#USA #Seoul #CLO Virtual Fashion #SHIMA SEIKI #APEXFiz

SHIMA SEIKI Partners with CLO Virtual Fashion to Revolutionize Knitwear Production

In a significant development in the garment industry, SHIMA SEIKI has officially joined the CLO Ecosystem Partnership Program (EPP), as announced by CLO Virtual Fashion. This partnership aims to combine the strengths of both companies, creating a seamless digital-to-production pipeline specifically designed for knitwear. The integration allows for an efficient and smooth transition from digital design to actual production, facilitating an innovative approach to garment manufacturing.

CLO Virtual Fashion, renowned for its cutting-edge digital garment solutions, brings to the table advanced software tools such as CLO and Marvelous Designer. Meanwhile, SHIMA SEIKI is recognized as a leader in knitting solutions, known for its APEXFiz Design software. Together, the collaboration between these two industry giants is set to redefine the workflow and processes used in knitwear design and production.

Enhanced Workflow for Designers

The collaboration between CLO and SHIMA SEIKI allows designers to go from digital concepts to tangible knit products with remarkable efficiency. By integrating CLO's technology with SHIMA SEIKI's APEXFiz, the partnership eliminates traditional barriers that have long hindered the design-to-production process. This results in a frictionless workflow that not only enhances creative capabilities but also produces high-quality outputs.

One of the standout features of this integration is the CLO-APEXFiz plugin, which simplifies the process of importing necessary materials between the two platforms. Previously, designers had to manually upload multiple image layers and adjust various settings—a task that could consume hours of valuable time. With just a few clicks, users can now transfer all pertinent data seamlessly, enabling them to focus more on the creative aspects of their designs.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

The collaborative tools provided by CLO and SHIMA SEIKI allow for accurate simulations and realistic representations of knitted garments. Designers now have the ability to create visually stunning pieces that closely resemble their intended final products, which is particularly beneficial in the fast-paced fashion industry. Furthermore, the enhanced communication between these platforms facilitates the transformation of innovative digital designs into actual knitwear productions.

The partnership comes at a time when there is a growing demand for efficiency and speed within the garment production sector. As fashion cycles shorten, the ability to quickly prototype and manufacture knitwear can significantly impact success in the marketplace. CLO users who require precise knit results, alongside high-quality imagery and animated video output, will find immense value in the capabilities offered through this collaboration.

Statements from Industry Leaders

Simon Kim, CEO of CLO Virtual Fashion, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome SHIMA SEIKI to the CLO Ecosystem Partnership Program. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for enhancing digital knitwear workflows and shapes the future of innovation in garment production."

SHIMA SEIKI's president, Mitsuhiro Shima, echoed this sentiment, stating, "CLO's leadership in digital workflow solutions aligns perfectly with our vision to innovate across digital-to-physical experiences. By combining our strengths, we aim to deliver new value to our customers and advance into the next generation of digital transformation."

Furthermore, with the APEXFiz Integration Plugin expected to launch in April and the a planned CLO 2026.0 release, users can look forward to a more integrated experience, enhancing their ability to create production-ready knitwear.

The Future of Knitwear

As the fashion industry increasingly embraces technology, collaborations like that of SHIMA SEIKI and CLO Virtual Fashion are crucial in driving change and innovation. By digitizing knitwear production, this partnership represents a significant step towards more efficient, responsive, and customer-focused approaches in the garment sector. Such advancements not only promise to enhance the creative potential of designers but also contribute to a more sustainable fabric production cycle.

In conclusion, the alliance between SHIMA SEIKI and CLO enables a comprehensive bridge between digital design and physical garment creation, paving the way for a new era in knitwear manufacturing that prioritizes speed, efficiency, and high quality.

About CLO Virtual Fashion

CLO Virtual Fashion is a pioneer in 3D fashion design software, utilized globally to streamline the garment design process from conception to production. Their mission is to empower users with sophisticated tools that enhance every stage of the garment journey.

About SHIMA SEIKI

Based in Wakayama, Japan, SHIMA SEIKI is a leading manufacturer of computerized flatbed knitting machines and has earned a reputation for its innovation in knitting technology, including WHOLEGARMENT® production techniques. Their commitment to technological advancement has positioned them as a frontrunner in the knitting industry.