Podcast: An industry perspective of the role of AI in fashion

The dynamic world of fashion is analyzed by two prominent industry voices: Tara Gonzalez, the Senior Fashion and Social Editor at Who What Wear, and Mandy Lee, a highly respected fashion analyst. Their in-depth discussion spans several critical and emerging topics shaping the industry's trajectory.

A major segment of their conversation focused on high-stakes fashion forecasting, specifically the intricate process of predicting trends for the Met Gala. They delved into how historical themes intersect with contemporary societal shifts to inform the year's most-anticipated red-carpet looks. Furthermore, Gonzalez and Lee offered their comprehensive trend predictions for the entirety of 2026, touching upon evolving aesthetics, material innovations, and consumer purchasing habits.

The conversation took a sharp turn when addressing the encroachment of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, into the creative sector. Mandy Lee offered a strong and definitive viewpoint, suggesting that AI currently has no meaningful or relevant role within the core creative and strategic functions of the fashion industry.

In parallel, the analysts discussed the accelerating popularity of utilitarianism in fashion. They explored how this emphasis on function, practicality, and durability is moving from a niche trend to a widely adopted lifestyle philosophy, influencing mainline designer collections and fast-fashion offerings alike.

Finally, Lee provided an exclusive insight into the burgeoning talent landscape by naming a specific emerging brand. She articulated a compelling case for why she anticipates this label will achieve widespread recognition and significant consumer adoption before the end of the current year.