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Part 2: The Top 8 Themes Shaping the Future of MAKE in Asia

by Michael Ratcliffe 16 May 2025

Introduction

Asia’s fashion supply chain is being re-engineered in real time. Tariff pressures, rising costs, and shifting sourcing geographies are forcing brands and manufacturers to rethink long-held strategies, while simultaneously navigating demands for speed, flexibility, and sustainability. From digital sampling to micro-factories and AI-assisted production, the MAKE phase is no longer just about efficiency – it’s becoming a space for reinvention.

Based on interviews conducted by Alexandra Shagzhina for PI Apparel’s DESIGN.MAKE.SELL 2025 event, we’ve identified eight core themes driving this change across MAKE (aka manufacturing and the supply chain) – straight from the mouths of those shaping the industry across Asia.

Missed Part 1? Read it here.

👇 In Part 2 of our series, discover the key manufacturing and supply shifts defining the future of fashion across the region…

🌍 Sourcing Strategies Are Shifting…Again

Tariff wars and geopolitical uncertainty are forcing brands to rethink their sourcing strategies across Asia. With aggressive levies on Chinese goods back on the table, countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India are quickly gaining ground. At the same time, Hong Kong’s once-central role is under pressure, with questions around relevance, cost, and access. As trade winds shift, how should sourcing strategies evolve to stay ahead of disruption?

⚡Faster, Leaner, and More Local: The New Supply Chain Mandate

Manufacturers across Asia are under growing pressure to do more with less. Brands want faster timelines, lower MOQs, and greater flexibility, without compromising on cost or sustainability. In response, Southeast Asia is emerging as a testbed for innovation, from digital product creation to nearshoring strategies and micro-factory models. Can Asia’s manufacturing powerhouses rise to meet this new triad of speed, flexibility, and sustainability?

🤖 AI in Manufacturing: Promise vs. Proof

From fabric yield optimisation to demand forecasting, AI holds major potential to streamline manufacturing massively. But on the factory floor, adoption is still early and scepticism remains high. While pilot programmes abound, manufacturers are calling for proof, not prototypes. What’s missing are practical case studies that clearly show where AI is saving time, improving margins and reducing waste. Where is AI in manufacturing actually delivering measurable value and what’s still just hype?

🏭 Diversifying Asia’s Production Powerhouses

Hong Kong continues to serve as a strategic gateway to China’s supplier ecosystem, but production dynamics across Asia are evolving fast. Cities like Shenzhen are gaining traction for their advanced infrastructure and speed, while regional hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bengaluru, and Dhaka are attracting attention for their cost advantages, skilled labour, and growing tech-readiness. How can brands build a more resilient sourcing strategy by leveraging Asia’s increasingly diverse manufacturing landscape?

♻️ Sustainability Can’t Just Sit in a CSR Report

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” – it must be embedded into everyday production decisions. But ESG fatigue is setting in. Manufacturers are increasingly sceptical of rigid frameworks that feel disconnected from business realities. As regulations tighten and buyer demands grow, the focus must shift to scalable, cost-effective strategies that make sustainability part of the operational norm. How can sustainability move from reporting requirement to operational reality?

⚙️ The Automation Divide: Can Small Players Keep Up?

Larger manufacturers are doubling down on automation – from laser cutting to AI-powered warehouse systems – gaining clear efficiency advantages. But for small and mid-sized factories, the high cost and complexity remain major barriers. To level the playing field, the next generation of tools must be modular, lightweight, and easy to integrate. Can automation be democratised across Asia’s highly fragmented manufacturing landscape?

👩‍🏭 A Talent Crisis on the Factory Floor

Across Asia, production leaders are facing a growing talent gap. Aging workforces, high attrition, and a shortage of technically skilled recruits are putting pressure on output and quality. At the same time, there’s a disconnect between young digital creatives and experienced factory staff, highlighting a cultural and generational divide. What new models can bridge the growing gap between digital design and traditional manufacturing expertise?

💤 Innovation Fatigue – Tech Must Deliver, Not Distract

Even as innovation accelerates, manufacturers are growing weary of flashy tools that fail to integrate, scale, or show measurable ROI. The appetite is shifting toward practical, modular technologies that enhance existing workflows, not disrupt them. Is your tech stack solving real problems, or just adding complexity without clarity?

🔗 Ready to explore these themes in person?

DESIGN.MAKE.SELL 2025 lands in Hong Kong this 11–12 November. The agenda is live, the first speakers are locked in, and the conversations promise to be bold. Join fashion leaders from across Asia to explore the future of design, manufacturing, and retail. For more information, click the image below!

Coming soon: In the 3rd and final part of this series, we will dive into ‘The Top 6 Themes Informing a New Era of SELL in Asia’.

16 May 2025 0 comments

AI DPC Education Technology

Part 1: The Top 7 Themes Redefining Fashion DESIGN in Asia

by Michael Ratcliffe 8 May 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

Asia’s fashion industry is undergoing a seismic shift. As consumer demands evolve, sustainability becomes non-negotiable, and new technologies unlock new possibilities, the intersection of DESIGN, MAKE, and SELL is being radically reimagined.

This transformation isn’t happening in silos; it’s unfolding through real-world experimentation, cross-border collaboration, and a redefinition of creativity in the digital age.

Based on interviews conducted by Alexandra Shagzhina for PI Apparel’s DESIGN.MAKE.SELL 2025 event, we’ve identified seven core themes driving this change in DESIGN – straight from the mouths of those shaping the industry across Asia.

👇 In Part 1 of our series, discover the key design shifts defining the future of fashion across the region…

🔄 3D Is Far From Dead, But It Does Needs a Rebrand in the Age of AI

3D design remains a cornerstone of digital product creation, especially across Asia’s manufacturing hubs. Yet as AI captures the spotlight, many brands are starting to question 3D’s long-term role. Some fear AI could render traditional 3D workflows obsolete, but that view misses the bigger opportunity. Rather than competing, 3D and AI are working in tandem: 3D enables rapid prototyping, asset creation, digital twins, and immersive storytelling, while AI accelerates ideation, personalisation, and optimisation. How can we redefine 3D as a vital partner in AI-driven design?

📊We Need to Move AI Beyond the Hype

From generative imagery to predictive analytics, AI is rapidly transforming design workflows. Across Asia, adoption is gaining pace, especially in areas like trend forecasting, colourway generation, and demand planning. But while experimentation is high, scalable and ROI-driven implementation remains elusive. The challenge now is moving beyond hype to prove how AI can genuinely enhance creativity and decision-making, not replace them. How can brands move from experimentation to scalable, ROI-driven implementation of AI in design?

