The fashion industry is one of the most lucrative in the world, and a favorite amongst many. With the rising prominence of technology, fashion events remain ever so popular, and their integration of the latest digital tech is creating an entirely new realm of possibilities. From digital runways to beyond, the possibilities are truly endless.
1. Making Connections: Fashion Events and Technology Unite
In today’s world, fashion and technology are becoming increasingly interconnected. As the fashion industry incorporates more technology into their designs, events, and more, it’s fascinating to witness the rise in new and exciting fashion-tech experiences. Here are just few ways that fashion events and technology are coming together.
- Augmented Reality – Augmented reality (AR) allows event attendees to interact with their surroundings and create unique digital experiences in the physical world. For instance, at a fashion event, AR can be used to let viewers virtually try on different clothing and accessories. This technology can also be used to create a themed 3D environment inside the event space.
- Interactive Displays – Interactive displays are taking over fashion events, allowing guests to sift through large amounts of data quickly for important information and display items. These displays can be installed in numerous areas throughout the event, from several kiosks to larger digital displays.
- Virtual Reality – Virtual reality (VR) technology allows fashion event attendees to completely immerse themselves in the experience, by viewing the latest styles and collections through a VR headset. As VR continues to evolve, it is becoming a very popular form of technology used by the fashion industry.
These exciting technology innovations are paving the way for a more engaging and captivating fashion experience, allowing everyone to explore and experience fashion in a unique and interactive way. With fashion events and technology continuing to unite, it’s sure to bring a whole new level of excitement to the industry.
2. Exploring a New Frontier: Digital Runways
In recent years, digital capabilities have been advancing at a rapid rate. With this technology, fashion is now at the forefront of exploring new frontiers. As a result, digital runways have become the new landscape for catwalk collections.
For brands and designers, digital runways provide an opportunity to connect with audiences and broaden the awareness of their newest collections. Live streams, interactive showrooms and virtual reality are only a few of the alternatives available. Most importantly, the digital landscape provides a platform for the fashion industry to express creativity and innovation.
The digital runway enables a level of dynamism and flexibility that traditional catwalks cannot. Different styles and designs can be explored in a low cost and time-efficient way. Furthermore, digital runways are reducing the need for physical shows, as audiences can view shows from anywhere in the world.
- Live streams: Presenting collections in the form of a live stream can bring fashion to more people around the globe.
- Interactive showrooms: A 3D online showroom can provide a more immersive experience for viewers and promotes an authentic shopping experience.
- Virtual reality: Fashion brands can now explore the possibilities of virtual reality, bringing their collections to life.
Digital runways are just one example of the possibilities technology has opened for the fashion industry. While traditional catwalks remain the traditional focus, exploring digital runways is becoming an increasingly attractive option for fashion brands. With each new challenge comes the potential for great innovation.
3. A Brave New World: Smart Tech Means New Experiences for Fashion Events
It’s no secret that technology has created major waves within the fashion industry. Now, with the inclusion of smart technology into fashion events, attendees will be able to enjoy brand new immersive experiences. Here’s some of what attendees can expect:
- Augmented reality: Augmented reality comes to life at fashion events, allowing attendees to try on clothes without the need for fitting rooms. This adds an extra layer of interactivity to the event, particularly if fashion designers opt to create a virtual shopping room.
- VR Experiences: Virtual reality devices like the Oculus Rift have become commonplace at events, allowing attendees to experience something totally different as part of the proceedings. With online store front presentations, attendees can navigate around a venue virtually, get a closer look at the products, and engage with designers.
- Interactive Models: Thanks to AI and other technologies, event organizers can now include interactive bots or mannequins on the catwalk. As the clothes are presented on the models, viewers can learn more about them through the interactive display, such as different colors and cuts.
At the same time, smart fashion can also be safely used to improve a fashion show’s security measures. RFID sensors and mobile communication systems make it easier for managers to keep track of the venue’s inventory and track attendees as they move around the area. Ultimately, smart tech allows for a seamless fashion event, while also providing a unique, modern experience.
4. ‘Tapping Into’ A Heady Mix: The Benefits of Integrating Tech and Fashion
Fashion and technology make a surprisingly heady, and ultimately, beneficial, mix. With fashion designers using tech to make production faster, easier and more custom-oriented, and tech companies finding ways to work with fashion retailers and fashion designers, the two are increasingly intersecting and blending together.
Tech in Manufacturing – The number of ways in which tech has been revolutionizing the ways in which garments are made is tremendous. From rise of AI-driven computerized knitting machines that can craft custom designs directly from a computer program all the way to 3D printing of custom shoes, tech is finding ever new ways to streamline garment-making processes.
- A digital knitting machine can produce custom designs based off of computer programs with little work.
- 3D printing allows for footwear to be designed and printed in-house.
- Robotic cutting and sewing machines allow for faster, more precise production.
Connecting Customers to Brands: With the rise of wearables as fashion items, fashion tech is making it easier for customers to interact with their favourite brands. From tracking how the customer wears their watch to providing unique access to collections via their phone displays, tech is providing customers with unprecedented brand experiences.
- Wearable tech, such as fitness trackers, can be tied into custom apps that track location and other data.
- Augmented reality can provide customers with virtual tours of stores and collections.
- Smart clothes, such as hoodies that provide personalized heat controls, can be tied to the customer’s credit card for payment.
5. Innovation & Beyond: Looking Ahead for Fashion Events & Tech Integration
The future of fashion events is likely to be one of tech-driven innovation. With apps and cloud data allowing seamless integration and flow of data between participants and event organisers, fashion events will become increasingly digital. With that in mind, here are 5 things to keep an eye on:
- Smart ticketing: By leveraging technology such as geofencing and QR codes, venue access and ticket tracking will become easier and allow for customisation of the ticketing experience.
- Authenticity verification: Blockchain-maintained databases will make it easier to ensure that fashion items such as bags and shoes are authentic, reducing counterfeiting.
- Augmented reality: Augmented reality-based fashion shows and experiences will become increasingly popular, as will AR-enabled try-ons for both garments and jewelry.
- Integrated e-commerce: With hyperlocal, hypertargeted e-commerce integrated into fashion events, the shift from a physical retail model to an integrated online experience is already starting to happen.
The eventual integration of 5G networks and internet-of-things technology will also open up even more possibilities. From VR/AR-enabled fashion shows to direct-to-consumer purchases, it’s likely that fashion events of the future will be completely unrecognisable from the ones we know today.
The only certainty is that innovation and disruption will be the order of the day, as Millennial and Gen Z shoppers continue to shape the fashion landscape. Whatever the future holds, it’s sure to be an exciting journey.
Fashion and technology have come together in an exciting way, creating an opportunity for events to take a step into the future. With the power of technology, digital runways are set to change the way we experience fashion, introducing new possibilities and ideas that may be just around the corner. From virtual models to augmented reality, the future of fashion events promises to be filled with endless possibilities and innovative designs.