As the fashion industry continues its digital transformation, brands, suppliers, and innovators are facing new challenges and opportunities in technology, sustainability, collaboration, and consumer engagement. With insights gathered from research calls and surveys for both PI Apparel Europe 2025 and PI Apparel NYC 2025, we’ve identified the key themes shaping digital product creation today.
These topics will take centre stage at both events, of course with geographical nuances in mind, bringing together the industry’s leading voices to explore solutions, case studies, and cutting-edge technologies.
1. From Tools to Strategy: Scaling 3D Workflows
3D design is no longer an experimental tool—it’s a core component of modern product creation. However, many brands still struggle to scale 3D adoption beyond early adopters. Challenges include standardizing workflows, integrating with legacy systems, and aligning teams across different skill levels.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How can brands effectively implement and scale 3D workflows across teams?
- What role do automation and AI-driven 3D tools play in accelerating digital design?
- How can brands leverage virtual prototyping to reduce waste and streamline approvals?
🌎 Regional nuances based on research: Whilst European brands are particularly focused on reducing physical samples to meet sustainability targets, those in North American seem to be more so exploring 3D-driven customization for direct-to-consumer strategies.
2. AI in Product Creation: Beyond the Buzzwords
AI’s role in trend forecasting, consumer insights, and digital prototyping is expanding, yet many companies remain unsure how to apply it effectively. The conversation is shifting from possibilities to practical implementation, focusing on automation, predictive analytics, and decision-making.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How can AI enhance design iteration without replacing human creativity?
- Where does AI-driven consumer data intersect with sustainable production?
- What are the risks of over-reliance on AI, and how can brands ensure human oversight?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: Whilst European brands are deeply concerned with AI’s role in regulatory compliance and ethical considerations, North American companies seem more eager to test AI in fast-fashion and on-demand production models.
3. Emerging Technologies: AR, VR & Digital Fashion Integration
Fashion is embracing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and immersive digital platforms for both design collaboration and consumer engagement. From virtual showrooms to gaming crossovers, brands are rethinking how digital fashion lives beyond production.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How are brands leveraging Apple Vision Pro and next-gen VR tools for digital prototyping?
- How does AR improve remote collaboration in product development?
- Can fashion brands effectively monetize digital fashion in gaming and sportswear?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: North American brands are pushing into gaming and cultural fashion integration, while European companies seem more focused on virtual showrooms and collaborative remote workspaces.
4. Overcoming the Digital Divide in Supply Chains
Despite advances in 3D, AI, and automation, many brands still face a major roadblock: suppliers lag behind in digital adoption. Without seamless integration, brands risk slow production cycles, misalignment, and inefficiencies.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How can brands incentivize suppliers to adopt digital tools?
- What strategies work best for real-time digital collaboration with manufacturers?
- How can brands bridge the communication gap between design, merchandising, and supply chain teams?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: This is a universal challenge, but European companies feel more pressure due to sustainability compliance, while North American brands struggle with fast-paced production expectations.
5. New Business Models: On-Demand, Customization & Digital Retail
Consumers are demanding more personalized products, shorter production cycles, and sustainable alternatives. Digital tools now enable on-demand production, mass customization, and direct-to-consumer models, but brands must rethink logistics and scalability.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How can brands scale on-demand production while staying cost-effective?
- What are the biggest logistical challenges in offering customization?
- How do digital product creation tools support smaller, more agile production models?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: Due to political pressures, North American brands are experimenting more aggressively with on-demand production, while European companies focus on reducing excess inventory and waste.
6. Sustainability, Traceability & Compliance: Moving Beyond Talk
With new EU regulations on sustainability and digital product passports, brands are under pressure to prove the origins of their materials and reduce environmental impact. However, achieving full transparency remains costly and complex.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How can brands streamline traceability without skyrocketing costs?
- What are the most realistic strategies for improving supply chain transparency?
- How can technology (blockchain, digital IDs) help brands meet compliance standards?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: The EU is leading the charge with stricter sustainability mandates, while North America is still catching up but seeing increased consumer demand for ethical sourcing.
7. Rethinking Collaboration: Breaking Down Silos
Fashion brands still struggle with disjointed communication between design, merchandising, sourcing, and supply chain teams. Digital tools promise real-time collaboration, but organizational structures often slow adoption.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- What are the most effective ways to integrate cross-functional teams?
- How can real-time digital workflows reduce production errors?
- What new technologies improve collaboration between brands and manufacturers?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: Both Europe and North America recognize this challenge, but European brands tend to have more centralized collaboration models, while North American brands seem to often operate in more siloed structures.
8. Startup Innovation & Emerging Talent
From AI-driven design tools to sustainable material alternatives, startups are challenging legacy brands with new, agile innovations. At the same time, fashion education is struggling to keep up with evolving technology.
📌 Key questions we’ll explore:
- How can brands better collaborate with startups to accelerate innovation?
- How do we train the next generation of designers in AI, 3D, and digital tools?
- How can new talent pipelines help brands stay ahead?
🌎 Regional nuance based on research: European companies tend to work more closely with academia, while North American brands look for venture-backed innovation.
Your Wish is Our Command
No matter their location, our community is calling for more engaging, intimate, and interactive event formats that support hands-on learning, and meaningful networking.
We are listening…
📌 So what’s changing?
- More roundtables, more hands-on workshops & more practical, honest case studies.
- Start-up showcases & innovation pitches.
- More of a focus on the bridge between academia and industry, as well as promoting emerging talent.
Want to know more about our events?
PI Apparel Europe is LIVE and you can access the agenda via the image below.
The PI Apparel NYC 2025 agenda is coming really soon, but til then, register your interest via the image below…
