The objective of this study is to identify the digital competences needed by fashion designers in the context of transformations in the product planning and development process, through the impact of artificial intelligence tools. A systematised search was carried out between May and June 2023 in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Taylor and Francis Online and ERIC. The result was a set of 81 papers, 17 of which were selected for the research. It was noticed that the digital competences of fashion designers are a topic that has been little explored and that deals more specifically with software mastery. This led to a complementary search for frameworks relating to general, digital and fashion-specific competences. Synthesis took place by means of thematic analysis. The results suggest the role of the fashion designer is complex and requires constant updating of knowledge and skills to integrate with new actors, technologies, manufacturers and consumers. The spread of artificial intelligence tools is therefore prompting reflection on the impact that their incursion has on the competences needed by fashion designers. The following themes are therefore listed: data management and analysis to understand consumer preferences, new trends and process optimisation; understanding of copyright and intellectual property laws; adaptability to rapid changes in the digital fashion landscape, incorporating emerging technologies to exploit new opportunities. The narrative review has the potential to support reflection on fashion course curricula, as well as industry-orientated training programmes, which currently only support comprehensive training if they consider developments in digital tools.