I remember when Topshop landed in Madrid in the early 2000s. I was in my early twenties and curiously peeked into that Puerta del Sol store that felt as if it had arrived straight from Oxford Street. For my generation, it was a breath of fresh air: different shop windows, daring clothes, and the feeling of being connected to a more global fashion scene. However, the brand closed in Spain in 2017, leaving behind a mix of nostalgia and the sense that it never fully clicked with the local consumer.

The new relaunch: digital, multi-brand, and collaborations

In 2025, Topshop’s comeback looks very different. The brand has recovered its own website and is betting on the multi-brand channel, reducing risks and gaining flexibility. The relaunch has included high-impact gestures: a fashion show in Trafalgar Square featuring see-now, buy-now pieces, and a collaboration with Cara Delevingne (FashionUnited, FashionNetwork).

Own website and multi-brand strategy. Topshop is back without costly flagships, instead opting for wholesale agreements and a strong digital presence. This allows it to test markets like Spain before committing to its own stores.

Nostalgia as strategy: updated messaging and aesthetics

The brand taps into collective memory with messages such as “We missed you too” (Elle). At the same time, it refreshes its aesthetic proposal with more sophisticated cuts, hybrid fabrics, and campaigns that blend the physical with the digital.

Madrid then and now: different business models

In its first stage, the franchise model relied on large stores in prime locations and collections that didn’t always connect with Spanish audiences. In 2025, Topshop comes with less rigidity, a digital-first approach, and a greater ability to listen to the consumer.

Challenges and opportunities in the Spanish market

The challenge will be to balance nostalgia and competitiveness: fair pricing against Inditex or H&M, agile logistics, and cultural sensitivity. If it succeeds, Topshop will not just be a nostalgic revival, but an example of how to reinvent a retail icon in the 21st century.

All of this, however, happens under the looming shadow of SHEIN, which continues to gain ground internationally.

This analysis is part of my personal perspective as a creative specializing in retail and visual culture. On joseluisledesma.com I continue to explore how brands engage with collective memory and the challenges of the digital era. The Topshop case is a clear example of how yesterday’s visual merchandising and today’s omnichannel strategies come together in a single narrative.

Sources: FashionUnited – Relaunch fashion show at Trafalgar Square. FashionNetwork – Collaboration with Cara Delevingne and retail comeback. Elle México – Communication strategy based on nostalgia. Modaes – Multi-brand distribution strategy. Modaes – History and closure of Topshop in Spain. El Español – Information on openings in Madrid and Barcelona. Joseluisledesma.com

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Recuerdo cuando Topshop aterrizó en Madrid a principios de los 2000. Yo tenía poco más de veinte años y me asomaba con curiosidad a aquella tienda de Puerta del Sol que parecía llegada directamente de Oxford Street. Para mi generación fue un soplo de aire fresco: escaparates distintos, ropa atrevida y la sensación de estar conectados con una moda más global. Sin embargo, la marca cerró en 2017 en España, dejando tras de sí una mezcla de nostalgia y la percepción de que no terminó de encajar con el consumidor local.

El nuevo relanzamiento: digital, multimarca y colaboraciones

En 2025 el regreso de Topshop se plantea de forma muy diferente. La firma recupera web propia y apuesta por el canal multimarca, reduciendo riesgos y ganando flexibilidad. El relanzamiento ha incluido gestos de alto impacto: un desfile en Trafalgar Square con prendas see-now, buy-now y una colaboración con Cara Delevingne (FashionUnited, FashionNetwork).

Web propia y canal multimarca. Topshop regresa sin flagships costosos, sino con acuerdos wholesale y fuerte presencia digital, lo que le permite testar mercados como España antes de comprometerse con tiendas propias.

Nostalgia como estrategia: mensajes y estética actual

La marca explota la memoria colectiva con mensajes como “También te extrañamos” (Elle). Al mismo tiempo, actualiza su propuesta estética con cortes más sofisticados, tejidos híbridos y campañas que combinan lo físico con lo digital.

Madrid entonces y ahora: diferencias de modelo

En su primera etapa, el modelo de franquicia dependía de tiendas grandes en ubicaciones prime y colecciones que no siempre conectaban con el público español. En 2025, Topshop llega con menos rigidez, un enfoque digital-first y mayor capacidad de escucha al consumidor.

Retos y oportunidades en el mercado español

El reto será equilibrar nostalgia y competitividad: precios justos frente a Inditex o H&M, logística ágil y sensibilidad cultural. Si acierta, Topshop no quedará en un revival nostálgico, sino en un ejemplo de cómo reinventar un icono del retail contemporáneo en pleno siglo XXI. Todo eso sí, con la sombra de SHEIN ganando mercado.