🎓 Closing the Education/Industry Gap

Across Asia, fashion graduates are stepping into the workforce without the technical fluency required for today’s design and development roles. Curriculums remain siloed, often prioritising creativity over commercial readiness, with little focus on 3D design, digital prototyping, or garment engineering. The message from industry is clear: we don’t just need concept designers, we need digitally fluent problem-solvers ready to work across the entire product lifecycle. How can fashion education evolve to meet the industry’s demand for digitally fluent, commercially-minded problem solvers?

🔍 Asia’s Creative Talent Is Rising But Still Hard to Find

From Seoul to Jakarta, emerging Asian fashion brands are making waves globally with bold, culturally rich designs. Yet, many of these brands still struggle to connect with traditional scouting platforms and global industry networks. How can this new wave of talent better engage with international brands, unlock cross-cultural collaboration, and establish meaningful connections to expand Asia’s influence on the global stage?

🌱 Designing for a Circular Future

Sustainability is no longer a post-production afterthought; it’s influencing how products are conceived from the outset. More brands are embedding recyclability, durability, and circularity into their design criteria. But practical frameworks and scalable tools remain limited, especially in Asia, where regulation like digital product passports is on the horizon. Can Asia develop its own playbook for designing circular products and embracing sustainability from day one?

💎 Luxury is Being Redefined by New Consumer Expectations

Across Asia, younger consumers are turning away from logo-heavy, traditional luxury. In its place, they’re seeking niche brands that prioritise quality, individuality, and regional storytelling. This shift is redefining what “premium” means and challenging designers to respond with greater purpose, craft, and narrative. Are you ready to redefine luxury for Asia’s next-generation consumers who prioritize quality, individuality, and regional storytelling?

🌍🏠 From Global Aesthetic to Local Identity

Designers are breaking away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach and embracing the power of regional relevance. Whether it’s tailoring silhouettes to local climates or embedding cultural cues into design, creating collections that resonate with specific markets – particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East – is becoming a strategic must. How are design teams embracing local identity to create products that resonate with emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East?

🔗 Ready to explore these themes in person?

DESIGN.MAKE.SELL 2025 takes place in Hong Kong, 11–12 November. The agenda is now live and the first speakers confirmed. Join industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and shape the future of fashion in Asia. Click on the image below for more information…

Coming soon: In Part 2 of this series, we will dive into ‘The Top 8 Themes Shaping the Future of MAKE in Asia’.

8 May 2025 0 comments

Culture DPC Editors' Pick Education People & Leadership

From Dream to Prototype: Co-Creating Aliph’s Bold Blueprint for Design Education in Africa

by Michael Ratcliffe 6 May 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

What if the future of fashion and design wasn’t just coming from the same few geographies, cities, schools, and circles, but from unexpected places, with fresh perspectives and untapped talent?

This is the mission of Aliph: a creative campus-in-the-making, rooted in Morocco, with a mission to identify, nurture, and connect the next generation of African design leaders. But this isn’t just another education project; it’s a call to rethink access, equity, and how global industries invest in future talent.

Want to learn more about Aliph and its mission? Click here.

Every time I return to Morocco, I’m struck by the same thing: a boldness of spirit. The riot of colours, the layers of craft, the hospitality woven into every interaction. It’s a place where heritage meets heat, and where creativity is hiding around every corner and in every nook and cranny. And for me, this is why Aliph matters; not just for the students it aims to empower, but for the global design ecosystem and the planet. Because if we want to build a future that’s more inclusive, more sustainable, and more imaginative, we need to tap into talent that’s been systemically overlooked, and start designing with, not for, the majority world.

For you, our readers, this isn’t just a story, but an invitation. Whether you’re a designer, educator, technologist, funder, or brand innovator, Aliph offers multiple on-ramps for engagement: as a mentor, partner, collaborator, or champion of inclusive design. We believe that scale only happens through community, and that starts by being honest and transparent about our process, challenges, and what we’re building together.

Aliph Creative Offsite 2025

Last month, I returned to Marrakech for my second Aliph Creative Offsite – a three-day gathering of designers, educators, technologists, funders, and changemakers from across Morocco and beyond. Building on the vision discussed in 2023, this year marked a turning point: moving from talk to action; from bold ideas to tangible blueprints.

Led by Aliph founder, Safir Bellali, the agenda was rich and varied, from powerful panels and inspiring presentations to creative share-outs and practical workshops. But two sessions stood out for their actionability: the Four Corners exercise, which unpacked the strategic building blocks of Aliph (Recruitment & Talent, Skills & Competencies, Partnerships, and Fundraising), and the Opportunity Breakouts, where we began co-developing short-term design pilot programmes designed to bring the vision to life.

This article spotlights both: the foundational insights from our working groups, and the pilot pathways they inspired, with a special focus on the Fashion Design track, which is already underway and scheduled for a September 2025 go-live.

Let’s dive into the takeaways, themes, what’s next, and how YOU could get involved.

The Four Corners – Unpacking the strategic building blocks of Aliph

(1) Recruitment & Talent: Rethinking Who, How & Why 🧠

What if the next generation of world-class designers and creative problem-solvers are already out there but have no access to opportunity?

The “Talent & Recruitment” track explored what it really means to find, select, and nurture future cohorts in a way that is inclusive, intentional, and aligned with the project’s values.

Key takeaways:

👥 Who are we looking for?

Talent can come from anywhere: Not just polished portfolios, but raw potential, drive, and curiosity, especially from underrepresented or overlooked backgrounds.
Diversity is non-negotiable: Socioeconomic status, cultural heritage, gender identity, and age diversity all contribute to richer learning ecosystems.
Create personas, not profiles: Think beyond credentials. Design fictional but realistic student personas (e.g. high school graduate with raw design instinct; community artist with a tech curiosity) to guide selection.

🎯 How do we find and select them?

Digital-first outreach: Use social media, grassroots mobilisation, and partnerships with local networks to spread the word and democratise access.
Interview for mindset: Prioritise soft skills like empathy, resilience, and initiative alongside technical talent. A spark of intent is often more important than polish.
Transparency matters: Avoid nepotism or exclusivity – establish clear, visible, and fair criteria for all applicants.
Think practical pathways: From apprenticeship-style contracts to pre-placement support, student journeys should feel connected to real opportunities.

💡 What are we really recruiting for?

Not just skills, but potential: Aliph is about long-term transformation, not short-term performance. Select students who are ready to grow, give back, and challenge norms.
Mindset over mastery: A student’s ability to experiment, fail forward, and think critically is just as valuable as technical ability.
Local roots, global relevance: Start with Moroccan youth, but remain mindful of wider African and diaspora connections for scaling.

