The AO Debate: Is fashion education meeting industry needs?

Our industry is undergoing a rapid shift and there’s a growing need for graduates with a broader skill set. Traditional curriculums might prioritise design aesthetics over the cold realities of business.

For instance, one significant area where Indian fashion schools need to improve is their emphasis on data analysis and AI. Fashion companies are increasingly harnessing the power of data science across various aspects, including designing, supply chain management, inventory control, sales forecasting and analysing consumer purchasing behaviour. This utilisation of data science is aimed at either improving or fundamentally transforming the way new products are created within the industry.

For instance, some fashion firms have started integrating data analytics and machine learning into their apparel design processes. Recognisable names in the fashion industry, such as Gap Inc., have experimented replacing the traditional ‘creative director’ role with data scientists to innovate and design new products.

The fusion of data science and fashion has drawn numerous new entrants, particularly technology firms, into the fashion sector. These tech newcomers, like EDITED, Trendalytics and Style Sage, offer big-data analytics tools that assist conventional fashion brands and retailers in more robustly analysing sales, identifying market trends and preferences, assessing textile materials and formulating product assortment and pricing strategies tailored to their target consumers.

The increasing integration of data science not only impacts how fashion brands and apparel retailers design, merchandise, market fashion and deliver their products but also influences the skill sets that companies now expect from their workforce.

An examination of job postings by US fashion brands and retailers from January 2019 to July 2020 reveals that positions such as ‘data editor’, ‘data scientist’ and ‘smart inventory manager’ were amongst the most sought-after.

Similar to other industry sectors, the fashion and lifestyle industry operates within three distinct domains: design, manufacturing and marketing. Over time, these courses have evolved. Presently, over 60 institutes provide degree and diploma programs in the fashion domain, with a noticeable inclination towards design content, partly influenced by celebrity culture. However, there may be questions about whether enough is being done to prepare students adequately in the design sphere.

For instance, there are hundreds of fashion designing AI tools available on the internet such as CALA, Wonderchat, FashionAI, Silic image, Adobe Firefly, Vue.ai, Designovel, Jasper,  New, StyleGAN, MYFASHIONAI, TeeAI, Lookbook image, Visualhound and Resleeve to name a few. However, only a few of such tools are typically incorporated into students’ education.

Incorporating AI into fashion and textile design education offers many benefits for both students and teachers. First, AI helps students to be more creative by giving them new ideas and ways to design. It lets them try out different styles and materials. Secondly, AI makes things move faster by doing repetitive tasks like making patterns and choosing fabrics. This gives students more time to work on tricky design stuff. Lastly, AI helps students work together by letting them share and work on designs together, no matter where they are. This makes it easier for them to share ideas and work as a team.

A significant challenge in introducing AI into fashion and textile design education at schools is the gap in skills amongst both educators and students. AI technologies demand a certain level of technical expertise and familiarity with machine learning algorithms and tools. Many educators may not have received the necessary training to effectively teach AI concepts and applications. Similarly, students may lack the skills required to effectively use AI tools in their design projects. To overcome this obstacle, schools should invest in AI training programs for educators, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to teach AI effectively. Furthermore, integrating AI-related coursework and projects into the curriculum can assist students in developing proficiency in AI technologies and their applications.

Collaborating with software companies or tech start-ups can provide access to cutting-edge technologies and training programs, keeping students updated in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Going forward, it’s also important to weave courses on e-commerce platform management, social media marketing for fashion brands and SEO fundamentals into the curriculum to equip graduates for navigating the digital world effectively.

Pragmatic approach required for stronger industry association

Fashion schools in India traditionally rely on internships to bridge the gap between theory and practice. However, a more comprehensive approach is necessary. Here are some ways by which fashion schools can cultivate stronger industry collaborations:

Mentorship beyond lectures: Connecting students with seasoned fashion entrepreneurs as mentors provides invaluable guidance and real-world industry insights. Mentors can offer personalised advice on navigating the complexities of business formation, supply chain management and intellectual property protection.

Live design challenges: Students tackle real briefs, working within industry timelines and quality standards. This not only hones design skills but also exposes them to the collaborative nature of professional design teams.

