module specification

Fashion is an industry built on a foundation of creativity, aesthetic sense and artistic expression but now it has been literally invaded by technology to an unprecedented degree. This module has been designed to understand how technology is fundamentally changing the business of fashion and fashion innovation under any angle and perspective, from how customers interact with brands and retailers, how the industry operates internally (inventory, pricing, and supply chain), designing and producing its products and so forth. Face-to-face is a traditional, intense classroom learning experience and is all about hands-on interaction. You will be a part of exercises, debates and conversations, engaging directly with our faculty, your peers and industry experts.

1. Introduction: Innovation, Technology, and the Future of Fashion
•    Overview of innovation frameworks and diffusion of technology in fashion.
•    Defining innovation: incremental vs. disruptive change.
•    Setting the scene: fashion’s digital transformation and industry 5.0.
(Relates to LO1 & LO2)
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2. Digital Fashion Design and 3D Technologies
•    Exploration of CAD, CLO3D, and digital pattern-making.
•    Virtual sampling and on-demand production.
•    Implications for creativity, sustainability, and speed-to-market.
(Relates to LO1 & LO2)
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3. Smart Textiles and Wearable Technologies
•    Integration of technology in materials (e-textiles, responsive fabrics, bioengineering).
•    Applications in performance wear, wellness, and interactive design.
•    The role of research and development in fashion innovation.
(Relates to LO1)
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4. Retail Transformation: From Omnichannel to the Metaverse
•    Evolution of digital retail: AR/VR fitting rooms, digital showrooms, and immersive experiences.
•    Case studies: Balenciaga, Gucci, Nike Virtual Studios.
•    The role of the Metaverse and Web3 in shaping consumer interaction.
(Relates to LO1 & LO2)
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5. AI, Data Analytics, and Trend Forecasting
•    Machine learning applications in design, production, and marketing.
•    Predictive analytics in consumer behaviour and supply chain optimisation.
•    Creative tensions between algorithmic prediction and designer intuition.
(Relates to LO1 & LO2)
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6. Blockchain, NFTs, and Digital Ownership in Fashion
•    Blockchain for transparency and traceability.
•    NFTs, digital fashion collectibles, and authenticity.
•    Economic and cultural implications of digital ownership.
(Relates to LO1 & LO2)
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7. Ethics, Sustainability, and Responsible Innovation
•    Ethical implications of data use, surveillance, and digital labour.
•    Environmental impact of digital innovation and the fashion supply chain.
•    Frameworks for responsible innovation and circular economy thinking.
(Relates to LO4)
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8. Global Perspectives: Technology, Labour, and Inequality
•    How digitalisation affects fashion workers globally.
•    Technology and access: who benefits and who is excluded?
•    The geopolitics of innovation in fashion.
(Relates to LO4)
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9. Communicating Innovation: Academic and Industry Discourse
•    Developing persuasive, evidence-based arguments.
•    Academic writing and presentation skills for fashion innovation topics.
•    Framing ethical and strategic debates in a professional manner.
(Relates to LO3 & LO4)
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10. The Future of Fashion Leadership
•    Reimagining leadership roles in an era of digital transformation.
•    Critical reflection: innovation, creativity, and ethical responsibility.
•    Student-led panel discussions and project presentations.
(Relates to LO2, LO3 & LO4)
 

The module runs over 12 weeks, combining lectures, workshops, and seminars with three hours of contact time per week. Seminars encourage case study analysis and group discussions, incorporating flip-learning for peer interaction. Independent study is supported through WebLearn, providing access to lecture notes, readings, coursework briefs, assessments, and external resources, all aligned with the university’s feed-forward initiative. Learning materials are posted in advance, enabling students to plan their contributions as part of a blended learning approach. 

Reflective learning is integrated, with students encouraged to maintain a journal tracking personal development and learning effectiveness. Personal Development Plans allow customization through negotiated topics of interest, adapting assessments to emerging learning opportunities. Engagement is fostered through online forums, where students interact with peers and tutors. Guest speakers deliver master classes and explore career opportunities, embedding employability throughout the module by linking industry roles to the skills developed.

LO1 – Critically Evaluate Emerging Technologies in Fashion
Students will be able to critically review and evaluate contemporary applications of technology across the fashion landscape—including but not limited to digital design, smart textiles, virtual retail environments, AI-driven marketing, blockchain, NFTs, and machine learning for trend forecasting—and assess their impact on creative and commercial practices within the industry.
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LO2 – Identify and Analyse Drivers of Technological Innovation
Students will be able to identify the key drivers motivating technological adoption in the fashion sector (e.g., consumer behaviour, sustainability demands, digital transformation, and competitive advantage) and analyse their strategic and business implications for brands, designers, and supply chains.
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LO3 – Communicate and Defend Arguments Professionally
Students will develop and demonstrate advanced communication skills, presenting informed, balanced, and persuasive arguments in both written and oral formats. They will participate in academic and industry discussionswith clarity, professionalism, and evidence-based reasoning relevant to innovation in fashion.
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LO4 – Critically Assess Ethical and Sustainability Implications of Technology
Students will be able to evaluate the ethical, social, and environmental implications of technological innovation in fashion, considering issues such as data privacy, sustainability, labour practices, and ecological impact. They will be encouraged to challenge conventional thinking and propose ethically responsible strategies for technology integration in the global fashion system.

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/modules/mc6098.html
Indicative Reading & Resources
• Quinn, B. (2020). Fashion Futures: Innovation and the Digital Age.
• Fletcher, K., & Tham, M. (2019). Earth Logic: Fashion Action Research Plan.
• Posner, H. (2021). Marketing Fashion: Strategy, Branding, and Innovation.
• Dearnley, C., & Fairclough, H. (2023). Digital Fashion: From 3D Design to the Metaverse.
• Academic journals: Fashion Theory, International Journal of Fashion Studies, Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management.

McKinsey & Business of Fashion (2025). The State of Fashion 2025: Challenges at Every Turn. This report explores economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behavior, and the rise of digital commerce in the fashion industry. It highlights regional disparities, inflationary pressures, and emerging growth markets.

Global Fashion Agenda (2023). The GFA Monitor 2023. This publication examines sustainability transitions in fashion, regulatory shifts, and the impact of ESG requirements on global fashion brands. It discusses the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Kennedy, R. (2024). How the Fashion Industry is Adapting to a New Economic Reality. This article analyses the industry's response to economic volatility, trade shifts, and evolving consumer priorities. It highlights the growing importance of strategic localization, supply chain agility, and technological innovation.