Epistemological foundations of fashion pedagogy: investigating knowledge and emerging issues

Fashion pedagogy, an emerging field within fashion studies, plays a critical role in contemporary culture by integrating elements of body education, expression, and socio-economic values. This paper explores the epistemological foundations of fashion pedagogy through a comprehensive review of the current scientific literature. We address the multifaceted relationship between fashion pedagogy and body education, highlighting how this discipline influences and reshapes people's perceptions of body image and self expression within informal education. The interplay between fashion pedagogy and capitalist values is also examined, revealing how fashion education reflects and critiques prevailing economic ideologies, promoting a more conscious engagement with fashion as a form of cultural production. Furthermore, this study delves into the interdisciplinary nature of fashion pedagogy, which draws upon diverse fields such as art, aesthetics, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and business to enrich learning experiences and outcomes. The paper also reviews how fashion pedagogy can be implemented within the curricula of higher education institutions, emphasizing innovative teaching methods that foster critical thinking and creativity. Through an analysis of various educational models and practices, we identify key trends and challenges that influence the effectiveness and relevance of fashion pedagogy in today’s educational landscape. This paper argues that fashion pedagogy is significant in educating about fashion and fostering critical awareness among students about its broader social, cultural, aesthetic, and economic implications. It is a pivotal tool for empowering students to navigate and influence the evolving dynamics of contemporary culture through informed and thoughtful fashion practice.