Welcome to another groundbreaking episode of "Love, Hate, Automate," where this week we're tearing down the facades and exposing the raw truths of the fashion industry and its educational foundations. Our guest, Leslie Holden, co-founder of the Digital Fashion Group, isn't here to sugarcoat the narrative. He's here to disrupt, challenge, and redefine the path forward.
Dive into a discussion that explores the intersections of creativity, technology, and education in shaping the future of the fashion industry.
Key Topics Discussed:
Unveiling the Industry's Inertia: Leslie Holden dismantles the slow-paced evolution of fashion's digital transformation, criticizing the industry's sluggish response to embracing necessary changes for a sustainable future.
Academic Accountability: It's a no-holds-barred critique of fashion education as Leslie points out the glaring gaps in current curricula. The need for a seismic shift in how we educate upcoming designers is laid bare, calling out institutions for their outdated methods and resistance to change.
The Designer's New Role: Leslie envisions a future where designers are not just creators but informed directors of the supply chain. He advocates for a system where designers have access to a wealth of data, empowering them to make informed decisions and steer their creations through an ethical, sustainable process.
Digital for Good, Not Faster Fashion: In a passionate plea, Leslie emphasizes using digital advancements not to accelerate the fast fashion problem but to craft a future where on-demand, sustainable production is the norm.
Breaking Down Barriers: The episode also explores how the industry and academia need to dismantle their silos and work collaboratively to usher in a new era of fashion that prioritizes sustainability and innovation over tradition and profit.
A Call to Action: Leslie doesn't just highlight problems; he offers a blueprint for how the industry can and should evolve, challenging listeners to be part of the transformation.
Connect with Leslie Holden:
Visit the Digital Fashion Group:
Follow Leslie and the Digital Fashion Group on LinkedIn
Leslie Holden: The Blueprint