Fashinnovation at NASDAQ: Co-founders Marcelo and Jordana Guimarães celebrate a milestone moment as Fashinnovation rings the bell at NASDAQ, symbolizing the platform’s success in uniting fashion, technology, and sustainability on a global scale.
Recently, I had the distinct honor of moderating a panel at the 11th edition of Fashinnovation Worldwide Talks on the topic of sustainability. The event, a precursor to New York Fashion Week, was held at LECTRA Innovation Center, Starrett-Lehigh Building, New York, NY, 10001.
What began as a single panel turned into a full-day immersion in one of the fashion industry’s most dynamic events. The energy in the room and the critical nature of the discussions kept me engaged all day at Fashinnovation’s talks, where the changing fashion climate, the challenges facing modern business, and the strategies to overcome these hurdles were at the forefront of the conversation.
The fashion industry is facing unprecedented challenges. From the ever-growing demand for sustainable practices to the rapid advancements in technology, particularly AI, the landscape is shifting beneath our feet. Businesses are grappling with how to stay ahead while addressing consumer concerns about ethics, environmental impact, and technological integration. Fashinnovation’s 11th edition brought together industry leaders to address these very issues—offering hope, direction, and innovative solutions.
Fashinnovation: A Global Movement in Fashion
As someone deeply immersed in the evolution of fashion, I have witnessed firsthand the undeniable power that technology and sustainability hold in reshaping the industry. Today, more than ever, the marriage of these two forces is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. This is where Fashinnovation stands at the forefront, serving as a global platform that propels innovation at the intersection of fashion and technology. Since 2018, Fashinnovation has worked to inspire a new way of thinking through impactful events, thought-provoking content, and community-building initiatives that foster meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, brands, investors, and innovators. These efforts collectively drive positive, lasting change in the fashion industry.
In July of 2018, Marcelo and Jordana Guimarães, two visionary minds with Brazilian roots, conceived what has since become a pivotal moment for the fashion world. It started with something as simple as writing the words “fashion” and “innovation” on a piece of paper—an idea that has since evolved into a movement. Marcelo, having recently relocated to New York City, noticed a critical gap: while industries like food, finance, and education were embracing technology and innovation, fashion remained somewhat static in comparison. Jordana, with her deep expertise in fashion marketing and public relations, understood the need to bridge this divide. Together, they recognized that technology was not an outside force to be resisted but a catalyst for the future of fashion.
That spark of inspiration became Fashinnovation—a platform that now operates on a global scale, advancing discussions and collaborations that place sustainability and technological innovation at the heart of fashion’s future. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a movement pushing for the reinvention of an industry that is constantly in flux yet poised for transformation. Through Fashinnovation, we are creating the future of fashion, one driven by intelligent progress, responsible practices, and forward-thinking innovation.
To fully appreciate the significance of this event, it’s essential to understand how Fashinnovation began. Founded by Marcelo and Jordana Guimarães, Fashinnovation has grown into a global platform that bridges fashion, technology, and sustainability. Since its inception, it has become a hub for industry pioneers, providing a space for innovation and actionable dialogue.
“At Fashinnovation, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change in the fashion industry. The 11th edition of Worldwide Talks is a testament to the growing movement towards sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in fashion. We are excited to bring together leaders and entrepreneurs from across the globe to inspire, challenge, and reimagine the future of fashion.” – said Marcelo Guimarães and Jordana Guimarães Co-Founders of Fashinnovation
Their journey started with the belief that fashion could not only reflect societal changes but also drive them. Fashinnovation launched in 2018, with the mission to connect minds and ideas from around the world. What started as a local initiative has grown into a global event that brings together designers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.
In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Marcelo Guimarães, co-founder and CEO of Fashinnovation, a global platform that is transforming the intersection of fashion, technology, and sustainability. We explore three key topics: the evolution of Fashinnovation since its inception, the profound impact of AI on fashion’s future, and the industry’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Through Marcelo’s insights, we uncover how innovation and collaboration are vital to creating a more responsible and inclusive fashion industry.
Joseph DeAcetis: What drove you to launch this business model, and how has Fashinnovation developed over the years?
Marcelo Guimarães: In 2018, my wife Jordana and I co-founded Fashinnovation with the vision of bridging fashion and technology while advancing sustainability and entrepreneurship. We identified a unique opportunity to create a global space for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to come together and foster real change in the fashion industry.
Initially, we started with a single event, but soon expanded into a comprehensive platform that includes Worldwide Talks, educational content, and extensive networking opportunities, from startups to established corporations. Over the years, Fashinnovation has become a global community that inspires and empowers fashion entrepreneurs through both digital and physical initiatives.
Joseph DeAcetis: What challenges did you face initially, and what challenges do you continue to face today? How do you overcome these obstacles?
