Fashion, ACCELERATED

Artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping every layer of the fashion industry. Where does the human touch fit in?

- By JESSICA ROSS

Artificial intelligence isn’t exactly new, but the way it has slipped into our daily routines still feels quietly transformative. From asking a virtual assistant to jot down notes to controlling lights or music with a simple command, AI has made convenience second nature.

In fashion, however, the conversation runs deeper. What began as a tool for efficiency is now reshaping entire processes — from how collections are designed to how campaigns are created. And with that comes the inevitable question: as AI grows more capable, where does that leave the human touch?

DESIGN

Not too long ago, design software was dominated by heavyweights like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. They're still industry standards, of course, but they're no longer the only option. A new wave of tools has emerged, and they're noticeably easier to use. Most are cloud-based, intuitive and built for speed. Platforms like The New Black, for example, allow users to generate fashion sketches from a simple description. Type in an idea, and within moments, you're presented with a fully realised look, complete with proportions, textures and even styling details.

What's surprising is how polished these outputs can feel. The sketches don’t look overly digital or flat; in many cases, they resemble something drawn by hand, down to the shading and finish. But the real shift happens beyond the visuals. AI can now produce technical drawings and tech packs...the kind that usually take hours (or days) to refine. Measurements, construction details and specifications can all be laid out clearly and quickly with just a click. For designers, this doesn’t necessarily replace the role. If anything, it frees up time. Less back-and-forth, less manual prep, and more room to focus on sourcing, refining ideas and actually designing.

MODELS