Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond fashion design into flexible manufacturing and retail at CHIC Autumn 2026 in Shanghai, as apparel suppliers use digital tools to handle smaller orders and respond more quickly to changing consumer demand.
The China International Fashion Fair, known as CHIC, is being held from Tuesday to Thursday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The event brings together 738 exhibitors across 53,000 square meters of exhibition space, with more than 60,000 trade visitors expected.
The technology on display reflects a supply-chain model built around shorter production runs and faster turnaround times, rather than large orders planned far in advance.
In the fair's digital-technology exhibition area, an AI-powered virtual try-on screen photographs a visitor's face and generates an on-screen image of how selected outfits could look. The display offers a retail example of the technology's growing role in the apparel business.
The broader push goes beyond consumer-facing tools. Exhibitors are also showcasing AI applications in product development and flexible production, where brands and manufacturers are looking to better align design, sourcing and manufacturing with shifts in market demand.
CHIC's 2026 autumn program also includes industry sessions on AI-powered fashion design, digital transformation and e-commerce, highlighting the growing role of technology in China’s apparel supply chain.
China’s CHIC fair spotlights AI in apparel manufacturing
