CHINA FASHION BUSINESS

▼The following discussion in the Cold Fashion Circle summarizes industry issues and collective insights. These shared insights are a crystallization of collective wisdom (they do not represent Cold Yun’s personal opinions). The aim is to benefit more industry professionals!

Part One：

Applications of 3D and AI Technology in Apparel Export Scenarios

1. Current Development of 3D and Generative AI Technologies (e.g., Midjourney and Stable Diffusion)

For apparel professionals interested in understanding the principles of 3D technology, Professor Yan Lingqi’s GAMES 101 course on computer graphics is an invaluable resource. This course explains how to simulate fabric starting from the yarn level, making it particularly useful for those with engineering backgrounds or an interest in 3D and AI content.

The evolution of 3D garment simulation can be traced back to the spring-proton algorithm proposed decades ago, which has since become foundational in garment simulation. Modern 3D software, such as BROW, CLO3D, and STYLE3D, is based on this principle, using triangular meshes to simulate fabric properties.

However, these methods have limitations. Triangular meshes alone fail to fully replicate the diverse physical properties of fabrics. While advancements like CLO3D have improved over the years, issues such as insufficient texture realism persist.

Proposed Solutions:

• Physical Property Library: Developing physical material libraries by modeling real garments and matching 3D outputs with physical samples.
• Manual Adjustments: Experienced 3D modelers can manually tweak parameters like elasticity and softness for greater accuracy.

Emerging technologies, such as APEX yarn simulation, promise breakthroughs in precision by simulating actual knit structures instead of triangular meshes.

Generative AI tools like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney offer intuitive solutions for creating designs from text prompts. These tools lower the barriers to entry and provide unique value in fashion design.

2. 3D and AI Applications in Apparel Export Scenarios

AI can transform mannequin product images into realistic model shots, reducing costs associated with traditional photoshoots. While AI-generated visuals currently lack some aesthetic refinement, they remain cost-effective.

Major brands like UR are leveraging 3D and AI technologies on platforms like Tmall, demonstrating the commercial viability of these innovations.

Despite challenges, these tools enable high-speed, high-volume design iteration. For example:

• Generative AI can produce design options within seconds, allowing designers to efficiently explore different directions.
• AI excels at creating seamless print patterns and vectorizing them for large-scale manufacturing.

Part Two：

Implementing 3D + AI Projects in Apparel Export Design and Development Scenarios

1. Perceptions of 3D and AI Technologies Among Domestic and International Clients

The adoption of 3D technology in the apparel industry was initially driven by client demand. For instance, in 2020, a European fast-fashion client, M, actively requested the integration of 3D technology. This prompted a company to train a developer and a pattern maker in 3D skills, launching a design review and approval process. This top-down approach to technology introduction continued, and by 2022, the company had established a solid foundation in 3D technology. It then began proactively promoting its use to other clients, resulting in a bottom-up spread of adoption.

During the development phase, 3D technology is primarily used to preview garment designs before sample production. When samples cannot be produced promptly, designers can present 3D renderings for preliminary client approval. Particularly in localized print design, 3D technology can showcase print effects for all sizes, providing intuitive visual references for clients. This approach has gained widespread acceptance, replacing 30-50% of initial sample production, especially for print-focused designs.

Unique Advantages of 3D Technology in Localized Print Design:

• Provides precise cutting schemes, significantly improving efficiency compared to traditional textual or visual descriptions from designers.
• Accurately calculates material usage for localized prints during mass production, supporting more informed pricing decisions.
• Optimizes material usage through redesigned print layouts, reducing material consumption by up to 40% per piece.

2. Transitioning 3D Content Output from “Top-Down” to “Bottom-Up

In practice, a single designer can complete 4-5 basic garment models and renderings daily (e.g., shirts, dresses). For garments made from thicker materials, the daily output drops to approximately 1-1.5 designs. Notably, clients tend to prioritize rendering quality over fully replicating technical details, allowing for simplified processes and enhanced efficiency.

The application of 3D technology has attracted international attention, with some French apparel groups establishing dedicated 3D departments. However, compared to the domestic market, foreign brands often have a more limited understanding of 3D and AI technologies. This disparity partially stems from differences in market strategies employed by software providers (e.g., Lingdi).

Emerging Business Models Based on 3D/AI Technologies:

• Consumer-Driven Design: Inspired by the “Cut on You Bias” brand model, online platforms now allow consumers to participate in design and voting processes.
• Intelligent Sales Processes: Alibaba, for example, is developing workflows that integrate design, development, and AI-driven online sales, employing a “design-on-demand” model.
• Supply Chain Integration: 3D and AI technologies play critical roles in supply chain development, accelerating overall processes and improving efficiency.

Part Three：

Encouraging Clients to Recognize, Accept, and Embrace 3D Design Outputs

Promoting client acceptance of 3D technology requires effective communication and mutual understanding within the team. Below are strategies to enhance the adoption of 3D and AI technologies in apparel export design and development:

1. Education Through Repeated Exposure:

• Regularly explain the applications and benefits of 3D technology to clients, such as its use in localized print and design reviews. Offering new insights during each meeting or presentation helps improve client awareness and acceptance.
• By comparing 3D results with real-world outputs, teams can demonstrate how 3D technology addresses specific challenges and improves efficiency. Visualized results can help build trust and confidence among export clients.

2. Securing Leadership Support:

• Corporate leadership support is crucial for promoting 3D technology, especially as the adoption process may involve trial and error.
• Leadership backing ensures alignment with client workflows and business models, facilitating the seamless integration of 3D technology into client development processes.
• The technology should be positioned as a business growth tool rather than merely a technical enhancement.

By focusing on these strategies, teams can enhance client acceptance of 3D and AI technologies, deepen collaborations, and drive business growth.