CAD for Fashion x SYKY: Exploring the Digital Toolkit for Fashion Creatives

Oct 4
3 min read

On September 25th 2025, CAD for Fashion partnered with SYKY to deliver a free virtual workshop for their global community, diving into the creative digital toolkit shaping the future of fashion.

The session was designed to be practical and relevant, helping designers discover smarter ways of working with both familiar and emerging tools. From Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to CLO3D and AI-assisted workflows, we explored how digital design can save time, open up new creative directions, and build confidence in a rapidly changing landscape.

What the workshop covered:

Our favourite time-saving tips in Adobe, AI tools, and CLO3D
Overlooked features that can transform the way you work
Underrated tools and workflows flying under the radar
How to experiment confidently with your digital toolkit

The session ended with a live Q&A, giving SYKY community members the chance to ask questions and get advice directly from our educators. The feedback was fantastic:

“The workshop was a success and the community’s response was very positive. Huge thanks to you, Laura, and Stephen for the detailed updates.” – SYKY Team

Why this collaboration matters

The digital fashion boom is no longer about if but how fast. With 73% of apparel companies now investing in digital design tools (McKinsey, 2024), creatives need practical ways to keep pace without feeling overwhelmed.

At CAD for Fashion, we focus on making digital learning approachable and useful, whether that’s through small-group training, mini masterclasses, or tailored 3D learning pathways. Working with SYKY gave us the opportunity to bring this approach to a wider global community, showing how designers at every level can start building confidence with digital tools.

Interview Spotlight: Navigating Change

As part of the collaboration, SYKY also published an in-depth interview with CAD for Fashion founder Erica Horne. The conversation explored how designers can navigate the rapid evolution of software, the rise of 3D tech packs, and the role of AI in supporting creativity and decision-making.

“Learning a new tool carries its own mental weight: Do I need to know everything? Should I master CLO before Blender? What if the tools change next year? CAD for Fashion was created to answer those questions. Our goal is to help creatives feel empowered, not overwhelmed.” – Erica Horne.

This interview looks at the big shifts happening in digital fashion right now — from tech packs evolving beyond Illustrator, to more fluid workflows that combine AI, 2D, and 3D tools.

Midjourney image of a woman using AI to create fashion designs — Screenshot from our Design Hour with SYKY

Looking ahead

This workshop is just the beginning. CAD for Fashion and SYKY are continuing to open up conversations about how technology is reshaping creativity, and what it means for the next generation of fashion talent.

👉 Read the full feature on SYKY to explore the interview and insights in more depth

SYKY TOP 20: A Platform for Emerging Talent

SYKY is also running SYKY TOP 20, a competition spotlighting twenty designers pushing the boundaries of digital fashion. Winners will be featured in SYKY Magazine and put in front of industry leaders — a huge opportunity for visibility and career growth.

To enter, upload at least one digital piece to SYKY Studio (3D, AI, illustration, or mixed media), include “SYKY TOP 20” in the title or description, and publish your work by October 11.