(2) Skills & Competencies – What We Need to Nurture Now 🎓

What does it take to nurture tomorrow’s changemakers – not just skilled creatives, but responsible, system-aware designers?

Key takeaways:

💡 Skills Are More Than Technical Abilities

Skills like 3D CAD, AI literacy, and hands-on prototyping were named as important, but only when developed through iterative learning and collaboration.

🌀 Competencies Bridge Knowledge, Attitude & Behaviour

Participants stressed the importance of:

Critical thinking, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving
Adaptability, emotional intelligence, and purpose
Global awareness grounded in local relevance

💬 Attitude Is the Engine

Confidence, humility, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment were seen as essential traits, often more predictive of success than technical skills.

🌍 Planet-Centric Thinking

The shift from user-centred to eco-centred design was widely embraced, calling for frameworks that centre around ecology, regeneration and long-term impact.

🔁 Learning Must Be Continuous

Rather than fixed curriculums, learning should be modular, mentor-driven, and open to community storytelling, failure, and iteration.

(3) Partnerships: Powering the Ecosystem Through Collaboration🤝

What kinds of partnerships does it take to build a design education model that’s rooted locally but resonates globally?

Aliph’s vision can only come to life with the right ecosystem around it. The Partnerships track mapped potential collaborators across six domains:

Educational Institutions (local design schools, international faculty exchange)
Foundations & Grantmakers
Brands & Tech Providers (fashion, software, and digital tools)
NGOs & Public Institutions (UNESCO, UNICEF, civic orgs)
Creative & Cultural Connectors (grassroots artists, filmmakers, diasporic influencers)
Unlikely Allies (tourism boards, gaming studios, and civic groups)

Guiding principles:

Legitimacy through partnership: Especially early on, credibility builds trust.
Avoid extractive models: Aliph must co-create with local stakeholders, not impose from the outside.
Think wide and deep: Small cooperatives and big orgs both have roles to play.

(4) Fundraising & Sponsorship 🧭

How do we fuel Aliph’s big ambitions in sustainable, strategic ways that turn funders into active allies?

Who are we engaging?

Foundations & philanthropies
Tech and fashion brands
Civic and government orgs
Design industry institutions
Tourism, media, and creative investors

Key messages:

Funding = Co-Creation: Aliph doesn’t want passive donors. It needs partners to shape, mentor, and sustain its vision.
Clarity, impact, and accountability are essential for credibility.
Storytelling is a tool to align missions, unlock funding, and show ROI.

🔥From Insight to Impact – Opportunity Breakouts

The final sessions of the offsite turned strategy into execution. In small, multidisciplinary teams, we discussed the practicalities of four pilot tracks to activate Aliph’s mission in 2025–2026.

🧵 Fashion Design Pilot – The Flagship Launch

Aliph’s most developed pilot is also its most urgent. With funding secured and partnerships with L’Institut Français and L’École Duperré already in place, this module will serve as a creative and career incubator for Moroccan youth, under the creative leadership of luxury and design expert, Angeline Dangelser.

Programme Highlights:

Hybrid learning: combining foundational techniques (drawing, textile work, storytelling) with future-facing tools (Illustrator, 3D, AI).
6–12 students: A tight cohort model allows deep mentorship and real impact.
Real-world briefs: With support from brands students will develop capsule collections, pitch portfolios, and execute live briefs.
Brand building: Students will work on personal narratives and identity, with zines, lookbooks, and events to support visibility.
Cultural relevance: Moroccan design heritage is central, from silhouettes and techniques to storytelling and aesthetics.
Outcome-focused: The goal isn’t just education, but career opportunity, whether that be launching personal brands, entering the workforce, or inspiring new regional pipelines.
A shift away from a fixed campus model: Aliph is embracing a more nomadic, decentralised approach – bringing learning to where knowledge and culture already live. From artisan cooperatives to urban studios, this flexibility ensures students learn in real-world contexts, not just classrooms.

This flagship initiative is ready to go and represents a tangible invitation for collaborators, mentors, sponsors, and global brands to shape fashion education at its roots.

💻 Industrial Design & Digital Creation

This track brings together product thinking, digital workflows, and real-world impact.

Students simulate creative studios: learning to ideate, test, and refine products from concept to MVP.
Focus areas: safety accessories, home goods, sustainable materials.
Tools: CAD, AR, digital storytelling platforms.

Cultural identity is embedded in every brief, keeping outputs grounded in Moroccan context but globally competitive.

🎓 Professional Education – Training the Trainers

Aliph’s long-term viability depends on local ownership. This track will:

Develop benchmarks for quality and relevance in design education.
Recruit professional mentors from global institutions to offer guest lectures or residencies.
Cultivate a faculty pipeline of African educators and creative leaders.

🤝 Fundraising & Sponsorship Strategy

This pilot formalises a roadmap for attracting and activating funders:

Programme packaging: story-led opportunities (e.g. sponsor a showcase, co-create a capsule)
Diverse income models: branded workshops, product sales, IP licensing

Community transparency: open co-creation, impact dashboards, and storytelling-led reporting

✨ What’s Next? And How You Can Help?

Aliph’s 2025 offsite marked a turning point; no longer just a vision, it’s now a growing ecosystem with working pilots, strategic frameworks, and a clear call to action.

As we enter the next phase, we are launching a two-month sprint (May–June 2025) to crystallise the structure, partners, and delivery models behind these pilot programmes, starting with Fashion Design ahead of its September launch. This window is critical to secure resources, solidify commitments, and ensure we’re building with intention. To carry this momentum forward, participants are self-organising into three task forces focused on:

Further defining the programme’s vision and educational model
Building meaningful industry relationships
Translating ideas into concrete pilot execution plans

These working groups will drive progress between now and summer, setting the foundation for long-term success.

**If you’re reading this and thinking “how can I help?” here’s how:**

🧑‍💻 Designers, educators, and technologists:

Offer time, mentorship, or training – even committing to mentor just one student can have an outsized impact.
Recommend students, collaborators, or speakers

🤝 Brands and institutions:

Sponsor a cohort, donate tools, or help design a brief
Partner on storytelling, visibility, or programme expansion

🎤 Storytellers and media:

Amplify this mission
Follow and share student stories as they emerge

Because this isn’t just about design; it’s about who gets to imagine, build, and own the future, and making sure opportunity is no longer a luxury, but a shared foundation. What are you waiting for? Get involved now! 🚀🌱

6 May 2025 0 comments

AI DPC Metaverse Sustainability Technology

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

by Michael Ratcliffe 28 April 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

Understandably, terms like Web3, NFTs, and crypto might make many of you roll your eyes – believe me, I get it. Having worked in this space for two years, I’ve seen first-hand the massive hype around digital-only activations and the inevitable disappointment when the market crashed, leaving brands with little to show for it.

