At the Fashion Scholarship Fund, we have the privilege of working with the next generation of fashion leaders—students who are preparing for careers in the industry and, through their work with FSF, sharing bold ideas, innovative designs, and forward-thinking strategies. These Scholars aren’t just following trends; they’re setting them—and we’re taking note in our new FSF Trend Report series. In each edition, we’ll spotlight the themes and ideas shaping the future of fashion according to our Scholars. First up: a look at the 2025 FSF Case Study Competition and the ideas that came up again and again.
Each year, the FSF Case Study Scholarship challenges students to create an innovative concept around an annual theme and apply it to one of FSF’s four disciplines of study. It’s a key part of their application to become FSF Scholars each year and students are encouraged to push boundaries with their concepts, exploring the future of fashion in a well-researched and structured industry case study format.
The 2025 FSF Case Study Competition topic was “The Intersection of Digital Technology and Fashion.” Across Business Strategy, Design and Product Development, Marketing, and Merchandising, students were asked to consider what advanced digital technologies—such as AI, augmented reality (AR), and big data—mean for the future of the fashion industry and to select either a brand or retailer to ideate around.
In this FSF Trend Report, we’re highlighting the top five trends that emerged from the 2025 Case Study Competition submissions. From sustainable materials to AI-powered design, our Scholars tackled some big challenges with their visionary case study concepts—rethinking supply chains, championing inclusivity, and pioneering new ways of engaging consumers. Their work reflects the evolving priorities of an industry that must be as responsible as it is visionary.
TREND 1: AI-POWERED PERSONALIZATION & VIRTUAL TRY-ONS
Scholars’ case studies leveraged AI to enhance user experience in several innovative ways, proving that AI-driven fashion solutions are no longer a futuristic concept—AI is already revolutionizing everything from personal styling to virtual try-ons.
Projects like Fabiana Abreu’s (SCAD, ‘26) Bonjour Jacquemus and Kinnera Challapalli’s (SCAD, ‘25) Tommy Hilfiger AI Personal Styling introduce AI-powered virtual stylists that analyze personal preferences, past purchases, and real-time trends to offer tailored fashion recommendations. Similarly, Rajvi Dharamshi’s (Drexel ‘25) Victoria’s Secret SecretFit integrates AI to match users with the perfect lingerie fit based on body shape and comfort preferences, while Katie Embry’s (UGA ‘26) The RealReal’s AP Person Shopper uses machine learning to refine luxury resale recommendations based on user style profiles.
AI is also redefining fragrance shopping, as seen in D.S. & Durga’s Perfume Quest! from Javier Benson (NYU, ‘25), in which an AI-driven platform curates personalized fragrance suggestions based on users’ emotions, scent history, and seasonal preferences.
Virtual try-on technology continues to gain momentum as well, with Erin Bond’s (Otis College ‘25) Nordstrom Every Fit implementing AI-powered digital fitting rooms that generate lifelike outfit previews and Sabrina Chan’s (UW ‘25) e.l.f. Cosmetics' makeup awAIts offering AI-generated makeup trials via augmented reality.
In Katie Embry’s case study concept, AI powers The RealReal’s “For You” page, tailoring shopping experiences for Gen Z while boosting engagement, repeat purchases, and luxury resale innovation. Graphic courtesy Katie Embry
TREND 2: SUSTAINABILITY & CIRCULAR FASHION
Sustainability was also a hot topic for the Class of 2025, with case studies focusing on upcycled materials and biodegradable textiles, as well as circular fashion practices that ensure garments have a life beyond their initial wear.
In My Coachtopia, Rebecca Parker (ISU ‘25) highlights the lasting power of innovative materials by creating apparel from seaweed-based fibers as an alternative to synthetic fabrics. This approach not only reduces reliance on traditional textiles but also minimizes oceanic pollution.
In Heirloom by Banana Republic, Haili Bruckner (Drexel ‘25) explores blockchain technology to enhance transparency in the fashion supply chain. Similarly, Zachary Crawford’s (Pensole Lewis ‘26) Immersive E-Commerce project proves how Banana Republic can utilize digital tracing to track a garment’s journey from raw material to finished product, ensuring ethical sourcing and fair labor practices.
Ahluwalia’s Interwoven Collection from Majesty Bland (Pensole Lewis ‘25) transforms discarded streetwear into high-fashion pieces, proving that sustainability and style can coexist. Scholars have also developed AI-driven resale and repair programs, including Molly Chamberlain’s (Fordham ‘25) Ulta’s Re-Ulta Initiative, which incentivizes customers to return beauty packaging for repurposing and Sadie Atherton’s (IU ‘25) Patagonia’s AI RepairBot™, which assists customers in self-repairing garments using smart diagnostic technology.
