How Technology is Shaking Up the Fashion Industry

Images via Pinterest.

The fashion industry, like many others, is evolving at lightning speed, driven by technology that’s transforming everything from how designers create to how consumers shop. In a world that’s increasingly digital, fashion brands are using innovative tools like 3D printing, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality to stay ahead of the curve.

Let's dive into how these technologies are reshaping the fashion landscape.

3D Printing: Revolutionising customisation and design

3D printing has opened up new doors for designers by allowing them to create intricate patterns and prototypes in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. This technology is particularly useful in customisation, enabling brands to offer personalised products tailored to each customer’s preferences. Whether it’s s unique design of glasses or custom jewellery, 3D printing allows brands to produce one-of-a-kind pieces with ease.

Beyond customisation, 3D printing also reduces waste by only using the exact materials needed for each item. This efficiency is not just a win for designers but also for sustainable fashion, where minimising excess is key.

Flaunter brand, venEyes, uses innovative 3D print technology to provide customised glasses and sunglasses frames, creating eyewear that not only fits better, but also has a look that is unique to the individual.  The cutting-edge 3D printing technology allows customers to choose or create their own colour or pattern, even allowing them to replicate prints of favourite outfits on frames - opening the door to fashion and brand collaborations, where glasses can be perfectly matched to digital prints and outfit designs, creating a cohesive, fashion-forward look. The unique combination is great for fashion enthusiasts or runway shows.  View the brand video on Flaunter which showcases a project where the glasses were designed to match an outfit. When asked about the process of creating the brand and product range, venEyes Managing Director, Josephine Roufaiel, commented “the process was not without its obstacles as we navigated the complexities of 3D printing technology, however what we have achieved is a range of frames that are light, durable and eco-friendly. Every pair of glasses fits like a natural extension of the wearer.” You can find out more about venEyes including a video showcasing a project matching glasses to an outfit via their Flaunter profile here.

Images via venEYES on Flaunter.

Augmented reality: Elevating the shopping experience

One of the most exciting advancements in fashion tech is augmented reality (AR), which enhances online shopping by allowing customers to virtually try on anything from sunglasses to makeup. With AR, shoppers can see how products will look on them in real-time, providing a more interactive and personalised experience.

A great example is Nike, which has integrated AR into its mobile app. Using a smartphone, customers can scan their feet to create a 3D model, which then helps recommend the perfect shoe size and style. According to Nike, this technology has reduced returns by 28%, proving that AR not only improves customer satisfaction but also boosts operational efficiency.

In modern times, social media has also proven to be a great form of AR for brands. Whether it’s YSL Beauty showing off their newest range of lipsticks, or a hair dye brand showing you which colour suits you best, these filters are an easy way to reach new audiences and target customers.  

Image via Pinterest.

Artificial intelligence: Powering personalisation and efficiency

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer for fashion brands looking to provide personalised recommendations and optimise operations. AI algorithms analyse data to understand customers’ preferences, improving the shopping experience through more relevant product suggestions. Trend forecasting is also powered by AI, helping brands stay ahead of what’s hot and what’s not.

The Iconic, a leading online fashion retailer, uses AI to enhance its search functionality, streamline customer interactions with chatbots, and personalise its offerings. By implementing AI, The Iconic improves the overall shopping experience, ensuring customers find exactly what they’re looking for—sometimes before they even know it themselves.

AI also plays a critical role in inventory management, reducing the risk of overstocking or understocking products by predicting demand more accurately.

Virtual reality: Immersive shopping and industry events

Virtual reality (VR) takes shopping and fashion events to another level, offering immersive experiences that were once unimaginable. With VR, consumers can walk through virtual stores, browse collections, and even attend fashion shows—all without leaving their homes.

Metaverse Fashion Week is an example of a VR event, where the fashion world comes together in a fully virtual environment. Major brands and emerging designers showcase their latest collections in digital spaces, allowing attendees to explore the designs in 3D and even make purchases in real-time. These VR events create a sense of excitement and exclusivity, merging the physical and digital worlds in a new frontier for fashion.

Images via Pinterest.

Digital showrooms: Flaunter’s solution for modern fashion brands

Technology has also revolutionised how brands present their collections to the media and retailers. Flaunter’s digital showrooms allow brands to showcase their products and press materials in a sleek, organised online space. This is a game-changer for PR and marketing, as brands can easily upload high-resolution images, product descriptions, and relevant content, making it accessible to journalists and influencers at any time. 

Digital showrooms streamline the media outreach process and provide a more efficient way for brands to gain exposure. With Flaunter, brands can keep their collections updated and control the narrative, all while tracking who’s engaging with their products. It’s a smart solution that leverages technology to make fashion PR more accessible and efficient.

From 3D printing to augmented reality, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and digital showrooms, technology is revolutionising the fashion industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. Brands that embrace these innovations are not only improving their products and services but also creating more engaging, personalised experiences for their customers. In the fast-paced world of fashion, staying ahead means being tech-savvy—and the future looks incredibly exciting.