The Digital Evolution in Fashion Education: Adapting to Fashion Industry Shifts to Enhance Pedagogy

Ryan, Karen Michelle and Khamisani, Noorin (2023) The Digital Evolution in Fashion Education: Adapting to Fashion Industry Shifts to Enhance Pedagogy. Fashion Practice. (Submitted)

Abstract

As digital fashion technologies reshape industry practices, fashion education is under pressure to evolve at pace. However, institutional curriculum change can be slow, prompting educators to adopt surface-level fixes that may not support long-term graduate employability. This study examines the tension between preserving traditional disciplinary skills and integrating emerging digital competencies within fashion education. Acknowledging the evolving role of digital technology in the fashion sector, this study proposes a more proactive approach for educators, to ensure curricula meet the evolving needs of the industry and informs fashion pedagogy in creative research and fashion practice. Through an appreciative inquiry approach, we interviewed early career professionals working within digital fashion roles across the industry. These practitioners offer a dual perspective—insights into current digital practices and reflections on their recent educational experiences. Their views are juxtaposed with those of educators navigating similar shifts within higher education. The study highlights the absence of a holistic framework to embed digital fashion effectively in current curriculum and proposes a set of actionable priorities—both immediate and strategic—for educators. By articulating these insights, the research offers a reference point for shaping future-ready, digitally literate fashion programmes that remain responsive to industry transformation.

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Contributors

Author: Karen Michelle Ryan

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