Trends come and go, but no matter the season (or the current styles), the beauty and fashion industries continue to provide powerful means of expressing identity and individuality. Now, these sectors are evolving beyond social trends, as forward-thinking companies leverage technology to bridge gaps and break barriers. Here, we’ll look at a few areas in which tech is transforming beauty and fashion.
Longevity and Wellness
People are living longer, and this longevity is driving demand for products tailored to older adults. In the beauty industry (which has historically focused on anti-aging solutions but is seeing a shift toward celebrating every phase of life), technology like ART Lab’s AI-powered SkinChat solution helps consumers develop customized skincare routines for every life stage. Another innovator in the space, BarunBio, specializes in aging solutions across the apparel, beauty, and aging industries, including clothing that uses energy generated by everyday movements to aid in muscle recovery and prevent fatigue.
Digital Coexistence
With more connections and community engagement happening online, the desire for digital fashion has increased and fundamentally changed how we engage with our personal style. According to a Roblox study, 56% of Gen Z prioritize styling their avatars over their physical appearance, while 84% say their physical style is influenced by their avatars. This digital-first mindset extends to spending habits, with many budgeting for digital fashion items alongside physical clothing.
Inclusivity
Tech advancements are also making it possible for companies to develop clothing that’s focused on individual wearers, their unique needs, and how they function. For example, Myant Inc.’s Osmotex jacket features a controllable textile pump that adjusts to human sweat rates, and VOORMI’s groundbreaking wearable technology, Mij™, seamlessly integrates into apparel and provides early alerts regarding “thermal stress” (a metric not captured by other wearables). Tech innovators are also expanding options in adaptive clothing. One example is Totum Tech, which leverages technology like AI to create smart clothing that improves the lives of people with “invisible disabilities,” including the blood vessel disorder Raynaud’s syndrome. And with advancements like smartphone-based Scan-AI-Print technology utilized by Fitasy Inc., communities around the world can gain access to custom-fitted shoes.
One early example emerged at CES 2023 with L’Oréal’s HAPTA, a computerized makeup applicator for individuals with limited mobility.
Sustainability
The days of not knowing where clothing comes from are nearly gone, thanks to blockchain technology that enhances traceability and transparency, and by extension, ensures ethical sourcing of fabrics and materials. Virtual Try-On (VTO) technology is also helping to improve sustainability in fashion and beauty. By allowing consumers to see what products will look like on them prior to purchase, this AR-powered technology reduces the need for samples and returns –– leading to less waste. It can also save you from a hairstyle gone wrong. The Wahl® Style Selector, from Wahl Clipper, allows users to preview hairstyles before committing to a cut. Fashion manufacturers are also leveraging AR to prototype designs, ensuring they meet expectations before production begins.
A Bright, Stylish Future
As technology continues to advance, the beauty and fashion industries are breaking down barriers and opening doors to innovation. These groundbreaking solutions not only enhance self-expression but also ensure that everyone — regardless of physical ability, age, or personal circumstances — can participate and convey who they are visually. From hyper-personalized skincare to adaptive clothing and digital fashion, tech is making the future of beauty and fashion more inclusive, sustainable, and exciting than ever before.
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