‘Spatial Computing & Fashion: The Future is Now’ Series

The fashion industry has been greatly impacted by the computing revolution, which has brought about significant changes in the way we work, communicate, learn, and interact with the world. This revolution has gone through different stages, each introducing new technologies and paradigms that have expanded the role of computing in society. From mainframes and minicomputers to personal computing and the internet, and now spatial computing, these advancements have been integrated into the fashion industry, revolutionizing its operations, design, manufacturing, retail, and customer engagement.

Mainframes and Minicomputers: Building the Digital Foundation

The dawn of computing can be traced back to the development of mainframe computers in the 1940s and 1950s, which were initially used by governments, universities, and large corporations for scientific calculations and business data processing. The introduction of minicomputers, which were smaller and more affordable, led to the rise of real-time computing and early networking.

During this time, the fashion industry started building a digital infrastructure to optimize processes such as inventory management, supply chain logistics, and customer data analysis.

Personal Computing: Democratizing Fashion Design

The 1970s and 1980s saw the democratization of access to computing with the introduction of personal computers. This led to a significant expansion in the use of technology, including advancements in software development, digital media, and the early stages of the Internet.

The fashion industry also benefited from this, as it became more accessible to independent designers through computer-aided design tools (CAD) for pattern-making development and fashion sketches. It allowed affordable solutions for retail and inventory management software, streamlining operations for fashion businesses of all sizes. This era also saw the emergence of online marketing and portfolio presentations.

The Internet and Mobile Computing: A New Digital Era

The emergence of the internet and mobile computing in the 1990s and 2000s transformed computing into a globally connected network. With the rise of laptops, smartphones, and tablets, technology became more portable and ubiquitous. This period also saw the explosion of digital content, e-commerce, social media, and the beginning of cloud computing, greatly impacting communication, entertainment, and business.

In the fashion industry, these advancements led to a new era of digital fashion consumption and interaction, with the emergence of e-commerce, online shopping, and social commerce. The rise of fashion influencers also played a significant role in shaping trends and consumer choices, making fashion more accessible to a wider audience and enabling real-time trend analysis and customer feedback.

Spatial Computing: Merging Physical and Digital Worlds

The spatial computing era is currently revolutionizing the interface between the physical and digital worlds, blurring the boundaries between them. By embracing a 3D volumetric approach, this advancement goes beyond traditional screens and 2D perspectives, creating a more immersive experience. It relies on a complex interplay of hardware, software, data, and connectivity, and is fueled by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, extended reality (XR), and blockchain. This shift is transforming human-computer interaction and communication, with a strong focus on personalized, and data-driven solutions.

The integration of spatial computing into the fashion industry is already making a significant impact, with the combination of technologies such as AI and computer vision with AR and VR to create immersive digital experiences within the physical world. This approach is revolutionizing traditional processes in design, manufacturing, retail, and consumer engagement. For example, virtual try-ons and digital fitting rooms are being introduced in retail, combining the convenience of online shopping with the personal touch of in-store interactions. Designers are also benefiting from advanced 3D design and visualization tools for rapid prototyping and creative exploration, without the limitations of physical materials.

In conclusion, the computing revolution is an ongoing journey of innovation and transformation, with each phase opening up new possibilities for technology. From the operational efficiencies of the mainframe era to the immersive experiences of spatial computing, the fashion industry has been greatly impacted, driving innovations and reshaping the landscape of fashion in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, the fashion industry is well-positioned to embrace new advancements and continue its journey towards a more digitally integrated future.

References:

• Hackl, C. (n.d.). Spatial Computing: Definition – What Does It Actually Mean? LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/spatial-computing-definition-what-does-actually-mean-cathy-hackl-hxeee/
• McKinsey & Company. (2022). State of Fashion Technology Report 2022. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion
• Business of Fashion. (n.d.). Why Fashion Can’t Ignore Extended Reality. Retrieved from https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/why-fashion-cant-ignore-extended-reality/
• Textile Learner. (n.d.). Computer Aided Fashion Designing. Retrieved from https://textilelearner.net/computer-aided-fashion-designing/
• Vasseur, J.-P., & Dunkels, A. (2010). Interconnecting Smart Objects with IP: The Next Internet. Burlington, MA: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers.

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This article is part of a series by Polypo ‘Spatial Computing & Fashion: The Future is Now‘. Stay tuned for the next part, “With Spatial Computing, The World is Your Canvas,” where we’ll explore the vast potential of AR in transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary fashion experiences.

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