Este análisis forma parte de mi mirada personal como creativo especializado en retail y cultura visual. En joseluisledesma.com sigo explorando cómo las marcas dialogan con la memoria colectiva y con los retos de la era digital. El caso Topshop es un buen ejemplo de cómo el escaparatismo visual de ayer y la omnicanalidad de hoy se encuentran en un mismo relato.

Fuentes. FashionUnited – Desfile de relanzamiento en Trafalgar Square. FashionNetwork – Colaboración con Cara Delevingne y regreso al retail. Elle México – Estrategia de comunicación basada en nostalgia. Modaes – Estrategia de distribución multimarca. Modaes – Historia y cierre de Topshop en España. El Español – Información sobre las aperturas en Madrid y Barcelona. Joseluisledesma.com

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Impact of AI on fashion design

Fashion design is a field where creativity and innovation are paramount. With the introduction of AI, designers can experiment with new shapes, textures and patterns at unprecedented speed and with unprecedented accuracy.

Generative AI algorithms are opening new doors for designers, allowing them to create unique designs and realize multiple variations in minutes. This technology not only facilitates innovation, but also becomes a creative extension of the designer, empowering their capabilities and allowing them to explore previously unimaginable limits.

Advantages in Creativity

AI can analyse past and current trends to predict which styles will resonate best with consumers in the future. This not only boosts creativity, but also reduces the time to market for new collections. In addition, AI is democratizing fashion design, as AI-based platforms allow emerging designers and small brands to access tools that were previously reserved for large fashion houses. This encourages greater diversity in the industry and gives consumers a wider range of choices.

‘AI will not only boost creativity, but also make the realization of projects of higher quality, in record time.

AI image developers must do much better than current results.

’ José Luis.

Brands and Initiatives

Personalization is perhaps one of the most exciting applications of AI in fashion. Brands around the world are using AI to create products that not only fit customers’ measurements, but offer a truly personalised shopping experience. For example, Stradivarius was one of the first brands to launch a collection and campaign reinterpreted using artificial intelligence, showing how AI can reinvent fashion with special colours, flowers and fabrics. Similarly, G-Star Raw has produced an entirely AI-generated fashion design called ‘AI Denim Cape’, while Levi’s has announced that it will use AI-generated models in its online shops to give users a more personalized feel.

AI improvements in Marketing and Advertising

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising fashion marketing and advertising, enabling brands to segment audiences more precisely, personalize advertising messages and optimize the performance of online advertising campaigns. Thanks to AI’s ability to handle unstructured data such as text, images and video, it can generate a wide range of marketing content, from full scripts to 3D designs and realistic virtual models.

AI plays a crucial role in the efficient processing and analysis of large volumes of data, providing marketers with better insights to improve segmentation and targeting. In addition, AI makes it possible to identify and predict trends from unstructured data, such as consumer sentiment, in-store behaviour and omni-channel data. Consumer segmentation is automated at scale, making it easier to personalize marketing initiatives.

AI and digital modelling

Digital models are at the centre of virtual fashion shows and advertising campaigns. Prestigious brands use these avatars to showcase their new collections and offer viewers an immersive and futuristic experience. The use of digital models can contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry by reducing the need for physical events, travel and large-scale production, thus minimizing the carbon footprint associated with these activities.

Imagine walking into an online shop where a digital model with your measurements and features shows you how each garment would look on you. This is the promise of digital models: a more interactive, personal and realistic online shopping experience. Brands are leveraging these AI tools to enhance the customer experience and increase their opportunities to connect with consumers and, consequently, their revenues.

Production optimizing and sustainability

Supply chain efficiency is vital for success in the fashion industry. AI is optimizing this by forecasting demand, improving inventory management and speeding up production. By anticipating trends and quickly adjusting stock levels, brands can avoid overproduction and reduce environmental impact.

AI is also present in fashion manufacturing. Intelligent robots, with the ability to cut fabrics and sew with pinpoint accuracy, are enabling faster and more customized production. This not only improves garment quality, but also allows for greater flexibility in small batch production, which is especially beneficial for sustainable and niche brands.

Through real-time analytics and augmented reality (AR), robotic automation in warehouses is optimized, improving inventory management and operations. AI supports supplier negotiations by gathering relevant research and providing accurate information. Product return offers can be tailored to the preferences and needs of individual consumers, thanks to AI.

Responsible consumption and sustainability

Integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence into production processes can make a difference in reducing material consumption and limiting the risk of accumulating unsold stock. Materials represent, for most production models, 90% of the CO2 emissions generated during the life cycle of a garment and around 30% of all garments manufactured worldwide are never sold, according to the Australian Circulated Clothing Association (ACTA).

