Fashion [Un]Bound
15 October 2026, The Forum, Leadenhall
The fashion industry is entering an era of endless possibility. New generation technologies – from AI to VR – and circular business models are opening up new avenues of opportunity.
UK fashion brands and retailers – who trailblazed e-commerce in the 2000s and re-commerce in the 2010s – once again have the chance to take a leadership position.
The way consumers are shopping and engaging with brands is undergoing a revolution; personalised experiences, live shopping, social shopping, blended new and pre-loved purchasing, private clubs and special events are all now integral parts of the retail mix.
Add to that sky-high expectations when it comes to deliveries, communication and service, and it’s clear retail is once again in the midst of a seismic shift as the 2020s hit the mid-point.
This one-day summit will examine how retailers can best exploit new technologies to drive both growth and efficiencies, and how they can respond to today’s consumers changing behaviour and exacting expectations.
Leading industry speakers will participate in a range of interviews, presentations and panel discussions in the inspiring setting of one of London’s most desirable luxury hotels. Guests will not only benefit from the insights presented on stage, but also from the high-level networking with their peers.
Topics for the day will include:
Algorithms and acronyms: the key tech trends to know
AI, AR & Agentic Search. We break down the key tech to have your radar. What exactly are they, how can they most usefully be applied and what do they mean for the future of fashion retail?
Elevating experience – retail
The tech-enabled store can increase dwelltime, improve conversion and keep consumers coming back for more, across all of your channels. Find out how some of fashion’s leading players are turning bricks and mortar visitors into long-term engaged brand fans.
Elevating experience – digital retail
Your own website should offer the best online experience of your brand, not just through factors, such as imagery, information and delivery but engaging tools to help inform, inspire and engage your consumer. This session will take a look at some of the best examples and how they are delivering for both the consumer and the brand.
Powering up post-purchase
How to deploy the latest tools to speed up delivery, returns, exchanges and refunds, and convert your post-purchase activity into a key loyalty and engagement driver.
Exploiting efficiencies
New gen tech can also be used to great effect in areas, such as customer service where time-consumer queries (e.g. WISMO and WISMR) can be dealt with quickly and efficiently, freeing up customer service agents to focus on adding value. We look at some of the best examples of AI in action, where it has relieved the strain and unlocked opportunity.
Supercharging social media
AI and social media are uncomfortable bedfellows. Social media users are increasingly cynical about AI-generated content (and rightly so) but new tech and tools can be used to great effect to create authentic and engaging content and augment your social media status.
Moving past the marketing noise
AI can be deployed to fine-tune your marketing making it more personal, more relevant and more effective. Learn how best to use it and when to steer clear to ensure your voice remains authentic,
Levelling-up loyalty
Today’s consumer wants more than just points and discounts, they want experiences, early access and insider information. Find out how tech can level up your loyalty programme and boost your customer retention.
Circularity on the centre stage
UK fashion brands and retailers, thanks to a number of entrepreneurial start-ups in the arena, are already embracing circular models, such as resale, rental and repair. But the next stage for this shift to circularity is for these services to be as embedded in your strategy as selling new clothing. We look at the future for blended primary and secondary commerce.
Our speaker line-up will be revealed soon! If you would like to discuss speaker opportunities, please email [email protected]
Please note: while we will make best efforts to deliver the published programme, timings of sessions and speakers may be subject to change in the lead up to the event.