Gray's School of Art

Sense of place in fashion

National identity and sense of place are important features of fashion and can be influential across all stages of the lifecycle - in terms of design, production, communication and retail. We welcome proposals that seek to explore fashion within particular geographic contexts or in relation to specific aspects or initiatives.

Award

MRes | MPhil | PhD | MSc by Research

Start Date

Usually February and October - at individual School's discretion

Research Opportunities

Summary

National identity and sense of place have been explored in relation to specific aspects of fashion and within particular geographic contexts. However, it is acknowledged that more work in this area would be of benefit to fashion theory and practice.

Place is integral to how the industry has evolved and remains significant within the global fashion system we know today, which centres around fashion capitals but where new “fashion cities” and destinations continue to emerge.

The sustainability agenda and digital revolution create new opportunities for localised fashion systems as consumers are increasingly drawn towards the authentic and real. Local fashion systems tend to be more sustainable; using country-of-origin textiles and products, in-country design practices and skills, and shorter and slower supply chains.

RGU has been leading a project exploring Scottish fashion as an example of place and national identity in fashion. We would welcome proposals that seek to explore sense of place further in particular geographic contexts and exploring particular ideas and initiatives relating to fashion within that place. Possible topics might include (but are not excluded to): national dress and cultural heritage as an influence on fashion design; local fashion design and production; fashion and style identities; street and subcultural influence; branding and fashion communication

We also welcome proposals that seek to explore the topic using innovative qualitative and/or visual methods.