Maximilien Abadie on Lectra's AI-Driven Fashion Revolution and Consumer-Centric Mindset

Lectra, a France-based technology company, is shaping the fashion industry's digital reinvention with AI and a consumer-first mindset. The company, which has designed over one-third of the world's clothing, is investing heavily in fashion and plans to acquire more companies to support its growth. Lectra's deputy CEO, Maximilien Abadie, believes the industry is moving towards a "pull" model, where consumer demand influences everything from design to manufacturing and distribution. Abadie predicts this shift will fundamentally change the fashion industry and boost revenues and sustainability.

Title: Lectra: Shaping the Future of Fashion with AI and Consumer-Centric Strategy

Lectra, a France-based technology company, is at the forefront of the fashion industry's digital transformation, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and a consumer-first mindset. With a significant footprint in the industry, Lectra has designed over one-third of the world's clothing and is investing heavily in fashion to support its growth. The company's deputy CEO, Maximilien Abadie, envisions a future where consumer demand drives every aspect of the fashion cycle, from design to manufacturing and distribution.

Abadie, who joined Lectra 14 years ago, has been instrumental in the company's strategic acquisitions, including TextileGenesis and Launchmetrics. These acquisitions reflect Lectra's SaaS-oriented acquisition strategy, which aims to bolster its growth and innovation. The company's revenue from the fashion sector accounted for 50% of its 2024 fiscal year, demonstrating the industry's importance to Lectra's bottom line.

Abadie believes the fashion industry is shifting from a top-down "push" model to a "pull" model, where consumer demand dictates trends and production. This transformation is driven by the integration of AI and real-time data analysis, enabling brands to respond quickly to market fluctuations and consumer preferences. For instance, Launchmetrics, acquired in January 2024, provides analytics tools to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) from runway shows and media campaigns, offering brands real-time insights into consumer sentiment.

Lectra's TextileGenesis platform exemplifies the company's commitment to sustainability. By tracing certified fibers such as organic cotton and recycled polyester across the supply chain, the platform enhances transparency and reduces the risk of fraud and greenwashing. As of the beginning of 2024, the platform had tracked 2.6 billion garments, involving over 15,000 suppliers across Asia, Europe, and South America.

Abadie emphasizes that technology and creativity are not in conflict but rather complement each other. AI and cloud computing enable designers to iterate and execute ideas more efficiently, shortening the lead time between sketch and store. This agility is crucial in a fast-paced market where consumers expect new products to reach stores quickly, often within weeks of being showcased on the runway.

Despite ongoing economic challenges in the fashion sector, Lectra reported a 10% year-over-year increase in revenue for the 2024 fiscal year, reaching 526.7 million euros. This growth is driven by the company's strategic investments and innovative technologies that are reshaping the industry.

In conclusion, Lectra's strategic acquisitions, AI integration, and consumer-centric approach position the company as a leader in the fashion industry's digital transformation. As the industry continues to evolve, Lectra's focus on sustainability and agility will likely play a significant role in shaping its future.

References:
[1] https://wwd.com/business-news/technology/lectra-maximilien-abadie-ai-fashion-sustainability-1238029417/