What’s Up in Fashion Tech?

Why It Should Be On Your Radar and How to Jump In!

Fashion tech is one of the hottest fields right now, which means it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in this dynamic market. The transformative forces from both fashion and technology working together is reshaping a historically hands-on industry. Innovation in tech and its relationship to style are revolutionizing how we design, wear, monetize, and experience fashion. From smart clothing to technology-fueled eco-friendly practices, the field is an exhilarating blend of creativity mixed with tradition and innovation. And if you’re ready to dive in, you won't want to miss EDGE NYFW, hosted by All Things Fashion Tech Threads of Tech, and in Haus. Let’s break it down!

So, What Is Fashion Tech Anyway?

Fashion tech combines fashion design with innovative technologies, creating exciting new possibilities for designers, vendors and sales. Advances like 3D printing and more sustainable materials are transforming the industry. 3D printing allows for quick prototyping while reducing waste, and eco-friendly fabrics respond to the demand for responsible fashion while continuing to focus on fashion’s end-cycle. Wearable technology merges style with function, offering products that monitor health and enhance everyday life.

For those interested, fashion tech offers a wealth of knowledge to explore, from textile innovations to augmented reality in shopping. It's a unique chance to develop skills and participate in the industry's future, ensuring you're always ahead of the curve.

Wearable Tech

Imagine a world where fashion merges with technology—sleek smartwatches that track heart rates and sleep patterns and fitness trackers that complement your outfit while helping you achieve health goals. Picture innovative clothing that monitors vital signs, adjusts the temperature, and even changes color based on your mood. This is the future of wearable tech, where style enhances your well-being and adapts to your needs!

Sustainable Fashion

Technology empowers brands to adopt more eco-friendly practices by utilizing cutting-edge materials and implementing intelligent production processes. The fashion industry is significantly minimizing its environmental impact and adding traceability to the production line. As a result, we are witnessing the emergence of sustainable fashion that not only embraces style but also prioritizes the health of our planet. In a world where consumers want to know what they’re buying, technology is being used to track the origins and ethics of materials, so you know exactly where your clothing comes from.

E-Commerce 

The rise of online shopping has transformed the retail landscape, and at the forefront of this evolution are advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). These innovations are reshaping the shopping experience by offering tailored recommendations that cater to individual preferences, making it easier for consumers to discover items that suit their unique styles, and letting customers try on products virtually, allowing shoppers to visualize how clothing items will look on them without ever stepping foot in a store, bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms of fashion retail. This sophisticated blend of technology is redefining the way we explore and purchase clothing, creating a more personalized and immersive shopping journey.

Creative Design Tools

Designers today are increasingly utilizing cutting-edge software that spans a wide range of capabilities, from intricate 3D modeling to rapid prototyping. This technological advancement significantly reduces the time traditionally spent on the drawing board, allowing designers to devote more energy and resources to the innovative aspects of their work. As a result, they can explore creative ideas and push the boundaries of their designs with greater efficiency and inspiration.

Searchability

Thanks to fashion tech, the days of searching from store to store for the perfect outfit are over. Apps like ThredUp and Poshmark simplify the process of buying and selling secondhand clothes, and clothing rental platforms such as Rent the Runway and Pickle offer tracked rentals. This increased searchability means finding the ideal wedding guest dress or work outfit is just a few clicks away, empowering you to shop efficiently and effectively.

How to Get Started in Fashion Tech

If you’re serious about exploring fashion tech, you can look at internships and courses that help you learn the ropes of this expanding field. You can also attend workshops and seminars, like our EDGE New York Fashion Week event. It’s the perfect chance to see all this innovation in action, and you’ll get to meet fashion tech pioneers doing incredible things in the industry. More importantly, it's a unique opportunity to learn and stay ahead in this fast-paced field.

Here’s What You Can Expect at EDGE NYFW

This one-day expo during New York Fashion Week highlights innovative startups and brands reshaping shopping and fashion through technology. Engage with them through product demos and interactive booths. Four different panel discussions throughout the day will feature industry leaders on topics like Circularity & Resale and AI & Personalization. Plus, watch early-stage retail tech compete in a live pitch judged by top VCs.Experience the intersection of fashion and technology. See firsthand how technology is reshaping the fashion landscape with: 

• Engaging Panels

Gain insights from 16 industry experts as they explore the future of fashion technology. Attendees will benefit from valuable knowledge on upcoming trends through a series of four panels scheduled throughout the day. Topics of discussion will include “Breaking Into Fashion-Tech,” “Circularity & Resale,” “AI & Personalization,” and “Innovation in Retail.” 

• Networking Opportunities

Forge meaningful connections with fellow fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals. Imagine mingling with like-minded individuals who share your passion for style and creativity, exchanging ideas and inspiration that could spark your next big project. Whether you're an aspiring designer, a seasoned stylist, or simply someone who loves fashion, this event could be the catalyst for your next collaboration. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your network and turn your dreams into reality right here!

• Inspiration Everywhere

Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where cutting-edge fashion meets technological innovation. EDGE NYFW embodies the spirit of creativity, serving as a dynamic platform that showcases breathtaking designs and forward-thinking ideas. Each exhibit offers a unique opportunity to discover new trends and visionary concepts, while meeting leaders in the field offering fresh perspectives. 

• A Live Pitch Competition

Get the unique opportunity to watch four early-stage retail tech companies pitch live to receive funding at EDGE NYFW. Each brand will showcase its innovative tech in a live pitch competition judged by top venture capitalists. This exciting event highlights the next wave of fashion technology, gives you insight into what a successful pitch looks like for your business and lets four lucky entrepreneurs live out their Shark Tank dreams. 

Fashion tech is an exhilarating and transformative field that is revolutionizing the industry in unprecedented ways. As the intersection of technology and style continues to evolve, this exciting and transformative field is set to change the way we wear things forever. Now is the perfect time to get involved, and events like EDGE NYFW can help you position yourself for success and propel your career in fashion tech. 

Tickets are going fast! So grab yours today at https://lu.ma/edgenyfw2025.