We’ve covered a lot this week from AI chaos to 3D clarity, so before we all switch off for the weekend, let’s take a moment: 🟠 What’s one win (big or small) you had this week? 🟠 And what’s one thing you’re still chewing on or want to get perspective on? Pop it in the thread below 👇🏾Let’s share the progress and the questions — both are equally valuable here. Hope you have a fab weekend!

Hi everyone! 👋 I’m Cassie, a graduate researcher in apparel product development, and I’m excited to be part of this digital fashion community. My current thesis research focuses on how 3D CAD tools (such as CLO3D and Browzwear) are being used in the apparel development process—specifically how they impact workflow efficiency, collaboration, and lead time reduction. I’m currently looking for industry professionals, educators, or advanced users of 3D fashion tools who would be willing to participate in a brief research study (survey and/or short interview, depending on interest). Your insights would directly contribute to academic research aimed at advancing digital fashion practice. If you’re interested in participating or would like more details, please comment below or send me a message—I’d truly appreciate your time and perspective. Thanks so much, and I’m looking forward to connecting with you all! 😊

If you’re a freelance designer who’s been side-eyeing Marvelous Designer because “enterprise pricing = nope”… there’s movement. Marvelous Designer has launched a new Indie license option aimed at smaller studios (and they’re also pushing a more flexible “toggle on/off” monthly enterprise route). Why you should care (even if you’re not a “studio”): - it’s a signal that creator / small team workflows are being taken seriously - MD keeps inching closer to being a realistic part of more freelancers’ stacks (especially if you collaborate in a small collective) - And yes, MD has been adding AI-related features/activations on the product side too.

I’m seeing two very different approaches to “digital-first” right now: 1) AI-first Founders jump straight into AI to create concept imagery + campaign vibes. It looks amazing… but then production reality hits and the garment isn’t actually defined. 2) 3D-first (then AI) 3D is used to lock the garment “truth” (shape/proportion/details).AI then scales the visuals (scenes, styling, content volume) without changing the product. Both can work.But they lead to very different outcomes when it’s time to build, cost, sample, or sell. Let’s talk honestly: When you’ve used AI for fashion visuals, what tends to happen more often? A) It speeds things up and keeps you consistent B) It speeds things up but creates confusion later C) It makes things look great but slows down decision-makingD) I’m not using AI yet Drop👇🏾 A/B/C/D and if you can, share the tool combo you’re using (CLO/Browzwear + Midjourney/Krea/etc).

Before you buy tools / hire someone / spiral… answer these: ☐ What are you trying to save most right now? Time / Money / Sanity ☐ What keeps slowing you down? Samples / Feedback loops / “Almost ready” ☐ What would a win look like in 30 days? (pick ONE) — 1 digital prototype + mini lookbook — fewer sample rounds — faster approvals — pre-sell/test interest before sampling If you can’t name the win, you don’t need digital yet. You need clarity. That’s today’s homework. No one likes homework, but here we are. 🫠