Kate Barton Collaborates with IBM and Fiducia AI at NYFW Showcase
Designer Kate Barton is set to unveil her latest collection at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in a groundbreaking presentation. For this event, she has partnered with Fiducia AI to enhance the experience through technology.
Kate Barton and Fiducia AI Collaboration
The collaboration involves the creation of a multilingual AI agent, developed using IBM watsonx on IBM Cloud. This innovative tool helps guests explore Barton’s collection and try on pieces virtually. The technology aims to create a captivating atmosphere, offering a portal into the world of the collection.
AI-Powered Virtual Experience
Barton emphasizes that technology is integral to her design process. She seeks to blend reality with the fantastical. “Today, tech is a tool for expanding the world around the clothes,” she noted. The goal of this collection is to spark curiosity among attendees.
Fiducia AI’s CEO, Ganesh Harinath, explained how the firm’s tools support Barton’s showcase. The Visual AI system detects items from the collection and answers queries in multiple languages. Photorealistic virtual try-ons are also a feature of this presentation. Harinath stated, “The hardest work wasn’t model tuning; it was orchestration.”
Broader Implications of AI in Fashion
This is not the first time Barton has integrated technology into her designs. Last season saw her experiment with AI models in collaboration with Fiducia AI. With many brands quietly leveraging AI, Barton believes this technology is becoming more common in the fashion industry. However, she pointed out the potential reputational risks that lead some brands to shy away from public use.
- Many brands are using AI mainly in their operations.
- AI adoption is seen as a gradual process, much like the transition to online retail.
Harinath noted that while many brands experiment with AI, most applications remain superficial, focusing on chatbots and internal tools. Barton envisions richer possibilities, including improved prototyping, smarter production decisions, and enhanced storytelling within the fashion experience.
The Future of AI in Fashion
Barton also addressed the importance of maintaining human creativity in fashion. She stated, “If technology is used to erase people, I am not into it.” As audiences become more discerning, brands will need to ensure technology complements human artistry rather than replaces it.
Harinath predicts that AI will become an integral part of the fashion industry by 2028, with a core role in retail operations by 2030. He believes that the key to success lies in forming the right partnerships and responsible operationalization of technology. Dee Waddell from IBM Consulting echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for AI to become a growth engine for brands.
As Barton prepares for her NYFW showcase, she envisions a future where technology enhances the craft of fashion. She expressed, “The most exciting future for fashion is not automated fashion, but one that deepens storytelling and engages more people.”