To be sustainable, it is important for brands to save every millimetre of fabric possible, making only what is necessary. Thanks to the AI they incorporate, software such as Lectra’s Fashion on Demand automates tasks, manages orders to manufacture in minutes and projects an accurate picture of the company’s production capacity. This improves the sustainability of manufacturing by enabling production on demand only, which results in reduced energy consumption and minimized waste.

AI is playing a crucial role in making the fashion industry more sustainable. By optimizing supply chains and demand-driven production, material waste is significantly reduced. AI is contributing to sustainability in fashion through innovations in textile recycling. Emerging technologies are able to identify and classify fabrics, facilitating the process of recycling and reusing materials. This opens up new avenues for circular fashion, where end-of-life clothing can be transformed into new products, reducing the need for virgin raw materials and lowering the industry’s carbon footprint.

AI and improving the shopping experience

AI is redefining consumer shopping preferences and expectations. A remarkable 66% of European customers express enthusiasm for an AI-powered shopping experience, showing a willingness to spend more in shops that employ these technologies to personalize products and enhance the online shopping experience.

1. Virtual assistants and personalized recommendations: AI has been integrated into a variety of touchpoints in the customer journey, from personalized recommendations to augmented reality experiences for virtual product testing. Tools such as Google Lens allow consumers to search for products based on their actual appearance.
2. Advanced personalization: Generative AI is enabling brands to offer a level of service comparable to that of luxury physical shops, even in the digital realm. Italy’s Benetton, for example, has managed to increase average customer spending and triple the time spent on its website through Recommendations AI.
3. Immersive experiences: Virtual reality and augmented reality will play a key role in the development of social shopping, offering more immersive shopping experiences and increasing consumer interaction. The future of retail includes innovative options such as AI-based voice commerce, online fitting rooms and immersive events, where users actively participate in the creation and selection of products.

AI is revolutionizing the fashion shopping experience, providing improved customer service, personalized recommendations, virtual product trials and intelligent virtual assistants. This not only improves consumer confidence, but is also a powerful marketing tool for brands.

Technical and financial challenges

Although artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the fashion industry, there are still technical and financial challenges that need to be addressed. Diego G. Carpintero, 3D designer and master’s lecturer at the Instituto Europeo di Design in Madrid (IED), predicts that ‘AI is here to stay in the fashion world and, far from being a fad, it is a very new technology that has only just begun’. However, he warns that ‘transforming the virtual into the physical will be a challenge for brands’.

The adoption of AI in the fashion industry requires significant investments in hardware, software and staff training. Many companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, may find it difficult to justify these upfront costs. In addition, integrating AI into existing processes can be technically challenging, as it requires careful planning and execution.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the fashion industry in profound and radical ways. From design and production to marketing and customer experience, AI is optimising processes, driving innovation and fostering sustainability. Brands that embrace these technologies will have a significant competitive advantage, being able to deliver highly personalised products and exceptional customer experiences at scale.

Si bien aún existen desafíos técnicos y financieros, las posibilidades futuras de la IA en la moda son prometedoras. A medida que la tecnología avance, veremos desarrollos que van desde la creación de materiales innovadores hasta la implementación de prácticas sostenibles impulsadas por IA. Las empresas que entiendan las capacidades actuales de la IA, exploren la personalización masiva y utilicen estas herramientas para mejorar la sostenibilidad, estarán mejor preparadas para aprovechar el potencial de esta revolución en la moda.

Fuentes: joseluisledesma.com; g-star.com; fashionunited.es; thefashionglobe.com; neuralfashion.ai; linkedin.com; thinkwithgoogle.com, cdetech.org; elle.com; modaes.com; 

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Impacto de la IA en el diseño de moda

El diseño de moda es un campo donde la creatividad y la innovación son primordiales. Con la introducción de la IA, los diseñadores pueden experimentar con nuevas formas, texturas y patrones a una velocidad y con una precisión sin precedentes.

Los algoritmos de IA generativa están abriendo nuevas puertas para los diseñadores, permitiéndoles crear diseños únicos y realizar múltiples variaciones en minutos. Esta tecnología no solo facilita la innovación, sino que también se convierte en una extensión creativa del diseñador, potenciando sus capacidades y permitiéndoles explorar límites antes inimaginables.

Ventajas en la creatividad

La IA puede analizar tendencias pasadas y actuales para predecir qué estilos resonarán mejor con los consumidores en el futuro. Esto no solo impulsa la creatividad, sino que también reduce el tiempo de comercialización de nuevas colecciones. Además, la IA está democratizando el diseño de moda, ya que plataformas basadas en IA permiten a diseñadores emergentes y pequeñas marcas acceder a herramientas que anteriormente estaban reservadas para grandes casas de moda. Esto fomenta una mayor diversidad en la industria y brinda a los consumidores una gama más amplia de opciones.

