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This article is with in5a support platform for tech, media and design startups.
When you think of major technological advancements and artificial intelligence (AI), you might not think of the fashion industry as an industry where such trends are active. But look deeper, and you’d be surprised how far-tech has penetrated the industry. Take, for example, the latest buzzword in fashion: NFT, or non-fungible token, a blockchain-powered fashion asset, is now tokenized as “crypto fashion” that can be sold digitally. terms such as ““digital clothing” and “hyperpersonalization” are also becoming quite common in the fashion and retail industry. With the full shift to e-commerce during the global COVID-19 crisis, keeping up with changing consumer habits has added to the burden.
These are the factors that led to the launch of Badriya Henry fashion forward September 2019 in Dubai, with a mission to bring the latest technological innovations to brands in the fashion and retail industries. “Fashion Foresight is a fashion consultancy and retail technology agency dedicated to connecting fashion and retail brands to the future through technology, innovation and consulting,” said Henry, who is also the managing director of her startup. “The problem we are trying to solve is to create concepts, ideas and solutions that make brands better and better resonate with new age consumers. Technology is enhancing and touching every industry, fashion and retail seem to be disconnected, and, in a certain In some cases, behind.”
In fact, Henry worries that the Middle East is somehow not keeping pace with the rest of the global fashion industry, and that seems to be one of the drivers behind Fashion Foresight. “People are interested in fashion and retail technology!” she said. “I just hope the Middle East catches up quickly with this digital movement, and fashion vision is there in the process by connecting them to the right resources and tools. Our aim is to make brands more intuitive, Gather the right insights, create experiences that convert to sales, and drive sales revenue in new-age hybrid retail.”
By providing services such as seasonal reports, consumer insights, and marketing and trend forecasts, the startup uses artificial intelligence technology to assist fashion and retail brands. Fashion Foresight also delves into the world of immersive experiences by offering solutions such as virtual fashion runways, digital showrooms and exhibitions, and 3D modeling. “We also help brands by consulting on unique concepts and defining brand identities, making the whole process better,” Henry elaborates. “I think we’re different because we focus on industries we know. We care, and we’re constantly exploring what’s possible and how industries we love can be enhanced through technological solutions.”
Badrriya Henry, founder of Fashion Foresight.Source: Fashion Foresight
It’s here that the meaning of the startup’s name becomes clear—Henry seems to know exactly where her business can (and will) lead. “Technology can seem a bit cold, which is why our focus is on how to incorporate the human element into technology,” she explained. “We try to solve this by creating amazing experiences or consulting for brands on concepts that are meaningful to consumers.” Henry revealed here that last year, she received a grant from American video game and software developer Epic Games to use Along with her other fashion tech ventures, outer world. As a fashion luxury platform that enables fashion brands to showcase their designs in a virtual metaverse, it aims to “connect with new-age consumers through engaging stories, displays, explorations and enhanced experiences”.
As an entrepreneur starting a business in Dubai, Henry sees both pros and cons of having a base in Dubai. A Fashion Tech Company in the emirate. “While Dubai is a fast-growing, visionary city, on the ground, I think one of the challenges is getting the right conversations with the right investors, getting them to agree, take risks and see long-term opportunities,” she said. “But in a rapidly changing world, with so many options and opportunities globally, we need to be able to explore and I feel like Dubai understands this sentiment now. I love that we are always willing to experiment, implement and evolve quickly to match these global changes ’” But Henry adds that being part of in5’s startup community in Dubai has helped her a lot in her entrepreneurial journey. “If we were not hatched [at in5], fashion vision is still an idea,” she says. “in5’s access to tools and educational resources, as well as its library of advisors, is helpful. I also love the community of fashion startups we have. “
While the startup has big goals for the future, Henry says she prefers to have a small, tight-knit team. “Currently, the team has only two full-time subcontracting partners and consultants, but I see no need for more than five team members right now, especially in times of uncertainty like a global pandemic and many clients are not sure where most of their decisions are,” she says. “So we stayed very lean and got through 2020, and I managed to look at 2020 as a year explore technology Take it a step further for us. “At the height of the pandemic, the startup had to overcome quite a few hurdles (including customer cancellations), but she believes they managed to hold their own amidst all the chaos.” Henry explained. “Towards the end of 2020, going into 2021, things are looking up, although some customers are canceling orders and not sure. We’re now expecting an increase in requests into 2022, as the buzz in Dubai picks up again, and it looks like there might be some interesting opportunities in the area. “
TREP Talk: Tips for Entrepreneurs from Fashion Foresight Founder Badrriya Henry
1. Passion is important”It sounds cheesy, but it’s true, because passion is the only thing that can get you through when you’re feeling down — and 2020 is a perfect example of that. If you’re still pushing your startup through a global pandemic, it’s safe to say you have a passion! “
2. Build a community”Learn to think independently, how to read others, and how to share with others. You can only learn this skill by interacting and not by being an isolated entrepreneur. “
3. Stay in your lane”Don’t get distracted by people who want to do something with you that is completely different from your core concerns or ideas. Learn how to filter out people. “
4. Take time to think “Learn to quiet your mind in a way that you like. When your mind is able to be creative, the best solutions emerge.”
5. Stay slim “There is no reason to have unnecessary team members or roles.”
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