Photos: https://disk.360.yandex.ru/d/gV6QXLoKr-gDsQ
 
However, technology does not eliminate the need for human labour: the specific characteristics of materials and garment production still require the involvement of skilled professionals. This was discussed by participants in the session “Manufacturing Technologies. What Will Change in the Next 5 Years?”, held on September 28 as part of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit.
 
The discussion brought together Cem Altan, member of the Executive Committee of the International Apparel Federation; Mubashar Nasir Butt, CEO of Body Media International Pvt Ltd; Vera Burmistrova, Chief Operating Officer of BTK Sphere; Aleksandra Kaloshina, founder of Radical Chic / Solstudio Industry; Rizal Tanzil Rahman, Business Development & ESG Executive at PT Pan Brothers Tbk; Mmantlha Sankoloba, CEO of the Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association; and Gulnaz Safonova, Chief Designer at INSHADE.
 
According to Cem Altan, member of the Executive Committee of the International Apparel Federation, one of the most significant technological changes in recent years has been the digitalisation of logistics. The use of artificial intelligence and automation has helped reduce end-to-end supply times from six months to one month, and in some cases to just two weeks. However, the expert believes that the fashion industry’s production infrastructure is unlikely to undergo radical changes over the next five years. “The materials we use are not suitable for robots. They require the delicate touch of human hands.”
 
Technological change will, however, affect the skills required of the workforce. According to Altan, the industry will need engineers and technical specialists capable of working with data. In his view, these changes will also have an impact on education: practical skills alone will no longer be sufficient without the development of digital competencies.
 
Changes in production technology affect not only factories and logistics, but also the very approach to product development. Vera Burmistrova, Chief Operating Officer of BTK Sphere, explained how modern technologies make it possible to combine production scale with greater product personalisation. “Scale and technology support individuality. Mass production will remain, but a one-size-fits-all approach to people will not,” she said.
 
Another area of change is the shift towards small-batch and on-demand production. Aleksandra Kaloshina, founder of Radical Chic / Solstudio Industry, described a model in which demand data is used even before production begins. A digital IT platform enables fabrics to be printed on demand in small quantities, starting from just 50 centimetres. According to Kaloshina, up to 100–150 businesses use this production service every month. This allows companies to launch initial runs at the beginning of the season and then produce additional quantities of popular items in response to demand.
 
Overall, participants in the discussion see the coming changes in production as being driven by the digitalisation of data, logistics and manufacturing processes, the development of new skills and a more precise understanding of end users’ needs. At the same time, human labour will undoubtedly remain essential wherever production involves specialised materials and techniques.
 
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit is taking place alongside Moscow Fashion Week (September 26–October 1, Central Exhibition Hall ⁠'Manege'). Admission to all events is free, with advance registration required.
 
Strategic partner of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit is Sber.
 
General partner of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit is Wildberries.
 
Technology partner of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit is GigaChat neural network.
 
More content from the BRICS+ Fashion Summit is available on the event’s official Wibes account and under the hashtag #BRICSFashionSummit.
 
The event’s official photography service is the Rodchenko Moscow School of Photography and Multimedia.