FASHION AND AI x Policy
Symposium Dates: April 9-11, 2026

Fashion has long functioned as a cultural and social language that reflects and constructs identities while responding to technological and political change. With the rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) into design, retailing, and supply chain management, fashion enters a new era of transformation requiring critical interdisciplinary inquiry. AI technologies such as generative design models, recommendation systems, and predictive analytics enhance creativity and efficiency and reshape how the fashion industry operates, from streamlining the fashion manufacturing supply chains to shaping consumer–brand relationships and retail strategies.

At the same time, fashion is deeply embedded in cultural heritage and identity, raising questions about authenticity, inclusivity, and representation when mediated by AI. Research has shown that AI systems risk reproducing or amplifying cultural and demographic biases if not carefully designed. The impact of AI makes inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and responsible design urgent priorities for both scholars and practitioners. Moreover, the global exchange of fashion cultures highlights the need to preserve intangible cultural heritage while embracing technological innovation.

Equally significant are the emerging policy frameworks surrounding AI and fashion. Intellectual property law, sustainability regulations, and ethical governance increasingly define the boundaries of creative practice and industrial application. Scholars argue that regulatory interventions are vital to ensure responsible AI adoption while safeguarding labor rights, environmental sustainability, supply chain transparency, and consumer trust.

By foregrounding the intersections of Fashion, AI, Culture, and Policies, the 2026 Symposium offers an interdisciplinary platform for scholars, designers, and policymakers to critically engage with the opportunities and tensions of AI-enabled fashion futures.

The Fashion and…Symposium was established at the University of Minnesota in 2012 by Dr. Kim Johnson and Dr. Brad Hokanson as a forum to present and discuss current topics broadly related to fashion. The symposium supports diverse perspectives from a variety of disciplines in a venue that allows international participants to meet and develop new partnerships. 

If you are interested in hosting a future Fashion and…Symposium, please contact Dr. Juanjuan Wu, jjwu@umn.edu, for information. The host site proposes the topic for the symposium and is responsible for all operations and logistics.