Blockchain - Artificial Intelligence Synergy in the Fashion Supply Chain: A Multidisciplinary Review

Abstract The challenges in the fashion supply chain persist, encompassing issues like counterfeit products, inaccurate demand forecasting, lack of transparency, and environmentally detrimental manufacturing practices. To tackle these problems, this initiative suggests a hybrid strategy that leverages blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. Blockchain serves as a secure, immutable ledger documenting each phase of a garment's production and distribution. Meanwhile, AI utilizes this reliable information to generate actionable insights. This combination facilitates real-time checks for product authenticity, enhanced inventory forecasting, image-based counterfeit detection, and sustainability assessments throughout the product lifecycle. With blockchain ensuring the precision and traceability of records, AI enhances decision-making in areas such as production planning, quality control, and responsiveness to market dynamics. A prototype applied to a medium-scale apparel distribution system has demonstrated notable advancements in efficiency, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction. The findings suggest that integrating transparent data systems with intelligent analytics can pave the way for a more sustainable, trustworthy, and consumer-focused fashion supply chain. Keywords: Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fashion Supply Chain, Traceability, Sustainability, Counterfeit Prevention