Fashion Design and Identity
About the research group
The research group Fashion Design and Identity (FD&I) is part of the Fashion Research & Technology research group. FD&I approaches fashion as a cultural phenomenon and examines the effects of globalization and digitalization within the contexts of industry, business, consumer behavior, and education.
FD&I operates from a practice-oriented design approach, focusing on two key perspectives. First, the cultural perspective, which emphasizes inclusivity in fashion by exploring how digitalization, the internet, and globalization are transforming fashion and its values. This includes examining the impact of these factors on the de-westernization of fashion and understanding the significance of decolonization, inclusivity, and transnationalism within the discipline. Second, the innovation perspective, which focuses on sustainability-driven innovation, where digitalization plays a crucial role in shaping the field. This approach explores the impact on value systems, leading to a more inclusive and ethical industry, fostering business innovation, and influencing education and human behavior.
Fashion Design & Identity is embedded within the core research group Fashion Research & Technology, led by professor Troy Nachtigall. Both research groups investigate the digital transformation of fashion and its impact on the discipline and society through a practice-based design approach. FD&I adds a complementary humanities perspective to this research. As such, FD&I contributes to two key programs within Fashion Research and Technology:
Future Means of Making: Focused on innovation in fashion, including digitalization, new production methods, retail, data usage, and business models.
Future Ways of Wearing: Addressing the implications of digital innovation, increased diversity, and sustainability on the social and cultural values of fashion.
Both research groups examine how fashion is digitally transforming and the resulting impact on the industry and society through a hands-on design approach.
The special research group Fashion Design and Identity is one of seven research groups and two special research groups that together form the FDMCI Knowledge Center. This knowledge center is part of the Faculty of Digital Media & Creative Industry at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Collaboration with AMFI
In partnership with the Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI), we work on shaping the fashion professionals of tomorrow. We embrace the diversity of people and resources involved in fashion creation and wearing, recognizing them as change-makers. We value all contributors as co-creators and co-authors.
These technological and creative innovators come together in our labs and studios to conduct pioneering research and create a holistic vision for the future of fashion.