But does that mean we were right to completely write off these initiatives? Richard Hobbs, Founder of BNV (Brand New Vision), doesn’t think so. He argues that recent technological advancements are breaking down the barriers to entry for us ‘Normies‘ (my word, not his!)– a playful yet somewhat dismissive term for those of us who aren’t fully immersed in Web3 and may be sceptical of its concepts. According to Richard, we’re now much better positioned to leverage these innovations as powerful new revenue streams and modes of consumer engagement.

From 3D product creation and agentic AI, to using blockchain to ensure fair compensation and a more equitable ecosystem, in this chat we discuss how these tools are not just trendy buzzwords but real game-changers in the way brands and consumers could newly interact.

Richard’s perspective may just be one that’ll make you think twice…

🎥 Watch the full video below!
Don’t have time to watch the full video? Scroll down for a summary of key takeaways and noteworthy quotes.

💡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.

🤔 Final Thoughts

Richard’s insights into the future of fashion are a compelling call to action for brands and consumers alike, and it’s clear that the digital transformation of fashion is not just a fleeting trend but a long-term evolution. BNV’s commitment to streamlining fashion’s production, fostering co-creation, and empowering consumers through new technologies challenges us all to think differently about how we engage with brands and the role technology plays in shaping our experiences.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the question remains: are you ready to (re)embrace the future of fashion and be part of a community that’s redefining creativity, sustainability, and collaboration?

Let us know your thoughts – how do you see technology reshaping your role in fashion in the next few years?

👏 A big thank you to Richard for his time; I think I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to seeing what BNV does next!

28 April 2025 0 comments

People & Leadership Retail Technology

Exploring the Future of Retail Transformation: Insights from Cornell’s ‘Kay Obendorf Lecture’

by Michael Ratcliffe 25 April 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

While the challenges of digital transformation in retail are not new, hearing succinct insights from an industry expert offers valuable third-party validation and a renewed sense of urgency for brands navigating this evolving landscape.

Yesterday, attendees at Cornell University and online participants (like me) were treated to a thought-provoking Kay Obendorf Lecture, hosted by José P. Chan. The prestigious lecture series, which highlights key topics in retail, business and technology, continues Obendorf’s legacy of advancing the education and understanding of the retail industry.

With over two decades of experience in the fashion tech industry, José P. Chan has witnessed first-hand how new technologies are transforming traditional retail models. His expertise lies in creating sustainable digital transformations and leading strategic shifts in the complex world of global fashion retail. In his lecture, José shared valuable insights into how digital technologies are reshaping the future of retail.

Key Takeaways

1️⃣ The Purchase Journey is Not Seamless – Yet

One of the key challenges discussed was the fragmented nature of the modern-day purchasing journey. Despite the advancements in omnichannel retail, José highlighted that the consumer journey is still nonlinear and disjointed, making it difficult for brands to provide seamless customer experiences across all touchpoints. He emphasised that brands need to embrace technology not just to engage customers but to truly integrate their purchasing processes to meet new consumer expectations.

The consumer is moving seamlessly across channels, but the journey for retailers isn’t always as fluid.

2️⃣ Good Data is Key

José discussed how foundational data management is to successful digital transformation. He highlighted the challenges brands face around data hygiene, unification, and privacy when trying to extract insights for customer decision-making. Emphasising the importance of data-driven cultures, he urged companies to focus on improving their data strategies to drive efficiency and personalisation within retail operations.

Data is not just an asset; it’s the foundation of any successful digital transformation, but it needs to be clean, unified, and used responsibly.

3️⃣ The AI Retail Transformation

Focusing on the growing adoption of AI, José shared a striking statistic from the Wharton School of Business (2024): the weekly usage of generative AI in large organisations nearly doubled from 37% in 2023 to 72% in 2024. This shift signals the increasing role of AI in predictive analytics, personalisation, and supply chain optimisation in retail. Brands are leveraging AI tools not just for automation, but to enable data-driven decision-making that enhances the customer experience and improves operational efficiency.

AI isn’t just a tool for automation; it’s a catalyst for deeper insights, smarter decisions, and better customer experiences.

4️⃣ The Role of People, Process, and Technology

José emphasised that brands can overcome transformation barriers by focusing on the right balance between technology adoption and organisational culture. From his experience, the biggest roadblocks for many organisations are not technological but rooted in people and process.

José acknowledged that there’s often a tendency to focus too much on technology and assume it will automatically fix operational inefficiencies. However, he pointed out that successful digital transformations require organisations to confront internal resistance and establish a culture that embraces change. In practice, this means: prioritising employee engagement; addressing skills gaps; and creating a growth mindset that allows the workforce to evolve alongside technological advancements. Ultimately, people must be empowered and equipped with the right skills to make technology work for them, rather than against them.

A successful digital transformation isn’t just about the tools you adopt – it’s about how you integrate technology into the fabric of your business through the right people and processes.

5️⃣ COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Digital Transformation

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, José noted that it had accelerated digital adoption at a pace never seen before, particularly in retail. From shifting to remote work to expanding e-commerce capabilities, brands were forced to rapidly rethink their approaches. COVID-19 accelerated digital initiatives by 3 years, significantly shifting the retail landscape in a short period of time. While the pandemic acted as a catalyst for digitalisation, José emphasised the importance of sustainable digital strategies that go beyond just responding to a crisis.

Digital transformation was fast-tracked by the pandemic, but sustainability in these changes will define future success.

6️⃣ Leveraging Omnichannel Strategies for Future Growth: The Celine Case Study

Celine, a renowned luxury fashion house, has made significant strides in integrating digital strategies into its traditionally high-touch brand identity. The key takeaway? The importance of personalised customer experiences and consistency across channels. By creating a seamless journey between the physical and digital worlds, Celine has successfully expanded its digital presence while maintaining the intimacy and exclusivity expected from a luxury brand. This shows how even traditionally luxury brands can benefit from digital transformation by using technology to enrich rather than dilute their brand’s unique offerings.

Brands need to not just sell products; they need to create experiences that resonate with customers across every touchpoint.

