May 2025
IG-Fashion is wrapping up – and our Results Card is in!
After 30 months of collaboration, creativity, and green innovation, the IG-Fashion project is coming to a close. Dive into our Results Card to see how we’ve trained future fashion changemakers, built a smart learning platform, and brought sustainability into the heart of VET fashion education.
April 2025
IG-Fashion Final TPM – Timișoara, April 15, 2025
The last Transnational Project Meeting of the IG-Fashion project, hosted by CNPCD in Timișoara, brought together partners from across Europe to reflect on the project’s achievements and strategize future dissemination and exploitation of the IG-Fashion Platform.
Key discussions included:
- Reviewing piloting results and feedback from participating institutions.
- Finalizing translations of video tutorials and user manuals.
- Planning the final conference and its agenda.
- Evaluating dissemination activities and reporting requirements.
- Brainstorming sustainability plans and potential future collaborations.
This meeting underscored the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to advancing sustainable fashion education through innovative digital tools.
April 2025
As the IG-Fashion project comes to a close, we proudly reflect on the progress we’ve made together in reshaping fashion education across Europe. Over the past months, our partners, experts, and community have contributed to creating a future-focused platform that empowers fashion students, designers, and educators with the tools and knowledge they need to lead the green transition in the textile and fashion industries.
- An interactive online platform with up-to-date resources on eco-design, sustainable production, circular business models, and EU policies.
- Engaging learning modules and real-world case studies tailored to the needs of emerging professionals.
- A strong network of partners and stakeholders committed to making sustainable fashion the norm, not the exception.
Though the project officially ends, IG-Fashion will remain online and free to access. Our resources will continue to support education and innovation, and we invite all stakeholders to keep using the platform and sharing it widely. We thank all our partners, educators, students, and fashion enthusiasts who contributed to the IG-Fashion community. Together, we’ve sewn the first threads of a more ethical and environmentally conscious fashion future
April 2025
On April 10, the IG-Fashion Multiplier Event was held at Connect College in Echt, Netherlands. During this event, students and instructors learned about the IG-Fashion project outcomes, with a focus on sustainability and the application of artificial intelligence in fashion design. Read more about it in the downloadable newsletter below!
March 2025
On March 28th, the IG-Fashion project was presented at a national event held at VET school IEK AKMI in Athens. The event gathered 20 participants who explored how the IG-Fashion platform and its AI chatbot can support sustainable practices in fashion design and training. Attendees, including VET trainers and students, engaged with the tools and discussed the role of digital innovation in shaping a greener future for the fashion industry. The event was a successful step in expanding the project’s reach and impact in Greece.
February 2025
The IG-Fashion project continues to make waves in the sustainable fashion scene! On February 13, 2025, the dissemination event hosted by IIS “Alberti” in Rome marked a key milestone in promoting eco-conscious innovation in vocational fashion education. The event welcomed institutional leaders, fashion professionals, and students from across Europe. Highlights included a showcase of eco-friendly garments designed by students, a presentation of the IG-Fashion platform and chatbot, and rich discussions on the role of VET in driving sustainable change. As emphasized throughout the day, IG-Fashion is more than a project—it’s a step forward in embedding sustainability and innovation into the heart of fashion education. Check out more in our 7th Newsletter (downloadable below)
January 2025
IG-Fashion piloting in progress: testing the future of sustainable fashion learning
The IG-Fashion platform and AI chatbot are currently being piloted across Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands, marking an exciting phase of real-world testing and user engagement.
Since the launch of the pilot version, students, teachers, VET trainers, and fashion professionals have started exploring the platform’s four chapters—Legal, F&T Production, Design, and Textiles—while interacting with the AI chatbot for on-demand learning support.
Ongoing Piloting Activities:
- Local testing sessions in schools, training centers, and SMEs
- Collection of user feedback via online forms and guided discussions
- Evaluation of chatbot responses, content flow, and learning outcomes
This piloting phase is crucial for identifying what works, what needs fine-tuning, and how the platform can best serve the diverse needs of its target users. All insights gathered will directly feed into the final adjustments before the public launch.
December 2024
We are excited to share the latest updates from our IG-FASHION project as we move towards a smart and eco-friendly approach in vocational education and training (VET) for the fashion industry. Insights from the Transnational Project Meeting in Ruse highlight significant progress. Our recent meeting in Ruse, Bulgaria, hosted by PGO “Nedka Ivan Lazarova,” marked a crucial moment for the IG-FASHION initiative. Here are the key developments:
December 2024
CONFAO at Job & Orienta
At the Verona Fair, from 26 to 27 November, there’s Job&Orienta, an event dedicated to guidance, education, and employment. This year’s theme is: “Next Generation: Guidance, Sustainability, Digitalisation’.
At Job&Orienta, schools, students, families, teachers, and experts can learn about future educational pathways. Furthermore, educational institutions from all over Italy showcase the activities they’ve implemented and their teaching experiences.
CONFAO is present with a stand in the Schools Networks section. It’s a great opportunity to introduce visitors to the numerous initiatives of the consortium, including our European projects, particularly IG-Fashion and the sustainable fashion training platform.
We also had a great chance to connect operators in the fashion sector and invite them to the national dissemination event we will organize in Rome at the end of January.
A truly fruitful participation!
