+
back to news
The european fashion industry has undergone profound changes in recent years. European Commission data indicates that by 2030, the european fashion industry will accommodate 500,000 new employees. Furthermore, with companies increasingly focused on areas like automation, digitalisation, and sustainability, new professions will emerge in the future. According to Sennait Ghebreab, ‘the future of the fashion industry will require a combination of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technological skills’.
According to the author of the book ‘Responsible Fashion Business in Practice: Sustainable Concepts and Cases across the Fashion Industry’ and professor at Istituto Marangoni London, proficiency in digital design and production tools such as 3D modelling and virtual prototyping will be crucial. Additionally, there are other essential skills, such as data analysis to understand consumer trends and preferences. According to Sennait, knowledge of sustainable practices and materials will also be essential as companies prioritise environmental responsibility. Moreover, an understanding of automation technologies and their application in manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and productivity will be necessary.
Sennait argues that the education system should evolve, providing ‘a more interdisciplinary approach that integrates technology, sustainability, and business into traditional fashion design curricula’. The professor says that academic institutions ‘should closely collaborate with industry partners to ensure their programmes remain relevant and up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies’. It is crucial, therefore, to ‘offer practical experience with digital tools, sustainable practices, and automation technologies’. Similarly, it is important to ‘promote a mindset of continuous learning’, as ‘adaptability will prepare students to navigate the dynamic scenarios of the fashion industry’.
On the business side, ‘companies should prioritise a combination of technical and interpersonal skills when recruiting new talent’. According to Sennait Ghebreab, ‘technical skills such as proficiency in digital design software, data analysis, and knowledge of sustainable materials and practices are essential’. However, ‘social skills such as creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication are equally important’. Moreover, the ability to ‘collaborate effectively in diverse teams and think critically about integrating technology and sustainability in fashion will be highly valued’. Lastly, ‘an entrepreneurial mindset and a willingness to continuously learn and innovate will set candidates apart’.
At another level, artificial intelligence ‘has the potential to revolutionise fashion education by providing personalised learning experiences and enhancing design processes’. Indeed, ‘AI can offer customised feedback and support to students, helping them improve their skills more efficiently’, emphasises Sennait Ghebreab.
In design specifically, ‘AI can assist in trend forecasting, fabric selection, and even in automated pattern creation, enabling designers to focus more on creativity and innovation’. Additionally, ‘AI-driven analysis can provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour, helping educators tailor their programmes to better meet industry demands’. Overall, Sennait Ghebreab believes that ‘AI will be a powerful tool in creating a more dynamic, agile, and effective educational system for the fashion industry’.
