Iron Man’s Armor—We are almost there

Be it Google’s Project Muze for stitching neural networks into fashion or Levi’s AI-generated models or Myntra’s AI stylists- technology is no more on the back row of fashion runway. Where, and how soon can AI, CAD, blockchain, AR, 3D printing, smart fabrics and Metaverse redesign fashion design and manufacturing—Akshra Dalal, Director, J D Institute of Fashion technology gives a peek-a-boo.

How ‘cool’ is technology in the space of fashion design? Do designers love it? Fear it? What does your lens see?

Technology can certainly enhance our capacity. Creativity can be helped with technology. It’s a good force. That’s what we tell our students too. Specially as population is growing in a tremendous way alongwith the demand of personalisation. There is only a limit to which designers can cater to this scale of demand. AI algorithms, with their iterations and efficiency, can reduce the time consumed here. We also have tools that students can learn to be relevant for this tech-is-here world. In fact, with wearables, fashion is becoming as utilitarian as it is stylish. This can lead to more efficiency and effectiveness.

What do you think about wearables and smart textiles? What utility, beyond fitness, can we move towards? How far are we from a powerful Ironman suit for the common man?

Health is a dominant theme for now. Like thermal checks, blood sampling etc. but there are many exciting innovations happening too- like direction-mapping fabric for the visuallyimpaired or fabrics with solar panels.

Is AR-VR already happening in fashion in a big way?

Many interior designers are using this more – and using it in practice. They can check a lot before actually investing in real set-ups. I recall how Gucci came up with AR mirrors. Technology can be a strong game-changer for sure.

With more and more tools available to the average Joe, specially for customised styles, will the role of designers get diluted ahead?

Not really. Self-expression is definitely emerging in a big way. And the speed of personalisation has been accelerated a lot too. But at the end of the day, designers will matter. Interpretation of personal styles and personalities is going to be their realm. Also we should note that bespoke fashion is still on the high-expense side.

With digital twins and high-level CAD, are designers getting a lot of help?

Earlier, it was enough to try something and test it with target audience. Today, with CAD, we can simulate something properly and create things that the target audience exactly wants. And while saving a lot of raw material.

What about blockchain?

In India, it’s still at a pre-maturity level. But we need this technology—specially given the heavy presence of counterfeits. It will be quite helpful to have something to source materials, track products and inject transparency in the system.

Would Metaverse be a big showstopper?

It’s not that prominent in India but in other parts of the world, Metaverse has started becoming quite a reality. In fact, architects are now creating designs for buildings in a Metaverse. Personally, I think fashion should be out in the real world. But haptics, experiential zones and AR can really change a lot of shopping models and brand connections in the future.

Do you encourage or experiment with technology – with your students?

Yes. Every year we do a festival where students showcase such projects along with other creative experiments. We have had very interesting projects like a future library with the use of AR or 3D printing and natural dyes. This year the theme is Intersection—where multi-disciplinary prototypes will be seen. We are also working on a tool that can create personalised T-shirt graphics through the use of an AI tool and questionnaire.

Akshra Dalal, Director, J D Institute of Fashion technology

By Pratima H

pratimah@cybermedia.co.in