Asos partners with Fermat as online fast fashion giant upskills 100+ designers in generative AI
Asos says that it has upskilled more than 100 designers in generative AI. Fermat’s technology is now embedded across its design operations, enabling designers to turn sketches into photo realistic visuals in seconds.
The online retailer can instantly explore different colours, fabrics and variations, helping communicate ideas more clearly with suppliers and improving accuracy in first time samples while reducing waste.
These workflows also free up creative time, supported by an average 75 to 80% time saving across key design processes. According to Asos, designers can iterate more boldly, push ideas further and uncover concepts that may not have been developed before.
Nick Eley, Head of Digital Creation at Asos, says: “Generative AI is already elevating the way our designers explore trends and develop ideas. It helps us reach stronger concepts faster, so we can create the best possible product and deliver it to customers at the right moment.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Brarista, IBM Consulting, Foundit!, Quorso, Vusion, Sensei, Reckon.ai, EE, Walkbase, Globant, Riskified, and Goddiva were among the winners at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show.
Our 2026 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “According to Amazon’s Andy Jassy: AI is a once in a lifetime reinvention of everything we know, and the largest technology transformation since the cloud.”
“Whether that’s overstating it or not, we're certainly seeing an increasing number of innovative, potentially game changing developments in this space across both traditional and digital retail spaces. And that is reflected in tonight's finalists, who are boosting customer experiences and tackling retailers' painpoints across the likes of physical stores, online, omnichannel, supply chain, and payments.”
“To quote one of our judges: I have to admit, judging these awards was so difficult. So many that would have been worthy winners. And great to see how AI has moved firmly into delivery mode. Firmly into delivering for customers and driving huge innovation.”
Congratulations to our 2026 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended our Thursday, 29th January gathering.
Stay tuned for an indepth review of the awards ceremony in the next edition of RTIH magazine.
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