PI Apparel’s Fashion Technology Show: Turning AI into Action
Inside PI Apparel’s Fashion Technology Show in London
The DeSL team recently attended and sponsored PI Apparel’s Fashion Technology Show in London, one of the fashion industry’s leading events for product development and technology leaders.
Held at The Brewery on March 30–31, the event brought together global brands, retailers, and solution providers focused on digital transformation across the fashion lifecycle. A key focus throughout the event was the growing role of AI in fashion product development and how brands are turning strategy into execution.
AI for Fashion: From Concept to Competitive Advantage
Across the event, the conversation around AI has clearly shifted. It is no longer about experimentation, it is about execution.
Fashion brands are actively embedding AI into product development, sourcing, and compliance workflows to improve speed, accuracy, and decision-making. The adoption of AI in the apparel industry is accelerating as teams look to manage increasing complexity while reducing time to market.
As digital processes expand, from 3D design to data-driven sourcing, AI is becoming the layer that connects systems, eliminates manual work, and turns product data into actionable insights.
This reinforces a key industry priority: moving away from fragmented tools toward integrated platforms that support real-time collaboration and decision-making.
How DeSL Supports This Shift
DeSL’s cloud-based PLM platform is built to support this transformation. As an AI-powered PLM, it enables brands to manage everything from concept and design through to sourcing and compliance within a single environment.
This approach allows teams to automate manual processes, improve data accuracy, and accelerate product development without adding system complexity.
AI initiatives only deliver value when built on structured, connected product data. This is where PLM becomes critical.
Key Themes and Industry Insights
Several sessions highlighted how leading brands are applying AI and digital tools in practice:
- H&M shared progress on integrating AI with 3D design to streamline development workflows
- JD Sports discussed rebuilding product development processes with a focus on speed and data visibility
- Pentland Brands explored how AI-driven sourcing can simplify compliance and reduce operational complexity
These sessions reinforced a consistent theme: brands are investing in connected systems that support faster decisions and greater control across the product lifecycle.
Richard Mason, Positive Business Director at Pentland Brands
Conversations from the Show Floor
Throughout the event, the DeSL team met with customers, partners, and leading fashion brands. Conversations focused on practical challenges, including reducing development timelines, improving supplier collaboration, and supporting sustainability initiatives.
Across these discussions, one message was consistent: brands are actively investing in AI and digital platforms that deliver measurable business outcomes.
Why It Matters for Fashion Brands
What resonated most with attendees was the strategic impact of AI-powered PLM:
- Breaking down silos between design, sourcing, and compliance teams
- Creating a single source of truth for product data
- Improving governance and visibility across workflows
- Enabling faster, more confident decision-making
- Accelerating speed to market
Rather than incremental improvements, brands are focused on building scalable product development models that support growth, margin protection, and regulatory readiness.
See DeSL in Action
Discover how DeSL’s AI-powered PLM helps fashion brands streamline product development and bring products to market faster.
Book a demo today and explore how you can connect your entire product lifecycle in one platform.
-
Releasing Newest Module Digital Planning Boards
Digital Planning Board empowers the creative aspects of the business, while harnessing financial data to make informed decisions.
-
DeSL Delivers End-to-End PLM for Fashion & Apparel Brands
DeSL's PLM was built specifically for the fashion and apparel industry, designed to simplify complexity and connect every stage of...
-
Van de Velde Advances Digital Transformation Journey with DeSL
Van de Velde selects DeSL's Product Lifecycle Management and Total Quality Management solutions to drive its digital transformation journey.
