to use artificial intelligence for fashion capabilities, which included a set of APIs that were created and trained specifically for the fashion industry. These APIs leveraged deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to support fashion companies in enhancing the customer experience, refining product design and development, optimizing business operations and planning, and enhancing product performance analytics.

Another example is the artificial intelligence platform Heuritech. The platform uses machine learning to analyze the millions of social media and web images that are produced and marketed every day, helping brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior to predict trends and tailor their production accordingly.

Similarly, Edited and WGSN, two leading trend forecasting agencies, use AI to analyze data from e-commerce sites, fashion shows and social media, providing actionable insights for brands worldwide.

With the use of artificial intelligence, the fashion industry is transforming from a traditional reactive industry to a proactive and predictive one, paving the way for a more sustainable and consumer-centric future.

2. Optimizing the supply chain

Supply chain is one of the most complex and challenging aspects of the fashion industry. From sourcing raw materials to managing inventory and ensuring efficient delivery of goods, every step has the potential for inefficiency and waste. Artificial intelligence is now stepping in to simplify and optimize these processes, revolutionizing the way the fashion industry operates.

AI algorithms can analyze historical data and records to accurately predict demand and enable better inventory management. This can minimize overproduction; Overproduction is an important issue in the fashion industry that causes environmental damage. By producing based on anticipated demand, fashion brands can reduce waste and become more sustainable.

In addition, AI can also help manage supply chain logistics. For example, AI systems can track and analyze shipping data and ensure that products are delivered in the most efficient manner. This not only saves time, but also reduces the carbon footprint and makes the supply chain more sustainable.

An example of the application of artificial intelligence in supply chain optimization is Li & Fung, the leading company in the field of global supply chain management. The company has developed a digital supply chain platform that uses artificial intelligence to connect retailers to suppliers in real-time, providing end-to-end visibility and making the supply chain more efficient and responsive.

In addition, brands like H&M use AI to analyze invoices and store efficiency, helping them adjust the amount of each garment for each store. This type of data analysis reduces the risk of having too much unsold stock, reduced revenue and brand instability.

AI also helps supply raw materials by helping designers and manufacturers find sustainable alternatives. Platforms like SourceMap use artificial intelligence to provide information about brands’ supply chains, including the environmental impact of their raw material choices.

Based on this digital transformation, size measurement platform 3DLOOK has created a way for brands to understand and cater to their customers’ unique body shapes and sizes. Using mobile body scanning and artificial intelligence, 3DLOOK technology provides accurate body measurement and sophisticated body analysis. This data enables a deeper understanding of customers’ body dimensions and provides valuable information for more efficient product development and customer-centric apparel designs. By aligning apparel specifications with actual customer data, brands can dramatically reduce the time and resources spent on sample production.

The technology also creates 3D models based on customers’ body data, providing an accurate understanding of how different designs and sizes fit their unique body shapes. This capability is especially transformative in online shopping and can significantly reduce the frequency and amount of returns for clothing purchased online.

In essence, AI is becoming an essential tool in optimizing the supply chain, reducing costs, increasing efficiency and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Artificial intelligence with its predictive and analytical capabilities is the new cornerstone of modern supply chain management in the world of fashion.

3. Customize the shopping experience

In the age of e-commerce, personalization has become a powerful tool for retailers, and artificial intelligence is at the forefront of this revolution. Artificial intelligence is helping fashion brands customize the shopping experience in ways that were previously unimaginable. Personalized recommendations are provided based on customer behavior, preferences and purchase history.

For example, ASOS, an online fashion and cosmetics retail platform, uses artificial intelligence to create a shopping experience for each user. Their AI-powered system suggests clothing items based on a customer’s previous purchases and behavior, making the shopping experience more relevant and enjoyable for each user.

Thread.com, a UK-based startup, uses artificial intelligence in combination with human stylists to provide personalized style recommendations and outfit recommendations to its customers. Customers share their tastes, sizes and price ranges, and AI algorithms work with stylists to create a personalized shopping experience for each customer.

Amazon, the world’s leading e-commerce website, uses artificial intelligence to provide product recommendations, helping customers find new items that match their style and needs. This personalization increases customer satisfaction and doubles sales, as customers are more inclined to buy items that match their tastes.

Meanwhile, Alibaba’s FashionAI technology provides personalized mix-and-match recommendations in physical stores. Customers can select an item and AI will suggest other pieces to complete the look, creating a unique and engaging shopping experience across online and offline platforms.

Of course, it’s not just big retailers that are benefiting from artificial intelligence in the fashion and apparel industry. Small and medium-sized businesses in the fashion world are also using artificial intelligence to personalize their offers. Apps like Easysize help online fashion stores provide personalized recommendations to their customers, reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction.

3DLOOK is another example of how advanced technology is reshaping the landscape of personalization in fashion. 3DLOOK has developed a unique solution to collect shopper body data that helps increase the accuracy of personalized recommendations. This technology uses this user body data to map the user’s measurements to the brand’s size chart and clothing data. The result of this technology is a personalized size recommendation for each garment, increasing customer confidence in their purchase. Using the YourFit 3DLOOK solution, brands can potentially see a 13-16% increase in conversion rates and a 20-25% increase in their average order value.

Another example is Garderobo AI, an AI-powered styling service provider that offers fashion brands an exceptional opportunity to enhance their online shopping experience. Through personalized product recommendations presented in aesthetically appealing formats such as “Total Look” collages and engaging “Carousel” displays, customers can effortlessly find complementary items that complete their desired look. By incorporating these innovative solutions, fashion brands can anticipate significant improvements in key performance indicators, including increased average order values ​​(AOV), conversion rates, and overall customer engagement.

