Reimagining fashion: bridging past and future with AI

One of the highlights of the past weeks has been the groundbreaking Summer Program “Styles of the Past, Design of the Future with AI” a collaborative initiative between H-FARM College and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. 

This unique program, which ran from June 2 to 13, explored the intersection of AI and the fashion industry, emphasizing how AI can be used to revisit and reinterpret fashion history. Fashion is inherently cyclical, drawing inspiration from past eras to create new trends. AI, with its powerful analytical capabilities, offers designers new insights and ideas by examining historical fashion trends and patterns. This fusion of technology and tradition not only fuels creativity but also promotes efficiency, sustainability, and personalization within the industry.

The program started with an engaging week at H-FARM College, from June 2 to 7, where participants – a mixed group of H-FARM College and FIT students – delved into the rich cultural and historical backdrop of Italian fashion. 

In particular, they benefited from sessions led by esteemed H-FARM College faculty member Erisa Ibrahimi, who covered a range of topics including the use of AI to analyze past trends and create new designs, and the revolutionary aspects of production and manufacturing processes in the fashion industry. The program combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience, allowing participants to work hands-on with cutting-edge tools such as TheNewBlack, Midjourney, Ablo and many others. The week at H-FARM College was packed with enriching cultural activities, excursions, and guided visits to iconic locations such as Palazzo Mocenigo Museum, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Artigiani Veneziani and Villa Foscarini.

This was followed by an intensive week at FIT in New York, from June 8 to 13.  Situated in the heart of New York City, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is an internationally recognized academic institution with a global perspective and diverse community that fosters creativity and innovation. The week in New York City was inspired by the concept of “genius loci”, a Latin term meaning “spirit of place”. Matteo Lenzi, the son of the founder of Italian leather manufacturer, GAB, described it as “the relationship between production, territory, and community” (Lenzi, 2017). New York City’s Garment District is the quintessential example of this concept. 

Guided by FIT instructors Kathlin Argiro, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Global Fashion Management, and Amy Sperber, Assistant Professor, Fashion Design, participants visited a select group of family businesses and local suppliers that have survived the sea-change in the fashion industry over the past thirty-plus years. These visits provided a wealth of inspiration and real-world fashion industry knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and The Museum at FIT (MFIT) provided physical examples of the rich history of the fashion industry. Student’s were exposed to state- of-the-art, cutting-edge apparel headquarters when visiting Brooklyn’s historic Navy Yard. This experience provided a rare opportunity to see world-class examples of the fashion industry’s past and future. 

This Summer Program not only offered participants a unique educational experience but also a glimpse into the future of fashion. By combining historical perspectives with cutting-edge AI technology, “Styles of the Past, Design of the Future with AI” program showcased how the fashion industry can evolve to become more innovative, sustainable, and attuned to individual preferences.