“La IA no solo, potenciara la creatividad, sino que también, hará que la materialización de los proyectos sean de mayor calidad, en tiempo récord. Los desarrolladores de imagen IA deben de mejorar mucho en los resultados actuales” José Luis.

Marcas e iniciativas

La personalización es quizás una de las aplicaciones más emocionantes de la IA en la moda. Marcas de todo el mundo están utilizando IA para crear productos que no solo se ajustan a las medidas de los clientes, sino que ofrecen una experiencia de compra verdaderamente personalizada. Por ejemplo, Stradivarius ha sido una de las primeras marcas en lanzar una colección y campaña reinterpretada usando la inteligencia artificial, mostrando cómo la IA puede reinventar la moda con colores, flores y tejidos especiales. Asimismo, G-Star Raw ha realizado un diseño de moda generado totalmente con IA llamado “AI Denim Cape”, mientras que Levi’s ha anunciado que utilizará modelos generados por IA en sus tiendas online para que los usuarios se sientan más identificados.

IA en el Marketing y publicidad de moda

La inteligencia artificial (IA) está revolucionando el marketing y la publicidad de la moda, permitiendo a las marcas segmentar audiencias de manera más precisa, personalizar mensajes publicitarios y optimizar el rendimiento de las campañas publicitarias en línea. Gracias a la capacidad de la IA para manejar datos no estructurados como texto, imágenes y video, puede generar una amplia gama de contenido de marketing, desde guiones completos hasta diseños en 3D y modelos virtuales realistas.

La IA desempeña un papel crucial en el procesamiento y análisis eficiente de grandes volúmenes de datos, proporcionando a los profesionales del marketing mejores conocimientos para mejorar la segmentación y el targeting. Además, la IA permite identificar y predecir tendencias a partir de datos no estructurados, como el sentimiento del consumidor, el comportamiento en tiendas y los datos omnicanal. La segmentación del consumidor se automatiza a gran escala, lo que facilita la personalización de las iniciativas de marketing. 

IA y Modelos Digitales

Los modelos digitales están en el centro de los desfiles de moda virtuales y las campañas publicitarias. Las marcas de prestigio utilizan estos avatares para mostrar sus nuevas colecciones y ofrecer a los espectadores una experiencia inmersiva y futurista. El uso de modelos digitales puede contribuir a una industria de la moda más sostenible, al reducir la necesidad de eventos físicos, viajes y producción a gran escala, minimizando así la huella de carbono asociada a estas actividades.

Imagine entrar en una tienda virtual donde un modelo digital con sus medidas y características le muestra cómo le quedaría cada prenda. Esta es la promesa de los modelos digitales: una experiencia de compra en línea más interactiva, personal y realista. Las marcas están aprovechando estas herramientas de IA para mejorar la experiencia del cliente y aumentar sus oportunidades de conectar con los consumidores y, en consecuencia, sus ingresos.

Optimización de la producción y sostenibilidad

La eficiencia de la cadena de suministro es vital para el éxito en la industria de la moda. La IA está optimizando este aspecto al prever la demanda, mejorar la gestión de inventario y acelerar la producción. Al anticipar las tendencias y ajustar rápidamente los niveles de stock, las marcas pueden evitar el exceso de producción y reducir el impacto ambiental.

La IA también está presente en la fabricación de moda. Los robots inteligentes, con la capacidad de cortar telas y coser con precisión milimétrica, están permitiendo una producción más rápida y personalizada. Esto no solo mejora la calidad de las prendas, sino que también permite una mayor flexibilidad en la producción de pequeños lotes, lo que es especialmente beneficioso para marcas sostenibles y de nicho.

Mediante análisis en tiempo real y realidad aumentada (RA), la automatización robótica en los almacenes se optimiza, mejorando la gestión de inventario y operaciones. La IA apoya las negociaciones con proveedores al recopilar investigaciones relevantes y brindar información precisa. Las ofertas de devolución de productos pueden ser adaptadas a las preferencias y necesidades de cada consumidor, gracias a la IA.

Consumo responsable y sostenibilidad

Integrar nuevas tecnologías como la inteligencia artificial en los procesos productivos puede ser diferencial para reducir el consumo de materiales y limitar el riesgo de acumular stock sin vender. Los materiales representan, para la mayoría de los modelos de producción, un 90% de las emisiones de CO2 generadas durante el ciclo de vida de una prenda y alrededor de un 30% de todas las prendas fabricadas en todo el mundo nunca son vendidas, según la Asociación Australiana de Textil Circulas (ACTA).

