The first decade of the new millennium has exhibited certain interesting and significant trends. The idea of fashion has struck a universal chord with fashion weeks occurring across continents. Multiple fashion sensibilities and interpretations coexist in different cultural ecologies; national / regional fashion markets are maturing to address and serve related consumer interest. Virtual and real fashion realms coexist, yet challenge each other, making fashion individually accessible and empowering. Sustainability and Ethic are no more buzzwords, but have emerged as core business values in the fashion dialogue led by the consumer.
Is fashion demonstrating a new found autonomy in its future development? What does this portend for the future of the fashion process? Is Fashion moving from being “exclusive” to being “inclusive”? Has the fashion space extended to and created access for all actors in the fashion chain to become free, equal, self-determining and self-directing participants? Can these trends sustain?
With a universal spread and cross border, cross cultural, sub cultural germination, fashion today is a ‘glocal’ phenomenon. Has fashion found a way to grow from diverse roots? Is there now scope for the co-existence of multiple fashion sensibilities and concepts? Do styles and interpretations emanating from differential cultural ecologies manifest fashion expression? What do differential values in varying fashion trends portend?.......and more
The virtual world is creating reach and affordability to consumers, marketers, designers, entrepreneurs, producers, sellers of all sizes and origins, empowering them to engage in fashion on their own terms. How does this create room for diverse ideas, issues and concerns to embody the fashion ecosystem? What could be the limitations of the virtual world? How involved can all stakeholders be in trend forecasting, designing, branding, production and the delivery of products and services?
Independent fashion markets have emerged, creating widespread commercial opportunities. Are emerging fashion channels successful in satisfying all types of discerning consumer needs? Will customized merchandising be the future trend? Are businesses restructuring to meet these new challenges? Can consumers and fashion professionals collaborate to mutual satisfaction? How will this affect the Fashion Value Chain?
Fashion Education appears to be at crossroads. What will be the role that educational institutes will play in this transformation? How can fashion education innovate, reinvent? What are the new challenges for teachers in the future? How can higher education leverage this opportunity?
.... and such other questions related to the themes above