Problem-Solving Approach in Fashion Design Education: A Case Study of Student Project Fostering Inclusivity in Fashion

Kukreja, Shipra (2024) Problem-Solving Approach in Fashion Design Education: A Case Study of Student Project Fostering Inclusivity in Fashion. In: P/References of Design. Cumulus conference proceedings series, 1 . Cumulus Association, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, Budapest, pp. 525-542. ISBN 978-952-7549-02-5

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Abstract

Fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. People with disabilities (PwD) however, are often excluded from fashion, as mainstream clothing is often not accessible or adaptable to their needs. The limited awareness surrounding disabilities specifically in fashion education does not help in fostering inclusivity and assimilation within society, which not only requires infrastructural adjustments but also innovations in adaptive clothing solutions. This challenge is particularly pertinent for educators in design disciplines, such as interiors or fashion, who must navigate the complexities of incorporating inclusive practices into their curricula. Design, inherently a problem-solving discipline, often overlooks this aspect when applied to fashion in particular, which instead gravitates towards the celebration of identity and clothing as a form of an artistic communicative language. Addressing this lacuna, the fashion department at a well-known design college initiated the "Body and Diversity" brief for second-year fashion students which delves into the human body as a composite entity, considering its diverse abilities as well as its limitations. Students engage with a spectrum of body types, gaining insights into factors that deviate from the norm. Adapting a personalised client study, students undertake rigorous research, including the collection of primary data and visuals from their clients (who may be PwD), analysis of diverse body requirements, and the subsequent development and delivery of tailored clothing solutions. This paper employs the "Body and Diversity" brief as a case study to elucidate the diverse design approach that can shed light on an innovative learning application.

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