<p><span class="p-body">Technology is shaking up the fashion world, and the NYU School of Professional Studies brought the conversation to life with Fashion Forward: Tech’s Role in Retail’s Transformation, a panel event and live-recorded podcast exploring how innovation is reshaping retail, fashion, and branding.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Presented by the SPS Dean's Student Advisory Group (DSAG), the event drew a packed room of students eager to learn how industry leaders are adapting to an era driven by data, storytelling, and smart tech. The conversation was captured for a special episode of Marc Beckman’s Some Future Day podcast.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">The panel featured <b>Kristin Patrick</b> (CMO, Marc Jacobs), <b>Jameel Spencer</b> (CEO & Founder, The Writeful Place), <b>Lisa Smilor</b> (EVP, CFDA), and <b>Karen Fang Grant</b> (Managing Director & Partner, Accenture, joining virtually). Each brought a unique lens on how fashion brands are using tech not just to streamline business, but to connect more meaningfully with consumers. From AI-powered personalization and augmented reality to values-driven branding, the conversation touched on how companies can stay relevant while building trust in a fast-changing world.</span></p>
It was rewarding to help create a space where students could hear directly from leaders who are actually driving change. Guests helped us see how emerging tech isn’t just about innovation, but it’s about telling stories, shaping culture, and building brands that connect with the next generation.” – Porsha Seechung, MS in Project Management and DSAG member
<p><span class="p-body">For students across marketing, fashion, tech, and project management, Fashion Forward offered more than insights. It was a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world industry challenges, and to see firsthand how technology is transforming not only business outcomes, but the very nature of leadership.</span></p>
