The aim of the work - to explore the possibilities of integrating new digital tools in contemporary fashion design curriculum through the practical application of such software as Clo3D and Jinny, as well as generative AI tools developed by The Fabricant company. Students from Textile and Fashion Design study program (Polytechnic University of Tirana UPT) were taking part in experimental design process by creating digital protypes of costumes with ethno-elements using 3D CAD and AI tools. The experimental design process was implemented at three steps: a) the idea of the costume with ethno-elements was visualized with the help of Jinny software; b) digital prototype of visualized costume was developed and tested by fitting and draping it on the avatar of standard size in Clo3D software; c) AI tools Sketch-to-Image and Photo-to-Photo of The Fabricant company were applied to create photorealistic images of developed costume using vector-based sketch and 3D costume image generated by Jinny software. 3D CAD and AI tools not only foster innovation, but also offer financial advantages, especially for fashion start-ups, reducing costs associated with physical prototyping and production workflows. Also, it increases sustainability by physical sample waist elimination.