As India’s apparel and textile industry embraces digital transformation, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key enabler of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Following the strong response to DigiCloset AI at Bharat Tex 2026, Rashmi Chopra, Founder & CEO of DigiCloset AI, shares her perspective on how AI-powered technologies are redefining fashion retail, empowering Indian brands to compete globally, and accelerating the shift towards circular fashion.
In this conversation, she also highlights the importance of industry collaboration and the growing role of platforms like DigiCloset AI in strengthening the “Made in Bharat” vision for the global apparel ecosystem.
1. How do you view the role of AI and digital technologies in strengthening India’s apparel and fashion industry?
AI is becoming a strategic growth driver for the apparel and fashion industry. It has the potential to transform every stage of the value chain from design and merchandising to manufacturing, retail, and post-purchase engagement.
For brands, AI enables smarter demand forecasting, personalized customer experiences, and more efficient inventory management. For consumers, it removes uncertainty from shopping by making fashion more intuitive and personalized.
India has long been recognized as a global manufacturing hub. The next opportunity is to become a global leader in fashion technology, where innovation complements our manufacturing strength. AI and digital technologies will be instrumental in helping Indian brands become more competitive, agile, and globally relevant.
2. DigiCloset AI received considerable attention at Bharat Tex 2026. What opportunities do you see for such innovations in the retail and apparel ecosystem?
The response at Bharat Tex 2026 clearly demonstrated that the industry is looking beyond standalone technologies toward integrated AI-powered experiences. DigiCloset AI brings together Virtual Try-On, AI styling, intelligent wardrobe management, offline store discovery, and circular fashion into a single platform that enhances the entire customer journey.
For retailers, this creates opportunities to increase customer engagement, improve conversion rates, reduce returns, and build long-term loyalty. For consumers, it makes shopping more convenient, personalized, and sustainable.
I believe the next phase of retail innovation will focus on helping consumers make better decisions before, during, and after every purchase, and AI will be at the heart of that transformation.
3. How can AI-powered platforms help Indian apparel brands become more competitive in domestic and international markets?
Today’s consumers expect personalized experiences regardless of geography. AI allows Indian brands to meet those expectations at scale.
AI-powered platforms can help brands understand customer preferences, recommend relevant products, improve inventory planning, reduce returns, and deliver seamless omnichannel experiences. These efficiencies translate into stronger customer satisfaction and improved profitability.
International markets are highly competitive, and technology is increasingly becoming a key differentiator. Indian brands that combine quality manufacturing with AI-driven customer experiences will be better positioned to expand globally and compete with established international players.
4. Do you believe technologies like Virtual Try-On and AI-powered personalization can redefine the future of fashion retail?
Absolutely. Fashion has always been personal, and AI allows retailers to personalize the shopping journey in ways that were not previously possible.
Virtual Try-On significantly improves shopping confidence by allowing consumers to visualize products before purchasing, while AI-powered personalization recommends styles based on individual preferences, occasions, lifestyle, and existing wardrobe choices. We are looking forward to integrating INDIAsize ( as conceptualized by the Ministry of Textiles, executed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in our AI powered digital platform .
The future of fashion retail is not simply about selling more products; it’s about delivering intelligent experiences that help customers make confident decisions. When customers feel understood, brands build stronger relationships and achieve better business outcomes.
5. Sustainability is becoming a global business priority. How can AI enable the apparel industry to embrace circular fashion and reduce waste?
Sustainability begins with making smarter choices throughout the fashion lifecycle.
AI can help consumers maximize the use of garments they already own by creating new outfit combinations, encouraging wardrobe reuse, and recommending purchases only when they genuinely add value. Platforms like DigiCloset AI also make it easier for users to donate or upcycle clothing, supporting circular fashion in a practical and accessible way.
For brands, better demand forecasting and improved purchase confidence help reduce excess inventory and unnecessary product returns, both of which contribute to lower waste and a smaller environmental footprint.
AI has the potential to make sustainability measurable, scalable, and commercially viable rather than treating it as a separate initiative.
6. What role can collaborations between startups, industry bodies, and fashion brands play in accelerating innovation in India’s textile and apparel sector?
Collaboration is essential because no single stakeholder can drive industry transformation alone.
Startups bring speed, innovation, and fresh thinking. Fashion brands contribute market understanding and real-world challenges. Industry bodies and institutions like NFDI-NIFT create the ecosystem through mentorship, research, incubation, and industry partnerships that enable these innovations to scale.
When these three pillars work together, innovation moves much faster—from concept to commercialization. This collaborative approach will not only strengthen India’s textile and apparel sector but also position the country as a global hub for fashion technology and digital innovation.
7. How does AEPC view AI platforms like DigiCloset AI for the Indian apparel industry?
AEPC believes AI-led innovations like DigiCloset AI will strengthen India’s apparel ecosystem by enabling smarter retail, improving customer experiences, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian fashion brands under the “Made in Bharat” vision.