7️⃣ The Importance of Flexibility in Retail Transformation

In closing, José shared some parting words: dream, persevere, execute. These simple yet powerful words summarised his overall message of how flexibility and commitment are critical to navigating the complexities of digital retail transformation. Brands must be adaptable in their approaches, staying agile and responsive to shifting market conditions and consumer behaviours.

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.

Final Thoughts:

With a special focus on AI, data integration, and people-centred transformation, José’ P Chan’s insights highlighted both the ongoing challenges and emerging opportunities retailers face in today’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape. For those navigating this journey, his call to ‘dream big, persevere, and execute‘ serves as both a reminder and a roadmap for driving forward-thinking digital change.

How are you embracing these principles in your own digital transformation journey?

⚔️ Retail Rebels 2025: A New Kind of Retail Event

Forget the noise of crowded trade shows and one-way presentations…Retail Rebels is an intimate PI Apparel event designed for retail leaders ready to break free from the conventional and tackle the biggest challenges in the consumer journey head-on.

Join us, this October in NYC, as we deep dive into the four pillars of retail transformation:

Engage with Purpose: Craft authentic, targeted messaging that cuts through the noise and truly resonates with today’s digital-first consumer.
Craft Memorable Experiences: Create unforgettable, interactive brand experiences that build trust, captivate customers, and drive conversions.
Convert Effortlessly: Explore cutting-edge strategies for omnichannel integration, dynamic pricing, and seamless checkout experiences that turn browsers into loyal buyers.
Build Loyalty That Lasts: Go beyond the transaction to foster loyalty and forge long-term relationships.

Retail Rebels breaks the mold of typical retail events; it’s not about the quantity, but the quality of connections and meaningful conversations. Get ready for interactive sessions, hands-on discussions, and a dynamic networking experience, one that’s focused on real solutions and lasting change.

Ready to lead the way? Join the rebellion.

25 April 2025 0 comments

DPC People & Leadership Supply Chain Technology

Digital Colour: Part 2 – Aligning People, Process & Technology

by Michael Ratcliffe 7 April 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

In a recent virtual panel discussion, we tackled one of the most persistent hurdles in digital product creation for fashion: digital colour accuracy. While in Part 1 we explored its technical underpinnings and how to overcome those challenges, in Part 2 we addressed a broader, more systemic challenge: how to ensure alignment across people, processes, and tools when implementing scalable colour workflows.

Missed Part 1? Catch up here.

Moderated by Michael Ratcliffe (PI Apparel), the session featured Christoph Bergmann (natific AG), Luca Pascucci (Bestseller), Elizabeth Reeds (ex-Old Navy/GAP), Matt Swartz (Patagonia), and Ryan Stanley (PVH) – five specialists shaping the operational and strategic frameworks behind colour management, digital transformation, and cross-functional alignment in fashion.

The panel explored six core questions from the biggest barriers facing effective cross-team collaboration, through to how to build trust with customers and internal teams when selling collections digitally.

🎥 Watch the full video below!
Don’t have time to watch the full video? Scroll down for a summary of key takeaways and noteworthy quotes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🧠 1. Education (Not Just Tools) Drives Collaboration

A spectrophotometer is only useful if people know how to use it. Many bottlenecks occur not due to a lack of tech, but a lack of hands-on understanding – particularly across design, development, and manufacturing. Education at the layman’s level is key.

🕓 2. Time Pressures Undermine Good Process

From design to sales, teams are under extreme time pressure, often reacting to issues instead of preventing them. Brands that invest time upfront in building trust, clarity, and process consistency see fewer downstream issues.

🔗 3. A Shared Language Starts With Standards

Digital palettes, CSS files, and consistent lighting/render settings all create alignment, but only when everyone from design to marketing to suppliers is referencing the same standards. Tools like sRGB colour chips and shared render settings can make or break visual consistency.

🔁 4. Operational Efficiency Unlocks Creativity

Designers shouldn’t be spending weeks chasing down the 55th shade of navy. When workflows are streamlined and feasibility checks are automated, teams can focus on what really matters: innovation. Colour data isn’t restrictive – it’s freeing.

⚡ 5. AI & Metadata Can Boost Speed—With Guardrails

AI is helping streamline workflows through predictive rendering, material pairing, and digital collection building. But trust and validation are still needed. Metadata (e.g. dye formulas, reflectance data) remains essential to ensure output matches expectations.

🛍️ 6. Trust is Built Internally Before It’s Sold Externally

Customer confidence in digital samples hinges on internal buy-in first. Baby steps, like showing key colour samples during internal line reviews, help sales teams understand and translate digital intent into real-world context.

🎓 7. Training Must Be Hands-On, Practical & Celebrated

From certifying suppliers to amplifying great internal behaviours, training isn’t just technical – it’s cultural. Recognising and rewarding best practices helps teams absorb and apply what they’ve learned. Success metrics must go beyond the lab to measure what customers actually receive.

📏 8. Measurement Must Reflect End-to-End Impact

Colour isn’t just a design issue; it’s an end-to-end experience that touches everything from ideation to post-purchase. Metrics that track what was actually delivered (vs. what was intended) help brands close the loop and continuously improve.

💬 Noteworthy Quotes

💚 Christoph Bergmann (natific AG)

“You can have a spectrophotometer and still not use it properly. It’s not just about the tools—it’s about what you do with them.”
“Trust and confidence are built when people understand what they’re asking for—and what they’re getting back.”

💙 Ryan Stanley (PVH)

“Colour is an end-to-end experience—from the first brain fart to the consumer’s 100th laundry cycle.”
“Operational efficiency unlocks bandwidth. Until you get your process under control, you’ll spend all your time fighting fires instead of preventing them.”
“Colour by numbers works. The problem is most people don’t trust the numbers.”

💛 Elizabeth Reeds (ex-Old Navy)

“We created a system where every process defaulted back to the standard. That made it idiot-proof, and it made everyone’s lives easier.”
“Helping teams understand colour through analogies—like a small box of crayons vs. the whole rainbow—really helps with buy-in.”
“I amplified great behaviour whenever I saw it. That reinforcement made a huge difference.”

💜 Matt Swartz (Patagonia)

“I went rogue. I approved colours digitally, never saw a lab dip, and then showed everyone the results. They were shocked—and convinced.”
“Sometimes, to build trust, you have to lead by example—then invite others to review the outcome.”

🧡 Luca Pascucci (Bestseller)

“We started small—just a few key colours physically shown—and slowly built trust. Now, the sales reps ask not to use physical samples.”
“Getting markets like Italy and Denmark on the same page meant calibrating every screen the same way. That made all the difference.”

A huge thank you to all of our panellists for taking part in such a great and important conversation.

