In a bold step towards digital innovation, Mango, a renowned European fashion conglomerate, is embracing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of Lisa, its proprietary conversational generative AI platform. Developed in under nine months, Lisa represents Mango’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology in the fashion industry.
Lisa stands out as a versatile tool, harnessing the capabilities of both proprietary and open-source AI models. It’s been meticulously trained to cater to Mango’s specific needs and boasts a user interface reminiscent of ChatGPT, tailored to suit the requirements of the company’s workforce and collaborators.
This strategic move towards generative and conversational AI forms a pivotal part of Mango’s broader technological transformation initiative. The brand is on a mission to digitize crucial aspects of the fashion industry’s life cycle, which encompasses customer interactions, store operations, inventory management, and product development.
The Vision Behind Generative AI
Jordi Álex, Mango’s Director of Technology, Data, Privacy, and Security, emphasizes the significance of generative AI, stating, “Generative artificial intelligence is an extended intelligence, in other words, a technology that will act as a co-pilot for our employees and stakeholders and that will help us extend our capacities because technology will either make us more human or will be of no use.”
In essence, Lisa is not just an AI tool; it’s a digital collaborator, enhancing the capabilities of Mango’s teams and partners. It’s designed to augment human potential, making tasks more efficient and unlocking new possibilities in the fashion industry.
Co-Designing with Generative AI
Lisa isn’t Mango’s first foray into the realm of AI-driven innovation. The company had previously introduced “Inspire,” an image-generating AI platform. This platform, launched a year ago, has been a game-changer for Mango’s design and product teams. Inspire assists these teams in sourcing inspiration through a diverse range of visual concepts, streamlining the co-creation process for prints, fabrics, and garments.
Mango’s dedication to AI-powered design is evident in the results. Over a hundred designers and graphic artists have undergone training, resulting in the creation of more than twenty AI-co-created garments that are now available in the market. This innovative approach not only accelerates the design process but also introduces fresh and exciting concepts to the fashion world.
Expanding the Role of Generative AI
Generative AI extends its influence beyond design and product development. It plays a pivotal role in crafting physical spaces, scenarios, and images with diverse styles. This technology aids teams working in photography, window dressing, architecture, and interior design, offering fresh perspectives and driving creative excellence across multiple domains.
A Portfolio of AI Platforms
Mango’s commitment to AI innovation dates back to 2018 when it began developing machine-learning-enabled (MLE) platforms. The company now boasts a portfolio of over fifteen such platforms, each serving a specific function. Among these, “Midas” handles pricing, “Gaudí” provides product recommendations, and “Iris” manages customer service. Iris, in particular, is available in over sixty countries and offers support in more than twenty languages, enhancing the customer experience on a global scale.
Bridging the Physical and Virtual Worlds
In recent years, Mango has not only been embracing AI but has also ventured into the metaverse. Participating in Metaverse Fashion Week, the company established a Virtual Assets team. This team comprises approximately ten experts in 3D, software, AI, and blockchain, alongside 3D artists. Their collective goal is to create digital content that seamlessly bridges the gap between Mango’s virtual and physical channels.
Transforming Fashion with AI
Mango’s introduction of Lisa and its continuous exploration of AI-driven solutions reaffirm the brand’s commitment to staying ahead in the fashion industry’s digital transformation journey. With Lisa as a digital collaborator and numerous other AI platforms enhancing various facets of the business, Mango is poised to reshape the fashion landscape.
TL;DR
Mango, a prominent European fashion conglomerate, has unveiled Lisa, its proprietary conversational generative AI platform. This innovation is part of Mango’s broader digital transformation efforts, aiming to digitize key aspects of the fashion industry’s life cycle. Lisa, designed to act as a digital co-pilot, promises to enhance customer interactions, streamline store operations, optimize inventory management, and drive innovation in product development. Mango’s commitment to AI innovation is evident in its portfolio of over fifteen machine-learning-enabled platforms, spanning pricing, product recommendations, and customer service. Furthermore, Mango is venturing into the metaverse with a Virtual Assets team to bridge the gap between its physical and virtual channels, setting the stage for a new era in fashion.
Hi, I’m Oren, founder at BIGINTRO, a content strategy agency that helps B2B companies drive growth. We develop search, social, PR, and content marketing strategies tailored to business goals. I also have a dog named Milo.