A world of contradictions Fragmentation reflects a world shaped by
tonnes of waste are generated worldwide each year. AI is beginning to support smarter material choices, more accurate colour matching, virtual sampling and earlier detection of production errors.[1] The infrastructure behind AI is also becoming part of the sustainability debate. The IEA projects that electricity demand from data centres will roughly double by 2030 to around 950 TWh, with AI- focused facilities growing considerably faster.[2] At the same time, Getty Images’ VisualGPS research found that almost 90 per cent of consumers want to know whether an image has been created using AI, reinforcing the importance of transparency in visual communication.[3] Fragmentation is often viewed negatively, but it can also be a powerful driver of innovation. It encourages creative problem-solving by breaking ideas apart and exploring them from multiple perspectives rather than presenting a single, unified concept. Fernando Verderi, Creative Director at Vogue, describes fragmentation as a discursive exploration of ideas. By deconstructing concepts and examining different angles, fragmentation can lead to breakthrough thinking, uncovering new possibilities and generating more dynamic and innovative solutions. process. But it should not just be about creating something faster. Its real value lies in helping us identify problems earlier, make better decisions and reduce waste” Clare Calveley, Senior Lecturer, Manchester School of Art “AI has the potential to become the connected fibre across the design and manufacturing
contradiction. Geopolitical instability, shifting political systems and the rapid development of AI are creating both optimism and unease. Technology is opening up new possibilities for design, communication and production, while also raising questions about trust, regulation, energy use and what feels truly human. Escalating geopolitical tensions continue to signal a wider global transition. Ongoing conflict in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and pressure around global energy routes point to a more fractured geopolitical landscape. These events are disrupting markets, reshaping supply chains and challenging the open, interconnected systems that have defined recent decades. Fragmentation is also visible closer to home. Traditional political loyalties are shifting, alternative voices are becoming more prominent and repeated leadership changes have contributed to a sense of instability. Together, these pressures are changing how people understand security, trust and control. At the same time, globalisation is becoming more uneven. Businesses still operate across borders, but political disruption, extreme weather and transport pressure are increasing the value of regional resilience, shorter supply chains and more local production. The result is a landscape that is simultaneously more connected and more fractured. This theme also captures the tension within AI. It can link fragmented systems, improve decision-making and reduce waste, but it should support rather than replace creative judgement. Clare Calveley’s work follows the textile journey from fibre to finished product, in a sector where an estimated 92 million
Crown | Colour Insights | 2027/2028 | page 10
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