Will AI Take Over Couture? Indian Designer Weighs In: 'Fashion Thrives On Heritage, AI Thrives On Data'

If you thought fashion was only about fabrics, needles, and a little bit of glitter, you might have to think again. The runway today is no longer just the playground of tailors and trends; it’s now a space where algorithms and artistry are holding hands. As World Fashion Day approaches on August 21, it’s the perfect moment to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming couture’s newest muse. From AI-generated embroidery concepts to digital draping tools that eliminate fabric waste, technology is proving it can do more than just automate — it can inspire.

For centuries, couture has been a blend of craftsmanship and creativity, creating pieces that are as much works of art as they are clothes. Now, AI is stepping into this sacred space, not to replace the human touch, but to reimagine what’s possible. Indian designers, each with their own relationship to tradition and technology, are already experimenting with it cautiously and creatively.

Runway realities: How AI is changing couture

Across ateliers from Mumbai to Milan, AI is appearing in ways that feel both futuristic and surprisingly practical. "Predictive trend" mapping is becoming one of its most talked-about uses, allowing designers to forecast global style shifts before they even hit the mainstream. Instead of relying solely on seasonal reports or instinct, designers now have access to data-driven insights that can reveal micro-trends, like a sudden surge in earthy tones in Japan or asymmetrical tailoring in Scandinavia, months in advance.

Another game-changer is the rise of virtual fittings and 3D draping. These tools make it possible to visualise garments on digital avatars, helping reduce the number of physical samples needed and dramatically cutting down on wastage.

Generative prints and embroidery concepts are also finding their way into mood boards. By feeding AI visual prompts, designers can explore unexpected patterns and embellishment ideas that might never have occurred to them in a traditional sketching session.

Similarly, fabric simulation technology allows them to test how a textile will flow, drape, or shimmer under light before a single piece is cut. It’s not just faster; it’s a way to experiment endlessly without the constraints of time or cost.

What do the Indian couturiers feel about AI in fashion?

"Indian fashion thrives on heritage, and AI thrives on data. Combining the two means we can reimagine our age-old crafts in contemporary silhouettes, preserving legacy while embracing innovation,” says designer Manish Tripathi. For him, AI isn’t a threat to tradition — it’s a bridge.

He uses it as a creative partner, leveraging AI-driven trend forecasting and virtual draping to refine ideas before passing them to his team of artisans. The technology, he explains, frees up time for storytelling and detailing, allowing him to personalise couture down to a client’s lifestyle, cultural background, and even emotional cues.

Designer Shilpi Gupta shares a similar view, though with a note of caution. “Yes, I’ve started exploring AI for colour combinations, pattern inspirations, and mood boards. It’s helpful for ideation and can speed up the visualisation process, but the final product still relies heavily on skilled artisans, as it should,” she says. For her, AI’s greatest value lies in enhancing the creative journey, not replacing the craft.

Prerna and Ritika of the label Urmil are more experimental in spirit but remain rooted in tactile design processes. “We haven’t deeply integrated AI into our design process yet, but we’re curious about its potential as a conceptual tool,” they explain. Their collections often begin with fabric manipulation and surface development, areas where touch and material connection drive the design. “AI hasn't replicated that nuance yet, but we're open to exploring it as a complement, not a replacement.”

High fashion or high tech? Why not both?

One of the most intriguing questions is whether making design more accessible through AI challenges the exclusivity of high fashion. While some fear it could blur the line between couture and fast fashion, others see it as an opportunity to broaden creative horizons.

“In my opinion, AI making fashion more accessible is a double-edged sword. It enlarges creative ideas, which is beautiful — but it can also blur the lines between fast fashion and meaningful design,” says Shilpi.

Prerna and Ritika see it differently: “We see it more as an opportunity. Democratising design access doesn’t take away from high fashion; it simply expands the field of expression. High fashion has always been about intentionality, depth, and mastery — not just aesthetics. As long as designers continue to offer meaning through materiality, emotion, and innovation, couture will retain its space. AI could actually push high fashion further, challenging us to go deeper, to become more human in contrast.”

“It’s an opportunity for wider innovation,” adds Manish. “AI can make processes efficient and ideas limitless, but true high fashion lies in storytelling, craftsmanship, and emotion — elements technology can’t replicate. Accessibility will push us to innovate even more, without losing the essence of luxury.”

Future of AI in couture

The conversation about AI in fashion isn’t just about what it can do now; it’s about what it could mean in the long run. Designers have their own visions and challenges for how AI might shape the future of couture.

Shilpi expresses, “My hope is that AI supports rather than replaces craftsmanship. My concern is losing the human touch — that individuality, soul, and imperfection that makes each article truly unique. Authenticity must not be compromised.”

Prerna and Ritika share, “Our hope is that AI becomes a powerful collaborator, a new medium rather than a substitute. One that supports craft revival, documents legacy techniques, and enables new modes of experimentation. But our concern is the risk of homogenisation, where aesthetics become algorithmically driven, and the quiet details that make a garment soulful are lost. As designers, we believe individuality is often found in imperfection, slowness, and hand-led decisions — things that AI still struggles to emulate.”

Manish adds, “My biggest hope is that AI will help preserve craftsmanship by giving artisans global visibility and new design possibilities. My concern is losing individuality if we over-rely on algorithms. Creativity must remain human-led, with AI as an enabler — not the artist.”