496 Fabric Lab uses AI to increase efficiency in jacquard denim

Taipei-based weaver 496 Fabric Lab has begun using AI to increase the efficiency in developing jacquard denims, speed up the design stage and allow more time for fabric development and testing. The company recently showcased its latest collection at the Bluezone trade fair in Germany.

Wayne Chiang, founder and CEO of 496 Fabric Lab, explained that converting a photograph into a weaving pattern by hand usually takes eight to ten days. If a client requests several samples, the process can stretch to more than a month before production decisions are made.

Because the process is detailed, time-consuming and repetitive, it is well suited for the use of artificial intelligence. Chiang noted that long lead times, along with global shipping and logistics issues, have made time-saving solutions more important than ever. Any reduction in time allows the team to focus on creating and developing more designs.

AI has also enabled the company to create digital simulations that show how the fabric will look and move once made into a garment. This helps brands cut down on physical samples and reduce material waste.

Looking ahead, 496 Fabric Lab sees AI as an important part of its future. The company is currently using AI to study its past design files, analysing colours, layers and weaving structures. Chiang believes this will help improve accuracy and efficiency over time.