This DPC topic and more will be discussed IRL at this week’s PI Apparel EU event, as well as our upcoming PI Apparel NYC 2025 event in June. Click on the image below for more info about the NYC agenda, speakers, and to claim your early bird rate!

7 April 2025 0 comments

AI DPC Size & Fit Technology

Fit Tech with Purpose – Interview with 3DLOOK, 2019 3DRC Grand Challenge Winner

by Michael Ratcliffe 31 March 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

The 3D Retail Coalition (3DRC) Grand Challenge, established in 2018, is an annual competition that recognises innovators leveraging 3D technology to transform the retail and apparel industry. Organised in collaboration with the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE), PI Apparel and Kalypso, the challenge provides a platform for start-ups, researchers, and technology pioneers to showcase solutions that enhance digital product creation, automation, and consumer experiences. The challenge has played a crucial role in accelerating industry adoption of 3D, offering winners visibility, mentorship, and credibility to scale their innovations.

As we head into its 7th year, in this series we interview past winners and explore where they were then, where they are today, and how the challenge helped them scale for success.

2019 Grand Challenge Winner

Whitney Cathcart is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of 3DLOOK, a pioneering company in AI-powered mobile body scanning. With decades of experience in apparel manufacturing and a sharp eye on emerging technologies, Whitney helped steer 3DLOOK from an early concept to one of the most recognised names in digital fit and body data solutions. Their mission: to transform how brands understand and serve the people who wear their products.

3DLOOK won the 3DRC Grand Challenge in 2019 for its innovative approach to generating accurate 3D body models from just two smartphone photos—enabling brands to reduce returns, improve fit, and access anonymised consumer body data for smarter design and merchandising decisions. Since then, the company has expanded into uniforms, wellness, and health sectors, offering advanced tools like body composition tracking and predictive body changes using AI.

🎥 Watch the full video below!
Don’t have time to watch the full video? Scroll down for a summary of key takeaways and noteworthy quotes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

📱 1. Pioneering Mobile Body Scanning Before It Was Mainstream

Back in 2016, when most of fashion was still focused on eCommerce basics, 3DLOOK took a leap, building mobile scanning tech that leveraged deep learning, computer vision, and neural networks to reconstruct 3D avatars from just two photos. It was a visionary move that anticipated today’s obsession with fit, personalization, and digital identity.

📉 2. Solving Returns, Fit, and Feedback with One Tool

3DLOOK’s early thesis went far beyond simply addressing return rates. As Whitney explained, their approach tackled a threefold challenge: helping consumers find better-fitting clothes, equipping brands with real insights into the bodies actually buying their garments, and reducing waste by aligning product design and fit with actual customer data. The goal wasn’t to sell a clever gadget—it was to fundamentally rethink the relationship between data, design and waste in the apparel industry.

🧠 3. Designing for Both Accuracy & Accessibility

Behind the scenes, building the tech was hard, but making it usable was even harder. Whitney stressed the challenges of early data collection, building diverse training datasets, creating clothing detectors, and ensuring the system worked across lighting environments and phone types—all while staying privacy-compliant and intuitive for low-tech users.

🏗️ 4. Built to Scale Across Industries

Even in the early days, Whitney had a vision: this tech wouldn’t just apply to fashion. Post-Challenge, 3DLOOK expanded into uniforms (a critical use case during COVID) and now health and wellness. Their investment in an in-house 3D body scanning lab and use of synthetic data positioned them to evolve fast across sectors.

🏆 5. The 3DRC Grand Challenge Sparked Focus and Confidence

Winning the 3DRC Grand Challenge in 2019 provided critical validation, not just externally, but for the team internally. It gave them visibility with brands, but more importantly, helped them refine their pitch, focus their value proposition, and accelerate strategic hiring in areas like 3D and machine learning.

🔁 6. Bootstrapped Growth Built on Real Problems

Unlike many start-ups, 3DLOOK wasn’t chasing hype or VC dollars; they grew by solving real problems and listening closely to customer pain points. Whitney’s approach has always been grounded in ROI and business value, not just cool tech.

🧩 7. Business Integration > Tech Novelty

One of the most powerful lessons Whitney shared: your solution doesn’t matter if it can’t integrate into a brand’s real-world workflows. Many tech start-ups fail here. You need to speak the retailer’s language and solve a clear, high-priority problem—not just showcase a flashy prototype.

💡 8. Advice for Innovators: Cut the Fluff, Own the Value

Her advice for challenge applicants and tech start-ups is gold:
➡️ Keep your messaging lean
➡️ Align your story with industry pain points
➡️ Ditch the buzzwords and tech speak
➡️ Be crystal clear about what changes for your customer after using your product

🗣️ Noteworthy Quotes

🧵 On the Industry & Impact

“Apparel brands still don’t fully understand the bodies buying their clothes. That’s a big part of why returns are so high.”

“Body data is the beginning of fit—yet most brands are still grading patterns linearly, even though human bodies don’t change that way.”

“Mobile body scanning opens up so many opportunities, from reducing returns to designing for real people—not just fit models.”

“There’s still a long way to go in digitizing this industry, but the next five years are going to be transformational.”

🎢 On the Journey

“I spent 30 years in the apparel industry before jumping into tech. I went back, took classes in AI, and taught myself just enough to be dangerous.”

“From day one, we set out to build the most accurate mobile body scanning technology in the world—and we always knew it could go beyond apparel.”

“We didn’t have access to the kind of AI we have today, so building our own datasets in those early years was a major challenge.”

“Our tech stack is incredibly complex, but that’s not what customers care about. What matters is what it enables them to do.”

🏆 On the 3DRC Grand Challenge

“Winning gave us exposure, validation, and focus. We got in front of big brands and gained clarity on our value proposition.”

“The feedback we got was invaluable. It helped us sharpen our narrative and accelerate both product and team development.”

“It was also a huge morale boost internally. Our team worked hard on the application—having that recognized meant a lot.”

“You can have a cool tech demo, but unless you’re solving a real business pain point, you won’t get anywhere.”

“To anyone entering: edit, edit, edit. Know your audience. Get clear on your elevator pitch. If it’s not a real problem, no one’s taking the pill.”

31 March 2025 0 comments

DPC People & Leadership Supply Chain Technology

Digital Colour: Part 1 – Why is Accuracy Still a Challenge and How Can We Fix It?

by Michael Ratcliffe 28 March 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

In a recent virtual panel discussion, we tackled one of the most persistent hurdles in digital product creation for fashion: how to achieve accurate and consistent colour across the supply chain, from screen to sample to store.

