AI: Redefining the Fashion Industry
In 2024, the global fashion technology market was valued at $239.65 billion, and it is projected to reach $345.39 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. This expansion is being fueled by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered design tools, virtual try-on technology and the rising demand for sustainable and smart fabrics.
As AI continues to reshape how garments and footwear are designed, produced and experienced, Sourcing Journal caught up with Colin Marks, CEO of DeSL, to explore how the web-based software company’s product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions are helping brands harness AI and digital transformation across the value chain.
SOURCING JOURNAL: Starting from the top, designers are experimenting with generative tools, 3D prototyping and virtual fabrics. How is DeSL supporting this shift while keeping sustainability in mind?
Colin Marks: We see AI as a creative partner, not a replacement. Designers can use generative tools to ideate faster, transforming sketches or text prompts into photorealistic garment concepts. Combined with 3D prototyping and digital fabric libraries, this lets teams visualize new styles without the need for multiple physical samples. It saves time, reduces waste and keeps creativity at the center of the process.
Sustainability comes naturally from this approach. By minimizing physical sampling and linking 3D assets directly to bill of materials (BOM) data, brands can cut material waste early in the design cycle while still meeting creative goals.
Smarter sourcing decisions are critical as costs and timelines tighten. How does DeSL’s platform use technology to forecast bills of materials and optimize vendor allocation?
C.M.: The more accurate your data, the better your decisions. AI-driven forecasting tools analyze historical cost, material and vendor performance data to suggest optimized bills of materials before production begins. This allows sourcing teams to evaluate multiple supplier scenarios, balancing price, quality, lead time and sustainability credentials.
Predictive models can also recommend vendor allocations automatically, helping ensure products are developed with the best possible partners. It’s all about using technology to improve agility and reduce risk in an unpredictable market.
Supply chains are full of compliance checkpoints. How does DeSL help its customers simplify document management and reduce the risk of errors?
C.M.: Compliance is one of the most time-consuming parts of fashion production. DeSL’s platform uses AI document reading to scan, process and validate everything from supplier certifications to testing reports. The system extracts key data automatically, flags discrepancies and updates records in real time within PLM. This eliminates manual re-entry and reduces the risk of missing critical details.
It also supports full traceability, allowing brands to connect certificates and audits to the right style, material or factory. This makes managing chain-of-custody documentation far simpler, especially for brands preparing for digital product passports (DPP) or sustainability reporting.
Teams are increasingly turning to digital assistants. In what ways is DeSL embedding copilots into its PLM systems?
C.M.: Our copilots are like having an experienced assistant built into the software. They can summarize design feedback, draft specification sheets or flag anomalies in costings. By integrating large language model (LLM) capabilities with structured PLM data, copilots can answer natural language queries.
We’re also using copilots to streamline data entry, automatically populating fields from uploaded documents or images. It’s a huge timesaver and allows teams to focus on higher-value work.
How is DeSL helping companies deliver on these expectations while making technology feel accessible?
C.M.: Adoption only happens when technology feels intuitive. Our approach is to embed AI and advanced analytics into familiar workflows rather than creating separate tools. Whether you’re a designer, a merchandiser or a sourcing manager, the interface remains browser-based, modular and easy to configure.
We also work closely with customers to phase in innovation. You don’t have to leap into full automation overnight. You can start with digital color approvals or supplier management and expand into AI co-pilots or sustainability dashboards as your team grows comfortable.
Fashion is moving toward a future where data and digital tools set the standard. How does DeSL see its role in shaping that transformation?
C.M.: DeSL’s mission has always been to connect every stage of the product life cycle as a single source of truth. As AI continues to mature, that foundation becomes even more valuable. Our role is to make data useful, to help brands not only capture information but turn it into insight and action.
We’re shaping a future where AI helps reduce waste, accelerate development and make sustainability measurable. Fashion has always thrived on reinvention, and now digital transformation is the next evolution. Those who embrace it will design smarter, source more responsibly and deliver products that reflect the values of a changing world.
This article was originally published on the Sourcing Journal website. Sourcing Journal is a leading B2B media platform covering sourcing, supply chain, sustainability, and technology across the global fashion, apparel, and retail industries.
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