Fashion & Innovations
How Fashion is Utilizing Technology in the New Year
By: Pilar Burgess
It’s official, 2019 will be the year of innovation for the world of fashion. Through technological advancements and sustainability efforts, industry professionals have already taken on the new year by storm.
For as long as we can remember, storefront windows and layouts have included an essential aspect for the proper presentation of a collection: mannequins. As we enter 2019, creator of Off White and artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, Virgil Abloh, has taken a new approach to this essential presentation decor. Eliminating the classic plastic mannequin, he has replaced it with a 3D printing of models wearing his clothing, creating a more personable and artistic touch to what is to be expected. This project is labeled as “Season 1.0 physical experience.” Many of Virgil’s creations, made within his ideation studios, have come to fruition at Louis Vuitton store locations in Beijing, Beverly Hills and New York.
In NYC on 57th and 5th, the exterior of the Louis Vuitton store presents a twelve- story art piece that encapsulates Virgil Abloh’s vision for the brand. Utilizing his degree in architecture and engineering, Virgil has challenged the status quo by reinventing key elements within the fashion industry that often go unnoticed.
Additionally, the negative impact that the fashion industry has had on the environment is striking. According to EcoWatch, fast fashion is the second most harmful industry (behind oil) to our environment. Designers have been urged to reinvent old tactics in order to improve the quality of the earth. Levi’s, Reformation, Patagonia, Nudie Jeans and many other labels are recognized for their efforts to preserve our ecosystem. As online shopping has becoming increasingly popular, consumers are wasting more clothing and increasing shipping returns due to inadequate sizing. In order to address this issue, clothing companies have either started their own or collaborated with tech companies that have begun utilizing 3D scanning to provide custom-fit apparel and measurement sizing.
Bodi.Me is a company that allows three different ways to find your perfect size for the brands we love. You can either input your measurements, answer a survey for them to compute your measurements, or visit one of the pop-up 3D scanning locations to get your perfect sizing guide. Bodi.Me has partnered with numerous brands so that your Bodi.Me results can be utilized to suggest the most accurate sizing tips for each respective brand. Other companies such as Acustom Apparel, allow your 3D scan to create a custom wardrobe for you, tailored to your specifications. This initiative could potentially change the future of the online-shopping industry. Most shoppers are deterred from buying online simply because of sizing complications. With the implementation of 3D scanning for a custom-fit, their could be a reduction in waste and shipping for returns.
Over the course of 2019, technological advancements and sustainability efforts will continue to develop fresh ideas for fashion companies to implement. Considering the wave of creativity that has already caught the attention of the industry, the MFMS team is eager to see how designers and industry professionals will take on these challenges, protecting our environment and bringing innovative technological developments to the forefront.