December 2024
IG-Fashion develops user manuals and video tutorials to support platform access
To ensure a smooth and accessible learning experience for all users, the IG-Fashion project has developed a set of practical user manuals and video tutorials that guide learners through the platform and its core features.
These materials are designed to support students, educators, SMEs, and VET trainers as they explore the IG-Fashion platform, interact with the AI chatbot, and complete the learning modules on sustainable fashion.
What’s Included?
- Step-by-step platform navigation guide: Clear instructions on how to register, access each chapter, complete exercises, and download certificates.
- AI Chatbot usage tutorial: Demonstrates how to ask questions, get support while learning, and use the chatbot as an interactive tool.
- Technical guidance: Manuals include screenshots and tips for common issues, compatible browsers, and language settings.
- Multilingual availability: All manuals and video tutorials are being translated into Romanian, Bulgarian, Italian, Greek, and Dutch to ensure full accessibility across all partner countries.
- Integrated support: These materials are embedded directly on the platform and also available for download and offline use.
These resources are essential for the pilot phase, helping participants confidently test the IG-Fashion platform and provide feedback that will inform its final improvements.
November 2024
PROS AND CONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Imagine shopping without the exhausting rounds of store visits, the pile of tried-on dresses, or the confusion generated by differing opinions. Traditional shopping can often feel tedious and time-consuming, but with AI, those long hours could become a thing of the past. Using AI to find the perfect dress is like having a personal stylist who knows your taste and preferences inside out.
Why consider AI for your shopping needs? It’s the future. AI-powered searches are transforming the fashion industry, creating a shopping experience that’s personalized, efficient, and full of exciting options. With AI, the fashion world is just a click away—from browsing thousands of designs to customizing your dress, all from the comfort of home.
AI transcends the limits of physical inventory and location, giving you access to a seemingly endless variety of choices from across the web, many of which you might not find otherwise. However, before diving into this digital fashion haven, it’s helpful to weigh both the pros and cons of using AI for finding your perfect dress.
The Bright Side:
- Convenience: No more endless store visits, you can shop right from home.
- Personalization: The AI learns your style and preferences, curating options just for you.
- Customization: Design your own dress and experiment with different elements to create something unique.
- Variety: With AI, you’ll access options from across the internet, providing more choices than traditional shopping.
The Flip Side:
- Lack of Physical Experience: Shopping online means you can’t feel the fabric or see how the dress moves as you walk or dance.
- Overwhelm: Having access to countless options can lead to decision fatigue, making it harder to choose the perfect dress.
- Limited Human Interaction: Some people enjoy shopping with friends or family and value their real-time input, an aspect AI shopping can’t replicate.
In the end, AI is reshaping the shopping experience, making it more tailored and convenient. But the perfect dress is the one that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and a little magical—something no AI can truly measure.
November 2024
IG-Fashion develops piloting protocol to guide platform testing
As the IG-Fashion platform and AI chatbot enter the piloting phase, the project partners have created a structured Piloting Protocol to ensure the testing process is clear, consistent, and impactful across all partner countries.
This protocol is a key tool for gathering meaningful feedback from students, teachers, VET trainers, and professionals, helping the consortium refine both content and user experience before the platform’s final release. The piloting phase will involve 210 testers all across Europe!
The piloting protocol ensures that the IG-Fashion platform not only delivers high-quality educational content, but also meets the real needs and expectations of its end users.
📍 Next step: Local piloting sessions in all five countries – coming soon!
October 2024
IG-Fashion platform and chatbot ready for piloting across Europe
The IG-Fashion consortium is proud to announce that the pilot version of the IG-Fashion training platform and integrated AI chatbot is now live and ready to be tested by students, educators, and professionals across Europe.
This marks a major milestone in the project, bringing together months of collaborative work to deliver a practical, multilingual e-learning tool focused on sustainable transformation in the fashion and textile sector.
What’s Included in the Pilot Version?
- Draft content across the four thematic chapters: Legal, F&T Production, Design, and Textiles
- A functioning AI-powered chatbot, trained to support learners with contextual guidance
- Platform access in English, Romanian, Bulgarian, Italian, Greek, and Dutch
- Interactive exercises, downloadable resources, and a draft final quiz for user feedback
- A flexible interface, open to improvements based on pilot evaluation
The pilot phase will allow users to test the structure, clarity, and usefulness of the learning experience, and to help shape the final version of the IG-Fashion platform through constructive feedback.
October 2024
The IG-Fashion team meets in Ruse, Bulgaria!
It’s that time of the year! The IG-Fashion team met up again last week in Ruse, Bulgaria.
Our partners from PGO “Nedka Lazarova” and SCIAT-Danube showed us around their lovely city, enriching our stay with visits to fashion production companies. We also got to see the PGO school, that is filled with creative and hard-working teachers and students.
Even more so, the consortium has planned the next steps of the project, having the platform and chatbot almost ready for release! The next activities will involve you, the participants!
September 2024
What are the benefits of a chatbot companion on an educational platform?
In addition to access to cutting-edge information about the fashion industry, our platform also offers a Chatbot companion. What makes our platform innovative and why is an AI-Chatbot useful?
24/7 Study support: Got a question late at night? No worries! Our AI chatbot is available anytime to help with your studies, no matter the hour.
Instant answers: No more waiting for replies. Get instant responses to your queries, whether it’s about coursework, deadlines, or academic resources.
Personalized learning: The AI chatbot learns from your preferences and adapts to provide tailored recommendations, helping you stay on track with your goals.
