Counterfeits Are Killing Creativity: How AI and Blockchain Can Save Fashion’s Soul
The Invisible Crisis In Fashion Fashion has long been a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity and innovation. But these days, an intangible enemy is quietly undermining the value of every label, every stitch and every brand story. Counterfeits are no longer fringing problems; they are systemic emergencies that deplete brand equity, erode consumer trust and drain profitability. In Europe alone, the estimated revenue loss due to counterfeit clothing, fashion accessories and luxury goods totals €12–16 billion annually. It jeopardizes thousands of jobs in the sector. In the UK, fashion infringing importation totaled $3.1 billion, while in the US close to 8.4% of luxury handbags and sneakers in the resale market were inspected and detected as counterfeit. These are not mere statistics; they are evidence that the very creativity and quality brands invest in are likely to be stolen or devalued. For fashion and manufacturing brands, the implications could be dire. It lessens the lost custom...