In essence, brands can enhance the customer experience, improve customer loyalty and increase sales by using AI to customize the shopping journey. In a competitive fashion market, personalization becomes not only a luxury but a necessity.

4. Virtual pro with artificial intelligence

In the realm of online shopping, virtual try-ons are redefining the customer experience and bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping by eliminating uncertainty about fit and size. Artificial intelligence has been instrumental in bringing about this change with groundbreaking solutions like YourFit and Mobile Tailor.

YourFit offers an impressive application of artificial intelligence and 3D technology to visualize how clothes fit on a customer’s body. Customers simply upload two photos of themselves and YourFit creates a detailed 3D model, allowing shoppers to virtually try on different clothing items. This application of artificial intelligence in the fashion industry is like having a pro room on your screen, making online shopping more attractive and efficient.

Mobile Tailor makes the online shopping experience even better. Described as a state-of-the-art body size measurement solution, Mobile Tailor uses the power of artificial intelligence to instantly generate an accurate 3D model with over 80 precise measurements, all from two photos taken on each smartphone camera.

Both of these technologies significantly enhance the online shopping experience. The two platforms also significantly reduce returns and resizing, a common issue for online clothing stores. With the help of these two platforms equipped with artificial intelligence, customers can easily enjoy buying clothes online without worrying about the size of the clothes. This is a giant leap forward in the world of online shopping, all thanks to artificial intelligence!

5. Recommendations based on artificial intelligence

Have you ever wondered how online stores anticipate your wishes? The answer to this question is the magic of artificial intelligence. AI-powered recommendation systems analyze customer data to suggest products that reflect their personal style and taste. Take, for example, the luxury brand Zegna. The brand has taken AI-based recommendations to a new level by offering products and clothes to its high-end customers.

To do this, Zegna has combined the expertise of its real store associates with an AI-based recommendation system. This state-of-the-art system includes a 3D configuration capable of creating 49 billion potential outfit combinations! These exclusive offers are part of the Zegna X application; A developed app that first began as a pilot program in the United States in 2021 before being rolled out globally.

But what was the result? A more satisfying shopping experience that takes into account your unique style and taste leads to a significant increase in sales for retailers. This is a remarkable example of how AI continues to redefine the shopping experience, making it highly personalized and engaging. As you buy more, the system learns more about you, refines its recommendations, and improves your shopping journey.

Artificial intelligence in fashion marketing

Artificial intelligence is creating a paradigm shift in fashion marketing, enabling a new level of personalization and efficiency that was previously unimaginable. Here are a few use cases that demonstrate the transformative power of AI in fashion marketing:

Personalized Marketing: AI can analyze customer data including past purchases, visit history and social media activity to create highly targeted marketing campaigns. These personalized recommendations increase customer engagement and increase sales.

Predictive analytics: AI can predict future customer behavior based on past data. This allows brands to anticipate customer needs and market their products accordingly, thereby optimizing sales and improving customer satisfaction.

Automated ad buying: AI can manage advertising, where it automatically buys ad space in real-time, targets specific customer segments, and optimizes ad spend.

Use of chatbots: AI-powered chatbots can interact with customers, answer questions and provide personalized recommendations, thus enhancing the shopping experience and customer engagement.

Now, let’s look at some real examples. Apparel brand Tommy Hilfiger, in collaboration with IBM and the Fashion Institute of Technology, used artificial intelligence to analyze a combination of fashion data that was used to design new collections and create highly targeted marketing campaigns.

Stitch Fix, the online styling service, uses artificial intelligence to tailor its marketing to customer preferences. Their AI algorithms analyze customer feedback and tastes to deliver personalized clothing recommendations and increase customer engagement and product sales.

In essence, these examples show how AI is redefining fashion marketing and providing a powerful tool for brands to interact with their customers in a personalized, efficient and impactful way.

GPT chat in the fashion industry

AI models like ChatGPT can change the game in the fashion industry. With their advanced natural language processing capabilities, these AI bots can provide many benefits to fashion retailers and customers.

Imagine an AI-powered stylist available 24/7 to help customers find the perfect outfit, answer size and fit questions, offer style tips, and even recommend trendy items. This is exactly what ChatGPT can do. By integrating ChatGPT into e-commerce platforms, brands can provide customers with personalized, real-time assistance and enhance their shopping experience.

Additionally, ChatGPT can be used to analyze customer feedback and comments, providing valuable insights for brands. Understanding what customers are saying about their products can help brands improve their offerings and respond to emerging trends more quickly.

ChatGPT can also be used to create engaging content for fashion brands, from product descriptions to blog posts about the latest fashion trends. Its ability to produce human-like text can be a valuable tool for brands looking to connect with their audience and promote their products.

In essence, ChatGPT’s capabilities can create a more personalized, efficient and engaging shopping experience in the fashion industry, meeting the evolving needs of the modern customer.

And in the end that…

As we see the growing partnership between artificial intelligence and the fashion industry, it’s clear that the horizons of possibilities are limitless. Artificial intelligence in the fashion industry is more than just a passing trend. This technology is the dawn of a new era; An era where AI empowers brands to accurately predict trends, optimize supply chains, customize shopping experiences and provide AI-powered recommendations.

While this evolution is still in its infancy, the potential for AI in the fashion industry is huge. The future of artificial intelligence promises that sustainability, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency will be at the forefront of the fashion industry. Artificial intelligence in the fashion and apparel industry is an example of how technology can drive significant innovation and growth while simultaneously promoting sustainability and customer-centricity.