In Sadie Atherton’s “Patagonia’s AI RepairBot™” case study concept, climate-friendly camping gear supported by an AI repair companion streamlines the repair processes, adds upcycling options, and ensures products live their full lifespans. Graphic courtesy Sadie Atherton
TREND 3: BLENDING AR/VR WITH EXPERIENTIAL RETAIL
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) transform the shopping experience, allowing consumers to engage with brands in entirely new ways, blurring the lines between physical and digital retail.
Savage x Nordstrom’s FIT:Xperience from Julie Anstadt-Hernandez (ASU ‘25) lets customers scan their bodies using a mobile app, creating virtual dressing room previews and then incorporating AI through instantly generated custom fit recommendations. Meanwhile, Emmalee Allbritton’s (SCAD Atlanta ‘26) Prada Vision embraces AR engagement, offering interactive shopping windows where customers can visualize products in different colors, styles, and settings before purchasing.
Alanis Castro-Pacheco (Susquehanna ‘25) pushes this technology even further with Cartier’s Set in Motion initiative, replicating store environments online and allowing consumers to explore flagship locations virtually.
Additionally, gaming collaborations are bridging fashion and digital culture. Troy Hardges’ (Syracuse ‘26) SSENSE x Roblox’s Dress to Impress challenges users to style virtual avatars with exclusive in-game collections, while Leynie Hester (UGA ‘26) connects music and fashion with Levi’s x Spotify by generating AI-curated outfits based on a listener’s favorite playlists.
In this case study concept for Levi’s, Generative AI intertwines the music and fashion industries while creating a fully customizable and sustainable graphic tee. Graphic courtesy Leynie Hester
TREND 4: TECH-INFUSED WEARABLES & SMART FASHION
Functionality and technology are converging in fashion, as Scholars push the boundaries of intelligent apparel designed for performance, wellness, and daily life.
Sophia Bell’s (Marist ‘25) case study, Nurture by Nike’s Maternity Activewear, is at the forefront of this movement, suggesting integrating fiber optic sensors that track body changes and adapt to support expectant mothers throughout pregnancy. Similarly, Arc’teryx REPOSIT by Malachi Star (UC ‘25) incorporates bioceramic fabrics that promote muscle recovery by reflecting infrared energy back into the body.
High-tech textiles are also emerging as a solution to environmental and health concerns. In her Celine’s Silver Nanotech Apparel case study concept, Scholar Layla Mersel (VCU ‘25) features antimicrobial and radiation-blocking properties, catering to a health-conscious consumer base. Meanwhile, Kimiko Quayle’s (FIT ‘25) Lululemon’s Sweat Life Watch seamlessly integrates biometric tracking into fashion, providing real-time insights into hydration levels, stress markers, and workout efficiency—all while maintaining a sleek, wearable design.
TREND 5: THE RISE OF ADAPTIVE & INCLUSIVE FASHION
Fashion is becoming more inclusive, with Scholars designing for all body types, abilities, and needs. Innovations in adaptive fashion are making stylish, functional clothing accessible to a broader audience.
Melanie Best’s (UMN ‘26) Ostomy Every Day collection merges style with function by designing fashionable clothing that accommodates medical devices without compromising aesthetics. Similarly, ThirdLove’s Post-Surgery Bras by Brielle Ohlsen (Marist ‘25) caters to breast cancer survivors, blending comfort with confidence-boosting design.
Jennifer DeBellis’ (FIT ‘25) Macy’s AI Assist uses voice recognition and smart navigation tools to help visually impaired customers explore and shop collections independently. Meanwhile, Ephese Germain’s (UGA ‘25) Assistive Apparell by Destiny Pinto uses AI fitting technology to create adaptive, stylish, and functional products accessible for disabled individuals who have long faced challenges in finding the right fit. Sassy Dougherty (CCC ‘25) offers single shoe purchases for amputees and individuals with differing shoe size needs in Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Single Shoe Line.
Dicks’s Single Shoe Line offers 24 adaptive styles to serve the 26% of shoppers with disabilities by selling individual shoes at half the retail price. Graphic by Sassy Dougherty
LOOKING AHEAD
From honoring heritage through design to pioneering sustainable materials and embracing digital transformation, our 2025 FSF Scholars are leading with ideas that embrace change, proving that fashion can be both an art form and a force for progress. As brands and industry leaders take note, their work will continue to influence the way fashion is created, consumed, and valued. By championing sustainability, functionality, inclusivity, and technological advancement, they’re not just predicting trends—they’re imagining a more thoughtful, responsible, and forward-thinking fashion industry.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund remains committed to supporting these emerging talents, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that the next generation of fashion leaders has the platform and resources to thrive. The future of fashion starts here—with bold ideas, innovative minds, and a commitment to creating lasting impact.
