The Push and Pull of Reimagining Fashion

  • Speaker: Leslie Holden, Co-Founder – The Digital Fashion Group
  • When: 14:00 – 15:00, Wednesday 12th June 2024

Short description of the talk

The presentation delves into the transformative impact of Industry 4.0 on production and consumption, emphasizing the need for a digital supply chain that prioritizes transparency and efficiency. It distinguishes between digitization and digitalization, advocating for the latter as a means to catalyze business model transformation through enhanced processes and data utilization. While recognizing the buzz surrounding concepts like the Metaverse and AI, Holden, underscores the practical application of digitalization for sustainability. Case studies presented by experts underscore the potential of on-demand manufacturing and digital product creation in minimizing waste and streamlining supply chains. In essence, the talk champions Industry 4.0 as a pivotal force in reshaping traditional production paradigms towards a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable model. It underscores the importance of practical approaches to digitalization in addressing contemporary challenges while envisioning a future where technology empowers both global and local facets of fashion production.

Speaker’s Bio

As Head of Department at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI) and a member of the AMFI board for over 14 years, Leslie was responsible for the redevelopment of the international curricula focusing on digitalisation and sustainability in fashion. And as design director and entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry Leslie worked for such companies as Dunhill, Stefanel, Byblos, Burberry and Liberty. Leslie is a mentor for The Farfetch Incubator Programme, sits on the Steering Committee of The EU Worth Partnership Project, and is an EU expert for the creative industries. He is also currently the co-chair of Manchester Fashion Institute’s External Advisory Group, and member of the Advisory boards of Digital Fashion Week and The Metaverse Fashion Council. He was for many years an Executive Board member of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI), and a trustee of The UK Graduate Fashion Foundation. Leslie is an experienced keynote speaker and moderator.
Leslie is a graduate of The Royal College of Art.