Moderated by Michael Ratcliffe (PI Apparel), the session featured Olaf Koelling (DMIx by ColorDigital), Sylwia Szymczyk (FashionINSTA.ai & Former Timberland), Michaela Jauk (Odlo), and Gabrielle Shiner-Hill (Bureau 555), four experts deeply embedded in the world of DPC, colour data, and material digitisation.

The panel explored six core questions shaping the future of digital colour accuracy, from the root causes of colour mismatch between digital and physical products, through to AI-driven colour correction and real-time rendering.

🎥 Watch the full video below!
Don’t have time to watch the full video? Scroll down for a summary of key takeaways and noteworthy quotes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🎯 1. Colour Accuracy Depends on a “Single Source of Truth”

The foundation of digital colour consistency is accurate data. Without a precise, standardised starting point – often defined by spectral measurements or LAB values – brands risk misalignment across photography, 3D renderings, and physical samples. One trusted, calibrated environment is essential.

💡🖥️ 2. Display Technology & Lighting Still Skew Perception

From uncalibrated monitors to unpredictable daylight shifts, colour perception changes drastically depending on the viewing context. Even with well-managed data, brands must account for the human and hardware variables that distort how colour is seen at different points in the value chain.

📊🌍 3. Spectral Measurement Enables Remote & Reliable Approval

Using spectral data for colour verification allows teams to reduce back-and-forth sampling, approve materials remotely, and ensure consistent outcomes across global suppliers. The technology is now precise enough to trust over subjective visual checks, but adoption still requires a cultural shift.

🤝 4. Cross-Functional Alignment Is Crucial

Designers, DPC teams, eComm, fabric technologists, and manufacturers all interpret colour differently. Without clearly defined ownership and shared standards, brands face breakdowns in communication. Successful companies are assigning colour ownership, often to colour designers or technologists, and formalising approval workflows.

🧵 5. Material Simulation Affects Colour Representation

Accurate colour in 3D design depends not just on the colour data itself, but how materials behave under lighting. From roughness and reflectance to transparency and specular maps, every channel influences the final look, making lighting setups and consistent rendering environments non-negotiable.

⚙️ 6. AI Has Potential But Isn’t a Silver Bullet Yet

While AI is showing promise in areas like image enhancement and lighting simulation, it’s not yet a reliable fix for accurate colour transformation or correction. However, panellists agreed the space is evolving rapidly, and success will depend on large, diverse training datasets.

➡️ 7. Change Management Is the Biggest Barrier

Technology isn’t the issue—people are. Long-established habits, siloed teams, and lack of visibility into successful case studies are the real obstacles to progress. Teams must invest in onboarding, communicate value clearly, and create feedback loops that reinforce adoption.

💬 Noteworthy Quotes

💚 Olaf Koelling, ColorDigital GmbH

“If your data’s not right, you can adjust what you want but it’ll still be a mess.”
“Sometimes we had four different versions of a single colour, depending on who viewed it where.”
“You can produce the same fabric in Turkey or Vietnam—but only if your colour data is standardised.”
“AI is improving quickly, but right now, algorithms are still better for colour control.”

💛 Sylwia Szymczyk, fashionINSTA.ai

“The questions we had about colours and calibration most often came from the eComm team. They wanted the 3D colours to match the ones from the photoshoots. But the photos were edited, not true to life. So we had to reverse-engineer things in Lightroom to get them closer.”
“Companies are gatekeeping their success stories. That’s holding the industry back.”
“Everyone who worked digitally had this huge PDF that explained exactly how assets had to be delivered. It didn’t matter who created them—freelancers, suppliers—everything looked the same. That consistency made a huge difference.”

💜 Michaela Jauk, Odlo

“Material simulation isn’t just texture – it’s about how the surface reacts to light.”
“We realised that if we gave the retoucher the 3D render, the physical sample, and the photoshoot image all at once, it was actually the render that aligned most closely with the real product. The photos were often heavily edited, and lighting conditions varied, but our render pipeline was consistent. That’s when the team began trusting 3D as a reliable reference—not just a visualisation.”

💙 Gabrielle Shiner-Hill, Bureau 555

“We couldn’t control every screen, so we controlled the capture process instead.”
“It took three months to set up the spectral colour measurement system, but once it was running smoothly, the colourist said, ‘I’d never go back.’ He was finally able to approve colours remotely without endless physical sampling — it completely changed his workflow.”

A huge thank you to all of our panellists for taking part in such a great and important conversation. We look forward to meeting some of you in person at next week’s PI Apparel Europe 2025 event on Lago Maggiore, and on that note, if you are yet to grab your ticket for our 12th European edition, you can do so now by clicking on the image below!🥂🍕

Part 2 – How Do We Better Align People, Process, and Technology to Tackle Limitations & Misconceptions? – coming soon! 🔜

28 March 2025 0 comments

AI DPC Size & Fit Technology

Advancing the Science of Fit: Interview with Dinesh Pai, Two-Time 3DRC Grand Challenge Winner

by Michael Ratcliffe 26 March 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

As we head into its 7th year, in this series we interview past winners and explore where they were then, where they are today, and how the challenge helped them scale for success.

2021 & 2023 Grand Challenge Winner

Dinesh Pai is a Professor at the University of British Columbia and the Founder of Vital Mechanics, a company spun out of his lab research that has developed the industry’s first scientifically grounded soft avatars for apparel simulation, unlocking a more accurate, responsive, and human-centred approach to digital fit prediction.

Vital Mechanics first won the 3DRC Grand Challenge in 2021 for their foundational research, and then won again in 2023, under the University of British Columbia, with their scaled solution: a new AI-driven technology that enables goal-directed pattern adjustments. With this solution, they have enabled the automation of fit improvements based on intuitive, user-defined feedback (e.g., “reduce pressure on shoulder”) rather than traditional manual pattern edits.

🎥 Watch the full video below!
Don’t have time to watch the full video? Scroll down for a summary of key takeaways and noteworthy quotes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

🧩 1. Fit is Fundamental BUT Harder Than You Think

Dinesh emphasised that while everyone in the industry talks about fit, few grasp its technical complexity. His team built a deep tech stack combining soft body simulation, finite element analysis, and real-world tissue data to create accurate digital twins of the human body.

🚀 2. Soft Avatars are Just the Start

To simulate fit accurately, it’s not just about the body but about the interaction between body and garment, including seam construction, friction, and even sweat. Vital Mechanics’ solution accounts for all of this, offering a level of precision previously unseen.

🧠 3. AI as a Fit Assistant

Their 2023 innovation uses AI to make goal-driven pattern edits – users can “paint” their fit feedback directly onto a 3D avatar, and the system predicts the optimal pattern changes to achieve that outcome.