Marcelo Guimarães: One of the greatest challenges at the outset was entering the fashion industry without deep sector knowledge or key relationships—connections that are essential to success in this space. My background was in business and entrepreneurship, not fashion, which is a unique and often exclusive world. Building relationships with designers, brands, and industry leaders from scratch required a great deal of patience and perseverance.
Today, while we have built those relationships, maintaining them and consistently proving the value of our platform remains a challenge. The industry evolves constantly, and we must evolve with it to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. A significant factor in overcoming these challenges has been our unwavering perseverance and our determination to keep pushing forward. Our “no excuses, make it happen” attitude has allowed Fashinnovation to grow and thrive by opening doors and amplifying the voices of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Joseph DeAcetis: Could you describe your week-to-week responsibilities and how you manage the complexities of running such a global platform?
Marcelo Guimarães: My week-to-week responsibilities involve a mix of strategic and operational tasks. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to building and maintaining relationships with partners, sponsors, and key players across the fashion and tech industries. I also work closely with my team, based remotely in Brazil, to plan and execute our events, especially Worldwide Talks. We focus on ensuring that the right speakers and topics are presented, aligning with our mission of innovation and sustainability.
In addition to relationship-building, I oversee the business side of Fashinnovation, managing finances, reviewing budgets, and ensuring that all teams—from marketing to sales to content—are on track to meet our goals. Managing a global platform like this requires not only attention to detail but also an ability to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of both fashion and technology.
Joseph DeAcetis: How do you select guest moderators and speakers for Fashinnovation’s events? What is your process?
Marcelo Guimarães: When selecting guest moderators and speakers, we prioritize individuals who align with our core values of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. We look for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts who have made significant contributions in those areas. Diversity and inclusivity are also key factors for us, as we strive to feature voices from various industries, backgrounds, and regions.
The process involves a combination of research and networking. We stay up-to-date on who’s leading the conversation in fashion, tech, and sustainability, and we often tap into our extensive network of partners and previous speakers for recommendations. We’re always on the lookout for rising voices who may not yet be on the main stage but have valuable insights to share with our global audience.
Joseph DeAcetis: AI is rapidly changing various industries. In your opinion, what impact is AI having on the fashion industry, and how do you see it shaping the future of fashion?
Marcelo Guimarães: AI is having a profound impact on the fashion industry, and we’re only at the beginning of its potential. AI is revolutionizing the design process, allowing designers to use AI tools to generate ideas, predict trends, and even create entire collections based on data insights.
It’s also transforming supply chain management. Brands are leveraging AI to forecast demand, manage inventory, and reduce waste, which is crucial for the sustainability of the industry. Another significant area where AI is making strides is personalization—brands are using AI to offer highly customized shopping experiences, from personalized product recommendations to virtual try-ons.
In the future, I see AI continuing to shape fashion by making it more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable. However, the challenge will be in balancing the creative, human touch with AI’s capabilities to ensure that fashion remains personal and imaginative.
Joseph DeAcetis: Sustainability is a crucial topic in the fashion industry. How does Fashinnovation address sustainability, and what role does it play in your mission?
Marcelo Guimarães: Sustainability has been a core focus for Fashinnovation since the very beginning. We believe that fashion must evolve into a more responsible and environmentally conscious industry, and we’ve made it our mission to drive this transformation. Through our events and content, we provide a platform for brands, innovators, and thought leaders who are making a real impact in sustainable fashion.
We bring together these voices to share best practices, technologies, and ideas that can help shape a more sustainable future for fashion. Our goal is to inspire and empower entrepreneurs and companies to be not only profitable but also to have a positive impact on the world.
Joseph DeAcetis: What is your passion for this business, both for you and your wife, Jordana, and for the team that supports Fashinnovation?
Marcelo Guimarães: Our passion for Fashinnovation, for both Jordana and myself, lies in people development and inspiring positive change through human relationships. It’s all about connecting individuals, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
We believe deeply in the power of relationships, whether we’re helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses or encouraging leaders to embrace innovation and sustainability. Our team shares this passion—it’s at the core of everything we do. We are driven by the idea that through these connections, we can inspire a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking fashion industry.
Joseph DeAcetis: What is the most pressing concern facing the fashion industry at this moment, and how can innovation and collaboration address it?
Marcelo Guimarães: The most pressing concern in the fashion industry right now is its environmental impact. To address this, the industry needs to shift toward more responsible production and consumption practices.
Innovation and collaboration are essential in solving this challenge. Technologies like AI, sustainable materials, and circular economy models can help reduce waste, streamline supply chains, and create eco-friendly products. However, no single company can do it alone—it requires a collective effort.
By working together, sharing knowledge, and embracing innovation, the fashion industry can take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future that’s both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Joseph DeAcetis: Fashinnovation has become a hub for networking. Can you talk about the promising opportunities for networking and connecting with investors, leaders, and innovators at your events?