Industry thought leader boards:  Establishing advisory boards composed of industry professionals allows for continuous curriculum evaluation and adaptation. These boards can provide valuable insights into industry trends, emerging technologies and the evolving skills employers seek.

Collaborative R&D projects:  Fashion schools can partner with fashion companies or textile mills for joint research and development (R&D) initiatives. This fosters innovation in areas like sustainable materials or digital design tools. This collaborative approach benefits both parties, with students gaining practical R&D experience and companies accessing fresh ideas and perspectives.

Lastly, Indian fashion schools must also prioritise and expand opportunities for international exposure to equip their graduates with the global mindset and cultural sensitivity necessary to succeed in the interconnected world of fashion.

The journey of preparing students for fashion initially started from a temporary two room set up in New Delhi and is now a full-fledged degree awarding institute called NIFT. The institute has been at the forefront of providing professional human resources to the textile and apparel industry. NIFT’s foundation stone was laid by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India in the year 1986. Its expansion from a single campus to 18 campuses underscores the popularity of its fashion-led programs. With a substantial alumni base exceeding 38,000, NIFT’s impact is undeniable.

In the wake of NIFT’s success, numerous fashion institutes have emerged across India, with dedicated faculty and staff working tirelessly to ensure a steady supply of skilled manpower to the apparel industry. However, despite these collective efforts, traditional fashion education faces inherent limitations. The industry’s constant evolution, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements and global trends demands adaptability and agility not always cultivated within traditional classrooms.

While conventional fashion schools provide a solid foundation in design theory and technical skills, they may not always address the broader realities of the industry, such as the business side of fashion, emerging sustainability trends or the growing importance of digital technology. As such, students may find themselves facing a steep learning curve when they enter the workforce, particularly in highly competitive and rapidly changing sectors of the industry.

Institutes struggle with AI tool implementation

There are several factors that may contribute to this sense of unpreparedness. Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that the fashion industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging at a rapid pace. Keeping up with these advancements requires not only access to the latest tools and technologies but also a curriculum that is responsive to industry needs and trends. The technology change, especially the surge in AI tools, has jumped of late and institutes are finding it difficult to implement its usage in curriculum but steps are being taken.

For instance, during the pandemic, I spearheaded the launch of online courses for the apparel industry in collaboration with The Textile Institute UK, partnering with the North Indian Institute of Textile Institute (NISTI).

While other colleges were still grappling with the situation, I had already laid the digital groundwork for ATDC to embrace technology. This involved implementing a Learning Management System (LMS) and securing cloud licenses for TukaCAD software through discussions with Ram Sareen, MD of TukaTech. These cloud licenses were then remotely issued to ATDC principals and students, enabling them to continue learning safely from home.

However, some fashion colleges may struggle to invest in the latest equipment and software or they may lack faculty members with expertise in these areas. Without access to the necessary tools and guidance, students may miss out on valuable opportunities to develop their skills and stay ahead of the curve.

Additionally, the traditional structure of fashion education programs may not always prioritise the integration of technology into the curriculum. Design students, in particular, may focus heavily on traditional design principles and techniques, with limited exposure to digital tools and processes. As a result, they may graduate with a gap in their skillset, particularly in areas such as AI-assisted design and virtual prototyping. Some of the currently most popular courses driven by technology are: Environment Specialist (Green Jobs), Apparel Data Analyst, IT Process Managers, CAD Pattern Masters,  CAD Designers.

According to The Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum, the majority of the fastest growing roles are technology-related. AI and Machine Learning Specialists top the list of fast-growing jobs, followed by Sustainability Specialists, Business Intelligence Analysts and Information Security Analysts. Renewable Energy Engineers and Solar Energy Installation and System Engineers are relatively fast-growing roles, as economies shift towards renewable energy. Moreover, the report also stated that training workers to utilise AI and big data in the next five years will be prioritised by 42 per cent of surveyed companies.

In terms of education, we can learn from foreign schools’ curriculum, facilities and technology integration. Indian fashion schools emphasise traditional craftsmanship while international counterparts prioritise contemporary trends and technology. International schools typically offer superior facilities and excel in technology integration.