11 - Fashion design: the dynamics of textiles in advancing cultural memes

Abstract

This chapter describes the role of fashion design in the dynamics between the global textile industry and the growing power of retail. The effect and importance of textiles, expressively promoted by designers as carriers of cultural memes, is explored. How and why choices for fabrics are made, how this scenario was established and has changed over the last century through technological progress, education and is further challenged by the progress of communications and CAD/CAM is discussed. Opportunities for closer co-design ventures between suppliers and consumers are predicted. At the same time movements towards sustainability and consumer and corporate conscience provokes implications and repercussions for future perspectives and changes in longstanding cultural habits and education are envisaged.