Fashion and Organization Studies: Exploring conceptual paradoxes and empirical opportunities

Abstract

Although frequently perceived as inconsequential and frivolous, fashion is a central interdisciplinary concept and a substantial global industry. This necessitates taking it seriously, both as a set of theoretical tensions, and as a concrete empirical phenomenon of rich potential interest to organization studies. Our essay outlines and further develops fashion’s conceptual and empirical expressions, and suggests subsequent avenues for valuable research. In particular, we commence with a discussion of three key definitions, namely fashion as individual manner, fashion as organizing of dress and fashion as a system. This enables us to problematize its industry and economy, from their historical roots and evolutions, to their varied organizational frictions, forms and practices today. We then conclude by examining the ongoing, substantial changes within the fashion industry as we have known it since the nineteenth century, and considering its potential implications and openings for organization studies scholars.

Explanatory factors of collective competencies in fashion design teams

“…Given this reality, Korica and Bazin (2019) draw attention to the fact that the creative processes of fashion design teams demand collective work, corroborating some studies that point to the importance of collective competencies for fashion design teams ( Libânio & Amaral, 2016Silva & Ghedine, 2020). This article aims to identify the factors that explain collective competencies in fashion design teams to contribute to the development and formation of collective competencies.…”

“…Second, Santa Catarina is considered the second-largest textile and apparel hub in the country, with 13.83% of companies having great representation in the social and economic context of the country (Sebrae, 2019). Third, studies are needed that delve into this globally remarkable sector (Korica & Bazin, 2019).…”

Fashion, consumer markets, and democratization

“…The environmental costs are very high. The industry is among the most polluting industries due to waste production and the heavy use of non‐renewable resources and hazardous chemicals (Korica & Bazin, 2019; Pedersen & Andersen, 2015). Furthermore, there is a serious human cost due to devastating working conditions.…”

Aesthetic Objects, Aesthetic Judgments and the Crafting of Organizational Style in Creative Industries

“…Specifically, we argue style emerges in a distinct interplay between aesthetic judgments and what we term "aesthetic objects"-temporary, material settlements on which actors like Gaultier work in the midst of crafting.To illustrate our arguments, we introduce the case of haute couture (high fashion), as an evocative exemplar of creative organization. Although fashion has often been disregarded or overlooked (Czarniawska, 2011;Korica & Bazin, 2019), it represents a major global industry (Amed, 2017; 916519J MIXXX10.…”

“…To illustrate our arguments, we introduce the case of haute couture (high fashion), as an evocative exemplar of creative organization. Although fashion has often been disregarded or overlooked (Czarniawska, 2011;Korica & Bazin, 2019), it represents a major global industry (Amed, 2017; 916519J MIXXX10.…”