Interactive quizzes & practice: Need extra practice? The chatbot can quiz you on subjects, suggest resources, and guide you through tough topics.
Effortless navigation: From finding study materials to booking tutoring sessions, the chatbot makes navigating the platform a breeze.
Support for everyone: Whether you’re a student, teacher, or researcher, our AI chatbot is here to assist, streamline tasks, and make learning more efficient!
September 2024
What Does Sustainable Apparel Sourcing Mean for Generation Z?
Students of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware in the United States share their views on sustainable apparel sourcing, what affects Generation Z’s shopping decisions, and what they make of fashion brands and retailers’ sustainability efforts.
Many brands and retailers are trying to make their apparel sourcing more sustainable, from publishing the ESG report to using more recycled textile materials in the products. However, the effectiveness of fashion companies’ sustainability efforts and related communication remain largely unknown, especially among Generation Z, their most important target market.
Read here selected comments from the students
August 2024
The 4 “R”s in the fashion industry
These principles act as a compass, guiding us toward a more responsible and thoughtful relationship with fashion. By understanding their significance and incorporating them into our choices, we become advocates for a brighter, greener, and more stylish future. Remember, the order of the 4 R’s in sustainable fashion is deliberate and impactful.
This is where the real impact begins. You’re sending a powerful message by refusing fast fashion’s disposable culture and saying no to overconsumption. You’re advocating for quality over quantity.
Simplify the wardrobe and focus on versatile pieces. When we reduce our clothing purchases, we reduce demand for excessive production, leading to lower resource consumption and waste generation.
Extend the life of your garments through creativity and care. Mixing, upcycling, and repairing can breathe new life into your clothing. Each time you choose to reuse, you’re contributing to less waste in landfills.
Recycling is vital, but it’s not a magic fix. It requires energy and resources to transform materials. While recycling has its place, it’s important to prioritize the earlier steps. Refusing and reducing have a more direct impact on reducing the carbon and waste footprint.
August 2024
AI and fashion: pioneering a new era of eco-conscious fashion design and production
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to make its mark in the realm of fashion, promising a future where sustainability might not just be a goal but a reality. The integration of AI into fashion represents a possible evolution, a necessary revolution in a world increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of consumption.
Through the lens of AI, we could reimagine the entire lifecycle of fashion products, from design to production, to consumer engagement, making each step more sustainable and efficient. Design processes could be transformed by AI, enabling designers to leverage predictive analytics and machine learning to not only predict trends but also to create more with less.
The role of AI could extend beyond the tangible aspects of fashion to redefine the relationship between brands and consumers. Personalized shopping experiences, powered by AI, could not only enhance customer satisfaction but also reduce the likelihood of returns, a common issue that contributes to waste and inefficiency in the industry.
Read full article here
July 2024
Understanding the garment supply chain: From fiber to fashion
Behind every piece of clothing is a complex network of processes, people, and places—the garment supply chain. Understanding this journey is essential for building a more sustainable and transparent fashion industry.
The garment supply chain refers to the full lifecycle of a clothing item—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. It includes every step involved in turning fibers into finished garments that reach the consumer.
Key Stages of the Garment Supply Chain:
- Raw Material Sourcing:
This stage involves growing or extracting fibers, such as cotton, hemp, or synthetic polymers (e.g. polyester). Choices made here greatly impact water use, biodiversity, and carbon emissions. - Textile Production:
Fibers are spun into yarn, woven or knitted into fabric, and dyed or treated. This is an energy- and water-intensive phase often associated with pollution and chemical use. - Garment Manufacturing:
Fabrics are cut, sewn, assembled, and finished—typically in factories where working conditions and labor rights vary. This stage is crucial for addressing ethical production and worker welfare. - Distribution and Retail:
Once garments are produced, they’re shipped—often globally—to warehouses, stores, or directly to consumers. This part of the chain contributes to CO₂ emissions from transport and packaging waste. - Use Phase:
Consumers wear and wash garments, often many times. Durability, care habits, and fashion trends affect how long clothes are kept before being discarded. - End-of-Life:
After use, garments may be resold, donated, recycled, or thrown away. Globally, less than 1% of clothing is recycled into new textiles—highlighting the need for circular system
The garment supply chain is at the heart of many global challenges—climate change, labor rights, resource depletion, and waste. Improving transparency and responsibility at every stage is key to building a truly sustainable fashion industry.
With tools like the Digital Product Passport, new legislation, and innovative technologies (e.g. AI, blockchain), stakeholders can now trace and optimize the entire chain—ensuring that sustainability is more than just a label.
July 2024
Creating synergies
The IG fashion project shares some common objectives with yet another EU funded project on sustainability, which is “SustainCast – Sustainable Living Education using Podcasting as a Learning Method”. Militos Consulting SA in Greece is a project partner in both projects, and we had the opportunity to exchange ideas and insights with the SustainCast partnerhsip in Denmark, Italy, Spain and Sweden. The SustainCast projects looks into how adults can craft their own influential podcasts to communicate sustainable living practices. Fashion and Clothing is one of the areas approached. As a fashion consumer interested in sustainability you could check out the relevant podcasts to listen to people like you across Europe and how they go about in their everyday lives when it comes to buying and consuming clothing and fashion items.