Para ser sostenibles, es importante que las marcas ahorren cada milímetro de tela posible, fabricando tan solo lo que es necesario. Gracias a la IA que incorporan, softwares como Fashion on Demand, de Lectra, automatizan tareas, gestionan pedidos para manufacturar en minutos y proyectan una imagen precisa sobre la capacidad de producción de la empresa. Esto mejora la sostenibilidad de la fabricación, ya que permite producir únicamente bajo demanda, lo que se traduce en la reducción del consumo energético y la minimización de los residuos.

La IA está desempeñando un papel crucial en hacer que la industria de la moda sea más sostenible. Mediante la optimización de las cadenas de suministro y la producción basada en la demanda, se reduce significativamente el desperdicio de materiales. La IA está contribuyendo a la sostenibilidad en la moda a través de innovaciones en el reciclaje de textiles. Tecnologías emergentes son capaces de identificar y clasificar tejidos, facilitando el proceso de reciclaje y reutilización de materiales. Esto abre nuevas vías para la moda circular, donde la ropa al final de su vida útil puede ser transformada en nuevos productos, reduciendo la necesidad de materias primas vírgenes y disminuyendo la huella de carbono de la industria.

IA y la mejora en la experiencia de compra

La IA está redefiniendo las preferencias de compra y expectativas de los consumidores. Un notable 66% de los clientes europeos expresa entusiasmo por una experiencia de compra impulsada por la IA, mostrando disposición a gastar más en tiendas que emplean estas tecnologías para personalizar productos y mejorar la experiencia de compra en línea.

1. Asistentes virtuales y recomendaciones personalizadas: La IA se ha integrado en diversos puntos de contacto en la jornada del cliente, desde recomendaciones personalizadas hasta experiencias de realidad aumentada para probar productos virtualmente. Herramientas como Google Lens permiten a los consumidores buscar productos basándose en su apariencia real.
2. Personalización avanzada: La IA generativa está permitiendo a las marcas ofrecer un nivel de servicio comparable al de las tiendas físicas lujosas, incluso en el ámbito digital. La firma italiana Benetton, por ejemplo, ha logrado aumentar el gasto promedio de los clientes y triplicar el tiempo que pasan en su sitio web mediante Recommendations AI.
3. Experiencias inmersivas: La realidad virtual y la realidad aumentada jugarán un papel fundamental en el desarrollo del social shopping, ofreciendo experiencias de compra más inmersivas y aumentando la interacción con el consumidor. El futuro del comercio incluye opciones innovadoras como el comercio por voz basado en IA, probadores online y eventos inmersivos, donde los usuarios participan activamente en la creación y selección de productos.

La IA está revolucionando la experiencia de compra en la moda, brindando un servicio al cliente mejorado, recomendaciones personalizadas, pruebas virtuales de productos y asistentes virtuales inteligentes. Esto no solo mejora la confianza del consumidor, sino que también es una poderosa herramienta de marketing para las marcas.

Desafíos técnicos y financieros

Aunque la inteligencia artificial (IA) está transformando la industria de la moda, aún existen desafíos técnicos y financieros que deben abordarse. Diego G. Carpintero, diseñador 3D y docente de máster en el Instituto Europeo di Design de Madrid (IED), augura que “la IA ha llegado al mundo de la moda para quedarse y que, lejos de ser una moda pasajera, es una tecnología muy nueva que no ha hecho más que empezar”. Sin embargo, advierte que “transformar lo virtual a lo físico será un reto para las marcas”.

La adopción de la IA en la industria de la moda requiere inversiones significativas en hardware, software y capacitación del personal. Muchas empresas, especialmente las pequeñas y medianas, pueden encontrar difícil justificar estos costos iniciales. Además, la integración de la IA en los procesos existentes puede ser un desafío técnico, ya que requiere una cuidadosa planificación y ejecución.

La inteligencia artificial está transformando la industria de la moda de manera profunda y radical. Desde el diseño y la producción hasta el marketing y la experiencia del cliente, la IA está optimizando procesos, impulsando la innovación y fomentando la sostenibilidad. Las marcas que adopten estas tecnologías tendrán una ventaja competitiva significativa, pudiendo ofrecer productos altamente personalizados y experiencias de cliente excepcionales a escala.

Si bien aún existen desafíos técnicos y financieros, las posibilidades futuras de la IA en la moda son prometedoras. A medida que la tecnología avance, veremos desarrollos que van desde la creación de materiales innovadores hasta la implementación de prácticas sostenibles impulsadas por IA. Las empresas que entiendan las capacidades actuales de la IA, exploren la personalización masiva y utilicen estas herramientas para mejorar la sostenibilidad, estarán mejor preparadas para aprovechar el potencial de esta revolución en la moda.

