Vintage Fashion Meets AI: Balancing Craftsmanship and Technology in Product

This panel, hosted by Bhavna Malkani (Director of Nova Consultancy Ltd), examines the relationship between vintage fashion and AI, and how technology is beginning to reshape an industry that has traditionally operated offline. Panellists Eleanor (Head of Upcycling at JoinFleek), Laura Dufort (Fashion product development and production specialist), and Ella Cheung (Founder of Bag Surgeon) will discuss how AI and technology are changing the way both vintage and new fashion is supplied and manufactured.

The discussion will explore where technology can help the industry grow, including tools such as vintage grading software being developed at Fleek and the repetitive manual tasks AI can assist with. At the same time, it will address where technology cannot replace human input, for example, upcycling requires adaptation within each piece during manufacturing, and human audits remain essential.

From a product development and production perspective, the panel will consider the realities of making clothes versus digital fashion imagery, how vintage quality compares to modern speed, and how technology is influencing, but not replacing craftsmanship and production knowledge.

Host: Bhavna Malkani – Inclusive Innovation Leader & Community Builder at UCL

Bhavna is a specialist in building inclusive innovation communities, with a focus on circular economy, women’s health tech, and accessible innovation. Her work sits at the intersection of academia, industry, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, where she designs and supports collaborations that drive meaningful, real-world impact.

With over 10 years of experience in the start-up world, Bhavna has co-founded ventures and communities that prioritise inclusion, creativity, and opportunity. She co-founded MeeBox, a subscription box platform, as well as She’s Got Skills, a women’s football community, and Women of The Lane, the women’s supporter committee at Tottenham Hotspur.Bhavna is also a mentor to young entrepreneurs, a guest lecturer, and an experienced host, regularly supporting and convening emerging talent and diverse voices. Across all of her work, she is driven by a commitment to creating spaces where people can participate, innovate, and lead.

Panellists:

1. Eleanor (Head of Upcycling at Joinfleek)

Eleanor is a fashion designer and upcycling specialist with over 12 years of industry experience, focused on developing scalable solutions in circular fashion. She has worked on upcycled collections for brands including Urban Outfitters, Superdry, and YMC, combining creative direction with practical product development. Working closely with rag houses and textile graders across the world, she has helped establish specialist upcycling supply chains and facilities that transform unwanted garments into commercially viable new styles. Eleanor specialises in translating design concepts into repeatable, manufacturable products, enabling brands to integrate upcycling at scale.

1. Laura Dufort (Fashion product development and production specialist)

Laura Dufort is a fashion product development and production specialist with over 20 years’ experience across luxury, independent, and sustainability-focused brands, including Burberry and Christopher Raeburn. She has worked closely with both established labels and emerging designers, including collaborations with Luke Derrick, recently shortlisted as a semifinalist for the LVMH Prize. She works with both new and existing garments and materials, including vintage pieces, with a focus on longevity, quality, and sustainable production practices. Her work bridges creative vision with practical execution.

1. Ella Cheung (Founder of Bag Surgeon)

Ella Cheung is the founder of Bag Surgeon, a vintage luxury handbag and accessories business originally launched in Hong Kong and recently expanded to the UK. Specialising in sourcing iconic pieces from the 1970s to 1990s. She combines a passion for vintage fashion with expert craftsmanship. Bag Surgeon also offers professional vintage leather handbag repair services, helping clients extend the life of their treasured pieces while promoting sustainable fashion practices.

Memunatu Barrie, 2021 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL