Modules
Benefits
Faculty
Practical
Register
FAQ

Elevate your digital strategy to grow your fashion business

In the world of fashion, embracing a digital-first mindset can feel daunting. Yet in today's rapidly changing landscape, unlocking the power of digital transformation is not just a challenge—it's your gateway to standing out as a brand and thriving.

Can you imagine the possibilities when you understand and know how to implement new digital tools that can breathe new life into your brand? This 8-week course offers you the chance to not just adapt but to lead as a fashion brand. Dive into the latest innovations and strategies that will empower you to grow and captivate your customers like never before. 

The Master track 'Digital Transformation in Fashion' is designed and delivered by Vlerick in partnership with Flanders DC. Let's shape the future of Belgian fashion together. Join us, and turn your vision into reality.

This course is tailored to entrepreneurs, executives and professionals within the fashion industry who want to:

  • Stay ahead on digital trends and possibilities
  • Assess the digital maturity of their company
  • Grow their customer database
  • Advance their digital strategies
  • Expand their professional network

 

Course Modules

Digital Maturity Scan

Assessing the digital maturity of your fashion brand will help you to identify your technological capabilities ànd your gaps compared to industry standards, enabling you to take on strategic improvements.

Digital Strategy

Developing a verified digital strategy will allow your fashion company to innovate in design, marketing, and customer engagement, and to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Data Analytics and AI

Implement data analytics and AI to predict trends, personalize customer experiences, optimize stock levels and reduce overproduction. Reduce time and costs in the design process with virtual prototyping.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology provides transparency and traceability in the supply chain, ensuring authenticity and building consumer trust in sustainable and ethical fashion practices. Blockchain provides a transparent record of a garment’s journey from raw materials to final product and supports the resale market by authenticating second-hand goods. Real-time updates on inventory levels help prevent overproduction and ensure timely restocking.

Challenges of AI

Understanding AI’s complexities aids fashion brands in implementing advanced technologies. AI requires large amounts of high-quality data, which can be difficult to obtain. Collecting and using personal data also raises privacy issues.  Developing and integrating AI solutions can be expensive, especially for smaller brands. Addressing these challenges requires careful planning and a balanced approach to integrating AI into the fashion ecosystem.

Automation

Automation streamlines production processes and enhances distribution efficiency, allowing fashion brands to scale operations while reducing costs. Real time tracking automates stock monitoring , reducing overproduction and stockouts. Supply chain optimization enhances logistics and distribution efficacy. With 3D printing you can enable rapid prototyping and bespoke designs. Automation also helps in precise resource allocation, minimizing material waste.

Cybersecurity

Strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial for protecting your intellectual property and sensitive customer data. It is important to protect design files and proprietary technologies from theft. Fashion brands need to adher to regulations to protect consumer rights and avoid penalties. Employees need to be aware of phishing and business tools need to detect and prevent attacks.

Extended Reality

Extended reality technologies, such as AR and VR, offer immersive shopping experiences, enabling virtual try-ons and interactive fashion shows.

Digital & Sustainability

Digital transformation enables fashion brands to adopt sustainable practices, meeting consumer demands for transparency and eco-friendliness while reducing their environmental footprint.

Benefits of Participation

  1. Get a personalised assessment of the digital maturity of your company.
  2. Gather the necessary insights in digital trends and possibilities in order for you to advance your company’s digital strategy.
  3. Innovate your market facing process and identify new business opportunities through data.
  4. Learn from leading experts and practical business cases from the fashion industry.
  5. Expand your network in the fashion industry.
  6. Boost your career with an official Vlerick certificate.
Questions? Mail us!

Faculty

Engage and connect  with Vlerick Business School faculty and industry experts, gaining insights from diverse perspectives and  real-world business cases from the fashion industry.

