This chapter aims to look into the current practices of fashion production and consumption and argues for a sustainable model. This model advocates the need of conscious creation and consumption, mindful connection with the community, and conservation of the ecology. It opens up conversations about fetishistic attitudes vs. sustainable practices and how production and consumption behaviors are manufactured in postmodern society. With interpretative epistemological stance, this chapter follows qualitative research methodology to develop an alternative model of fashion production and consumption. This alternative model, ‘C3 Model of Art of Fashion', is the result of a qualitative study conducted amongst artisans, consumers, and entrepreneurs of Kantha.

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This exploratory study is based on an integrative literature review approach to determine the origin of the term digital literacy, its evolution, and its various theoretical conceptualizations as done by researchers since its inception. It is also aimed to study the significance and utility of digital literacy for the Indian apparel industry. A review of the extant literature on digital literacy brings out some popular theoretical models and frameworks based on its significance and use. Yet, since each of these models is somewhat different from the other, UNESCO carried out a cross-national mapping of these frameworks from multiple countries across various geographical regions and income levels to come to a common framework and definition of digital literacy. However, some researchers feel that the meaning of digital competence will keep varying due to the rapidly changing technology and society. So, an established definition of digital literacy may not remain relevant with time. Similarly, to find out the significance of digital literacy in the Indian apparel industry, a review of some popular research papers on apparel industry digitization has been considered. The Indian apparel industry's current level of digitization and potential scope for further digital transformations have also been discussed and examined in this paper. Just as the term digital literacy is still evolving, so is the case with its significance and application, both in India and abroad. Initially, it was seen as a major tool to enhance productivity. However, now its application seems important in multiple areas of the fashion business. Digital literacy is more of a tool now to holistically improve our general living.

Purpose This study aims to conduct an exploratory research to find out the evolving constructs and variables of digital literacy, as seen by researchers since its inception. This research also includes an empirical study to identify and further analyze the digital literacy dimensions of university students studying fashion design program in Kolkata, India. Design/methodology/approach The exploratory study is based on a review of extant literature, whereas the empirical study is carried out through a self-assessment survey based on UNESCOs Digital Literacy Global Framework competences after validating their relevance with respect to the fashion and apparel industry. A total of 120 university students studying four years Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) program were asked to rate their digital literacy competences on a five-point Likert scale, with a self-reported truth response against each statement. The results were analyzed using multivariate statistical tools. Findings Based on UNESCO competences, it came out that there are eight digital literacy dimensions. ANOVA further confirms that the dimensions requiring higher-order cognition, such as “software management competence” and “digital citizenship competence,” increase with progress in the graduate program. However, lower-order competence dimensions remained unchanged over time. Originality/value The research instrument used for this empirical study, its identified dimensions and the fact that higher-order competence dimensions are enhanced with progression in university education may be helpful for similar research in other fashion-related programs.

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