June 2024
First iteration of the IG-Fashion platform officially launched
The IG-Fashion project proudly announces the launch of the first iteration of its innovative digital learning platform—marking a major step forward in preparing the fashion and textile sector for a more sustainable, circular, and tech-savvy future.
This initial version of the platform is now live at https://training.ig-fashion.eu and features:
- Core educational modules on Legal Frameworks, F&T Production, Design, and Textiles
- A curated selection of 75 best practices from across Europe
- Interactive quizzes, further readings, and visual materials
- Access to a pilot version of the AI-powered chatbot for testing
The first launch serves as a testing phase for students, educators, and fashion professionals from partner countries. Feedback gathered during this period will help refine the user interface, content clarity, and chatbot responses—ensuring that the final platform is as useful and engaging as possible.
This milestone reflects the consortium’s commitment to building an accessible, multilingual, and future-proof learning environment for the next generation of green fashion professionals.
June 2024
The EU’s legislation push towards an ESG mandate for the apparel sector
The EU has sprung into action with separate pieces of legislation that mark a push towards greater sustainability individually but together aim to drive a circular economy for all those involved in the apparel supply chain from the products and fashion brands to manufacturers and end consumers.
While the details of these EU legislations need to be studied further to fully understand their potential impacts, the passage of these laws send a strong signal to fashion companies that sustainability and social responsibility will increasingly become mandates.
According to experts, a key question remains on how to balance the relationship between economic competitiveness and sustainability, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises without many resources. As many fashion companies operate on a global scale, how can we further facilitate regular coherence in sustainability and corporate social responsibility areas across regions and nations? Additionally, as the fashion industry transitions towards sustainability and circularity, whether sustainability-related legislation aligns with the shifting nature of textile and apparel production remains a question mark, such as the supply chain traceability requirements for clothing made from recycled textile materials. Thus, to ensure future sustainability and social responsibility legislation is effective and relevant to industry needs, direct dialogue between policymakers, industry practitioners, consumers, and civil society is essential.
May 2024
IG-Fashion launches chatbot development to support green fashion learning
A new digital milestone has begun in the IG-Fashion project: the development of the AI-powered educational chatbot. Designed to enhance user experience and accessibility on the IG-Fashion platform, the chatbot will offer learners real-time guidance, answers, and interactive support on topics related to sustainable fashion.
To kick off the process, project partners are working on two foundational elements:
The development team is creating a structured training protocol to ensure the chatbot delivers accurate, reliable, and context-aware responses. The protocol defines how the chatbot will “learn” from educational content, how it should interact with users, and how to adapt responses based on each chapter—whether the topic is EU legislation, textiles, sustainable design, or production.
A repository of frequently asked questions and model answers is also under construction. This collection is based on:
- Content from the IG-Fashion platform modules
- Common questions from teachers, students, and SMEs during field interviews
- Key terminology from EU regulations and circular design concepts
Once launched, the chatbot will act as a virtual learning assistant, helping users navigate complex topics, revise key terms, and find specific content across the course—at any time, in multiple languages.
This innovation supports the IG-Fashion project’s goal of making green fashion education more accessible, interactive, and future-ready.
May 2024
In April 2024, the IG-FASHION partners met in Athens, Greece to lay down a solid ground for the development of two core project outputs: The online platform of IG-FASHION as our educational and information repository, and the IG-FASHION Chatbot, the intelligent assistant of the users, navigating them through extended and rich material, sources, good practices, legal frameworks and regulation in sustainable fashion and much more. Check out more in our 5th Newsletter (downloadable below)
April 2024
Exciting News from IG-Fashion Erasmus
Project!
Fashion education takes a jump forward with the latest updates from the IG-Fashion Erasmus project! During a recent meeting in Athens, hosted by Militos Consulting, the team finalized the training content program for their upcoming platform. This platform aims to equip fashion enthusiasts with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
But that’s not all! Partners are also working on a Chatbot tailored for both beginners and professionals in the fashion sector. This innovative tool will offer personalized guidance, ensuring users access the most relevant content for their needs.
Stay tuned as IG-Fashion continues to innovate in fashion education!
April 2024
AI’s Impact on Fashion: London Fashion Week
The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with the fashion industry is reshaping the landscape, challenging perceptions, and unlocking new opportunities. Amid widespread concerns about job displacement and creative erosion, London Fashion Week’s 40th-anniversary edition stands as a testament to AI’s transformative potential.
Matthew Drinkwater, leading the charge at the London College of Fashion’s Innovation Agency, champions AI as a “hugely beneficial tool” for creativity and inclusivity. AI’s democratizing effect is breaking down barriers, offering avenues for aspiring talents from diverse backgrounds to enter an industry long seen as elitist and exclusive.
AI isn’t just a catalyst for creativity; it’s a sustainability game-changer. Major brands like Heliot Emil, Zara, and H&M are leveraging AI to optimize supply chains, curbing overstock and waste. By accurately predicting demand and streamlining production processes, AI fosters a more environmentally conscious approach to fashion.
In the design sphere, AI’s influence is profound. From generating clothing designs based on typed prompts to visualizing materials and patterns, AI empowers designers to explore novel ideas and make informed decisions swiftly. The once arduous task of sourcing data for design inspiration has been streamlined, with generative AI effortlessly producing images at the click of a button.
Financially, the implications are significant. McKinsey forecasts a substantial boost to operating profits within the fashion and luxury sectors, courtesy of generative AI’s ability to create compelling visuals, text, and audio from basic human inputs. Such innovations hold the promise of revolutionizing marketing, design, and customer engagement strategies.