Ann Vereecke

Programme director, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management

Steve Muylle

Professor of Digital Strategy and Business Marketing

Bjorn Cumps

Professor of Management Practice in Financial Services Innovation and Fintech

Philippe Baecke

Professor in marketing and big data

Martin Butler

Professor of Management Practice in Digital Transformation

Arne Buchwald

Professor of Digital Innovation Management

Xavier Baeten

Professor in Sustainability Management

Kristof Stouthuysen

Professor Management Accounting and Digital Finance

Robert Boute

Professor Operations Management

Practical info

This course is a hybrid combination of 2 physical class moments, 2 interactive webinars, self-education in an online learning platform and collaboration with peers.

  • 01 Kick-​off Event

Date: Tuesday 5 November 2024
Topics: Kick-off, Digital Strategy
Location: Vlerick Campus Ghent - Reep 1, 9000 Gent

  • 02 Online Learning Platform

Access videos, reading materials, quizzes, and self-reflection exercises at your own pace.
Topics: Data analytics & AI, Automation, Blockchain, Extended reality, Closing of Data & Digital Technologies

  • 03 Live Webinars

Participate in interactive sessions with faculty and business experts.
Generative AI: Thursday 29 November 2024
Cybersecurity & ethics: Tuesday 7 January 2025

  • 04 Peer Learning

Collaborate with a small group of peers throughout the course for reflection and discussion.

  • 05 Closing Event

Date: Wednesday 15 January 2025
Topics: Digital enabled sustainability & Graduation
Location: Vlerick Campus Brussels - Bolwerklaan 21, 1210 Brussels
Celebrate your achievement and receive your official Vlerick certificate.

 

Register now

Join the course and become a digital leader in the fashion industry!

Pricing:

  • Single participant: €3500 (ex. 21% VAT)
  • Two participants from the same company: €4500 (ex. 21% VAT)

Register before 15 October!

This course will proceed contingent upon sufficient enrollment.

Register here

FAQ

What is included in the registration fee?

The registration fee is €3500 (excluding VAT) or €4500 for two participants of the same company. This fee includes:

  • All learning content
  • Physical kick-off and graduation events
  • Two interactive online events
  • Full access to all 2025 Flanders DC Master Labs
    The Flanders DC Master Labs are day events for experienced entrepreneurs in design and fashion. They start with a plenary session, followed by small group discussions with chosen experts and optional 1-on-1 sessions. Lunch and a closing networking drink are included.
  • Your official Vlerick certificate

Invoices will be sent digitally to the email address provided in the registration form.


Who can participate?

This program is designed for fashion entrepreneurs, professionals & managers with experience:

  • Aim to lead their organisation's digital transformation efforts.
  • Are enthusiastic about driving digital change.
  • Want to understand the intersection of sustainability and digital transformation.
  • Wish to stay updated with industry trends and expand their professional network.


What are the module highlights?

  • Strategy to Implementation: Learn to create strategies that add value through digital transformation.
  • Data and Digital Technologies: Gain insights into current influential technologies:
    • Data, Analytics, and AI: Basic concepts and their business applications.
    • Automation: The impact of automation on business and leadership.
    • Blockchain: Understanding digital currencies and assets.
    • Extended Reality and the Metaverse: Analyzing the metaverse with the VE4 Framework.
    • Security and Ethics: Applying cybersecurity principles and ethical considerations.
  • Digital-Enabled Sustainability: Connecting digital transformation efforts with sustainability goals in your organisation.

Each module features expert interviews, case studies, personal reflections, company applications, peer discussions, and faculty expertise.


What is the course language?

The program is conducted in English.


How much time should I invest in the course?

Participants should expect to dedicate around 4 hours perweek to the program, which spans 8 weeks. This includes videos, readings, webinars, and assignments. The program is designed for self-paced learning within the structure of the module schedules to maximize peer feedback and group learning.


Can I combine this course with my job?

Yes, the program is designed to fit into a busy professional schedule. Most of the course is delivered online, with live sessions scheduled during lunch hours to minimize disruption to your work commitments. However, participants should still allocate at least 4 hours per week to the course.

 

*This course will proceed contingent upon sufficient enrollment

The Master track 'Digital Transformation in Fashion' is designed and delivered by Vlerick in partnership with Flanders DC.