STOCKHOLM – In a bid to cut down on sampling, H&M has adopted a new virtual 3D apparel design system from Japanese company Shima Seiki.
Most fashion retailers still undertake a tremendous amount of physical sampling and trialling, before settling on a fabric to use in its latest collection or product range. Sample making, which is almost ‘an industry within an industry’, is often ‘hit and miss’ when it comes to selecting the right colours, styles and fabrics that go into stores – with many items still ending up being discounted at the end of a sale period.
All this has a cost to both the businesses involved, as well as an unecessary impact on the environment.