Looking ahead, AI’s role in fashion is poised to expand further. Predictive analytics for trend forecasting and virtual try-ons are just the tip of the iceberg. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the fashion industry stands on the cusp of unprecedented innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
In a world where creativity and accessibility converge, AI emerges as a driving force, reshaping fashion for the better. As we celebrate four decades of London Fashion Week, it’s clear that AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformative wave shaping the future of fashion.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2024/feb/08/ai-london-fashion-week
March 2024
On February 19, 2024, “The Technological-Professional Supply Chain” national conference organized by CONFAO took place at Villa Altieri, Rome. On that occasion, the participants were informed about the progress of the IG-Fashion ERASMUS + project.
CONFAO is a partner in the Erasmus+ KA2 project, IG-Fashion: Towards an Intelligent and Green approach in VET Fashion Design, coordinated by CNPCD (Romania), together with four other partners, PGO and SCIAT (Bulgaria), Militos (Greece) and SOML (Netherlands). The project is in its second year of activity. The partners have prepared a Compendium with the results of interviews with VET teachers and students, and fashion entrepreneurs on AI applications. They have also started working on the next steps, arranging material on good sustainability practices in the fashion industry to implement an online training provision for teachers, students, and professionals in the fashion sector. The training provision will be then complemented by an AI chatbot; an intelligent assistant to facilitate interaction with the core material.
March 2024
IG-Fashion Identifies 75 best practices in sustainable fashion across Europe
As part of its mission to strengthen sustainability and innovation in fashion education, the IG-Fashion project has collected and analyzed 75 best practices from across Europe. These examples represent real-world applications of circular, ethical, and eco-friendly approaches within the fashion and textile sectors.
The practices were identified through comprehensive desk and field research conducted in the project’s five partner countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands. Each example provides inspiration and guidance for educators, students, SMEs, and designers working to transition toward greener models.
What do these best practices showcase?
- Sustainable materials and processes: From organic cotton and regenerated fibers to low-waste dyeing and digital prototyping.
- Circular business models: Including repair services, leasing, upcycling, and second-hand platforms.
- Innovation in production: Featuring AI-assisted design, zero-waste pattern making, and localized manufacturing.
February 2024
🎓 IG-Fashion team finalizes educational modules for the sustainable fashion platform
The IG-Fashion project has reached a key milestone with the completion of all educational content for its interactive online platform. Designed for students, teachers, SMEs, and fashion professionals, the platform delivers clear, up-to-date learning on how to align fashion with sustainability, legislation, and innovation.
The course is structured into four main thematic chapters, each enriched with practical insights, examples, and digital tools:
This chapter introduces learners to the European legislative framework governing sustainable fashion, including the Eco-Design Regulation, Extended Producer Responsibility, and Digital Product Passport. It provides essential knowledge for navigating compliance and future-proofing fashion businesses.
Here, users explore responsible production practices in the fashion and textile industries—from low-impact manufacturing to energy-efficient techniques. The focus is on reducing environmental footprint while maintaining competitiveness.
This module dives into sustainable and circular design strategies, including design for durability, modularity, and recyclability. Learners also discover how to rethink aesthetics and user experience with an eco-conscious mindset.
Focusing on innovative materials, this chapter presents natural, recycled, and low-impact fibers, while also addressing the environmental impact of common textile choices. It’s a guide to choosing materials that align with both performance and sustainability.
Additional resources include:
- Sources & Further Readings
- AI-based Chatbot for on-demand learning support
- Final Quiz to test knowledge and receive a certificate
February 2024
As Paris Fashion Week concluded, France moved closer to imposing a tax on fast fashion, with proposals suggesting fines for brands contributing heavily to environmental damage. The French Environment Minister, after consultations with stakeholders, aims to reduce the ecological footprint of the fashion industry by targeting fast fashion brands with fines, enhancing consumer information, and limiting advertising. This initiative includes a public consultation on environmental labeling and a campaign against fast fashion, demonstrating France’s commitment to sustainable practices in fashion.
In an ambitious stride towards sustainability, France proposes a 5-euro tax on each fast fashion item sold. Championed by MP Antoine Marques and the Horizons Group, the tax aims to curb the environmental and social repercussions of fast fashion giants like SHEIN. This initiative seeks to encourage local production and sustainable practices. With concerns about the tax’s effectiveness and its ability to foster significant change, the discussion extends to a broader call for legislative actions, such as the Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), to ensure a more responsible fashion industry. This tax represents a pivotal moment for sustainable fashion, inviting a reevaluation of production practices across Europe.
January 2024
At the end of 2023, we worked a lot on creating an educational program and helpful learning materials for those of us who are focused on intelligent and green approaches in vocational education and training in the fashion industry. We’ve got to some inspiring topics and problems, that keep us on the path that intelligent and green thinking in the fashion industry are practical and possible. Check out more in our 4th Newsletter (downloadable below)
January 2024
The fashion industry faces a critical sustainability challenge: the broken cotton supply chain. With environmental and ethical concerns at their core, industry leaders are now confronted with a pivotal question—will they commit to transformative changes to mend the system? This crisis not only impacts the planet but also the very fabric of ethical labor practices and resource conservation. As the demand for transparency and sustainability grows, the call for a unified effort to repair the cotton supply chain has never been more urgent.