Fuentes: joseluisledesma.com; g-star.com; fashionunited.es; thefashionglobe.com; neuralfashion.ai; linkedin.com; thinkwithgoogle.com, cdetech.org; elle.com; modaes.com; 

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The historical importance of Asian fashion

Asian fashion has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. From the exquisite silk fabrics of China to the intricate kimonos of Japan, Asian fashion has always been renowned for its attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship. For centuries, Asia has been a source of inspiration for designers around the world, who have incorporated elements of Asian fashion into their collections. In recent years, however, Asian fashion has moved beyond being just a source of inspiration and has become a phenomenon in its own right.

Fashion trends in China: traditional elements in modern designs

China has long been a beacon of Asian fashion. With a rich history and vibrant culture, it is no wonder that Chinese fashion is booming. In recent years, Chinese designers have been able to combine traditional elements with modern designs, creating a unique and contemporary aesthetic. Chinese fashion has embraced its cultural heritage by incorporating traditional elements, embroidery and vibrant colours into its designs. These trends have crossed borders and can now be seen on international catwalks and in fashion magazines around the world, with a young society that enjoys wearing cutting-edge fashion trends.

The fusion of streetwear and Korean haute couture

Another prominent Asian influence in the fashion world can be found in South Korea. Korean fashion has earned a reputation for its unique fusion of streetwear and high fashion. Korean designers have managed to capture the industry’s attention with their innovative and avant-garde approach. Korean fashion is characterized by its urban street style, with comfortable and casual garments combined with high fashion elements. This fusion of styles has resonated around the world and has led to Korean fashion being recognized as a force to be reckoned with. Especially with the high profile of K-POP and the visual impact they make, so deservedly so.

Thailand’s vibrant and colourful fashion scene

Thailand is another Asian country that has made its mark on the fashion industry. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Thai fashion is known for its bold use of colour and eye-catching prints. Thai designers have successfully combined traditional elements with contemporary designs, creating a unique and recognizable aesthetic. Thai fashion has gained popularity around the world, and its designs can be seen on international catwalks and in renowned fashion magazines.

The unique fashion styles of the Philippines

The Philippines has also left a mark on the fashion industry with its unique and diverse styles. From traditional Mindanao weaves to modern barong suits, Philippine fashion is a blend of tradition and modernity. Filipino designers have been able to capture the essence of Philippine culture in their designs, using local materials and artisanal techniques. Filipino fashion has been praised for its originality and focus on sustainability, and has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.

Asian fashion designers who are setting trends in the industry

Asian influence in fashion is not limited to just the countries mentioned above. Across Asia, there are a host of talented designers who are making their mark in the industry. From renowned Chinese designers such as Guo Pei to acclaimed Thai designer Disaya Sorakraikitikul, Asian designers are taking fashion to new heights. These designers have managed to combine the rich history and culture of Asia with a modern and contemporary aesthetic, creating unique and timeless collections.

Sources: prestigeonline.com: guopei.com; joseluisledesma.com; disaya.com; nymag.com; traveler.es; cosmopolitan.com; vogue.es; fashionunited.es; guopei.com

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Involvement in the needs that occur in the fashion industry is an important issue to be able to transform that awareness of the situation, in the effectiveness of each function and performance that each one has in the industry itself.

It is also essential to have the plan risk responses, in order to solve problems that endanger the objectives of the participants in the fashion industry.

It’s clear that within the circumstances that occur in each period, there are factors that favour us and others that do not. Especially circumstances can become harsh without good planning and its management, especially if we speak within a change of Era, as is the case today, with the so-called “Digitisation Era”.

The case of the Retail and Fashion industry

In the Retail industry, in stable circumstances, the online sales activity has had remarkable growth and profitability, with high advantages in the face of the unfortunate closures of physical sales spaces, on the other hand the creation of Retail companies without the need install commercial spaces, solving time problems on the part of the client, etc.

But there are a number of factors that can lead to being a real nuisance with economic consequences, both for entrepreneurs and customers.

As an example of some of the current issues, such as logistics and customer service, there are some points to keep in mind:

• The online sale, transfers physical products to real customers, who expect a positive shopping experience that has to do with the expectation offered by the seller. With which, the logistics system of these companies have the obligation to not only be effective, if not the best. And Amazon knows a lot about that, which recently announced that it has bought eleven Boeing 767-300 aircraft from Delta and WestJet airlines in order to strengthen its air fleet in the face of increasing orders over the Internet.

• Although Inditex has a very powerful logistics system, specifically shop online system, it depends on private external transport companies, which depending on the effectiveness of said transport companies, the reception of the product by the client, can take from 7 to 15 days. With which, there is no immediate effect, feeling of exclusivity, satisfaction, etc., that the physical space does provide.

• In the event that these brands, using national postal services, the purchase may take much longer. If not, you have to go pick it up yourself, it has nothing to do with the experience of buying from a certain brand.

