Abstract:

Although beset with many problems -- environmental issues, labor practices, traceability of products, copyright issues, value and price balance, body image, gender identity and cultural sensitivity -- the fashion industry continues its reign as perhaps the world’s largest, most powerful economic sector. In the face of these universally reflected problems, the fashion industry has been able to restructure and rebound time and time again through profound and numerous examples of social responsibility and forecasting. In an environment of change and religious and political influence, the industry's lessons and examples are outstanding, valuable and innovative. Fashion is of interest to persons and cultures worldwide, although for different reasons and consequently, from different points-of-view. For some, fashion identifies their connection and affiliation with a particular culture, status or vocation, while for others it is identity with a peer group. Modernization and expansion very often bring productivity and profitability, but can also threaten the sustainability of cultural lifestyles. Discussions about fashion very often lead to ideas, opportunities, as well as disciplinary and institutional connections. For all involved in the efforts described herein, the Italian fashion world’s focus on social responsibility is a way to combine art, science and technology in various parts of the world, despite the barriers of time, distance and the divergent disciplines. It is not always that we learn something new, but rather what we learn are new ways of seeing. This paper will discuss some of the lessons that students from various disciplines -- including engineering, communication, industrial design and industrial technology, with interests ranging from nanotechnology to humanities -- learned from studying various facets and production stages of the fashion industry -- in essence -- being able to effectively multichannel resources and ideas. Most importantly, in the cases highlighted, the students, each native to a different country, suggest that applicable resolutions can be drawn from and modified to address specific world social and economic concerns if we are willing to see the problems from the different perspectives. These future decision-makers help to validate that globalization indeed is moving us towards a single global market where collaborative teams will be comprised of myriad of mindsets, opinions, skill levels, interests and backgrounds, coming together in nonlinear processes to produce campaigns that have broad consequences, while leveling the field for developing nations.

Keywords:

social responsibility, fashion forecasting, transitory environments, integrated.