📈 4. Scalability is the Secret Sauce

Behind the scenes, Vital Mechanics runs thousands of simulations in parallel to generate training data for AI models. This scalability enables real-time responses to complex fit problems and lays the groundwork for further AI applications like size recommendation.

🎥 5. Cross-Industry Thinking Powers Innovation

Coming from aerospace and film (they even worked on a Harry Potter prequel), Dinesh brought simulation thinking from other industries into apparel, a field still playing digital catch-up.

🏆 6. The 3DRC Grand Challenge as a Catalyst

Dinesh shared that simply entering the Grand Challenge helped sharpen his team’s focus, forcing them to articulate their value clearly and fill in critical gaps. Winning provided validation from within an industry they were relatively new to, proving that their outsider perspective had real merit. He encourages others to participate, not just for exposure, but for the learning and growth that come with it.

🗣️ Noteworthy Quotes

🛣️ On the Journey…

“Fit is fundamental. Everyone talks about it, but no one does anything about it. Solving fit requires a marathon mindset—not a sprint.”

“We’re not just building soft avatars; we’re building accurate digital twins of the human body and garments, right down to the seams, friction, and pressure points.”

“The human body is one of the most complex objects in the world. Predicting how garments fit on it isn’t just difficult—it’s massively underestimated.”

🤖 On AI and Technology

“To make AI work, you need a huge amount of good data. We generate thousands of pattern variations and run simulations in parallel to train our models.”

“The beauty of computers is they don’t get tired. Humans stop after three pattern edits; we can simulate 100,000.”

“Brands are sitting on incredible data. The key is connecting the dots between that data and the decisions they need to make.”

⛰️ On Industry Challenges

“In aerospace and automotive, you don’t just build a plane and see if it works. You run simulations. Apparel needs that same shift in mindset.”

“We were shocked at how much waste existed in the industry—and how much of it is tied to poor fit.”

🚀 On the 3DRC Grand Challenge

“Winning gave us credibility. As outsiders, that kind of recognition helped us start conversations we wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

“The challenge created real visibility. People reached out. Some were ready to move, others were still exploring—but the door was open.”

“Just preparing for the challenge was valuable. It forces you to think critically, to fill in the gaps, and present a cohesive solution.”

💡 Advice for Innovators

“This is one of the last industries to fully digitize—and that means the opportunity is huge.”

“You need patience. If someone isn’t adopting your solution, it might be because there’s something else in the way. Find it and help them solve it.”

“If you’re passionate about making a difference, apparel is a space where you can help both the planet and the bottom line.”

To find out more, connect with Dinesh Pai directly here.

26 March 2025 0 comments

AI Retail Technology

Part 3: Mastering Inventory – From Replenishment to Deadstock Reduction

by Michael Ratcliffe 19 March 2025

written by Michael Ratcliffe

Introduction

In this three-part series, “Revolutionizing Retail: The AI Playbook for Maximizing Profitability,” we explore how AI is transforming retail – from demand forecasting and pricing strategies to supply chain optimization and customer experience.

The insights shared in these articles have been developed based on in-depth conversations with the team at Centric Software, whose expertise in AI-powered retail solutions has provided valuable perspectives on how brands can drive profitability in an increasingly digital landscape.

Missed the first two entries of this series? Catch up now: Part 1 and Part 2

Today, in the third and final instalment of this series, we explore ‘Mastering Inventory: From Replenishment to Deadstock Reduction’.

For retailers, inventory is both an opportunity and a challenge; too much stock leads to waste and markdowns, while too little can mean missed sales, frustrated customers and decreased loyalty. Striking the right balance is critical, but achieving it has never been easy – until now. With artificial intelligence (AI), retailers are transforming inventory management from a guessing game into a strategic advantage.

The Inventory Conundrum

Traditional inventory management relied on historical data and gut instinct, often leading to costly missteps. AI changes the game by analysing real-time sales data, market trends and customer behaviour to make precise, actionable recommendations. From replenishment to sell-through, AI equips retailers to make smarter decisions across the entire inventory lifecycle. More specifically:

🔹1. Intelligent Inventory Replenishment

Replenishing inventory is about more than just restocking shelves – it’s about ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time. AI-driven inventory replenishment tools provide retailers with predictive insights to:

1️⃣ Optimize stock levels: Maintain ideal quantities to meet demand without overstocking.
2️⃣ Enhance allocation: Distribute inventory intelligently across stores and channels based on localized trends.

📊 From Insight to Impact: Trespass, the global outdoor brand, harnessed AI-enabled solutions for allocation and replenishment. The result?

🎯Better range planning, forecasting and inventory allocation
⏳Reclaiming 20% of their weekly reporting time and empowering faster assortment planning

🔗 Discover how Trespass is reducing markdowns and making range planning faster here.

🔹2. Deadstock Reduction and Sell-Through Optimization

Deadstock is a retailer’s worst nightmare – products that don’t sell drain resources and occupy valuable space. AI helps minimize this risk by:

1️⃣ Identifying slow movers: Detect products that are underperforming early and take corrective action.
2️⃣ Improving sell-through rates: Recommend targeted promotions or dynamic pricing to accelerate sales.

🔹3. Holistic Inventory Visibility

AI-powered platforms offer a unified view of inventory across channels, enabling retailers to:

1️⃣ Reduce silos: Seamlessly coordinate between e-commerce, brick-and-mortar, and warehouse operations.
2️⃣ Enable real-time adjustments: React swiftly to changes in demand or supply chain disruptions.

The Sustainability Edge

Effective inventory management isn’t just about profitability – it’s also about sustainability. Reducing overproduction and deadstock directly contributes to minimizing environmental impact. AI empowers retailers to align their operations with sustainability goals, appealing to eco-conscious consumers while cutting costs.

The Path Forward

Inventory management is no longer a back-office function – it’s a critical driver of retail success. By leveraging AI, retailers can reduce waste, increase efficiency, and meet customer expectations like never before.

The question is: are your inventory decisions positioning you for profitability and sustainability, or are inefficiencies costing you the chance to lead the market?

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software® provides an innovative and AI-powered product concept-to-replenishment platform for retailers, brands and manufacturers of all sizes. As experts in fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home and related goods like cosmetics & personal care as well as multi-category retail, Centric Software delivers best-of-breed solutions to plan, design, develop, source, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products. To learn more, contact Centric Software.

Want to meet the Centric team in person? You’re in luck – Centric are sponsoring our next 3 events! Click through on the banners below for more information.

19 March 2025 0 comments

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