Technology news and archive

AI can help fashion brands grow internationally, but only if it solves the right problems

AI is advancing faster than most ecommerce operating models can absorb. As brands expand internationally, many are layering AI tools onto fragmented systems, creating new points of complexity rather than resolving the underlying ones that directly impact conversion, cost and customer experience. The opportunity is not just applying AI, but...

Retail

Skechers launches debut Proto hologram retail experience in Los Angeles

Footwear and apparel brand Skechers has launched its debut permanent proto hologram retail experience at its Manhattan Beach store in Los Angeles. The experience sees Skechers brand ambassador Howie Mandel ‘brought to life’ via an interactive, immersive 3D hologram installation. Said to be among the first permanent proto-hologram installations...

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Business

The 'Deep Fashion' era: when CO2 becomes a key asset for luxury and retail

In 2017, the Kering group announced its intention to reduce its emissions by 50 percent by 2025 through optimisation and offsetting. Nine years later, in 2026, the industry no longer aims to reduce its footprint; it is transforming carbon into a resource. This marks a paradigm shift, with fashion moving from the realm of textiles to that of...

Featured

Retail|Analysis

Bershka launches TikTok-style video feed for frictionless in-app shopping

Bershka, the youth fashion chain from the Inditex group, has integrated 'Loop' into its mobile app in Spain. This feature is a vertical feed of short videos, allowing users to discover items through dynamic content and add them to their basket without interrupting their browsing. This update speaks the same language as its consumers. They use...

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Business

Rubi raises 7.5 million US dollars to commercialise pioneering technology

San Francisco-based climate-tech start-up Rubi, which transforms carbon emissions into textiles, has raised a further 7.5 million US dollars in funding, following the signing of multi-year offtake term sheets worth more than 60 million US dollars as it continues to advance the commercialisation of its breakthrough CO2-to-materials platform. The...

Featured

Retail

Digital tools are reshaping the high street, not ending it

For years, the narrative has been simple. Digital retail is growing, high streets are declining, and physical fashion shops are slowly becoming irrelevant. But that story is too neat, and it misses what is actually happening on the ground. The high street is not disappearing. It is being reshaped. People still want to shop - just on their terms....

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Business|Opinion

What sustainability and circularity experts predict for fashion in 2026

With 2026 fast approaching, FashionUnited asks six sustainability and circularity experts what fashion and retail should expect next. Fashion in 2026: Sustainability and circular experts on what’s coming next 1. Tiina Nyman, founder at Circular Fashion News Resale continues to drive the strongest momentum in circular fashion. The number of...

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Business|Opinion

What AI experts and enthusiasts expect for fashion and retail in 2026

2026 is approaching fast. FashionUnited asks six AI experts what they expect from artificial intelligence in fashion and retail: 2026 AI Predictions for Fashion and Retail: FashionUnited’s Expert Outlook 1. Carmen Martínez Ferrer, senior data analyst at Farfetch and founder of @thedatafashionbrief As Senior Data Analyst at luxury webshop...

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Business|Interview

AI in Fashion: How Hunkemöller uses AI for customer insight, price optimisation and store clustering

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the fashion industry. While some companies are waiting, others are taking bold steps forward. In this edition of the AI in Fashion series, FashionUnited speaks with Gordon Smit, the technology director of Dutch lingerie company Hunkemöller. 1. How do you view AI and what does Hunkemöller use it...

Fashion

New timeline, larger collective: NY Fashion Tech Lab revises model for upcoming edition

NY Fashion Tech Lab is updating its offering for 2026. The non-profit, founded in 2014 by Springboard Enterprises and specialising in platforming women-led B2B fashion technology startups, is stepping into the new year with a revitalised structure, ushering in evolution to adapt to needs of the industry. While the organisation’s mission is to...

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Business|Exclusive

Alpha Modus sues H&M for patent infringement

US company Alpha Modus, specialising in the development of technologies for the retail industry, continues its fierce battle for the protection of its industrial and intellectual property. On this occasion, it has filed a lawsuit against Swedish fashion multinational H&M Group. It comes to light following the lawsuit filed against Spanish...

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Business

AI, AI, who is the most stylish in the land?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a technical tool. It is becoming a constant companion in the daily lives of many consumers, fundamentally changing the relationship between people and brands. According to the latest Accenture study, “Consumer Pulse 2025”, around 30 percent of active users already trust AI tools for shopping and...