Marcelo Guimarães: At Fashinnovation, networking is at the heart of what we do. Our events create real opportunities for people to connect with investors, industry leaders, and innovators. Whether it’s during our Worldwide Talks or other events, attendees have direct access to decision-makers, which can lead to meaningful collaborations.
What sets our networking opportunities apart is that it’s not just about collecting business cards—it’s about building authentic relationships that can help both individuals and businesses grow. We’ve seen countless examples of connections made at our events that have blossomed into fruitful partnerships, driving positive change in the industry.
Joseph DeAcetis: Where do you see Fashinnovation in the next five years? What are your goals and vision for the platform’s future?
Marcelo Guimarães: In the next five years, I see Fashinnovation continuing to grow as a leading global platform that bridges fashion, technology, and sustainability. Our goal is to expand our community even further, connecting more entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world.
We also aim to provide more resources, such as educational content, masterclasses, and networking opportunities that help businesses grow. Ultimately, we want Fashinnovation to be the go-to platform for fashion entrepreneurs and professionals to find the tools, inspiration, and connections they need to succeed.
Why These Talks Matter Now More Than Ever
The fashion industry is at a critical juncture, and the need for forums like Fashinnovation has never been more apparent. The challenges facing the industry are complex: the pressure for sustainability, the rise of AI, and the demands of a globalized market all contribute to an environment where only the most forward-thinking businesses will thrive. Fashinnovation provides a space to address these issues head-on.
As I stayed for the entire day of talks, I realized the immense value that these discussions bring. They offer insights not only into the challenges but also into practical solutions. The focus on sustainability and AI this year was particularly fitting, given the rapid evolution of both areas.
The 11th Edition: AI and Sustainability Take Center Stage
This year’s edition focused heavily on two themes that are reshaping the fashion world—AI and sustainability. The day opened with thought-provoking discussions on how artificial intelligence is transforming everything from design to supply chains. Experts shared how AI is being used to predict trends, reduce waste, and create more efficient processes, which ultimately benefit both businesses and the planet.
The discussions on sustainability were equally compelling. There were deep dives into how brands can implement eco-friendly practices while still maintaining profitability. One speaker noted, “Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a responsibility.” It was inspiring to hear how companies are taking innovative approaches, such as using AI to optimize production and reduce excess inventory, ultimately minimizing environmental impact.
10 Key Takeaways from Fashinnovation’s 11th Edition
Here are the top ten insights I took from the event that I believe are crucial for fashion professionals moving forward:
- AI in Trend Forecasting: AI is now being used to predict fashion trends with incredible accuracy, helping brands stay ahead of the curve.
- Sustainable Supply Chains: Brands are exploring ways to make their supply chains more transparent and sustainable, from raw materials to finished products.
- Circular Fashion: The concept of circular fashion—where products are designed with their end-of-life in mind—is gaining momentum as a way to reduce waste.
- The Role of Blockchain: Blockchain technology is being implemented to create transparency in the fashion industry, helping consumers track the origins of their garments.
- Consumer Demand for Ethics: Today’s consumers care more about the ethics behind the brands they support, making it imperative for companies to be transparent about their practices.
- Sustainability as a Business Strategy: Sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s good for business. Companies that embrace eco-friendly practices often see increased consumer loyalty.
- AI-Driven Design: AI is being used in design processes to create more efficient and sustainable collections, minimizing the need for physical prototypes and reducing waste.
- Material Innovation: The development of sustainable fabrics, such as lab-grown leather and recycled textiles, is set to revolutionize fashion.
- Inclusive Fashion: Sustainability and technology are also enabling more inclusivity in fashion, with brands creating designs that cater to a diverse range of body types and identities.
- The Future is Collaborative: The future of fashion lies in collaboration—between brands, consumers, and innovators from various industries, such as tech and sustainability.
Conclusion
The 11th edition of Fashinnovation Worldwide Talks was a day of forward-thinking ideas, vital discussions, and a clear roadmap for the future of fashion. AI and sustainability will continue to shape the industry, but it’s events like this that ensure we stay ahead of the curve. I left the event with a renewed sense of hope and excitement for the future of fashion, knowing that change is not only possible but already happening.
As I look forward to future editions of Fashinnovation, it’s clear that the conversations happening here will continue to drive the innovations we so desperately need in fashion. Stay tuned for what’s next—I, for one, am excited to see where these ideas take us.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary in the world of fashion, renowned as the best wardrobe stylist and art director of his generation. His impressive accolades and unmatched expertise set him apart in the industry. Joseph covers the intersections of style, culture, art, and fashion, with a particular emphasis on the evolving status of menswear.
Throughout his illustrious career, Joseph has penned award-winning columns for top-tier publications such as Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His profound insights and engaging narratives have made him a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Most recently, Joseph served as the creative fashion director for Forbes Media, where he excelled as both a critic and reporter. His extensive body of work highlights the importance of dressing for success and explores how technological advancements are reshaping the fashion industry. Joseph’s authoritative yet approachable voice continues to inspire and influence fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
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