• Retail business need a solid delivery system, door to door, so that what you buy through online sales, arrives in 48 hours maximum at the time of your home, without excuse. With properly trained distribution professionals with a team that guarantees the quality of service and performance of said professional.

• Brands have the obligation to get transport companies that are part of that brand philosophy, transmitting the customer service and shopping experience policies of said brand. Otherwise, the brand loses control over its activity and feedback.

• Other aspects to be greatly improved in almost all the brands are their customer service system, which is still inaccessible, with robotic responses, which has nothing to do with customer needs. As well, an agile response system before possible problems with the product.

What is fundamental is that in all projects, all participants have to be aligned with the interests of the project itself.

It makes no sense for companies to invest resources, if the customer’s final shopping experience is different from the promised intention. To solve it, it is essential to have suitable Director of projects with emotional intelligence skills with appropriate team, to be able to reach the goals.

Within the position of Director of Visual Merchandising, there is a very important design, management, production and logistics work, which it needs to be complemented with the knowledge that project management training provides.

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The Agenda has 17 Sustainable Development Goals, from the elimination of poverty to combating climate change, education, equality for women and environmental protection. But today we will focus on the goal number 10 set for this month: reduce inequality.

We know that economic growth is not enough to reduce poverty, if it is not inclusive and the three dimensions of sustainable development are not taken into account: economic, social and environmental.

One of the boosted points in order to achieve these goals is to improve export conditions that come from developing countries, landlocked and small island states. However, inequality and considerable disparities in access to health, education, and other productive assets are still present. Therefore, the application of universal policies that pay special attention to these points are truly important.

Likewise, more and more industries are supporting these policies and are dedicated to fighting for a more equitable world. But then, which role fashion can play in order to impulse economic growth in developing countries and generate a positive change in people’s habits?

The fashion world has always been a faithful companion and reflection of society, changing and adapting to it. To this day, it is very important to become aware of how fashion can and should be a tool for education. Since it has the power to reach a very wide audience and its ability to influence entire generations, it can be very useful to create a better future.

As we know fashion industry can be very powerful, but objectively, what can it do to make the difference?

Take the example of Stella McCartney, who has been one of the pioneers in uniting fashion with a sustainable philosophy, that has been followed by firms like Gucci or Versace. In 2018 Salvatore Ferragamo allied with the company Orange Fiber, and created a collection made from orange peels, with which after success they have started to collaborate regularly. Vivienne Westwood has collaborated since 2010 with the Ethical Fashion Initiative to promote activism and achieve social improvements in developing countries.

As we can see, fashion is one of the most direct ways to express messages, impact the public through its collections, catwalks, and windows displays. This last one is a very powerful communication tool for a brand, since it denotes the essence, style and philosophy of the company.

Through a sustainable window displays we will be able to display the brand values. To build and spread all these concepts it’s very important to have a good artistic direction. A Project Manager specialized in Retail will be the key figure that can guide you towards these goals.

Sources:

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

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La Agenda cuenta con 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, que van desde la eliminación de la pobreza hasta el combate del cambio climático, la educación, la igualdad de la mujer o la defensa del medio ambiente. Pero hoy nos enfocaremos en el objetivo previsto para este mes, el número 10: reducir la desigualdad. 

Sabemos que el crecimiento económico no es suficiente para reducir la pobreza, si este no es inclusivo y no se tienen en cuenta las tres dimensiones del desarrollo sostenible: económica, social y ambiental. Uno de los puntos que se están impulsando para lograr progresos es la creación de condiciones de acceso favorables para las exportaciones de los países en desarrollo, sin litoral y los pequeños Estados insulares.  Sin embargo, la desigualdad y grandes disparidades en el acceso a los servicios sanitarios, educativos y a otros bienes productivos, siguen presentes. Por ello, se ha recomendado la aplicación de políticas universales que presten especial atención a estos puntos.

Así mismo, cada vez son más las industrias que sostienen estas políticas y se dedican a luchar para por un mundo más equitativo. Pero, ¿entonces, qué papel puede desempeñar la moda a la hora de impulsar el crecimiento económico en los países en desarrollo y generar un cambio positivo en los hábitos de las personas?

El mundo de la moda siempre ha sido un fiel acompañante y reflejo de la sociedad, cambiando y adaptándose a ella. Al día de hoy, es muy importante tomar conciencia de cómo la moda puede y debe ser una herramienta para la educación. Ya que esta tiene el poder de llegar a un público muy amplio y su capacidad de influenciar enteras generaciones puede ser de gran utilidad para crear un mejor futuro. 

Sabemos que la industria de la moda puede tener un gran alcance, pero de forma objetiva, ¿qué puede hacer para poner su granito de arena?

