The fashion businesses are known to be trendsetters. They are known to kick off things by exploring different fashion segments. Now, we understand that the fashion world is beyond our imagination. Moreover, industry experts undergo numerous trial and error techniques in order to develop a masterpiece. This trial and error process can be supplemented with the integration of digital fashion, i.e., where a range of clothing designs and garments are created using the virtual platform. While the end process can be for product segmentation, many fashion brands utilize it to adapt to technological acceleration for product testing and visualization. 

Besides, we've seen how fashion companies utilize this technology, especially when promoting themselves in shows, events, and more. The recent Milan Fashion Week is one of the events that are deeply rooted digitally.

A New Era of Innovation

Technology is at the heart of innovation, and the 3D platform has opened a vast opportunity, especially for fashion businesses. From high-quality 3D clothing designs to virtual try-ons of products, fashion industries are now steadily channeling their products to explore the digital market for possibilities.   

While we understand that the retail and fashion industry may sometimes resist a new change, adopting technologically advanced solutions brings alignment when developing distinguished products. For instance, using virtual fabrics reduces the requirement to use real fabrics or sew products the traditional way. 

Is 3D Fashion Taking The Lion's Share of Design?  

Gone are the complex days of traditional fashion and apparel development. While 3D fashion is complex, brands utilize 3D modeling and other 3D technologies from 2D digital patterns. The 3D technology allows designers to develop garments and transform them into digital avatars of various sizes. 

The process of 3D design is exclusive. Here, 3D design facilitates rapid prototyping, enabling clothing brands to iterate designs quickly and cost-effectively. It enhances visualization, creating photorealistic virtual samples for marketing and sales purposes. Additionally, it streamlines production by providing accurate measurements and patterns, reducing material waste and time-to-market.

Brands increasingly use 3D technology, where the system stitches patterns together and develops a production-ready 3D garment version. 

The Secrecy Behind the Technology

While we understand that technological advancement is the answer to digital fashion, how brands could turn it from an option to a necessity lies behind the proper introduction of technology. One such instance is the integration between the PLM system, i.e., PTC FlexPLM, and apparel 3D design tools. Now, designers can explore their full potential. 

The experts can facilitate efficient digital workflow. Meanwhile, Apple's iPhone comes equipped with LiDAR technology. It enables viewers to generate 3D models with their phones. Different fashion brands leverage different technologies with digital versions of their products.

Past Trends

When it comes to digital fashion, we must return to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The early fashion boomers kickstarted with video games where consumers could explore themselves in the digital realm. This started with purchasing ''skins'' for video games and further moving towards downloading designer clothing for avatars. 

The development of digital fashion took many brands to create virtual clothing likes. For instance, Gucci created a limited collection of digital-only items. In 2018, Carlings, a Scandinavian retailer, developed the world's first digital-only clothing collection termed "Neo-Ex".

Digital fashion rose to prominence during COVID-19, when consumers explored digital content for entertainment. This, in turn, allowed brands to grow business, primarily via product promotion from social media. 

Transforming the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has come under fire for many reasons. One is the environmental impact it has around the world. Fast fashion is one of the reasons that has led to substantial carbon emissions. Digital fashion is the answer to the solution where it promotes efficient usage of resources. Despite its early stages, this innovative solution has been the best option, providing new opportunities to create, showcase, and explore fashion designs. 

What can Fashion Events Promote?

Fashion shows are held across the globe and are known to set influential trends in the industry. Milan Fashion Week 2024 is definitely a trendsetter known for its intense exposure to brands and celebrities at the global level. We won't be surprised to explore designers who spearhead digital fashion technology with a unique approach to sustainability. Such a trend will generate an international cause, leading towards sustainable development. 

What's Our Take?

Digital fashion is no longer an option but a necessity today. Brands that integrate advanced technology when it comes to product design and development will always stay ahead of the competition. While technology has the correct answer to every problem, the fashion industry can save time and cost when utilizing 3D technology. 

Final Thoughts

Digital fashion isn't a replacement for real-life clothing. Moreover, it adds a technological solution to the advancement. Now is the time to say goodbye to a variety of prints. The industry is undergoing exponential growth, and we can catalyze it with advanced solutions.