The sustainability of the cotton supply chain has come under scrutiny, with major fashion brands being called on to address and repair their systemic flaws. Environmental degradation, unethical labor practices, and the inefficient use of resources are pressing issues. The industry faces a turning point: to continue with business as usual or to innovate and implement sustainable practices that respect both people and the planet. This call to action is not just about rethinking materials but also about transforming the entire lifecycle of fashion products to ensure a viable future for the industry and the environment alike.
December 2023
Merry Christmas from the IG-Fashion Team
As the year comes to a close, we want to thank all our partners, educators, students, and supporters who helped us stitch together a vision of a more sustainable fashion future.
May this festive season bring you moments of peace, inspiration, and joy — and may the new year be filled with creativity, collaboration, and continued progress towards a greener fashion industry.
Warm wishes for a joyful holiday and a bright start to 2024!
– The IG-Fashion Project Team
December 2023
The Future of Fashion: Insights from McKinsey’s 2024 Report
The McKinsey 2024 State of Fashion Report unveils transformative trends shaping the fashion industry. This year, sustainability and digital innovation take center stage, with brands adopting eco-friendly practices and leveraging technologies like AR and VR to enhance customer experiences.
Inclusivity in fashion continues to evolve, with an emphasis on diverse representations and corporate cultures. The luxury segment is set to focus on personalization and bespoke experiences, catering to a market that values uniqueness. A notable highlight is the advent of futuristic materials and smart textiles, indicative of a shift towards more environmentally conscious and technologically advanced fashion solutions.
The 2024 State of Fashion Report by McKinsey is not just a forecast of trends; it’s a roadmap for a more sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced fashion industry. As we step into the future, the fashion world is set to become more exciting, responsible, and inclusive than ever.
Read here the full publication.
November 2023
The IG-Fashion project has officially entered a new phase: the development of its digital learning platform. Designed to empower fashion students, educators, and SMEs, the platform will offer interactive modules on sustainability, innovation, EU textile regulations, and circular business models.
Following extensive research and interviews with experts, teachers, and students across five countries, the platform’s structure and curriculum are now taking shape. During the recent project meeting in Roermond, partners worked closely to define the content flow, user experience, and digital tools, including an integrated AI-powered chatbot to support learners.
The platform will provide:
- Up-to-date knowledge on sustainable fashion practices
- Case studies and exercises
- Tools for navigating upcoming EU legislation
- Multilingual access for wider reach
Development will continue over the coming months, with pilot testing and feedback loops to ensure quality and relevance.
November 2023
Our 2nd transnational meeting hosted by the Connect College (SOML), in Echt, in the Netherlands took place on the 11th and 12th of October 2023. We discussed all that has been done so far, focusing on the development of a Compendium on the Application and Impact of AI in the Fashion Industry; one of our main outputs which will guide our future steps. Check out more in our 3rd Newsletter (downloadable below)
October 2023
AI in the fashion industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the fashion industry, presenting a host of transformative opportunities and some pressing challenges. AI is revolutionizing supply chain management by leveraging historical data to predict sales, enabling businesses to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
In marketing, AI-powered tools empower fashion enterprises to refine strategies, target audiences, and enhance advertising efficacy, thereby tapping into new markets and boosting sales. Moreover, AI-driven design processes are generating trend-driven creations that resonate with target demographics, reducing the risk of unsold inventory.
However, there are concerns about potential job displacement and a risk of homogenization in the industry due to AI’s influence. Striking a balance between harnessing AI’s potential and maintaining human creativity and diversity remains critical. Despite these challenges, the fashion industry is embracing AI as a powerful tool for growth and operational efficiency, underscoring the nuanced relationship between AI and fashion. With conscientious implementation, businesses can leverage AI to elevate their performance and bottom line.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/02/21/artificial-intelligence-in-fashion/
October 2023
IG-Fashion team meeting in Roermond, Netherlands
On 11-12th October, the IG-Fashion consortium met in Roermond, The Netherlands, for a strategic transnational project meeting hosted by partner SOML. This key gathering focused on finalizing Work Package 2 (WP2)—which lays the foundation for the IG-Fashion educational content and learning structure.
The meeting served as a collaborative space to:
- Review the progress and outcomes of WP2, including desk research and field interviews
- Discuss and agree on the structure of the IG-Fashion digital platform and AI-based chatbot
- Refine the training curriculum, ensuring it aligns with EU textile policies, sustainability principles, and the digital transformation of the fashion sector
- Share feedback from pilot testing and plan upcoming dissemination activities
With a strong focus on innovation and accessibility, the IG-Fashion platform is designed to equip fashion students, educators, and professionals with the skills they need to lead in a circular, data-driven fashion industry.
September 2023
Integration of Generative AI in business models
Generative AI and foundational models are ushering in a new era of AI, elevating assistive technology, expediting application development, and empowering non-technical users. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a generative AI language model, exemplifies this transformative potential. Its ability to generate context in McKinsey & Company’s style underscores the impact of generative AI on businesses.
This technology, born from foundation models trained on extensive and diverse datasets, showcases impressive versatility, enabling tasks from content creation to coding. Generative AI bridges human interaction and introduces a level of creativity previously reserved for humans. Its applications span marketing, operations, IT, risk, and R&D, promising substantial efficiency gains.
