Why You Should Reignite Your Interest in Digital-First Fashion: Agentic AI, Co-Creation & Community

💡Key Takeaways

1️⃣ An Unconventional Career Path: From Astrophysics to Fashion Innovation 🚀

Richard’s journey from studying astrophysics to founding BNV in the fashion tech industry is anything but ordinary. His diverse background, from his scientific education to his hands-on experience in the mainstream fashion sector, has shaped his unique approach to digital transformation. His story underscores how cross-disciplinary experiences can drive innovation in unexpected ways and how his ability to blend technology with creativity has become the driving force behind his vision for the future of fashion.

I was always interested in technology and how the archaic processes in fashion could be improved, made more efficient, and sped up through the application of new tech.

2️⃣ BNV’s Mission: Leveraging Digital Tech for a Fairer, More Sustainable Fashion Industry 🌱

BNV was founded with a clear mission: to create a more efficient, sustainable, and fair fashion ecosystem through digital technologies. From 3D product creation to blockchain, Richard’s vision centres on streamlining fashion production processes and removing the inefficiencies in traditional retail models. His early business model focused on the concept of ‘only making what you sell‘, allowing brands to reduce waste and produce products that directly reflect consumer demand.

The possibilities that exist through the application of 3D product creation not only speed up design and development, but they also offer creative output and validation in areas like marketing and internal processes.

3️⃣ Digital Fashion’s Long-Term Potential: Why Brands Should Stick with It ⚡

Richard acknowledges that many digital fashion initiatives have flopped, especially when the market was flooded with high-hype, low-ROI projects. However, he believes that brands should not abandon the concept of digital fashion. Instead, they should focus on long-term vision and evolution. Richard’s advice is for brands to stay committed to digital initiatives, understanding that the tools and technologies will continue to improve and become more accessible over time. Patience and persistence are key to navigating this rapidly changing space.

You have to commit to building the digital side of your brand, knowing it will evolve. Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a long-term investment in the future.

4️⃣ Building First, Convincing Later: A Shift in Approach 🛠️

Richard shared how his approach to brand partnerships and external validation has evolved. Rather than pushing brands to sign on immediately, BNV is focusing on building a robust platform and ecosystem first. This “build-first, convince-later” philosophy allows BNV to demonstrate the real potential of its vision rather than relying on immediate buy-in. As Richard explains, this approach creates a stronger foundation for future collaboration and allows for a more organic, authentic demonstration of value. It’s about proving the concept and providing tangible results that speak for themselves.

I want to demonstrate the value first. We’ll talk to brands, but I don’t want to sell them on an idea – I want to show them something that works and then have them come to us.

5️⃣Agentic AI is Lowering the Barrier to Entry for Mainstream Adoption 🤖

One of the most exciting developments Richard discussed is how Agentic AI is helping to lower the barrier to entry for mainstream users. Richard emphasizes that AI is no longer just a tool for automation but a critical enabler for creativity and collaboration. By integrating AI into processes like marketing, content creation, and even wallet management, AI helps simplify what was once complex, allowing consumers and brands to work together in more intuitive, accessible ways.

Richard also highlights how the complexities of Web3 – such as wallets, seed phrases, and crypto transactions – have traditionally made it difficult for the broader public to engage. However, with Agentic AI’s integration into BNV’s platform, onboarding has become much simpler, making it easier for anyone, regardless of their familiarity with Web3, to participate in the digital ecosystem. By providing a mobile-friendly, simplified platform, BNV is enabling brands and consumers to navigate the digital space without the steep learning curve that’s typically involved.

Agentic AI is changing the game by making everything simpler for mainstream users. It’s helping to bridge the gap between those who are familiar with Web3 and those who aren’t, enabling everyone to take part in this new digital ecosystem.

6️⃣ Co-Creation: Empowering Consumers to Shape the Future of Fashion 🤝

Co-creation is at the heart of Richard’s vision for the future of fashion. Rather than just consuming, Richard believes consumers should have the opportunity to collaborate directly with brands in creating products. This goes beyond the occasional personalised t-shirt or shoe to fully integrating customers into the creative process. With the advent of digital fashion tools and tokenisation, consumers can now not only provide input but also directly benefit from their involvement, thanks to new technologies like NFTs and blockchain. For Richard, co-creation isn’t just about product design; it’s about creating a shared experience that truly connects brands and their audiences.

A brand needs to engage with their customers in a way that goes beyond just selling products; they need to create a shared experience where customers feel like they’re part of the brand’s journey. That’s where the real power of digital transformation lies.

7️⃣ Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability in a Rapidly Evolving Industry 🦎

Richard shares how the fashion tech space is fast-paced and constantly changing, urging brands and innovators to remain flexible in their approaches. He highlights the importance of being adaptable to new technologies, market trends, and consumer behaviours. Richard believes that brands must stay agile to succeed in this evolving digital environment, constantly tweaking and adjusting their strategies to keep up with new possibilities and demands.

Flexibility and commitment are key in retail transformation. You need to dream big, persevere, and execute. It’s about staying agile and responsive to change.

8️⃣ Building a Community Around Your Brand: Beyond Transactions ❤️

Richard emphasises that true engagement with consumers goes beyond just the transactional nature of selling products. In his view, the power of community lies in giving consumers a stake in a brand’s success and making them feel involved in the brand’s journey. Through mechanisms like tokenisation and digital ownership, Richard believes brands can foster a deeper, more meaningful connection with their audience, creating a community that contributes to the brand’s growth and innovation.

Instead of focusing solely on sales, brands should create a space where their customers feel like co-creators, empowering them to actively contribute and engage with the brand on a deeper level.

The key to building a lasting community is offering consumers the opportunity to not just buy but to truly connect, contribute, and feel invested in the brand’s success.

9️⃣ The Need for a Holistic Approach to Technology in Fashion: Seamless Integration from Creation to Engagement 🔗

A core theme throughout our conversation is that the future of fashion isn’t about siloed technologies but about a seamless, holistic approach that integrates AI, blockchain, 3D design tools, and digital fashion across every stage of the process. From product creation to marketing and consumer engagement, Richard envisions a fully connected system where technology flows seamlessly, enhancing every touchpoint of the fashion journey. This integrated approach not only streamlines production but also enhances creativity, collaboration, and customer experiences in ways that traditional methods cannot.

He also highlights that digital transformation in fashion goes beyond individual tools and technologies – it’s about creating an ecosystem where everything works together. By connecting every aspect of the industry, from design to sales, fashion can become more efficient, sustainable, and customer-centric.

The future of fashion isn’t just about applying tech to individual pieces; it’s about building an ecosystem where every aspect – from creation to engagement – is driven by technology. AI, blockchain, and 3D design tools need to be part of a broader strategy that aligns creativity with efficiency.