Tomemos el ejemplo de Stella McCartney, quien ha sido una de las pioneras en unir moda y filosofía sostenible, a la que se han unido firmas como Gucci o Versace. En 2018 Salvatore Ferragamo se alió con la empresa Orange Fiber, creando una colección hecha a base de cáscaras de naranja, con la que tras el éxito han empezado a colaborar con asiduidad. Vivienne Westwood colabora desde 2010 con Iniciativa Moda Ética para promover el activismo y conseguir mejoras sociales en países en vías de desarrollo.

Como podemos ver, la moda es una de las formas más directas para expresar mensajes, impactar el público a través de sus colecciones, pasarelas y escaparates. Este, ultimo es una herramienta de comunicación muy potente para una marca, ya que, denota la esencia, el estilo y la filosofía de la empresa.

A través de un escaparate sostenible seremos capaces de desplegar los valores de la marca. Para construir y transmitir todos estos conceptos es muy importante contar una buena dirección artística. Un Project Manager especializado en Retail será la figura que podrá guiarte para cumplir estos objetivos. 

Fuentes:

www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/objetivos-de-desarrollo-sostenible/

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The growth of companies and their work dynamics are directly linked to the evolution of professional figures.

In a Digital Age, the ideal professionals are those who have a hybrid formation so they can fit better in the fluid economy. Certainly, an expert with an art career along with a business or technical specialization represents a significant contribution for any company.

Today, the most important goal is to create a business culture that values employees’ private lives, increasing the productivity without neglecting the salary aspect.

In fact, in the last years, so many companies have worked on these factors, managing to enter in the ranking of the best places to work.

Recently, we’ve heard a lot about “emotional salary”. It refers to those non-economic remuneration that the companies offer to the employees in order to increase the business culture and meet their needs.

Often, the emotional salary can represent the “deciding factor” for employees.

More and more professionals are prioritizing benefits beyond the pay issue.

So, it’s important to keep in mind that this happens only when the emotional salary is not accompanied by a reduction of salary conditions.

It is understood that the relationship between employers and companies, is based on the conditions agreed upon under a contract, thus sealing these conditions in writing, together with the trust between both parties. The abuse of any of the parties would generate “disenchantment” and the breakdown of the relationship, consequently. Being after the negotiation, respect, is the second cornerstone of the relationship between companies and workers.

In other words, it’s essential to value professionals by offering, apart from a salary retribution according to their experience, attitude and consistent with their formation, also an emotional one in order to coordinate their professional and family-personal life.

The companies that have invested in these changes are those that have become the best places to work, thus increasing their productivity and profit. According to the Great Place to Work ranking in 2019, these are the best companies chosen by their employees:

• 1. Cisco (Information Technology)
• 2. Hilton Worldwide (Hospitality)
• 3. Salesforce (Information Technology)
• 4. DHL Express (Transportation)
• 5. Mars, Incorporated (Manufacturing & Production)
• 6. SAP SE (Information Technology)
• 7. EY (Professional Services)
• 8. Stryker Corporation (Healthcare)
• 9. SAS (Information Technology)
• 10. Workday (Information Technology)
  

This study has been created by Great Place to Work®, a consultancy that announces the 25 best companies to work for each year. These organizations have been chosen after an accurate analysis of more than 8,000 companies and 12 million employees.

As regards the Fashion and Retail sector, there are three very interesting Asian firms. We bet seeing them very soon in the ranking of the best places to work. We are talking about:

• Li Ning Company Limited, founded in 1990 by Olympic gymnast Li Ning. It represents one of the largest suppliers of footwear and sports equipment in China, with a superior design and with great success as a trend. The firm also sponsors a large number of athletes and teams, from China and abroad. In 2018 it was the first Chinese brand to sponsor the uniforms of the Club Puebla football team.

• Zalora, lunched in 2012, is one of the most important e-commerce platforms in the Asian market. Its development has been very fast, achieving interesting results in a really short time. Its business culture stands out to offer a very flexible schedule to its employees and many professional and personal benefits.

• Dotst is the e-commerce of Adastria, one of the most important Japanese business group. The company was founded in 1953, initially named Fukudaya Clothes Store Inc. Apart from having an e-commerce, in constant growth, they have physical stores of some of its brands in Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea. Its proposal offers different styles of garments suitable to reflect the uniqueness of each client. Among their firms, Hare stands out, a brand developed in 2001. This brand is one of the most attractive and promising in the market; without a doubt one of our favorites. With its elegant and modern lines, its colors and patterns, the firm designs garments inspired by emotions, fun and everyday life, is something that goes beyond cute. Adastria is a company with a lot of strength and innovative spirit. Their values ​​include sustainability, transparency, inclusion of people in all production processes and the defense of their rights.

And for you, which are the best companies to work for?

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