Despite its promise, executives should approach generative AI with caution, acknowledging challenges such as accuracy issues, content filters, biases, and IP concerns. As companies contemplate adoption, cross-functional teams must assess
potential impacts, establish policies, and identify use cases, while fostering an environment of responsible innovation. Generative AI holds immense potential, but vigilant consideration of its early-stage risks is imperative for its successful integration into business operations.
September 2023
Uses of AI in the Fashion industry
Generative AI is poised to revolutionize the fashion industry, offering a blend of creative direction and the power of artificial intelligence. OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a notable example of consumer-friendly generative AI, capable of creating various types of content including text, images, audio, and more. This technology, driven by foundation models like GPT-3.5 and DALL-E, is set to bring about substantial changes in fashion.
In the next three to five years, generative AI could contribute up to $275 billion to the profits of the apparel, fashion, and luxury sectors. From product innovation to marketing and customer experience, generative AI is finding applications across the fashion value chain.
Use Cases for Generative AI in Fashion:
- Product Development and Innovation
- Transforming sketches and descriptions into high-fidelity designs.
- Enhancing product ideation with creative options generated by AI.
- Customizing products based on individual consumer preferences.
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Assisting in supplier negotiations through research compilation.
- Enhancing automation in warehouse operations with real-time analytics.
- Marketing
- Predicting and identifying trends for targeted marketing.
- Automating consumer segmentation for tailored initiatives.
- Digital Commerce and Consumer Experience
- Structuring and generating sales descriptions based on successful posts.
- Personalizing online consumer interactions and offers.
- Store Operations
- Optimizing store layout through generated plans.
- Enhancing in-store labor efficiency through real-time video data.
- Organization and Support Functions
- Coaching sales associates for successful client relationships.
- Enhancing in-store labor efficiency through real-time video data.
September 2023
Fashion industry updates
In August 2023, the fashion industry witnessed several notable advancements in sustainability and innovation. These developments reflect a growing commitment to environmental responsibility and technological progress within the sector.
Finnish company Spinnova inaugurated its first commercial-scale fiber production facility in Jyväskylä, Finland. This plant produces SPINNOVA® fiber, a sustainable textile made from wood pulp without harmful chemicals. The facility aims to produce 1,000 tonnes annually, offering a biodegradable alternative to traditional textiles.
Danish fashion brand Ganni reported a 7% reduction in absolute carbon emissions for 2023. This achievement resulted from changes in materials, transportation, and packaging, as well as the implementation of an internal Fabric Score tool to assess material sustainability
Puma launched the ‘Voices of a Re:Generation’ program, engaging young activists to shape the brand’s sustainability strategies. The initiative focuses on transparency and combating greenwashing, aligning Puma’s environmental efforts with the values of younger consumers.
August 2023
Our first activities into the project are going strong. We carried out both secondary and primary research with two goals: Identifying sustainability practices in the fashion industry in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, and Romania as they relate to European Union regulations for a green sector, and getting directly in touch with 60 fashion industry professionals across project countries to explore their thoughts, challenges, needs and expectations regarding the inclusion of artificial intelligence and relevant tools like chatbots in their daily processes. Next step, approaching the training and education community in fashion VET, to acquire their feedback! For more on this and our upcoming activities, you can download and read our 2nd Newsletter clicking on the respective language below.
July 2023
The Bangladesh Apparel Summit and the role of ESG in the fashion industry
In July 2023, the fashion industry witnessed a significant event as the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organized the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Melbourne, Australia. This summit aimed to showcase the transformative journey of Bangladesh’s apparel industry, emphasizing its strides in sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation.The event attracted approximately 130 participants, including brands, retailers, policymakers, development partners, academicians, and consumers. Key discussions centered around enhancing trade relations between Australia and Bangladesh and exploring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) collaborations to shape the future of fashion.
The summit highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to establishing a sustainable fashion supply chain and improving business practices. It served as a platform to realign broader stakeholders in Australia with Bangladesh’s efforts in promoting sustainability within the fashion industry.
For more details on the summit and its outcomes, you can refer to the official report by the Textile Value Chain: BGMEA organised Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Melbourne, Australia on 18 July 2023.
June 2023
Final IG-Fashion Compendium highlights AI and sustainability in fashion education
The IG-Fashion project proudly presents its Final Compendium on the Application and Impact of AI in the Fashion Industry, a key output that brings together field research, sustainability practices, and digital innovation insights from across Europe.
Conducted across Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands, the compendium features interviews with professionals and VET teachers/students, revealing a shared ambition to align fashion education with sustainability and technology.
- AI in Fashion: Over 50% of schools and 68% of fashion companies are familiar with and already using AI tools, primarily for design optimization and production efficiency.
- Digital Readiness: The average level of digitalization and chatbot familiarity is medium to high among respondents.
- Challenges & Opportunities: While professionals highlighted concerns like high costs and potential job loss, they also recognized the benefits of better customer support, personalization, and improved sustainability.
- Renewable energy use
- High-quality, natural materials
- Minimizing fabric waste
- AI integration to reduce environmental impact
- Promoting extended product lifecycle and sustainability agreements
The compendium not only maps current practices but also offers a roadmap for educators and fashion professionals ready to embrace a greener, smarter future.
