Research Topic 2: Clothing Heritage and Digital Fashion
Amid global cultural reconstruction, the resurgence of local identities, and the evolving disciplinary landscape of design studies, clothing has become a crucial medium for expressing cultural meaning, shaping identity, and integrating emerging technologies. This research topic positions clothing as a dynamic site where tradition, innovation, and digital transformation intersect, inviting interdisciplinary inquiry that bridges theory, practice, and cultural discourse.
Clothing heritage connects individual lived experience with broader historical narratives, while digital fashion expands the possibilities of creative practice, intelligent design, and cultural reinterpretation. By drawing upon perspectives from design, art, anthropology, sociology, textile science, cultural studies, media theory, and digital technology, this topic aims to advance theoretical reflection and contemporary innovation in clothing culture. It encourages research that rethinks the evolving relationship between heritage and futurity, indigeneity and globalization, materiality and virtuality.
This Research Topic seeks to build an international, cross-disciplinary knowledge community that fosters new methodological approaches, culturally grounded narratives, and practice-driven pathways for understanding and reactivating clothing heritage in the digital age.
Research Topic Editor:
Dr. Lin Pengfei (Soochow University, Curator of Sponge Lab)
Prof. Niu Li (Vice Dean and Professor, School of Digital Technology & Innovation Design, Jiangnan University)
Prof. Zhang Beibei (Professor, School of Art, Soochow University)
Aims and Scope
This topic welcomes high-quality scholarly research and creative works engaging with (but not limited to) the following areas:
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Histories and Theories of Clothing and Fashion
Evolution of dress culture, theoretical models, historical interpretation, body politics, gender perspectives. -
Ethnic Clothing and Cultural Interfusion
Cross-cultural identity, intangible cultural heritage, regional dress studies, cultural sustainability. -
Fashion Design and Creative Innovation
Contemporary design methodologies, creative practices, sustainability-driven innovation, aesthetic strategies. -
Digital Fashion and Technological Futures
Virtual fashion, AI-generated design, digital fabrication, immersive fashion experiences, smart textiles.
Submission Guidelines (Online Submission Only)
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Peer Review
All submissions undergo double-blind peer review based on academic quality, relevance, and originality. -
Eligibility
Open to scholars, designers, early-career researchers, postgraduate students, ICH practitioners, and independent researchers from around the world. -
Submission Requirements
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Abstract: 300–500 words (Chinese or English), clearly stating research purpose, methods, and key findings.
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Full Paper: 6,000–12,000 words (Chinese or English).
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Author Information: Name, institution, short biography (≤200 words), email, and phone number.
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Formatting: Standard academic writing with appropriate citations and references; submit in Word format.
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Submission Method — Via Official Online System Only
All abstracts and full papers must be submitted exclusively through the official submission system on the Research Topic’s webpage.
Please upload all required files (Word + PDF) directly to the system.
The system timestamp will serve as the official submission time.
Email submissions will not be accepted. -
Important Dates
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Abstract deadline: January 30, 2026 (24:00)
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Full paper deadline: June 30, 2026 (24:00)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Ethical and Legal Notice
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All works must be original and free from infringement.
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Authors retain copyright; accepted works grant non-exclusive publication rights.
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Plagiarism or academic misconduct will result in rejection and blacklisting.
Support Statement
This Research Topic is supported by the 2025 First International Conference on Clothing Heritage and Digital Fashion.
