Six AI solutions for the fashion industry in focus

Artificial intelligence (AI) was the dominant theme at the Tech for Retail trade fair, which took place on November 26th and 27th, 2024 at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris.

Almost every one of the 325 stands presented AI as the new holy grail for a successful business. The 150 lectures were filled with reports on AI analytics, generative (creative) AI and decision-oriented AI. Angélique Diarra (Carrefour) explained in a conference how decision-oriented AI – completely outside the fashion industry – can recommend recipes with the selected products after scanning our groceries at the checkout, create a shopping list for a healthier diet and more.

As a trade magazine for the fashion industry, FashionUnited focused on exhibitors whose AI solutions are specifically tailored to this sector to take a look into the future. While most respondents see AI as a new tool, all acknowledge that it is a revolution that will radically change the way we work. Could this create a technology divide for many employees, much like the internet has done for older people? This question remained without a concrete answer.

Imki: data refinement

Artificial intelligence supports creative areas: fashion, the first area examined, watchmaking, jewelry, but also architecture, furniture and object design. “It is a customized, secure tool that is owned by the brand that integrates it,” explains Raul Cruz Bonnila (Imki) to FashionUnited. “The added value is that it is tried out by our industry experts: AI specialists, stylists, designers, creatives, art directors and others.”

The tool uses the brand’s database to define its DNA and universe. For example, The Kooples provided Imki with photos and texts about his iconic leather jacket. The team added words and computer code to each product to create a fusion between man and machine (similar to the Jennifer Lopez movie Atlas on Netflix, for those who have seen it). Prepared in this way, generative AI can create articles and accelerate the creative processes.

Livetrend: Extended trend forecast for the fashion industry

Until now, trend researchers have relied on the zeitgeist, community phenomena or the market situation to predict fashion trends. Livetrend offers an integrated solution that makes it possible to quantify Internet users’ searches on social networks, online shops (sold out models, promotions, etc.), fashion shows and Google searches.

The team decodes this data using its own expertise to generate images of products that meet both increasing demand and market reality. “Our tool makes it possible to benefit from the right trends, that means the right products at the right time,” explains Barbara Maiocchi (Livetrend) during her presentation at Tech for Retail. “On average, we increase productivity by 25 percent and minimize the carbon footprint. Our customers have reduced their collections by 12 percent: fewer remaining stock means more bestsellers.”

Fringuant: Advanced virtual try-on

This start-up offers a personalized sizing and cuts service for fashion brands. Fringuant allows consumers to determine their height using a simple head and shoulders selfie. The white label solution, which will be integrated into brands’ websites, calculates body shape and assigns it to a garment. If it doesn’t fit or isn’t available, the software recommends similar products that fit the body shape. In addition, she remembers the recommendations.

“For example, customers go to Maje, choose a pair of pants, and the system tells them what size and cut they should choose so that they fit them. Whether you like oversize or more XXS, the machine adapts to your style,” explains Jacques Allibert (Fringuant). For brands, this means a higher conversion rate, fewer returns (almost 50 percent) and the ability to use the data obtained to import information from production to customer service to improve collections, marketing targeting and sales.

Unify: A unified commerce solution

This French company offers a unified commerce solution. The shoe retailer Jonak, who was represented at the stand, has been a partner for two years. The AI ​​is used in two areas: the Order Management System (OMS), an all-in-one solution that aims to centralize and optimize the management of customer orders. A second section analyzes customers’ purchasing behavior to suggest products that might interest them based on the items they viewed.

This solution can be used on all technologies and can be connected to Shopify, Magento or PrestaShop. “Basically it is an AI analytics solution, but for the OMS it can suggest interesting management rules,” explains Victor Fuggetta (Unify). “We collect data from everywhere and try to bring it together in one place so that every sales channel, e-commerce website or store, benefits from maximum information.”

Meta x Ray-Ban: touch and augmented reality glasses

In collaboration with Meta, this Ray-Ban Wayfarer is equipped with technology that allows you to take photos and videos through two lenses: by pressing the right arm of the glasses you can take a photo; If you leave your finger on it, you record a three-minute video. And of course you can make phone calls thanks to the integrated microphones. Thanks to voice control, you can interact with the AI ​​by saying “Hey Meta”.

“Like, ‘Hey Meta, what’s the weather?’ and it answers us. You can also ask questions about what you are looking at: the glasses take a photo, send it to the servers and provide us with information,” says Samir Soihili (VR Academy.) The glasses have been available for a year for 300 to 400 euros , depending on the glass chosen. The next innovation will be simultaneous translation when someone speaks to us in a foreign language.

AutoRetouch: Generation of artificial models

The photo studio based in Paris and Warsaw offers photo retouching by automating all time-consuming tasks to get online faster, at a cheaper price than with a team (photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, etc.) and post-production.

“Our expertise is based on automated post-production tools and the creation of AI-generated models specifically tailored to the needs of fashion brands and marketplaces,” explains Priscilla Valente (Meero). “Although we belong to Meero, a company that also operates studios in Paris and Warsaw, our services are characterized by their complementarity.”