June 2023
IG-Fashion launches search for sustainable fashion best practices
IG-Fashion launches search for sustainable fashion best practices The IG-Fashion consortium is conducting extensive research in Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. This effort involves analyzing existing literature, policies, and industry practices to uncover effective strategies for sustainable fashion. The goal is to compile a diverse array of case studies that highlight successful implementations of eco-friendly practices in fashion design, production, and education. Insights gathered from this research will culminate in the IG-Fashion Compendium—a comprehensive resource detailing best practices in sustainable fashion. This compendium will serve as a foundational tool for educators and industry professionals, offering guidance on incorporating sustainability into curricula and business models.
May 2023
IG-Fashion Project engages teachers and students to shape sustainable fashion education
As part of the IG-Fashion project’s commitment to transforming fashion education, over 60 vocational education and training (VET) teachers and students from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands participated in in-depth interviews. These conversations provided valuable insights into the current use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in fashion education, as well as the integration of eco-friendly practices and standards.
- Digital Integration: While many educators acknowledge the potential of digital tools and AI in enhancing the learning experience, their implementation remains limited. Teachers expressed a need for more accessible resources and training to effectively incorporate these technologies into their curricula.
- Sustainability Awareness: Students demonstrated a growing interest in sustainable fashion practices. However, both teachers and students highlighted a gap in comprehensive educational materials that address sustainability in the fashion industry.
These interviews have been instrumental in shaping the development of the IG-Fashion platform, ensuring it addresses the real needs of educators and learners. By focusing on the integration of digital tools and sustainability, the platform aims to equip the next generation of fashion professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary for a more sustainable future.
May 2023
Expert Interviews highlight pathways for sustainable fashion education
As part of the IG-Fashion project’s commitment to integrating sustainability into fashion education, a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with leading experts in the field. These conversations aimed to gather insights on current challenges, best practices, and innovative approaches to teaching sustainable fashion.
- Identify Educational Gaps: Understanding where current curricula fall short in addressing sustainability.
- Gather Best Practices: Learning from successful implementations of sustainable practices in fashion education.
- Inform Platform Development: Using expert feedback to shape the IG-Fashion platform’s resources and tools.
Experts emphasized the importance of:
- Holistic Curriculum Design: Incorporating sustainability at every stage of fashion education.
- Practical Experience: Providing hands-on opportunities for students to engage with sustainable materials and processes.
- Industry Collaboration: Partnering with fashion businesses to ensure education aligns with real-world sustainability goals.
April 2023
The power of AI-driven predictions for a greener fashion industry
Gone are the days of relying solely on intuition and guesswork to predict fashion trends. With AI, we have a powerful ally that can sift through vast amounts of data, social media posts, runway shows, and customer preferences to extract meaningful insights. AI algorithms detect patterns, identify emerging styles, and forecast trends with unparalleled accuracy, helping designers and brands stay ahead of the fashion curve.
AI’s trend analysis goes beyond surface-level observations. It delves deep into the collective consciousness of fashion enthusiasts worldwide, capturing the essence of cultural shifts and societal influences. By analyzing online conversations, user-generated content, and global fashion events, AI can decipher the pulse of the fashion community, translating it into trend forecasts that shape the industry.
AI’s impact on fashion trend analysis extends beyond the design process. Brands can leverage AI insights to make data-driven decisions, optimize inventory management, and fine-tune their marketing strategies. By aligning their offerings with emerging trends, brands can create relevant and captivating experiences for their customers, fostering brand loyalty and satisfaction. AI becomes a powerful ally in shaping business success.
April 2023
IG-Fashion specialty research progress
The IG-Fashion project has completed its comprehensive desk research phase, shedding light on the current landscape of sustainable fashion education across Europe. This foundational work involved analyzing existing literature, policies, and best practices to inform the development of innovative educational tools aimed at pro.
- Educational Gaps: A notable lack of comprehensive resources and curricula addressing sustainability in fashion education, highlighting the need for updated and accessible materials.
- Industry Practices: Identification of successful sustainable practices within the fashion industry that can serve as models for educational content.
- Policy Frameworks: Analysis of European Union policies related to sustainability and how they can be integrated into vocational education and training (VET) programs.
These insights have directly influenced the creation of the IG-Fashion platform, an open-access digital resource designed to equip students, educators, and industry professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary for fostering a more sustainable fashion sector.
March 2023
Rolling into the first activities of IG-Fashion
Our first face-to-face meeting took place in Timisoara, Romania on the 2nd and 3rd of February 2023. The meeting was hosted by the IG – Fashion coordinator CENTRUL NATIONAL PENTRU PRODUCTIE SI CONSUM DURABILE (CNPCD). First off, it was about a detailed “walk-through” of what is ahead of us in terms of activities and concrete results. We zoomed in right into our first tasks, which involve research activities (primary and secondary research), approaching the fashion sector in terms of both the professionals in the sector, as well as educators, trainers, students, acquiring all the necessary information, opinions, and preferences, that will eventually lead us to the development of our training provisions.
You can download and read our 1st Newsletter clicking on the respective language below.
March 2023
First in-person meeting of the IG-Fashion project consortium
The IG Fashion project consortium gathered in Timișoara, Romania for the kick-off meeting. Together, we layed out the project basis and discussed how to proceed with the activities within the first workpackage: creating a compendium of 50 best practices and a total of 125 interviews with fashion industry and educational experts.
Follow us for more updates and information on our ambitious and innovative project regarding digital innovation in fashion design, and learn about sustainable solutions!